Buongiorno, darling readers! Emma here, fresh from the bustling streets of Milan, ready to whisk you away on another pink-hued adventure. It’s Wednesday, the 15th of November, 2000 – can you believe it? Time truly does fly when you're twirling around the world in a pink tutu.
This week, Milan has truly captured my heart – the beautiful architecture, the vibrant fashion scene, the aroma of fresh espresso... it's a heady mix of sensory delight! My favourite way to explore this stunning city? Why, by tram, of course! It's a perfect opportunity to soak in the atmosphere and watch the locals go about their day. I even had a delightful chat with a lovely Milanese signora who was enthralled by my pink tutu! She said it reminded her of a beautiful butterfly, and I have to admit, I did feel a bit like I was floating through the city!
Speaking of butterflies, my heart skipped a beat this week when I discovered a new boutique, La Bottega delle Fate. (You'd have to be truly, truly daft to miss the huge pink flamingo out front!) Their window display featured a selection of beautiful pink ballet shoes, complete with delicate pearl accents and silky ribbons. Now, I don’t need more ballet shoes… at least that’s what I tell myself! But they were so stunning…
However, my dance card is rather full, and it’s the Milanese opera house calling this week. Oh, how I love the opulence and grandeur of the Teatro alla Scala! This week’s performance was of Gounod's Romeo and Juliet. You could almost hear the rustling of silks and the clinking of champagne glasses in the audience. And the performance? Absolutely divine! I think it was Romeo who actually made my heart skip a beat – just wait till I tell you all about him!
My love for ballet hasn't dimmed a jot – in fact, it’s burning brighter than ever. This morning I took a class at the Scuola di Ballo della Scala, the ballet school associated with the famous opera house. Imagine the history seeping through those walls, and the legendary ballerinas who’ve honed their skills within those hallowed halls. It was an invigorating class, led by a beautiful and powerful ballerina named Laura. The whole experience was just… incredible. I could've spent all day twirling amongst the other aspiring ballerinas, feeling the camaraderie of a passion for dance uniting us all.
Milan is a place that always leaves me with a spring in my step and a newfound appreciation for beauty in every form. It’s the place to be for any ballet lover! The city is bursting with shows, classes, workshops and of course, endless shopping opportunities for those of us with an eye for elegant attire. I managed to snag a pair of exquisite pearl earrings from a small shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the glass-domed shopping arcade just steps from the Teatro alla Scala.
While the grand architecture and elegant boulevards offer a glimpse into Milan's timeless charm, it's the people that truly capture my heart. From the lively, expressive gestures of a cafe owner to the soft, melodic accent of a street vendor, there's an enchanting rhythm to Milanese life. Every interaction is infused with a delightful mix of charm, enthusiasm, and warmth. They are so accepting and encouraging of my pink tutu and my quest to spread the joy of dance and fashion.
Now, speaking of spreading joy, did I tell you about the enchanting ballett street show I stumbled upon in the heart of the Navigli district this week? It was an impromptu performance by a group of local artists who poured their hearts out with a delightful mix of classical and modern ballet steps. Watching their joyous movement and expression left me completely speechless – and just a little bit teary-eyed! I have to confess, I might have joined in for a twirl or two - I mean, when else will I get the chance to dance in a city with such an evocative energy? I even met a charming street artist who painted me a portrait in my pink tutu, capturing the moment of joy I felt surrounded by this beautiful and vibrant city.
Now, I may be just one tiny ballerina with a pink tutu in a city full of fashionistas and style icons, but that doesn’t mean I don’t dream of sharing the pink tutu magic! After all, the most incredible thing about Milan is the city's ability to blend its artistic legacy with a youthful, contemporary spirit. It’s the kind of city where everyone can find their own unique way to express themselves - and where pink tutus definitely belong.
So darling readers, what's your dream destination? What makes your heart dance? Whether it's Milan, Paris, New York, or even your own hometown, let’s dance together!
Until next Monday, keep those tutus twirling,
Emma xox
Here's a sneak peek at some of the delightful places mentioned in this blog post:
La Bottega delle Fate: A whimsical little boutique known for its exquisite ballet shoes and delicate pearl accents.
Teatro alla Scala: The renowned Milanese opera house, a true symbol of opulence and theatrical grandeur.
Scuola di Ballo della Scala: The world-renowned ballet school attached to the Teatro alla Scala, renowned for its rich history and talented instructors.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A stunning glass-domed shopping arcade showcasing Milan's elegant boutiques, artisanal shops, and delicious cafes.
Navigli district: A charming and picturesque district of Milan filled with historic canals, charming cafes, and vibrant street art.
