Ciao, darling dears! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind week in Milano! I'm still giddy from all the glamour and romance that the city oozed into my little pink-tutu-clad heart. This week felt like a real fairytale, with just the right mix of grand theatres, stunning scenery, and enough delectable Italian food to satisfy even the fussiest gourmand (which is definitely not me, if you ask my friend Chloe!).
Wednesday 18th August: A Wednesday in Milan always brings a touch of excitement. It was a sweltering day, so after a quick (and rather sweaty!) barre session at the lovely “Ballet Internazionale di Milano”, I found myself catching a beautifully-decorated tram straight into the heart of the city. I always dress to the nines, and what better occasion for my newest pale pink tulle creation, adorned with silver sequins? You see, dear readers, this city calls for extravagance and, dare I say, a touch of drama!
First on the agenda was a visit to the iconic Teatro alla Scala. This majestic house of opera and ballet was breathtaking! As I stepped inside, my breath was truly taken away by the grandeur of the auditorium, the velvet seating, the opulent chandeliers – just magical! Even without a show, the atmosphere vibrated with a thousand tales of opera singers and ballerinas who have graced this stage.
As I meandered through the bustling corridors, I caught a glimpse of an exclusive exhibition showcasing vintage costumes worn by renowned dancers like Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. My heart almost skipped a beat. What a collection of breathtaking silk and feathered creations – a ballet lover's dream! They even had a beautiful silver tutu that could easily rival mine in shimmer, haha! But I'm confident mine is more comfortable – I mean, who wants to have those big tutus hanging about on their backside?! Rolls eyes in typical Emma style.
A quick pitstop at the Teatro's bookshop filled my tote bag with some juicy ballet reads and a new set of shimmering, rainbow coloured pointe shoes that, with a little bit of sparkle-glue, will be transformed into my very own personal works of art. I have a real talent for transforming my shoes! Remember those pink sparkle platforms I made last month? A complete hit!
My adventure wasn't complete without indulging in a bit of local flavour. A beautiful little cafe across the road offered me the most decadent slice of panna cotta (I was lucky, because I was told it was all they had left!) – sweet, silky smooth, and adorned with a delicate sprinkle of pink sugar (obviously! winks). My sweet tooth is ever so easily satisfied by the finer things!
Speaking of indulgences, Milan is practically bursting with fashion boutiques. A quick walk through Via Monte Napoleone unveiled the latest designer dresses, sparkling shoes, and sleek leather accessories, all meticulously crafted and displayed. I simply had to peek inside Valentino and Gucci, just to feel the textures and marvel at the designs – a must for any self-respecting fashionista! Of course, I kept myself firmly in the "window-shopping" category. Spending money for me is strictly about necessities: tutus, sequins, and maybe, just maybe, a new ballet shoe bag or two.
After a day jam-packed with beautiful experiences and a lingering whiff of exquisite perfume, I hopped on another beautifully decorated tram, back to the warmth of my quaint little hotel. You know I love travelling with all its adventures but I admit, I do love sinking back into the comfort of a well-appointed hotel bed with a glass of local Italian vino, catching up on my favourite gossip mags. And by "gossip", I mean a new edition of Dance Magazine and some fabulous Italian Vogue.
A Whirlwind Week In Milan:
But this is just the beginning of my Milan journey, darling! This week's events continued to fill my schedule with an exhilarating mix of ballet, fashion, and some utterly fabulous culinary discoveries.
Thursday found me at a local dance studio. They invited me to give a masterclass in ballet, with a little Pink Tutu twist! I must say, the Italian students loved my “tutu for all” theme and took to my steps like little ballerinas on a mission. Even the young male dancer with the gorgeous, almost-blue eyes couldn't help but break into a smile while he was balancing en pointe on the highest point of my new Pink Tutu dress! I couldn't help but blush - I'm terribly shy when complimented by someone so beautiful and graceful. But really, it was such a joyful afternoon, and even better because it included a delightful pastry feast for everyone after. You can't tell, but I secretly love a little croissant – they are the ultimate breakfast, in my humble opinion!
Friday evening held an even more special treat, a street performance that brought together contemporary ballet and street art. The energy in the square was absolutely infectious! There were artists creating colourful murals, hip-hop dancers breaking beats, and, of course, a small group of graceful dancers, including me, gliding through the space with a captivating blend of contemporary movements and classic ballet. This unique fusion of dance and street art left me breathless. It's fantastic to see these different art forms mingling – maybe I’ll try my hand at some spray paint sometime… I wonder what a pink tutu would look like on a mural? Something to think about, dear readers!
As the weekend rolled around, so did my love for an afternoon exploring Milan's grand boutiques. Oh my, it was truly a feast for the eyes! Each storefront seemed to outdo the last with their window displays – imagine sparkling mannequins draped in exquisite fabrics and gowns, surrounded by shimmering light and an aura of sheer sophistication! It is amazing to see the city coming to life like this. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
This is the Milan I fell in love with: a mix of sophisticated art, decadent fashion, and enough charm to turn any city into a magical fairytale. And if you haven't already noticed, my mission is to bring a little bit of that fairytale magic to every corner of the globe. Because with the right shade of pink, the perfect swirl of tulle, and a touch of that je ne sais quoi – everyone can wear a pink tutu!
Now, I'm back at my desk, in the warmth of my hotel room. The sun is sinking into the horizon, painting the Milan sky with fiery hues. But as the city sleeps, I have one last duty, dear readers. A quick trip to the corner Gelateria del Teatro is in order, and it's my promise to treat myself to another scoop of their magical pistachio gelato (you know I have a thing for green, don't you?).
Until next time, my dear ballet bunnies! Keep twirling and stay radiant.
Emma xx
P.S. Remember you can join me every Monday for a new Pink Tutu adventure! You can find me on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. It’s always a joy to connect with all of you. You know, it’s great that I get to share my life, and travels, and all things ballet with you – it makes me feel like we are all a giant dancing, glittery community. So, let me know what you’re up to! I’m really looking forward to hearing all your fun stories about ballet and travel. Just think, in the coming weeks, I’m off to Paris for a couple of performances at the beautiful Salle Pleyel – imagine those tutus flying under those stunning crystal chandeliers… what a dream! I think it’s high time I planned to visit the city of love with some truly exquisite pink tutus – let me know your thoughts! xx
