Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, writing to you live from the magical city of Milan! Can you believe it? We're already on post number 600 of my Milan adventures! Time flies when you're twirling, right?
This week, Milan has truly been a whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and gelato. Oh, and did I mention gelato? 🍦 You know I have to sample every flavour, from classic vanilla to the more adventurous pistacchio. Because what is a ballerina without a sweet treat to keep her energy levels up for those endless pirouettes? 😉
Speaking of energy levels, this week started with a bang, or should I say, a prance? I'm so excited to share that I've been chosen to perform in a small, but exquisite ballet show at a charming local theatre here in Milan. It's all about the beautiful story of Giselle, a classic ballet that never fails to touch my heart. We're dancing amidst a stunning backdrop of twinkly lights, which, let's be honest, always add an extra sparkle to a performance.
Before we get to the Giselle shenanigans, I had to indulge in some essential Milanese retail therapy. As you know, fashion is everything in this city. I mean, come on, even the trams are stylish! I just had to snag a couple of gorgeous silk scarves and a delicate pearl necklace to complete my "ballerina chic" look. You can't have too many accessories, darlings, especially if they're as elegant as these treasures.
On Tuesday, I traded my heels for my comfy walking shoes (still pink, obviously) and hopped on the tram. The tram in Milan is the best way to navigate the bustling city streets, and I love the cosy vibes of being surrounded by the locals. There’s just something so charming about seeing life unfold through the windows – people going about their day, cafes brimming with chatter, and shops showcasing the latest fashion trends. This particular day, I ventured to the Museo di Arte Contemporanea for a fascinating exhibition. Let me tell you, these modern art pieces are something else! The way they play with colour and form is mind-boggling. You'll just have to trust me on this one – if you’re in Milan, take the time to explore it! 🎨
Of course, my ballet journey didn’t end with my performance on Tuesday. Thursday brought me face-to-face with one of my favourite ballet masters. I had the honour of attending a masterclass in the very prestigious Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most renowned opera houses. Talk about iconic! Imagine, dancing in the same hallowed space where legendary ballerinas like Anna Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn once graced the stage! The energy in that place is absolutely electric, and the master's instruction was pure brilliance.
We covered everything from perfecting our turns to finding the elegance and fluidity that defines a true ballerina. He even took the time to critique my posture, making sure my back was perfectly straight (don't worry, I aced that!). He shared some fantastic tips on incorporating emotional expression into our dancing, which made me realize how much storytelling and passion play a role in ballet. You might think it's all about the fancy steps and beautiful costumes, but it's so much deeper than that! Ballet is a form of storytelling, an expression of emotion and a connection with the audience. And trust me, my heart was absolutely brimming with it during our masterclass!
To say I was on a bit of a high from the masterclass is a major understatement. After a delicious evening stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, I couldn't wait to put what I learned to the test! You can always find a fantastic studio in Milan to dance at, which brings me to my lovely ballet class on Friday. There's something incredibly therapeutic about feeling my muscles working and getting lost in the grace of every plié, relevé, and pirouette. And what better place to dance than in the heart of Italy, the birthplace of elegance and beauty?
With all this activity, you'd think I'd be ready to relax, wouldn't you? Think again! Saturday brought another thrilling experience: the opportunity to attend a truly awe-inspiring ballet performance at Teatro Dal Verme. Now, if you’re unfamiliar, it’s a theatre built in the 19th century that holds a place in the city’s history for its spectacular architecture and breathtaking interior. You can just imagine the glittering chandeliers and opulent decorations - it truly is a sight to behold.
We witnessed the graceful dance of "La Fille mal Gardée," a playful and heartwarming ballet about a mischievous young girl who finds love in the most unexpected way. This ballet was nothing short of perfection. The costumes, the set design, the choreography...it was a beautiful display of the true essence of ballet! Even more delightful, they had a gorgeous rendition of "The Nutcracker" scheduled. Imagine a classic tale set amidst the dazzling scenery and vibrant spirit of Milan. Pure magic, I tell you!
Oh, and the cherry on top? We were invited for a reception after the performance, where we had the opportunity to meet the amazing dancers! They were so charming and humble, and their passion for dance shone through in every word they spoke. I can honestly say that I was mesmerized by their talent.
Sunday was all about rest, relaxation, and the gentle clink of my new ballet shoes against the tiled floors of my temporary Milanese flat. After all, a ballerina has to take care of herself. A beautiful bubble bath filled with lavender essential oils, a cup of chamomile tea, and a good book are just the things I needed after a week packed with passion and elegance.
This week in Milan was pure enchantment, darling. Every day brought a new adventure, every performance filled my heart with joy, and every encounter brought a touch of grace and charm to my life. You know, I've been travelling to new cities and dancing my heart out for years, but Milan never fails to amaze me. This city pulsates with a certain energy, a vibrancy that fuels creativity and inspires artistry.
Perhaps that’s why it feels like home. I always come back, time and time again, drawn to the delicious food, the fascinating museums, the dazzling shopping scene, and the sheer elegance that radiates from every corner of this captivating city.
But most importantly, Milan is the perfect place for a ballerina to spread the message of pink tutu magic. Because every girl, every woman, needs to embrace the inner ballerina within. Whether it’s twirling in the privacy of your own home or dancing on a world-famous stage, wearing a pink tutu is all about expressing yourself, unleashing your inner spirit, and having the courage to be bold and beautiful.
Don't forget to catch me on my YouTube channel! I’ve just uploaded a new dance routine inspired by the magnificent Teatro alla Scala. I promise it’ll be a vibrant explosion of ballet energy and graceful movement! And of course, don’t forget to visit me on Instagram, where I'll be posting all my fashionable Milan finds and those delightful gelato indulgences!
Stay twirling and until next week, my lovely dancers! ✨
Much love,
Emma 💖
