Ciao, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, writing to you from the vibrant, beautiful city of Milan. I’m so excited to share my latest adventures with you, all wrapped up in a big, pink bow, naturally.
This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, tram rides, and truly fantastic performances. It's hard to believe it’s December already! I can feel the magic of Christmas in the air. There's so much sparkle and beauty around. It’s such a joyful season, isn’t it?
Before we delve into all the fabulous happenings, let's rewind back to a few days ago. You see, darling, my travel journey to Milan was quite charming. The Derbyshire countryside had just begun to show the first hints of winter. A light dusting of frost blanketed the fields as I bid farewell to my beloved home. I packed my trusty pink tutu (you never know when you might need to give a spontaneous performance!), along with some comfy travelling clothes. Oh, and my favourite pair of pink sparkly ballet flats – because who says ballet shoes are only for the studio? 😉
A short hop on the train to London and I found myself in the bustling city centre. London's always a thrill, a dizzying rush of lights, people, and stories just waiting to unfold. But my mission was a train ticket to Milan. I love travelling by train. It’s so relaxing to sit by the window and watch the scenery go by. I always feel like I'm on a secret adventure. This trip was extra special, though. With every mile we covered, I felt closer to my ballet destination: La Scala, the world-famous opera house! I had to do a little research, obviously, for this trip and stumbled upon some incredible performances. It was time to get my performance inspiration on, after all! I wanted to witness some breathtaking, powerful, classical ballet, which is, after all, my true passion!
And so, after a delightful overnight journey through the continent, I arrived in the city of fashion and artistry, Milan. It was like stepping into a fairytale!
The first thing I noticed was how alive the city was. Everyone was so stylish and chic, it was intoxicating! There's an energy to this place, a certain je ne sais quoi that instantly makes you want to explore every corner. It's a bit like a beautiful dance, really, with each person weaving their way through the streets with their own distinct rhythm. And speaking of rhythms, my dear friends, it was time to go on my first Italian adventure. Of course, what's a visit to a vibrant Italian city without a tram ride? There's a certain magic about it, wouldn't you agree? You get to see all the hustle and bustle, all the hidden corners, all the little things that make a place special. Plus, it gives you time to admire the architectural delights, which in Milan, are truly spectacular. I popped my headphones in, switched on my favourite playlist (think some classic Tchaikovsky and Strauss to really get me in the mood), and took a journey through time and style!
Milan, my dear friends, is a veritable wonderland of shops and boutiques. Everywhere I looked, it seemed as though fashion had exploded! Of course, I had to do some serious window shopping – and a little bit of actual shopping too. There’s a little secret between us all, we’re all shopaholics at heart, are we not? The gorgeous fabrics, the vibrant colours, the intricate designs – I couldn’t help but fall in love with every single shop. I’m particularly drawn to vintage clothes these days and found some gorgeous 50s ball gowns with those voluminous, ruffled skirts and fitted bodices – you just have to make a grand entrance when wearing them!
Speaking of grand entrances, the moment had finally arrived. It was time for my ballet debut in the magnificent city of Milan! And guess where? Yes, you guessed right, darling, at La Scala!
Stepping inside the opulent theatre, I felt an almost mystical sense of excitement. It’s an awe-inspiring place – I truly felt like a princess transported to a fairytale palace. Every detail, from the grand staircase to the shimmering chandeliers, had a magical allure, a tangible reminder of all the artistry and passion that has graced its stage over the years.
The night's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. I'd been longing to see "Swan Lake" performed at this iconic venue for months. The choreography, the costumes, the dancers, it was all truly exquisite. My goodness, there were tears in my eyes during the pas de deux, it was that beautiful! I found myself lost in the story, swept away by the emotions conveyed through movement and music.
The other thing I discovered was that Italians have such an incredible passion for their art. There’s such a joy, such a love of the experience, you just get lost in it. The entire audience was captivated, there was a tangible feeling of energy in the air, which added another level to the show.
Oh, before I forget, darling, I must share one more delicious discovery. While in Milan, I found this incredible gelato shop tucked away on a cobblestone street. Now, you see, I'm rather particular about my gelato. It needs to be creamy, flavourful, and perfectly balanced. This place truly exceeded my expectations! They had so many tempting flavours – salted caramel, pistachio, white chocolate and hazelnut, oh my! I'll admit to going back every single day to try something new! This place should be on everyone’s map, I tell you.
But before you all get too envious, I did something very important whilst on my travels, something that I urge all you beautiful pink-tutu wearers out there to do. You see, in this city, where so many of fashion's greatest are, you’ve got to be daring, haven’t you? And what better way to spread the pink tutu love than to step outside your comfort zone, take a deep breath, and simply embrace it. Well, I did. I put on my very best, sparkling, frilled tutu, took a deep breath, and waltzed around Milan with all the confidence I could muster!
Of course, as you may have already guessed, some looks were confused, others gave curious smiles, and many were simply captivated! A few stopped me in the street to take photos. Even some of the street performers joined me for a little jig. All in all, it was quite the experience, darlings! Not all adventures are going to be completely easy. Sometimes, you just have to put on that fabulous, big, pink tutu, smile, and take on the world. Believe me, it’s all worth it.
Milan, a true city of artistry and elegance. There's an air of creativity in the air, with galleries, workshops, and performances just around every corner. And what's more, there's a deep love of music and ballet here. They are the heartbeat of the city. As the saying goes, there’s a time for every dance. I left a part of my heart, and my pink tutu, in Milan! I simply adore it!
I hope you’re inspired to plan your next big adventure. Let me know what you plan to wear! Until next time, keep your hearts light, your minds creative, and your spirits brimming with the joy of movement! I'll be posting my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com every Monday!
P.S. If you're looking for me, I might be at the ballet! 🩰
Love, Emma x
