Ciao Bella!
Well, it's a Wednesday afternoon here in Milan and I'm sitting in a little café tucked away down a side street just off Piazza della Scala, a latte and a croissant warming my hands and my heart. As I gaze out across the bustling piazza towards the Teatro alla Scala - oh, how my toes are twitching to be dancing on those hallowed boards - I can't help but feel incredibly grateful. It's all just so perfectly Milanese, a delightful combination of the chic, the elegant, the dramatic... and, of course, the slightly chaotic!
The last couple of days have been an absolute whirlwind of pink, sparkly tutu fun, a proper mix of fashion, ballet, and a sprinkle of adventure! Let's just say, it's been fab to be back in Milan.
Firstly, you all know how much I love a good show, and, bless their hearts, Milan doesn't disappoint. On Monday night I got to witness the breathtaking artistry of the Teatro alla Scala with a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker. Talk about an utterly immersive experience, from the exquisitely detailed sets to the breathtaking dancing. And you know I couldn't resist pulling out my pink tutu for the occasion. The tutus just felt perfect with the magical spirit of Christmas floating in the air!
Speaking of tutus, have you seen the latest tutus in Milan? They're not just fluffy, they're more like a fabulous explosion of colour and design, with intricate embellishments that make your head spin. Honestly, the creativity and craftsmanship are just… divine. Oh, I think my heart's about to burst! I spotted one at La Rinascente, a delicate lavender affair with embroidered snowflakes… my purse nearly fainted, but luckily I managed to resist. Though I do confess I’m saving my pennies for that one, just because you never know!
The hunt for fabulous tutus took me on a whirlwind tour of the city. It all began, of course, at the gorgeous Piazza Duomo. Have you been there? It's like a cathedral of beauty! I got swept up in the joyful energy of the city, and let myself get carried away by the scent of fresh Italian bread from the little bakery on the corner. The scent is just intoxicating! The tram journey through the city was truly an adventure – Milan's tram network is pretty amazing, buzzing with life. It's like being in a glamorous, slightly faded movie.
As if the amazing Nutcracker performance wasn't enough, Tuesday saw me attending a ballet class. This time, the lovely Beatrice of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala welcomed me with open arms! We had a wonderful class focusing on The Dying Swan (a classic for any aspiring ballerina) and I absolutely loved the energy and camaraderie. These are the kinds of moments that make me realize what a lucky girl I am, and the wonders of my ballerina life. The Accademia has such an amazing legacy, full of beautiful history, so to share a bit of that with my lovely ballet sisters - what could be better! Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu Milan experience without a spot of afternoon tea at a nearby cafe… well, this Pink Tutu does love a proper pot of tea.
The other wonderful part of my journey is meeting people from all over the world who share the same passion. There’s a beautiful Italian couple, Elena and Luca, whom I met during my dance classes. Elena is a fellow dancer who's working towards her professional dream - she's actually dancing in the Romeo and Juliet production at the end of December - oh how I wish I could be in the audience for that show. Luca, he's got this amazing charm and he adores watching Elena dance - his enthusiasm is infectious, just the sort of person who could brighten up even the gloomiest of days. They've told me so many tales about Milan – and about Italian dance, especially their national pride at having an annual dance festival.
Now, as my latte grows cold and my croissant has become a mere memory, I must make my way towards my ballet performance this evening at Teatro degli Arcimboldi. And to make things extra spectacular, I’ll be performing with none other than the Balletto di Milano, a fab troupe of talented dancers. It's such a joy working with such talented people and just the most glamorous of occasions. Tonight I'll be wearing my signature pink tutu, with a hint of shimmer and glitter… I mean, it wouldn't be right for a Pink Tutu Milan night out, would it?
I’ll post again next Monday, giving you all the juicy gossip and some exciting photos, fingers crossed my new tutu arrives from La Rinascente before I return to England next week! I shall also share some insights from tonight's show – which is definitely something to be enjoyed with a bit of sparkling bubbly in a stylish bar after the performance! Stay tuned for the latest ballet fashion and adventures on my Pink Tutu Journey!
Lots of love and glitter from Milan!
Emma xxx
PostscriptIf you fancy having a go at finding some gorgeous tutus, the area around Piazza Duomo is brimming with beautiful boutique shops. Oh, and don't miss a walk around Via Monte Napoleone - if you're feeling particularly daring, that’s where all the high fashion houses hang out – it’s basically like walking through a fashion magazine.
