Ciao bella, fashionistas! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad travel companion, back from the vibrant streets of Milan with a whirlwind of fashion, food, and ballet to share.
This week's post is a little different, a love letter to Milan and the sheer magic this city conjures up in my ballet-loving soul. My last ballet performance at the Derbyshire Gala was a triumph! The audience loved it, and I managed to secure just enough funds to indulge in my favourite thing: travelling. And, oh darling, what better place to go than the Italian fashion capital, Milan?
So here I am, amidst the stylish cobblestones and bustling boutiques, where the air buzzes with creative energy, a place where every corner holds a new fashion statement, and every step is a catwalk.
Tram Travels and The Beauty of the Ordinary
After a slightly chilly but exhilarating train journey from Derbyshire, I found myself in Milan's central train station, captivated by its magnificent architecture, a sprawling art deco dream! This was just the beginning of the architectural delights Milan has to offer. I boarded a red, impossibly sleek tram, the perfect introduction to the vibrant colour and stylish transport of this city.
I was mesmerised as the tram glided along, watching the scene unfold like a ballet in motion. From grand historic buildings to modern masterpieces, from chic cafes brimming with lively chatter to hidden courtyards bursting with flowers, Milan is a feast for the eyes, a kaleidoscope of contrasts. The people, oh, the people! Elegant, stylish, and so confident! It’s an inspiring backdrop for any budding fashionista, or any ballet dancer like me who adores fashion, theatre, and elegant moves.
Finding My Ballerina Paradise: La Scala
Of course, Milan isn’t only about shopping (although you know I’m a dedicated shopaholic, and trust me, it’s divine here! 😉). No, for a ballet lover like me, the main attraction is none other than Teatro alla Scala, the prestigious opera house known simply as La Scala, one of the most important opera houses in the world. Just entering the building is like stepping back in time. You can practically hear the whispers of operatic history swirling in the air. The grand architecture, the intricate details, the velvet curtains, it’s just glorious. The theatre’s interior was even more stunning, decorated in gold, red, and crimson with velvet chairs and elaborate carvings. This was not just any opera house; it was the very stage where some of the world's greatest operas were premiered. I felt a little pang of envy towards the ballerinas who got to grace this hallowed stage.
Unfortunately, they weren't showing any ballets while I was there. They only did opera performances and they didn’t start again until February. Boo. Never mind. It was enough to wander around this amazing building and simply imagine the elegance of ballet performances that had graced the stage before me. I stood on the stage in my bright pink tutu (it would be rude not to!) and pictured a beautiful dance in the spotlight. It was a very special moment, one of those moments that just feel perfectly you.
Food, Fashion, and Everything in Between
I’ve discovered Milan is a feast for the senses - not just for my love of ballet, but for my taste buds too! The cafes, oh darling, the cafes! My inner foodie squeals with delight at the endless options: steaming cappuccinos in charming sidewalk cafes, tempting panini at bustling lunch spots, and divine gelato creations, crafted with meticulous precision and passion, every flavour a new adventure! I think I’ll gain a few kilos before I leave, but that’s just a small price to pay for such incredible indulgence! And of course, what’s a trip to Milan without indulging in some fabulous fashion?
I am simply drowning in all the stylish clothing! Even though my suitcase is almost overflowing with my own tutus, I'm convinced that I need even more beautiful, feminine clothes, with bold patterns and chic designs. The boutiques here are truly magical – rows and rows of dazzling designs in a spectrum of vibrant colours. Every garment I touched, every item I admired was a piece of art, a statement of personality and style. It’s no wonder Milan is the global fashion capital! The Italian designers are, I’ve gotta say, simply the best.
From Ballet Studio to Ballet Street
One of my favourite activities in Milan is simply wandering through the city, just taking it all in! There is so much beauty, architecture, and creativity to be found. I feel like every street is a dance stage. The pace of the city is a ballet itself.
I was walking along the grand and dramatic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and saw a young girl in a pink tutu (perhaps she was inspired by me?! 💖 ) , practicing ballet in a street side alcove, she was such a vision of elegance and beauty. The girl seemed utterly lost in the art of movement, oblivious to the shoppers bustling around her, lost in a world of pure grace and artistry. There was a sweet, delicate grace in her movement. And for a moment, she stole my heart with her passion.
For me, that little girl dancing on the cobblestones of Milan embodied the spirit of this city - a fusion of art, passion, and elegance that captures my very essence as a ballet dancer, and truly embodies my philosophy – to share my love of dance everywhere I go, and, of course, spread the pink tutu movement, one dance at a time! 💖🩰🇮🇹
So, darling, if you're seeking a city where creativity blooms, style reigns supreme, and ballet takes on new dimensions, Milan is the perfect stage for you. Come, discover the magic of Milan! Just bring a pair of comfortable shoes, a whole lot of passion, and of course, your pink tutu. It wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu Milan blog post without that, right?!
Catch me next week for a new blog post, where I will be sharing all my ballet finds. I will be talking about my journey back from Milan, as well as about some exciting ballet projects I have coming up!
Until next time,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
