Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu aficionado, bringing you another fabulous blog post from the enchanting city of Milan, Italy! It's Wednesday, 21st July 2004, and the sun is blazing like a thousand tiny spotlights on this bustling metropolis! It’s the day I usually post to my little corner of the internet - www.pink-tutu.com - and today I'm bursting with stories to tell you about my whirlwind Milan adventure!
For the past week, I’ve been swirling through the Milanese streets, my pink tutu swirling as I make my way around, seeking out the most spectacular sights, the chicest fashion, and the most delightful performances. And, oh, it has been a treat for the senses! The air buzzes with energy and laughter, the cafes spill onto the pavements with a delicious scent of espresso and croissants, and the architecture, darling, the architecture! Every building a piece of art, every street a picture-perfect postcard!
Before I tell you all about the exciting ballet performances I’ve been watching and the fabulous shopping sprees I’ve been on, let's just say that this week in Milan has truly been a fairytale.
It all started with a thrilling journey aboard a high-speed train, gliding across the countryside with the beautiful Italian landscapes rushing past my window. I could imagine the story of "The Little Engine that Could" happening outside, only the little engines here were bright, shiny and powerful, roaring across the hills like beautiful silver serpents. It was so much fun to watch the villages, and vineyards whizzing by.
My dear friends know how much I love travelling by train. There is something truly magical about travelling in that way, watching the scenery and thinking of all the wonderful places I am going to go, and, oh, let's not forget all the wonderful characters you meet on the train, from elegant signore in sharp suits, to the beautiful families, children's giggles ringing out through the carriages as their eyes glitter with the wonder of exploring new lands. It's the perfect way to kickstart any journey!
But enough about my train trip, darlings! Let me whisk you off to the heart of Milan.
My first stop had to be the iconic Duomo, Milan’s breathtaking gothic cathedral. I stood in awe, captivated by its intricately carved facade and the soaring spires piercing the sky. Oh, darling, the architectural detail! It’s enough to make you believe in the power of human artistry, a reminder that dreams, dedication, and a touch of magic can achieve anything! I was lost in the beauty of it all, as if a whisper of some long-forgotten fairy tale had brushed against my cheek. And it was so romantic, almost like it had been straight out of one of my favourite fairytales.
You might think my tutu would have been a little out of place amidst the grandeur of Milan’s most famous landmarks. Well, let’s just say my bright pink tutu stood out as boldly as a rose blooming amongst marble sculptures. And darling, people loved it! Not only did I get lots of compliments, I also found that the locals really embrace anything unusual. After all, what is Italy without its vibrant culture? I actually felt right at home surrounded by the locals' beautiful clothes, with every colour under the rainbow showcased proudly. It's so different from the “no fuss” mentality that you find back in my little home town of Derbyshire.
After marveling at the Duomo, I wandered the cobbled streets of Milan’s historic centre, admiring the Renaissance masterpieces that graced the squares. From the majestic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its arched glass roof to the vibrant open-air markets overflowing with artisanal delights and local produce. My, oh my, what a treat for the senses!
One particular discovery stole my heart: a tiny shop nestled down a narrow, charming street, tucked away between a bustling cafe and an art gallery. The shop, filled with the softest lavender and jasmine scents, was an antique jewelry store brimming with history. My eyes, naturally drawn to any piece of bling, went wide, and I couldn’t resist purchasing the most exquisite little pink diamond ring, just the size of my pinky fingernail. My darling, it was so perfect it was like it had been designed just for me!
Now, you might wonder how this ballet-loving girly girl manages to afford these little luxuries. It’s no secret - I live a double life, dear! As soon as I touch down in a new city, my tutu-clad self transforms into a graceful, soaring ballerina, taking centre stage for mesmerising performances that leave the audience spellbound! From elegant performances at local theaters to vibrant street dance showcases, I’m always in search of a new audience to share my love of dance. And the most beautiful part is the chance to share this gift with others!
I feel like the storybook characters that I love have come to life – fairies, princesses, swans! My costumes are my stories, and they reflect my life as much as they reflect the wonderful locations I travel to!
As luck would have it, this Wednesday in Milan, I had the extraordinary chance to catch a performance at the Teatro alla Scala, a temple to the art of opera and ballet. The air buzzed with anticipation as the audience took their seats, their hushed whispers like soft silk rustling in a gentle breeze. As the curtain rose, I was transported into a world of captivating storytelling, intricate footwork, and graceful movements. The dancers, effortlessly graceful in their costumes, seemed to float on air.
The choreography, I thought, was quite clever. A mix of traditional and modern style, which added an intriguing depth to the overall performance. It made you really appreciate the skills of these incredible dancers, not just the leaps and the jetés but the precision in their movements, the artistry that made each single step a story within a story. And then, darling, you had the exquisite costumes and beautiful scenery. You know me, I can’t get enough of beautiful fabrics and dramatic lights! And it's not just about the physical spectacle - it's the emotion that you feel as you watch them dance. The heart-stopping moments, the hilarious bits, and those touching moments where the performance transcends words and makes you weep with the power of it all.
As I was leaving the theater, I caught a glimpse of the dancers through the back stage doors as they exited the building. I held my breath as I spotted a group of elegant ballerinas emerging, a cluster of grace and movement. Oh, I couldn’t resist! It’s such a privilege to chat to them, to listen to their stories, to learn their routines. These moments really inspire me to make a difference, to let my passion flow freely and show the world that, yes, tutus can be as exciting as stilettos!
The performance ended, as all performances must, but the energy of the experience lingered long afterward. This incredible city, this passionate and inspiring place, had captured my heart, just like that first ballet performance back in Derbyshire when I was a tiny girl, pirouetteing on my toes with dreams in my heart, dreams of exploring the world, and sharing the joy of ballet with everyone.
With a twinkle in my eye, I’m already planning my next big adventure – a trip to Paris! I can almost smell the croissants and the blooming flower stalls, imagine myself twirling my tutu through the Tuileries gardens! Who knows what exciting experiences await me? Paris here I come!
Of course, my journey isn’t complete without some serious shopping! Milan, with its incredible designer boutiques and stylish boutiques tucked into quiet alleyways, is like a paradise for any fashion enthusiast, especially for a tutu-loving girly girl like myself! Every step through this city is a fashion experience, and you could spend a lifetime browsing and getting lost in the incredible diversity and quality.
From the designer showrooms along Via Monte Napoleone to the vintage boutiques and trendy shops of the Navigli district, each street offers its own unique vibe. It was easy to lose track of time while sifting through the racks of gorgeous clothes, browsing through the selection of shoes, or looking at all those beautiful handbags that I wish I had enough space for in my suitcase. I know my little purse won't be the same size when I get back to Derbyshire, that's for sure. But there’s something about discovering hidden gems that makes me happiest! The thrill of the hunt, the feeling that I’m a fashion sleuth on a mission to find the perfect outfits for my adventures.
But before I depart for Paris, there’s something else that I want to tell you. This week in Milan has also given me a lot of food for thought!
You know I’m a real fan of expressing myself through my ballet, through my outfits. I'm a big fan of tutus – as you might have guessed! But in Milan, I have realized something new, something profound! My tutu is my voice, and I believe every one of us has the potential to be as vibrant and captivating as the city of Milan! My, oh my, it has filled me with a new kind of excitement, the kind of feeling that gives me goosebumps and makes me feel that I’m about to create something truly special, something unique, something wonderful! And you know what that means? That's right, my lovelies! My new mission - spreading the Tutu Love all over the world! From Milan to Paris and beyond! So get ready to swirl and twirl, everyone!
To all my Pink Tutu followers: Let’s celebrate the freedom to express ourselves, to stand out, to dance to our own rhythm, to wear our tutus with pride, and to make the world a brighter, more magical place! I’m not sure if it’s the magic of Milan or the sheer delight of discovering my own little world of tutus but, darling, I think my blog is going to get even more fabulous!
See you all next Monday for another exciting edition of Pink Tutu Milan! Ciao!
Emma xoxo
