Wednesday 17th January 2007
Buongiorno from a crisp, clear Milan! The sunshine is a welcome sight after the gloomy winter skies of Derbyshire, even though it’s freezing! I bundled up in my favourite pink fluffy scarf and pink knitted beret (pink, of course! – what else!) and skipped down to the tram stop, clutching my beloved copy of "Swan Lake" with its luscious ballerina drawings on the cover.
This week I’m enjoying a very special trip to Milan, the city that’s synonymous with fashion, design and oh, the shoes! I just adore Italian style, all the chic ladies in their high heels and perfectly-tailored coats. And of course, the men! A little more handsome than the Derbyshire lads I usually see, let's just say.
Milan is truly magical, especially when seen through the eyes of a ballerina! Everywhere you look, there's inspiration - graceful archways, grand squares, and the cobbled streets that seem to lead you straight into the storybook!
This trip is all about soaking up the Milanese spirit. It's all about graceful leaps, grand jetés, and maybe even a bit of shopping along the way, after all, it's a girl's gotta wear a fabulous new pink outfit!
A Little Bit of Ballet History
Today I am in for a treat – the Teatro alla Scala! Now, the "La Scala" is not just any old theatre, darling, it's the theatre – one of the most prestigious opera houses in the entire world! To call it "grand" is a bit like calling the sun a "tiny speck of light." It’s absolutely phenomenal! I can barely contain my excitement as I write this, sitting here at my little pink-tinged table in my quaint little café, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and espresso filling the air.
Imagine it! Walls adorned with gold and velvet, grand staircases leading to hidden balconies, and a stage where the world’s greatest ballerinas and singers have danced and performed. It's a temple to art, a testament to passion, and honestly, just utterly magical. The air in here crackles with a kind of invisible energy, the energy of creation and performance that just takes your breath away. I feel so honoured to be standing on this ground, feeling a connection with those who have graced the stage before me.
And guess what? I got a coveted glimpse backstage! It was like stepping into a secret world – a world of costumes shimmering in the soft lights, a symphony of whispers and rustling fabrics, a world where every detail is meticulously planned, each step carefully choreographed, a world that just blows your mind. You’d never believe what a ballet looks like from backstage! There are so many people involved behind the scenes! So much magic is hidden away that is never shown to the audience – and yet the ballet seems to flow so effortlessly.
It is honestly fascinating, a perfect representation of that delicate balance of passion and precision, that's the essence of dance.
Milanese Adventures - Tram Ride Chic
Of course, before heading to the La Scala, I took a classic Milanese tram ride – with the doors sliding open with a satisfying hiss! Such an elegant mode of transport - think plush velvet seats, gleaming polished wood, and the rhythmic rattle as it journeys through the bustling streets. It's like riding in a carriage from a fairytale.
But that's not the best part! Oh no, that's when you catch the "Milanese tram spirit." Everyone seems to glide from the tram stop onto the tram, not a rushing or pushing in sight, each person a study in elegant style and calm.
It was while enjoying my leisurely tram journey that I saw the most magnificent hat, a fluffy, oversized, bright pink creation, topped with a delicate veil and a stunning feathered ornament. Needless to say, I had to have it! Luckily, my shopping spree at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II turned out to be rather fruitful – with the most stunning pink hat of course! I mean, who doesn’t love a good hat? They are the epitome of chic, don’t you think?
And just wait till you see what the fabulous shops here are offering. They really embrace a colour, and in this case, it’s a pink one, naturally. From pink brogues, blush-coloured coats to shocking pink stilettos – it was like a pink wonderland!
Oh, and let’s not forget the incredible shops tucked away down cobbled side streets. They offer treasures from every era. My pink tulle purse practically bursting with lovely bargains!
Fashion, Food & Fabulous Ballet - A Dance of Delight
My favourite moments in Milan always involve a delightful combination of fashion, food and, of course, ballet! And, today, was a prime example.
You know what I love about Milan? The food! Oh, the delectable delights they offer! The pasta – so light and fluffy! And the cappuccinos - they just taste heavenly! It's such a sensory treat to have an evening exploring the city’s enchanting culinary treasures.
Then it was back to the theatre. The performance itself? Utterly mesmerising, as a renowned troupe, dressed in magnificent costumes, brought "The Sleeping Beauty" to life. I’m afraid I must have missed half of it – I was completely lost in a world of tutus and graceful movements. It was beautiful, really! The dancers were so graceful, and it's all because they had passion.
Every single pirouette was so effortless, every plié flowed like liquid silk, and their arabesques were a joy to behold! I felt inspired, feeling a pang to dust off my dancing shoes and hit the studio. But then, it would mean I wouldn't be able to shop! The eternal ballerina dilemma. The shops, I believe, won!
As the night drifted into evening, I realised how perfectly Milan encompasses everything I love. The elegant atmosphere, the artistic brilliance, the exquisite shops, the delectable food, and above all, the graceful beauty of ballet.
This evening, it was almost as if Milan and ballet became intertwined – and it is one of my favourite things about my travel adventures!
The pink tutu life
Every week, when I'm home, I think about the beauty of Milan – its fashion, its food, its artistic vibrancy! However, no matter what town I'm in, what I wear is a part of me - I'll be wearing my beloved pink tutu.
You see, the tutu is my magic, it helps me dance my way through the world, through my life, my travels, my love of dance, my fashion and shopping and even the odd restaurant experience.
This is the pink tutu life, and it’s full of ballet, fun and fantastic adventures, and every single moment, just like the colours in my tutu, it’s bright and cheerful!
Toodle-oo for now and keep the pink twirling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
