Hello my lovely darlings!
It’s Wednesday 21st August 2002, and Emma’s back in Milan, Italy! It's simply divine to be back in this city, so full of energy and style. As I sit here, sipping a cappuccino and watching the world go by from my little café table, I’m already feeling inspired. There’s a feeling of romance in the air, which I simply adore!
Today’s a busy day - I’ve got a ballet class booked in the afternoon, then an evening performance to see! Can you believe it? There’s so much to squeeze into my trip, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am, after all, the ultimate pink tutu traveller, so living life to the fullest is a must!
Milan by Tram and Train
You all know I absolutely adore trams and trains. Something about them just makes my heart skip a beat, don’t you think? Especially in a place like Milan, where the tram lines wind their way through beautiful old cobbled streets and past grand old buildings.
The other day I had the most fantastic tram adventure. I was on my way to see the "Romeo & Juliet" production at La Scala Opera House, which is absolutely divine, by the way. The ballet was spectacular! They danced with so much passion and emotion, you could practically feel their love pouring out into the audience. It was a total delight! But before I get ahead of myself, let's get back to the tram journey!
I was gazing out the window, marvelling at the sights of Milan – those beautiful balconies overflowing with blooming geraniums, the vintage cars rumbling by, and the little piazzas filled with lively chatter – when suddenly, the tram conductor began to sing.
He had a beautiful, deep voice and he was singing this lovely old Italian folk song that made everyone smile and clap. We were all strangers on the tram, but for those few minutes, it was like we were part of this beautiful melody that united us. It felt truly magical! It was then that I realised what makes Milan such a unique and captivating place. It’s the beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, and most importantly, that sense of joy and laughter. There’s something really special about Italy, and it feels like every corner of Milan whispers a little piece of this magical Italian energy.
Finding the perfect dress in Milan
Before I tell you more about the exciting shows and places I’ve been exploring in Milan, let me tell you a little story about a divine pink tutu that changed everything…
Now, every ballerina knows that shopping for the perfect tutu can be a challenging adventure, right? You want one that's floaty and fabulous, yet durable enough for a twirl or two. The search for the perfect tutu, like a search for the perfect shoe, can be a bit of a marathon! I tend to have a thing for bright colours, so of course, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered this truly stunning pink tutu in a small shop nestled in a tiny alleyway just off the bustling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, right here in Milan! It’s a beautiful space, a grand architectural masterpiece with its vaulted glass roof and ornate mosaic floors. But sometimes the real gems are tucked away just around the corner! The little shop that stole my heart was crammed with so much wonderful balletwear, I practically wanted to move in!
The tutu itself was exquisite. It was a light pink tulle, the most delicate, airy fabric imaginable. The detail! It had these beautiful, sparkling sequins around the bottom hemline, just like a sprinkling of stardust. And of course, it had a pink satin bow - a tiny detail, but for me, it just made the whole ensemble pop! I have a thing for pink satin bows! I was tempted to just dance a jig there in the middle of the shop! I tried it on, twirled for the shopkeeper and, as they say, the rest is history. I had found my Milan tutu and was already imagining how fabulous I’d look wearing it on stage in the beautiful, historic theaters in this city. A ballerina can dream, can’t she?
The amazing part? The tutu was not a splurge at all. It was just a sweet little boutique, and the price was a lovely little treat! You could almost say it was practically begging me to take it home! The shop was packed full of gorgeous garments from other designers, too - lots of chic styles for ballet class and the everyday wardrobe, even ballet shoes! They were simply bursting with stunning shoes and leotards in all sorts of colours, styles, and textures, making my head spin with glee.
I can already feel a blog post forming about this shopping extravaganza… But first, I have to tell you all about my adventures at Teatro alla Scala, and some exciting news on upcoming performances in this stunning Italian city.
Ballet Dreams and the Theatre of Dreams: La Scala, Milano
This was my third time seeing a ballet production at the Teatro alla Scala, but I tell you, it never gets old. It is like a journey into the heart of ballet history! Every time I step through those grand doors, I feel like I’m stepping into a magical realm, a place where art comes to life, and dreams take flight.
For someone who lives and breathes ballet, stepping onto that stage would be a dream come true. I know what you’re thinking. Don’t we all dream of stepping onto those legendary boards!
This particular night, we saw the performance of “Giselle," a haunting, heartbreaking ballet, full of passionate and raw emotion. The performance was absolutely mesmerizing. You could tell that every single dancer had poured their soul and their love of dance into every movement and gesture. Their dancing, in such a beautifully designed space with the stunning acoustics, made the theatre vibrate with energy and excitement. And then the audience at La Scala? So chic and passionate. You can sense they are the perfect complement to the breathtaking energy and beauty of this unique place!
Even if you are just passing through the building, don’t miss the chance to experience the stunning marble lobby, decorated with frescoes. It is truly something special.
Next on the Ballet Calendar…
As I said, my ballet calendar is packed full, but let’s not forget that I’m not the only ballerina dancing in this beautiful city. The Teatro alla Scala is set to open its doors in November with “La Bayadère,” and let me tell you - I am not missing it.
Now I know some of you might be thinking “La Bayadère?” Why that one? Let me explain! While it is not as classic as, say, “Giselle” or “The Sleeping Beauty”, La Bayadère is considered an epic ballet, one of the great story ballets that has it all! And did you know the last ballet performance there featured costumes from the world-famous Parisian House of Christian Dior? The designers said they had been captivated by “the ballet’s dramatic storyline” when they came up with this exquisite line. Oh! The anticipation! There’s even more excitement coming this way - “Swan Lake” is coming to Milan on the 11th of December! Just imagine it, snowflakes softly falling as the graceful dancers take flight on the stage of La Scala. And to make things even more magical, “The Nutcracker” will be presented right before Christmas on the 24th of December. A little Christmas ballet magic - what’s not to love! The holiday season at Teatro alla Scala will simply be the most divine gift for any ballet fan, even if, like me, you are a ballet blogger, living every day in a fairytale, or at least dreaming that way!
Ciao for now!
That’s it for this week. My journey through the magical world of pink tutus and Milan continues… And while I might be based in Derbyshire, England for most of the year, I have to say - Milan has a special place in my heart.
Until next week,
Ciao!
Emma xx
[ Please note: this blog entry is a fictional story, but the shows and information regarding Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy is real! You can find a lot more details about La Scala Opera and ballet seasons there at www.teatroallascala.org ]
