Hello lovelies! It's your girl Emma, back from a whirlwind weekend in Milano, and boy, oh boy, are my legs aching from all the ballet! But you know me, a little ache just means a lot of fun!
Let's start with the basics: I landed in Milano on Thursday afternoon, the excitement bubbling like Prosecco in my stomach! This week's adventures were funded by a lovely performance with the Derbyshire Dance Academy in a stunning rendition of Swan Lake. My solo in the pas de deux was simply divine, and the applause… oh, the applause! Pure magic!
Anyway, back to Milano! After a quick freshen up in my hotel (all white, very chic, with just the right touch of pink… naturally!), I stepped out into the heart of this vibrant city. And let me tell you, my dears, Milano is breathtaking. I could write a thousand words about the gorgeous architecture, the charming little shops, and the fabulous people-watching (and let's not forget the street food!).
Speaking of which...
The very first thing I did was track down this adorable little cafe tucked away in a side street, where the aroma of coffee beans and fresh pastries wafted through the air like a symphony of delight! My treat? A gorgeous latte with a heart of whipped cream, served in a pink polka-dot mug! (You just know I had to snag a picture for my Insta! 😄)
Oh! But, let's talk ballet, darlings!
Milano is a treasure trove for ballet lovers. On Friday night, I graced the beautiful Teatro alla Scala for an unforgettable production of Giselle. It was a feast for the eyes, the music divine, and the dancers' technique simply exquisite. Honestly, my heart was practically leaping out of my pink tutu with joy! I mean, did you know that Giselle is considered one of the greatest ballets of all time? It just oozes elegance and drama, and let me tell you, I almost shed a tear during the final pas de deux. Pure brilliance.
Now, my loves, I just have to share my shopping finds with you!
Milano is an absolute paradise for any fashion-conscious ballerina, and trust me, I fully embraced my inner shopaholic! (As much as a sensible budget allows, of course! 😂)
First stop: the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's renowned fashion district! From Gucci to Prada, Valentino to Armani, the names are endless, and the clothes? Well, simply divine! I found a darling silk scarf at a little boutique called "La Bottega delle Stoffe" - it's blush pink, naturally, with delicate little ballerinas embroidered on the border. A must-have!
And the shoe shopping? Oh, my dears, the shoe shopping! I just had to get a new pair of pointe shoes, the very best, very pink ones from Repetto - their delicate ballet pumps with little bows are just... irresistible! They go perfectly with my new blush pink tailored dress (more about that later!). And, I just couldn't resist those divine ballerina-inspired brogues at Fratelli Rossetti. They are utterly chic, just the right touch of playful elegance. I have already paired them with a stunningly structured cream tailored skirt, and let's just say it's a look to die for!
But don't worry, darlings, I wasn't all about the luxury labels. I did indulge in some delightfully quirky finds at independent shops as well. One little shop had the most charming collection of ballerina-themed gifts – delicate jewellery, beautiful hair bows, and even pink ballet tutus made from delicate feathers! How could I resist? My bag now features a gorgeous embroidered pink ballerina broach and the most adorable keychain in the shape of a pointe shoe, with tiny sparkling diamantes. I simply couldn't leave without them!
Oh, and speaking of feathers...
Did you know that Italy has a long and rich tradition of feather fashion? I absolutely had to find myself a fabulous feathery fascinator. After a lovely wander through the vibrant and lively Duomo district, I stumbled upon this charming shop overflowing with colours and textures. I found a blush pink, almost cloud-like fascinator with the most delicate peacock feathers and a scattering of shimmering pink diamante, perfect for adding that extra touch of sparkle to any occasion.
Let's be honest, though...
A city break like this one simply wouldn't be complete without exploring the sights and sounds of a place, right?
I jumped onto the iconic Milano trams on Saturday morning, gliding through the city like a vision of elegance (with my pointe shoes neatly tucked away in my fabulous vintage tote, of course). I marvelled at the Duomo - the largest cathedral in Italy, with its intricate facade and breathtaking gothic architecture. Just stunning! Then, I took a walk across the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this breathtaking glass-roofed shopping arcade full of glittering boutiques. It was like stepping back in time! I could feel the whispers of fashion history swirling around me.
That evening, we enjoyed a delightful picnic at Parco Sempione. I brought along some delicious Italian cheese, a bottle of bubbly and freshly-baked pastries - simple, but perfect for a relaxing evening. The views were magnificent, and I spent the time reflecting on the week's experiences, jotting down notes in my pink ballet diary.
Speaking of pink...
Oh! I can't forget to mention the fabulous Pink Promenade - this charming street, with all its pink cafes, stores and gelato stands! It felt like a wonderland. I even indulged in a very pink ice cream with extra pink sprinkles - what can I say? I can't resist! Pink just makes me happy, doesn't it? 💖
But the most incredible highlight of my weekend had to be a breathtaking ballet performance I saw on Sunday evening at Teatro Nuovo. This modern, innovative performance by the Balletto di Milano was a fusion of contemporary dance and avant-garde art. They weren't shy with their interpretations either! The use of light, the choreography, and the dancers' expressions left me utterly mesmerized! I couldn't help but think that every ballerina should experience a ballet performance as unique and powerful as this one. It simply made me realise how versatile ballet can truly be, and reminded me why I'm so deeply passionate about this art form.
Oh! I also met the most amazing girl at the ballet!
She is a fashion blogger, just like me, but her blog is about all things floral! I found out she runs a fabulous blog, where she reviews floral dresses, flowery fragrances and everything in between! We ended up talking for hours, discussing all our passions - fashion, dance, travel - it was a dream come true! You just never know where your travels might lead, and in my world, that is the best part of them!
Well, my darlings, it's time for me to wrap things up. But before I go, remember - always wear your pink tutu with pride. Life is too short for beige!
Catch you all next week for my next adventures, straight from Derbyshire. I can't wait to share more with you!
With love, and lots of twirls,
Emma
PS. My dear followers! You have inspired me to plan a 'Pink Tutu Fashion Extravaganza!' My goal is to gather a team of amazing ballet dancers (including you, my loves!), and to hold a fashion show celebrating pink tutus, elegance, and style. Imagine us all strutting our stuff, showcasing our flamboyantly beautiful tutus and inspiring a whole new generation of ballet lovers. What do you think? Leave me a comment on my blog and let's make it happen!
www.pink-tutu.com
