Wednesday, 28th November 2001
Buongiorno from Milan, darlings! I've finally arrived in this fashion-forward city and let me tell you, it's positively bursting with fabulousness!
As you know, I adore travelling. And exploring new places, especially if they are chock-full of culture, architecture, and of course, shopping, is my absolute bliss. The tram ride from the station to my hotel was a veritable ballet of its own – with all the vibrant colours, elegant buildings, and stylish Milanese zooming past. I felt like I'd stepped into a movie!
But don't worry, I didn't let the bustling city life distract me from my ballet practice! After settling in and, of course, admiring my stylish hotel room, I did a quick ballet stretch before heading out for an impromptu performance in the courtyard. The marble floor was quite slick but it was so inspiring to feel the fresh air and listen to the sounds of the city. It's funny how those little everyday moments always remind you how much you love what you do, you know?
And speaking of love, my dearest tutu-wearers, I absolutely fell head-over-heels with the Teatro alla Scala. It’s considered the most prestigious opera house in the world, and oh, was it glamorous! The opulent interiors, the grand stage, the aura of history – it’s a sight to behold. I must say, the opera itself was quite something too, full of passion, drama, and exquisite music! But what truly captivated me was the elegant crowd. You know, the way they twirled their programmes, sipped their champagne, and wore their chic attire? It was almost as exciting as watching a ballet performance itself!
Speaking of ballet, my Italian dance diary is filled with some exciting entries already! My little legs couldn't resist joining a class at Accademia Teatro alla Scala. And what a treat it was! To be surrounded by talented dancers, each one more graceful and technically proficient than the last. They say you can always learn from someone else, even if they're a million miles away. I am positively bursting with ideas and newfound inspiration for my next choreography.
However, my dear friends, a ballerina cannot live on art alone! Even the most glamorous dancer needs her fix of haute couture. Milan is like a giant shopping paradise for fashion enthusiasts. I found myself swept up in the whirlwind of boutiques and department stores. The latest trends, the colourful fabrics, the intricate designs – my heart was racing! You bet I picked up a few lovely pieces, both for my ballet wardrobe and my day-to-day looks. You'll just have to wait and see what fabulous items are in my suitcase when I return to Derbyshire.
But for now, back to Milan, my dear! My blog wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to the delectable cuisine. Tonight I’m indulging in a traditional Milanese risotto, complete with a glass of the local red wine. It’s absolutely divine. And oh, how I love the lively atmosphere in this city – filled with laughter, the scent of freshly brewed coffee, and the buzz of friendly conversation.
For my ballet-loving friends, here are a few noteworthy bits:
- Opera & Ballet at the Teatro alla Scala: It's not every day you get to see Don Carlos by Verdi at this historic opera house! Don't miss this chance to witness a truly remarkable performance.
- The Bolshoi Theatre is Touring! Yes, you heard right, my darling! The famous Bolshoi Ballet from Moscow is coming to the Teatro alla Scala this week. I'm hoping to catch a show!
- Local Dance Studios: There are several fantastic ballet studios across Milan, from traditional academies like the one I mentioned, to modern dance studios offering contemporary styles. There are truly amazing opportunities for both beginners and seasoned dancers!
Don't forget to check my blog at www.pink-tutu.com every Monday! Remember to tell all your friends about my blog too. You can follow my journey as I twirl through my adventures in Italy, from one city to the next. Remember, let’s paint the world pink, one tutu at a time!
Ciao Bella,
Emma 🩰 💖🇮🇹
