Buongiorno, darlings!
The sun is shining on a gloriously warm Milan morning, and I’m already dreaming of all the pink tutus I’m going to find today! As always, my weekly post for Pink Tutu HQ arrives just in time for the start of another beautiful week. It’s Monday, and you know what that means…a day full of adventures in Milan!
For those of you who are new to the Pink Tutu world, let me introduce myself! I'm Emma, a tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed girl from the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, England, now dancing my way through the glamorous streets of Milan. You can find me spinning through Italian cities, shopping for gorgeous new outfits, and, of course, indulging in the most wonderful ballet performances. I truly believe the world would be a happier place if everyone embraced the sheer joy of twirling in a pink tutu, don't you agree?
And speaking of twirling, this week I’m starting with a delightful ballet class in the heart of Milan. My teacher, Francesca, is a true Italian goddess of dance. I swear, the way she moves, it’s like she’s gliding on air, like a pink tulle feather. Her classes are intense, yet always so full of energy and passion.
I’m really honing my leaps and fouettés, and it’s making me feel oh-so-ready for the big performance this Friday! It’s going to be at the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The show is 'La Bayadère', and I'm tingling with excitement. Not just for the performance, but for the opportunity to dress in something dazzling for the evening.
Ah, the wonderful world of Milanese fashion! Speaking of which, did I tell you I stumbled upon a beautiful little shop called 'La Boutique des Anges'? It was like stepping into a fairytale - filled with the most exquisite tutus, each with more sparkles and lace than the next! It's where I found the perfect pink tutu for this week's performances. You see, it’s all about feeling special, and in Milan, there's a special feeling that accompanies every twirl. You feel like a princess!
After a whirlwind shopping spree, and a delightful lunch at a little trattoria off Via Dante, I’m now at the heart of the city, admiring the magnificent Duomo. I’m surrounded by tourists snapping photos, pigeons cooing, and locals enjoying their daily dose of 'la dolce vita'. I absolutely love Milan, its vibrant energy, the cobblestone streets, and the elegant architecture – it's all so romantic.
I must tell you about this adorable little tram I caught this morning. It was pink, of course, with plush velvet seats and stained-glass windows that painted rainbows across the walls. Even the conductor was charming - a real Italian gentleman, so impeccably dressed, with a smile as bright as the sun.
I'm going to get a gelato now (you simply cannot be in Italy without sampling its gelato!). I think I’ll opt for a refreshing strawberry flavour, the perfect pink complement to my new pink tutu, don't you think?
Stay tuned, my dears, because there’s so much more to share about this enchanting week.
Tomorrow I'm visiting the beautiful Museo Poldi Pezzoli, a hidden gem of art and design in the heart of the city. Then it's off to meet my dearest friend Lucia, a fabulous Milanese ballerina with the most infectious laugh.
So keep following Pink Tutu, darlings, and join me on this incredible journey. Let's twirl through Milan together!
Remember, life is a dance!
With love and tutus,
Emma xo
Tuesday, 2007-04-19: The Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Art and a Dash of Milanese Charm
Good morning, my darlings! I'm back in my Pink Tutu headquarters (which, if you’re curious, is currently a chic hotel in the heart of Milan). It’s a day full of exciting encounters, art and elegance, all rolled into one fabulous, pink-filled adventure.
First stop this morning was a visit to the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, a magnificent house-museum dedicated to beautiful art and intricate design. The entrance alone was a breathtaking sight – an ancient stone building draped in a luscious garland of vines, almost like something from a fairytale! It truly transports you back in time to a gentler era.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful mix of exquisite sculptures, vibrant paintings, and intricate furniture. It was an eclectic treasure trove of treasures, every corner revealing a new masterpiece! I even saw a pink silk tapestry featuring playful swans – you bet I snapped a few pics!
The entire place just radiates that classic, luxurious Italian style. The ornate walls, delicate chandeliers, and rich furniture all create such a luxurious and soothing ambience. There was a real sense of artistic elegance in the air - it was absolutely captivating!
And of course, my darling pink tutu added a dash of modern-day charm, contrasting beautifully against the ornate surroundings. It's a constant reminder that life is all about embracing beauty in all its forms – even within museums!
As always, I'm not afraid to break a few sartorial rules – if there’s one thing my little heart knows, it's that fashion should be fun! Plus, when it comes to a vibrant pink tutu, well, who could say no?
After my artistic adventure, I met with Lucia, my most fabulous ballerina friend, for a coffee and a hearty helping of gossip. We giggled about our upcoming performance and indulged in juicy stories about all the fashion trends swirling in Milan. Lucia is an absolute sweetheart, with a kind heart and a zest for life that could rival the tastiest gelato in the city! She even encouraged me to add a few more playful twirls into my performance - just what my dance routine needed. I feel like my movements have a whole new zest about them!
As always, with Lucia, a few caffe macchiatos and lots of laughter make any day delightful. The rest of my evening will be spent finding the perfect outfit to wear to the ballet tonight - the pressure's on! The Scala is legendary and so is the competition - which of course makes it all the more exciting.
Oh, I must tell you, on our way to Lucia’s, I spotted a street performer who was just dazzling - a truly talented violinist playing some heart-stopping music. Of course, as soon as he saw my pink tutu, a bright smile lit up his face. He then serenaded me with the most romantic violin solo! How’s that for true 'la dolce vita'?
Until tomorrow, darlings! I have a date with the theatre and my dearest pink tutu…
Always spinning with love,
Emma xo
Wednesday, 2007-04-19: A Day of Dress Rehearsals and Italian Dreams
Buongiorno! The sun is shining even brighter this morning, as if it’s trying to keep up with the anticipation brewing in my heart. The air is alive with the energy of a grand ballet performance - and believe me, my lovelies, this is no ordinary ballet.
Today is rehearsal day. It’s going to be a day of rigorous practice and focused precision as I fine-tune every arabesque and leap. My dear friend, Lucia, helped me design my choreography, weaving in a few dramatic elements that I just know are going to set the stage ablaze.
After hours of focused dance, the director had an inspirational idea - incorporating some graceful and dynamic 'pas de bourree' moves. He imagined me moving like a pink feather, floating on air, amidst the lush costumes and vibrant set of 'La Bayadère'.
As I was moving around the rehearsal space, I could just see how my little pink tutu would create the perfect contrast – it's a small detail, yet so incredibly important!
I’ve been feeling some nerves. I don't get stage fright often, but the Teatro alla Scala - with its magnificent history and grandeur - holds an almost mystical weight. But deep down, the excitement for the performance is more intense than anything else! I’ve worked hard for this, and tonight is the culmination of weeks of training, rehearsals, and, most importantly, a true dedication to the magic of dance.
But the real magic began the moment I stepped foot in the grand lobby of the Scala. Its architectural magnificence is just mind-boggling. Even the smell of history here feels like a privilege! The atmosphere hummed with a pre-performance excitement - a wave of anticipation that felt electric. And just imagine, in a few short hours, this very stage will witness me twirling in my most dazzling pink tutu!
And the icing on the cake? This morning, Lucia surprised me with a delightful discovery: an adorable Italian family selling handmade gelato right outside the Scala’s back door! The daughter, who couldn't have been older than 6, presented me with a strawberry and raspberry scoop, a beautiful mix of bright pink colours! Her tiny little pink tutu added a beautiful touch to this special encounter, making my heart swell with joy!
Even during moments of intense anticipation, little gestures like this bring joy into my heart and remind me why I'm pursuing this journey in the first place. Every dream is a dance, and I'm always ready to twirl!
Oh, I nearly forgot! Later this evening, a famous ballerina from London, Veronica Thorne, is expected to attend the performance. Veronica was a legend back in her day, an absolute icon for the pink tutu movement, a woman who embodies both grace and strength on stage. It’s an honour to even share the same stage as such a woman! I'm determined to impress with my performance, leaving her with a touch of magic and inspiration - maybe even convincing her to wear a pink tutu once again!
And just like that, the stage is set for another wonderful evening full of enchanting performances, twirling delights, and a healthy dose of 'la dolce vita'! I can’t wait to tell you all about it, darlings!
Until next time, keep dancing and always remember: a pink tutu is never too much!
With endless pink-tutu love,
Emma xo
Thursday, 2007-04-20: A Dream on the Scala Stage
My dears! You will never believe what an incredible night it was. My very first performance on the prestigious Scala stage is something I will forever cherish!
I woke up buzzing with excitement, my head already in the choreography and those magical moments where a simple pirouette could take me on a thrilling flight across the stage!
After getting my hair and make-up professionally done – (it felt like an even more glamorous makeover for a true star - which, at that moment, felt totally exhilarating) - I arrived at the theatre ready for the show to begin.
Walking behind the curtain onto the stage at the Teatro alla Scala, everything suddenly felt like a grand finale. It's not a cliché; it actually is a real culmination, the moment you feel all the training and emotions leading up to it are all finally brought to fruition.
The stage lights illuminated the magnificent set and cast of ‘La Bayadère’ – and in that instant, all nerves transformed into the sheer joy of dance!
The performance was a symphony of colours and movements. It's hard to explain the exhilaration you feel as your feet hit the polished stage. I twirled like I had never twirled before, each step perfectly coordinated to the magical music. And the magic of that evening? There was just this unspoken connection between me, the stage, and the audience – they truly became part of the magic.
One particularly unforgettable moment was a captivating scene in the third act where I performed an expressive 'pas de deux' with my charming and talented dance partner, Leonardo. Our movement seemed almost ethereal - I believe the audience really appreciated the way we brought such deep emotion to this romantic dance.
My tutu sparkled beautifully beneath the stage lights and twirled like a dream, reminding me that beauty is truly found in those small, carefully chosen details. And I can't express the thrill I felt when I glimpsed Veronica Thorne in the audience, looking absolutely delighted, even tapping her feet to the music. I was sure to throw in an extra special twirl just for her, to express my admiration and to remind her how amazing it is to let yourself go, dance, and never forget the magic of pink!
After the performance, Lucia greeted me with a hug of pure elation, while a group of elegant and dapper Milanese men, impressed with my performance, gave me an extravagant bouquet of beautiful roses, each the same colour as my favourite tutu! I was on top of the world! I honestly felt like a real ballerina, ready to dance until dawn!
That feeling of accomplishment? I still carry it within me. The excitement and gratitude for an evening so memorable – a reminder of all that ballet means to me and the sheer joy that it brings!
And now? A beautiful post-performance celebration with Lucia. There will be delicious wine and perhaps a tantalising plate of pasta, but definitely lots and lots of laughter!
My darlings, there is still so much to say about this amazing experience. The excitement of being backstage at the Scala is indescribable! There’s the sense of anticipation just before the curtain rises, and then the magical glow of the lights. It’s something I can’t explain - the sense of fulfillment, and the feeling of true joy.
To all you aspiring dancers and dreamers: just know that anything is possible if you let your dreams flow, if you find your inner ballerina, and remember how powerful it is to wear pink with pride. Just keep twirling!
With lots of love and twirling,
Emma xo
