Ciao bella! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, Emma, back with another installment from the fashion-forward city of Milan! I can practically feel the Italian sun on my skin and the aroma of strong coffee and freshly baked bread in the air… well, I can practically feel it because I am sitting on a comfy corner seat in the train station, my pink tutu slightly crinkled from the journey, waiting to get my caffeine fix before heading off to today's adventure.
Milan, oh Milan, you continue to astound me! This week has been a whirlwind of tulle, twirls, and stunning architecture. Let me tell you all about it!
A Ballerina's Paradise:
Right from the start, Milan welcomed me with open arms (and possibly the most stunning tram I've ever seen - I'll have to get a photo later). First stop, La Scala - a veritable temple to opera and ballet! I took in a performance of "La Bohème," a classic by Puccini. Let me tell you, the singers were phenomenal, the orchestra was utterly mesmerising, and the costumes were utterly magnificent - I may or may not have spotted a blush pink tutu peeking out in one of the chorus scenes, which naturally had my inner-ballerina swooning!
Then, onto the world-famous Teatro alla Scala for some breathtaking ballet! "Giselle" took my breath away - the emotion, the grace, the powerful storytelling, all embodied through the graceful language of dance. As the final curtain fell, a surge of joy filled the air and the whole auditorium seemed to sigh contentedly.
Now, you might think that a full-on opera and ballet binge would be enough for any girl, but let's be honest, you all know I am a sucker for a good ballet class! So, with my pink tutu carefully packed away, I was off to a charming little ballet studio hidden away in a quiet courtyard. My fellow students, from young children taking their first steps into the world of ballet to seasoned professionals, all embraced the elegance of the form with pure joy. I even found a fellow pink tutu wearer! It seems my mission to get everyone in pink tutus is well underway, even in the heart of Milan!
Fashion Focus:
Now, let's talk about the fabulous world of fashion! Milan is, after all, the global epicentre of design. Of course, my first stop was to visit the glorious, impossibly elegant boutiques lining Via Montenapoleone, a haven for luxury lovers. The window displays are art pieces in themselves, and the clothing - well, it's simply breathtaking.
I'm not gonna lie, I may have splurged on a gorgeous blush-pink silk scarf and a pair of dazzling crystal-embellished ballet shoes (perfect for a pink tutu and pearls kind of day!) Oh, and I managed to score some fabulous pink lipstick! After all, no ballet girl can ever have too much pink, can she?
Food, glorious food!
Between all that dancing and shopping, a girl needs to refuel! I sampled a fantastic meal of Risotto alla Milanese, a decadent treat that will stay with me long after I return home to Derbyshire. And, naturally, no trip to Milan is complete without a perfect cappuccino, sipped while people watching at one of the many outdoor cafés that line the city streets. This city simply knows how to live well, both for the soul and for the stomach.
Next Week's Adventures:
This week, my friends, I'm on the hunt for more ballet classes, a hidden vintage store (heard on the grapevine!), and maybe a visit to one of the many beautiful churches - Milan has so much to offer! Also, there's a chance of a performance, although, I'm keeping it hush-hush for now! After all, it's not the place for spoilers, especially when the mystery of the night's performance is half the fun!
Till next week, be sure to visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com for all things pink, fabulous, and, of course, ballet!
Yours truly,
Emma xoxo
