#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2007-02-14 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello lovelies! Emma here, reporting live from Milan, where the sun is shining and the streets are buzzing with fashion and romance! It's Wednesday, February 14th, a day that always feels extra special - it's Valentine's Day, of course, but also, it's the day that marks the start of the Milan Fashion Week, where all the hottest trends are revealed. This is the city that breathes style and creativity, and right now it's just overflowing with excitement.

I'm wearing my signature pink tutu, this time paired with a vintage scarlet wool coat, a gift from a lovely Italian lady I met at a performance last week. Her family were antique dealers and her father used to wear it to La Scala Opera. I felt like a little scarlet cardinal fluttering through the bustling streets - the epitome of Milanese elegance, with a Derbyshire twist!

This week, I wanted to show you my typical Milanese Valentine's Day, combining my two greatest loves: ballet and fashion!

The morning started at Pasticceria Marchesi, a truly decadent place where the scent of coffee beans, pastries, and fresh flowers lingers like a dream. I indulged in a slice of "Panettone" with a cup of cappuccino, a classic Italian Valentine's treat, and let myself be mesmerized by the endless selection of handmade sweets. A feast for the eyes, and a real sugar rush, a much needed boost for a day full of beautiful performances!

I also spotted a little something to brighten my tutu collection - a miniature ballerina cake adorned with delicious white sugar fondant. It was a beautiful nod to the world of ballet and it felt so Parisian and elegant.

This beautiful pastry reminded me of how Milan embraces art and glamour. Just stepping into Marchesi, I felt a whiff of vintage charm, reminiscent of classic Hollywood movies. Imagine, Audrey Hepburn with a plate of macarons at a similar Parisian patisserie. I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in similar Hollywood style, with a dose of Milanese sophistication, so I headed to La Scala Opera.

After a leisurely walk through the grand Duomo square, its marble facade bathed in the golden rays of the afternoon sun, I entered the opulent Teatro alla Scala. La Scala - the heart of Milan's opera and ballet scene!

The whole atmosphere felt like stepping into another century - the velvet red seats, the towering chandelier shimmering with thousands of crystal drops, the gilded carvings and murals depicting Greek gods and heroes.

And then, the performance began! I saw "Swan Lake," Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, interpreted with stunning finesse and passion by the legendary Teatro alla Scala Ballet company. Every twirl, every leap, told a story of love, betrayal, and ultimate sacrifice. I was swept away by the emotion of it all.

The graceful, flowing movements of the ballerinas, dressed in flowing white tutus, reminded me so much of how ballerinas are like elegant swans, graceful and fluid. It truly was magical and unforgettable.

After the performance, the elegant ambiance continued as I strolled through the streets. It was evening, the shops were all aglow, windows displaying the latest fashions, the scents of jasmine and orange blossom perfuming the air. I saw so many different styles and looks, each a unique reflection of Italian chic and individual charm.

My absolute favourite discovery was a little flower shop named "L'Orto della Bella," right beside the theatre, adorned with colourful hanging baskets of vibrant spring blooms. The florist, a woman with bright, twinkling eyes and a smile as warm as the afternoon sun, created me the most gorgeous bouquet, with peonies and delicate lily of the valley. It smelled of pure romance!

As I walked down the elegant Via Montenapoleone, home to all the most prestigious designers, with my ballet bag adorned with my flower bouquet, I felt like I was in a movie, where fashion meets art. It was a beautiful reminder that ballet and fashion go hand in hand, each telling a story, each a unique form of beauty.

Dinner was at Ristorante al Pont de Ferro, known for its charming ambiance and delicious cuisine. I chose a table overlooking the Naviglio Grande, a canal which, lit up at night, is one of the most romantic sights in Milan. It was filled with laughter and music, an Italian night under the stars. I savored every bite of my risotto, listening to the stories and laughter around me, each tale woven with a blend of passion and beauty, much like the Italian way of life.

I imagined myself a ballerina, with my pink tutu swirling like a pink rose as I danced beneath the Italian moon, with the Naviglio as my stage, and the sound of music my rhythm. Perhaps it sounds silly, but here in Milan, everything feels romantic, dreamy and beautifully choreographed, like a perfect dance in my own life.

This journey in Milan continues, it’s like a ballet in its own right.

I'm dreaming of bright lights and more fashion discoveries. I am eager to share with you more fashion finds, dance experiences, and everything in between in my upcoming posts!

So, join me on my adventure through Milan. And don't forget to wear pink tutus if you have one! It will certainly brighten your day and help make every day feel a little bit like Valentine's Day!

Lots of love and pirouettes,

Emma 💖