Ciao bella!
Well, here I am again, back in the fabulous city of Milan, feeling every inch the stylish ballerina in my new hot pink tutu, a statement piece if I ever saw one! I landed just this morning, having travelled on a very chic train journey across Europe, passing through rolling green landscapes, picturesque vineyards and quaint, sun-drenched towns. And now I'm back in the buzzing metropolis, feeling like I could dance all night under the vibrant twinkling lights of the city.
The first thing I noticed about Milan, as always, was the incredible sense of style. Everyone here seems to have such effortless chic - from the stylish men in their beautifully cut suits to the gorgeous women, rocking every trend with impeccable confidence. I practically have to hold myself back from pulling out my notebook and scribbling down notes on all the most fabulous fashion inspiration, but that's another post for another day, as I've already started on this beauty!
Now, if you've been following my Pink Tutu blog for a while, you'll know that Milan is a city that has a very special place in my heart. Not just because it’s the fashion capital of the world (need I say more? ), but also because the energy of this city truly resonates with my love for the world of dance and performance.
This week I am so excited, as the theatre is showcasing the very famous and wonderful "Sleeping Beauty". That is just a lovely ballet, that has really beautiful costumes, particularly Aurora's final dance, and the finale is spectacular. Oh how I've dreamed of performing on this very stage in a beautiful ballet tutu! Let’s just say, the ambition never dies, my dears. I was fortunate enough to see “The Nutcracker” performed here last month, with its magical, mystical story. It's moments like these that I truly appreciate, that make all those long hours of ballet practice worth it.
My lovely Derbyshire friends, do any of you know what's going on this week in your neighbourhood? Or in Derby, and Bakewell, I am just getting so many invites for performance nights at local schools, community venues, and I do my very best to attend, even when my touring is very full. It means the world to me, to inspire more dancers.
And guess what? The “The Sleeping Beauty” show isn’t the only exciting event in Milan this week. A group of young local dancers are holding an exciting "Ballet for the People" performance at the City Square tomorrow, all the proceeds going to the local children’s hospital. They have so much passion for dancing and I’m thrilled to be attending and lending a hand to help spread the joy of dance within the community. It’s times like these that I truly understand why the quote, "Dance like nobody's watching," is such a beautiful message.
Right now, it's all about catching up with friends here in Milan. I’m going to meet my old university friend Giulia tonight, we're going to enjoy some lovely local food and some sparkling prosecco, as we tell stories of our travels. Giulia is going to introduce me to the most incredible bakery here - oh my gosh! They make the most delicious tarts. The cakes are all so beautifully designed too. So of course, it is a must that I get photos of these exquisite cakes to share with you all. I even plan to have some gorgeous cakes made by my favourite baker in the UK back home in Derbyshire, for when I give my next big performance, at a wonderful theatre just off the Square!
So now it’s back to some fashion, you know me. Yesterday, I spent hours strolling the cobbled streets, window shopping through Milan’s luxurious boutiques. If my dream wardrobe consisted only of a pink tutu, you would know what kind of designer it would be! It is almost embarrassing how much time I have spent at one, particular shop called “Pinkissimo". It’s on the corner of via Montenapoleone, it just happened to be the same day that I realised my one little, hot pink ballet tutu wasn't enough for all my trips - in the pink!
Speaking of dreams, have I ever told you about my “Pink Tutu Dreams”, my friends? They are pretty big, let me tell you! It’s a scheme to encourage more people to embrace their inner dancer, even for just a short time. The vision? I see pink tutus becoming the universal symbol of grace, joy, and confidence for women, and of course, some very stylish, very confident men, too! The project’s slogan? “Pink Tutu for Life”!
I know it sounds mad, a little bonkers even, but what if it was something really wonderful? Imagine streets overflowing with a riot of pink, from London to Paris to New York – or better yet, the streets of Milan. And imagine the possibilities for fund-raising events! It could truly change the world. Now wouldn't that be truly amazing? Imagine what a fabulous sight a thousand pink tutus in motion would be. I could even imagine some fabulous choreography with a choreographed ensemble ballet performance – it’s so exciting to imagine. The Pink Tutu “Dreams” are starting to become a reality, and I truly hope you’ll join me on this magical journey!
The idea came to me when I joined the Milan’s ballet studio called “Il Bacio Danza", a few years back. It really does give me so much pleasure to share my love of ballet. Now, the dream is becoming a reality - I am teaching ballet, just down the road, in the “La Prima Passo” dance school, teaching the local children. It's so fulfilling to pass on my passion for dance to young hearts who are bursting with the love of movement, creativity, and a bit of "ballet bling” – of course!
I’ll be posting photos from my travels soon, so keep an eye out!
Until next time, don’t forget to follow me on all my Pink Tutu travels, it’s so important for us all to find the "Pink Tutu within."
Ciao,
Emma xxx
P.S. If you want to know where to find me in Milan, just look out for the brightest hot pink tutu. It’s just like me: bubbly, cheerful and always looking to add a touch of whimsy to any occasion!
