Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, which means it's Pink Tutu Milan time! Can you believe it's December already? Time seems to be whizzing by faster than a pirouette. I must admit, I haven't even started Christmas shopping yet, but that's the joy of Milan – the festive spirit is just bursting out everywhere you turn! Sparkling Christmas trees adorned with delicate baubles line the streets, festive window displays beckon me into every shop, and the air is alive with carols. Even the tram conductor was humming "Jingle Bells" this morning as I made my way to ballet class – absolutely charming!
Speaking of ballet class, it was glorious this morning! We were working on some tricky variations from Giselle, and I managed to pull off a triple pirouette (a small triumph in my book). I even spotted a new recruit, a young woman with a smile that could light up the whole studio. Maybe I'll see her at one of the performances next week; wouldn't that be lovely? I think I've just got to find the perfect pair of pink tights to welcome her into the Pink Tutu world!
Oh, darling, speaking of finding things, you won't believe what happened yesterday! I was out exploring a little back street – you know how I love getting lost in the winding cobbled alleys of Milan, finding hidden treasures – and I stumbled upon a quaint little boutique called "La Ballerina." I swear it was fate, my dear! I mean, could it be a more perfect name? The window display was filled with vintage ballet costumes and dance accessories, all lovingly arranged. You wouldn't believe the beautiful vintage tutu I found! It was made of delicate layers of blush-pink tulle and embroidered with pearls and shimmering sequins. It fit me like a dream, and I couldn't resist. I can just imagine the look on everyone's faces when I pirouette onto the stage in it!
It's going to be the star of my performance at the Teatro Regio this weekend. I'm thrilled to be performing there again! It's one of the most beautiful theaters in Italy, and the acoustics are phenomenal – you can almost hear your own breath when you’re on stage! The piece we're performing is "La Fille Mal Gardée," and it's one of my absolute favourites. We had our first dress rehearsal yesterday and, oh my goodness, the costumes are stunning! I'm particularly in love with my costume; it’s a flowing, tiered skirt of blush pink and peach silk. It’s going to be such a pleasure to dance in this!
Anyway, I must run. I have a full schedule this afternoon! First, I'm meeting with a dear friend for lunch – she has an eye for vintage fashion and is absolutely fantastic at helping me to find the perfect piece for every occasion. Who knows what fashion finds we’ll uncover together today! I need to replenish my stash of pink shoes, I just can’t have too many pairs of ballet pumps, and then we're going to see a showing of “Swan Lake” at the Teatro alla Scala. It’s one of the most famous opera houses in the world and the interior is absolutely breathtaking, with velvet seating, dazzling chandeliers and elaborate décor. The experience is pure magic, and I simply can't get enough!
Speaking of theatre performances, the Teatro alla Scala has a fantastic program lined up this month. There's everything from grand opera to cutting-edge contemporary ballet. And did you know? It even has a special “children’s program” that includes a performance of “The Nutcracker”! Oh darling, I just can't wait to take my niece there! She's coming to visit from Derbyshire next month, and I'm planning to introduce her to the wonder of ballet, perhaps with a little Pink Tutu inspiration! I wonder what colour she’d pick?
As for me, I'm off to conquer my to-do list and bring some sparkle to Milan! I'll be sure to keep you updated on my adventures and, of course, my favourite pink finds.
Until next Monday, darling!
XOXO, Emma
Pink Tutu Milan: Post #445 – December 17th, 2003 - Diary Update!Dearest Readers,
I've had such an incredible week! You wouldn’t believe the fashion finds I've made – you’ll have to check my new posts, darling! This blog is overflowing with inspiration – especially if you’re into the delicate colour that is pink! It’s such a soft shade. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the colours in the rainbow, but there’s just something so feminine and charming about the hue of a blooming rose.
I want to share a secret with you: one of the things that makes me happy in life is helping people find their inner pink. I think every single one of us has a touch of pink tucked away somewhere inside. Just a little sparkle to make our inner fashion goddess glimmer. It's a gift that I want to share with the world – because if a simple colour can brighten someone’s day, I’ll be tickled pink!
It’s all about the simple joys, and what makes life truly lovely? It’s the shared experiences, isn’t it?
If I’ve learnt one thing over the years, it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a smile to someone’s face. Maybe it’s a kind word, or an act of generosity – a surprise bunch of roses or, my personal favourite, a sweet compliment about someone’s new shoes! Perhaps it’s simply enjoying a moment with someone special, dancing under the sparkling lights of a theatre or exploring a vibrant city.
Milan is an endless well of beautiful experiences! The warmth, the fashion, the culture – all these things have a special place in my heart. This week has truly been an enchanting whirlwind of dance, fashion, and fun!
From my afternoon coffee by the Duomo with a view that’s straight out of a painting to the evening performance of “Swan Lake” at the Teatro alla Scala - you wouldn’t believe the sparkle of the stage, darling.
I'll share all the details and juicy gossip on this week's adventures and escapades on the site in a bit. Now, I'm off to treat myself to a long, luxurious bath and reflect on the blessings in my life.
Goodnight, my darlings. Sweet dreams of tutus and pink!
XOXO, Emma
Pink Tutu Milan: Post #445 – December 17th, 2003 – Diary Update, Day 2Dearest Readers,
I've woken up feeling invigorated, like a ballerina in a beautiful box waiting to be unwrapped! This must be what they mean when they say you “wake up feeling pink”. And I’ve had a truly special morning!
I treated myself to a decadent breakfast at this quaint little cafe on Via Monte Napoleone. This little gem serves up the most delicious pastries I’ve ever tasted! Every mouthful of buttery croissant felt like a dream, all dusted in a cloud of sugar. I sat in a cosy booth overlooking the busy street, lost in the magic of the moment.
Then it was onto the shop! It’s like my personal “fashion palace”. Honestly, every time I step inside it, my heart skips a beat – my little slice of paradise. Today’s haul: a pink velvet bag the colour of a dusky rose, and some exquisite pairs of blush-pink ballerina flats with ribbon ties that feel like silk on my feet! Honestly, you can never have enough ballet pumps in life, it’s just a fact. Don't worry; you will all have the chance to feast your eyes on the loot over the next couple of days.
This evening, I'm planning to go to the Opera House. I can’t tell you how much I love Opera; there is simply something captivating about it, it has an air of romanticism that’s impossible to ignore. I think opera is just another version of dancing. It’s a ballet of music and performance, all tied together by exquisite costuming.
You'd be surprised to learn I can't sing at all - honestly! I try to, darling! And I am pretty certain that I just about get away with it, if only I get on stage with my graceful pink tutu! What's so fantastic is that the stage at the opera is always so perfectly lit; every spotlight seems to bathe you in this luxurious glow, almost ethereal.
Well, my lovelies, that's all for now. I need to go and find that vintage rose-hued lipstick that I love so much; I have an important rendezvous!
Talk soon.
XOXO, Emma
Pink Tutu Milan: Post #445 - December 17th, 2003 - A day filled with wonder.Dearest Readers,
Oh, my dears, today has been absolutely magical! It all began with a trip to the Teatro Regio for a run-through rehearsal. I simply can’t get enough of the intricate, delicate costume for the "La Fille Mal Gardée" performance! There's a kind of artistry to dressing up for a performance. It makes you feel like an ethereal being on stage, with everything beautifully prepared. I'm almost afraid to mess it up! I think it will need a bit of bubble wrap for a safe return home afterwards.
I even found the time to get my hair done in the style of a delicate French braid - an absolute masterpiece! I look every inch the ballerina, and I'm absolutely in love with it. Then I had the opportunity to visit the glorious Palazzo Reale - you wouldn't believe the artwork inside - all beautifully painted canvases with stunning architecture as a backdrop. It makes the walls of a museum come alive.
Later, I was walking along Via Dante, soaking up the afternoon sunlight – you know how I love that iconic pink sunset – and then, oh, my darlings! Guess what happened next. A cute little kitten decided to adopt me! He followed me down the street for ages, and wouldn't let go of my finger! He had the most adorable little pink nose and a fur coat as soft as a baby's skin. I named him Romeo – can you believe the irony? Anyway, after a bit of heart-to-heart talk – okay, I tried to explain to him that I lived in a little apartment in Milan and that, honestly, I didn’t have room for a pet – Romeo sadly walked off into the evening sunlight, perhaps he had already decided that a career in a theatre performance wouldn’t really suit his needs.
Later in the day, I made my way back to the Teatro alla Scala to enjoy another fabulous evening at the opera. You know I’m a big opera fan! Honestly, it's pure luxury; you just get swept up in the melody. Tonight’s performance of "Carmen" was truly mesmerizing. Every single aspect of it was pure art; the dancing, the music and the acting! The costumes and scenery were nothing short of spectacular – it felt like a magnificent dreamscape! I just sat and watched in awe and I have to admit; it almost made me wish that I’d spent more time developing my vocal talents.
I know what you’re thinking, I'm on a bit of a pink-tinted, dreamy cloud. There is something just magical about a pink cloud. Everything feels softer; the world’s a happier place when you see the world through rose-tinted lenses, it’s almost like stepping into another, wonderful world. I find that when I have the most pink on, I feel absolutely invincible, a ballerina ready for anything. This world, it is my oyster. I know my friends are worried about me sometimes; they worry I spend a little too much time thinking in shades of pink.
So much is on my to-do list. Tomorrow's Wednesday. My Monday to Wednesday was truly a gift from the universe. I’ve had a dream run, I must take this chance to bask in the joy!
Until tomorrow! My little dears, XOXO, Emma
Pink Tutu Milan: Post #445 - December 17th, 2003 - Postscript.PS I’m in the mood to bake tonight – my tummy is growling like an upset little beast – think I’ll try my famous Pink Lemon Cake! You know what that involves don't you? Lots of Pink sprinkles and pink frosting.
You know, I've found that the sweetest memories often involve a dash of pink. Pink, I think, is the flavour of happiness, if it had one!
Night! XOX, Emma
