Hello my dearest Tutu Tribe! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina back again with another blog post, straight from the glamorous streets of Milan! This week, I've been whisked away on a whirlwind tour of Italian fashion and, of course, the ballet scene!
As always, my darling pink tutu has been my constant companion, twirling alongside me through cobbled streets, elegant museums, and even the bustling central train station! It's been a real journey for my beloved tutu, and let me tell you, this is not a city for dainty shoes! 👠 But she's holding up beautifully, a symbol of the vibrant life I'm living, and spreading a little pink magic wherever I go!
Speaking of magic, can we talk about this glorious city? It's simply overflowing with history, art, and a certain je ne sais quoi that's both exhilarating and charming! I love how the ancient architecture whispers stories of bygone eras, while the bustling shops showcase the very latest in chic, Italian fashion. It's like a collision of the old and the new, and I am absolutely besotted!
This week has been filled with so much fun, I don't know where to begin! Let's see…
The Opera House!
First stop, Milan's Teatro alla Scala – a grand opera house that practically oozes history and prestige. This beautiful, historic theatre is one of the most renowned in the world. Even just walking through the grand doors feels like stepping into a different era. The architecture is absolutely stunning, with elaborate frescoes adorning the ceilings, plush red velvet seats, and a breathtakingly ornate stage.
I was lucky enough to catch a performance of La Bohème and I'm still reeling from the emotion! The entire performance was exquisite – from the beautiful costumes and set design to the passionate singing and powerful acting. It truly was a sensory feast. I was captivated by the story and the emotions of the characters. There were moments of heartbreak and triumph, and I could feel the audience around me sharing those feelings with me.
A little dance lesson
My love for ballet led me to an adorable little dance studio in the heart of Milan, hidden away in a courtyard that reminded me of a storybook. I managed to squeeze in a private lesson and my teacher was such a delight. Her Italian accent added a special charm to our lesson, and I really enjoyed learning new exercises and techniques, especially focusing on en dehors and refining my arabesque.
Afterwards, we had a delicious cappuccino at the nearby café, reminiscing about the joy of dance. ☕️ I found out my teacher used to perform with one of Milan's leading companies! Imagine my delight – my ballet adventure is never over.
Milan’s street ballet
In Milan, ballet is more than just an art form; it's a vibrant energy that pulses through the city. There are outdoor classes, workshops, and street performers bringing the joy of dance to every corner. I loved the sheer enthusiasm – even though I was feeling the aches and pains of a ballet intensive day!
I found a troupe of dancers practicing in the city’s Botanical Garden and stood mesmerized for over an hour! They were putting together a choreographed ballet based on a local fairy tale. The energy of their dancing was contagious and I found myself captivated by the artistry and athleticism. It was inspiring!
My pink tutu adventures
My adventures haven’t been confined to the cultural highlights of Milan. Of course, I've indulged in my shopping passion too! I must say, Milan's fashion scene is truly something else. From designer boutiques to independent shops overflowing with creative treasures, every corner has a new, inspiring outfit to be discovered!
I found some amazing things: a pair of sleek black pumps perfect for evening soirées, a vintage scarf I just had to have, and a fluffy pink sweater that’s the perfect shade to match my tutu! 🎀 My bag is overflowing with treasures! I even managed to pick up a few dance accessories for my fellow ballet bunnies, who, you know, I’ve already been telling all about this gorgeous city!
I discovered an incredible store devoted to vintage ballet wear – from satin slippers to antique leotards and even some vintage tutus! (Of course, I had to indulge a little… there’s no better place for a vintage ballet enthusiast!). They even had the most beautiful antique ballet shoes, beautifully restored with silk ribbons and perfect for display on my vintage ballerina collection at home.
Food and Friends!
No trip to Italy is complete without enjoying the incredible cuisine! Oh, the food! My taste buds are still thanking me!
I've savored delicious pasta dishes (the carbonara in this city is a revelation), fresh-baked pizza, and creamy gelato – every meal a feast for the senses!
My latest discovery was a tiny trattoria with the most incredible ravioli – all homemade with seasonal ingredients! 🍝 The owner, a woman who I’m certain is at least a hundred years old, made me feel so welcome with her genuine warmth. She even gave me some extra ricotta to take home with me – what a gem!
Back to Derbyshire!
As always, this trip has been a beautiful whirlwind! I can't believe it's already time to say goodbye to my beloved Milan. As I pack my bag (and of course, give my darling pink tutu a little rest after all her travel!), I can already tell that I'm taking home so many treasured memories. I'll cherish the breathtaking scenery, the vibrant atmosphere, the delicious food, and the people who’ve shown me such incredible hospitality.
Until next time, my dearest Tutu Tribe! Keep twirling and spreading your own special pink magic!
See you next week for my blog post – where we’ll be discussing all the lovely gifts I bought from Milan.
Yours always,
Emma 💕🩰🇮🇹
