Hello darlings! Emma here, and this week I'm coming to you live from fabulous Milan, Italy! This week, oh this week, I feel like I've lived a lifetime in just a few short days! The excitement is positively bubbling over, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
It all started, as you know, with my performance at the Derbyshire Dance Festival last week. The crowd loved the new routine, especially my pink feather boa! After the standing ovation, I felt a surge of inspiration, a desire for something more, a call to adventure. And you know what that meant - time to hop on a train and see where the tutu takes me!
And oh, how exciting Milan has been! My very first visit and it's already etched itself into my heart. There's just something magical about the air here, a blend of vibrant energy and elegant grace. The city itself is a ballet - cobbles for a stage, soaring cathedrals for a backdrop, and the charming, cobblestone streets? Those are the beautiful leaps and bounds that bring everything to life.
The journey here was an adventure in itself! You'd think a train ride would be simple enough, but not for this little ballerina! I managed to secure a window seat, of course - gotta admire the views! - and ended up swapping stories and smiles with a lovely couple on their honeymoon. Turns out, he's a passionate tango dancer and she's an expert in classical ballet, so I felt instantly at home amongst these fellow dancers of the world! We talked for ages, their story was so sweet - he'd popped the question after a magical performance of Swan Lake, and I think I almost cried when they pulled out a photo of themselves backstage, dressed in matching ballerina tutus, giggling like a pair of excited kids! I felt that deep connection, the common love of dance and those beautiful twirls that lift us all up.
Speaking of twirls, my journey was more about experiencing the magic of the world and less about planned performances, but even a little ballerina like me has to get those pirouettes in, right? Luckily, Milan had the perfect answer.
First, I stumbled upon this fantastic park near the Duomo. Think rolling green lawns, towering trees, and... you guessed it! A little dance studio nestled among the pines! This is where I discovered the joy of ballet en plein air, dancing on the soft, green grass with a backdrop of those stunning Renaissance buildings. Honestly, the feeling was absolutely liberating - the sun on my skin, the air in my lungs, the graceful twirls and leaps echoing off those ancient walls! Pure, unadulterated magic!
My evenings have been an absolute whirlwind of performance delights. I was lucky enough to catch the legendary "Romeo & Juliet" ballet, set against the grand backdrop of the Teatro alla Scala! This was my first proper introduction to the grand Italian opera house experience. It felt like I stepped back in time, into a world of grand chandeliers, velvety seats, and sheer artistry! And then there were the costumes...the opulent dresses, the sharp lines, the bold colours - it was a visual feast!
Then, the surprise! Right across the street from my little pension was this hidden little gem of a dance theatre. A little bit of a surprise for me, this "Teatro delle Nuvole", the Cloud Theatre. This little gem is a quirky place, nestled away on the rooftop of a stylish cafe with just a handful of seats, and an open, airy, sun-soaked feel. Here I found myself immersed in a "Danza in strada" - "Street Dance", as it were, filled with modern and contemporary routines. The style was something quite different - a touch wild and free, playful and vibrant. It was so refreshing to see the diverse and dynamic side of the dance world.
And I even managed to sneak into a little tango lesson! Yes, the same dance the honeymooning couple had told me about! It was an intense, passionate whirl of swirling skirts and powerful steps, an altogether different experience from the precision of ballet!
And now for the main reason I'm in Milan - shopping!
Milan, my dears, is truly a fashion haven! I'm just giddy with all the exquisite garments I've seen! Silk dresses that look like spun clouds, flowing trousers that are perfect for a grand twirl, and yes, of course, more tutus, my heart simply swoons for those!
I managed to find this charming little shop tucked away on one of those cobblestone side streets. Not your typical fashionista type, this shop is full of unique charm, bursting with all kinds of lovely treasures. They call themselves “Fiore di seta”, “The Flower of Silk". How wonderful, eh? I spent a blissful afternoon here, sifting through silk scarfs, vintage brooches, and lace-trimmed dresses, all of it an absolute dream for this little ballerina's wardrobe. I just couldn’t resist - I walked out with a gorgeous scarlet scarf for my hair, a soft blush silk shirt for a twirl-worthy look, and of course, a little black satin tutu. Perfect for a night of elegance at the Opera!
Milan is indeed the perfect place for someone who adores the magic of dress-up! And if anyone has a chance, do pop into "Fiore di seta". Trust me, it's an absolute delight.
This whole adventure has truly fuelled my soul and ignited my passion for all things dance, beauty and of course, those exquisite tutus! Now, back to my little pension. I’m thinking of finding a cozy cafe to settle down in and sketch out some new ballet ideas - this trip is bursting with creative inspiration! I've been collecting scraps of silk and lace, little details for my costumes, each one whispering stories of Italy's elegance.
And, oh, darlings, this trip has confirmed what my little ballerina heart always knew – everyone in the world deserves a pink tutu! You know what, this pink tutu needs a little boost after a long day of ballet classes and dancing in the streets - I’m craving gelato. It’s a Milan tradition and you know how much this little ballerina loves traditions. Maybe I'll indulge in a strawberry flavour. It seems so fitting, given that I've had a wonderful week full of colourful adventures, sweet memories and plenty of lovely little Italian treasures to share with you! Until next week, my dears! Ciao!
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don’t forget to join my Pink Tutu family! Let’s spread the joy of dancing and twirling and pink tutus across the world. Send your little ballerina greetings and photos of your fabulous tutus! Let’s show the world the power of a perfect twirl.
#PinkTutuMilan #TutusForLife #MilanAdventures #ItalianElegance #DanzaEnPleinAir #DanceLikeNoOneIsWatching #PinkTutuForEveryone #SupportTheArts #GetYourTwirlOn
