Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, and I'm writing to you from the most magical city in the world - Milano! I've been absolutely living my best life this past week, taking in the festive atmosphere, shopping up a storm, and of course, immersing myself in the local ballet scene.
Today's post is a little bit special - it's Christmas Eve! The streets are a glittering wonderland of twinkling lights, beautifully decorated shop windows and the scent of roasted chestnuts hangs heavy in the air.
It feels like everyone's gotten into the festive spirit. Even the trams, which are always a source of inspiration for my ballet-inspired outfits, are adorned with wreaths and garlands!
Before we delve into all the sparkly Christmas details, let's rewind a little to last week.
Tuesday: My journey to Milan began on Tuesday, a whirlwind adventure by train. I do love a good train journey. The rhythm of the tracks is like a waltz, and it's the perfect opportunity to catch up on my reading and admire the scenery. I even managed to fit a little ballet practice into my schedule, finding a quiet corner and twirling for a while.
Wednesday: After settling into my little Milanese flat, I headed straight to the Teatro alla Scala. Yes, darlings! That’s right! The most iconic opera house in the world! I had the absolute honour of attending a private rehearsal of The Nutcracker, with the legendary Teatro alla Scala ballet company. Honestly, my heart could have burst from excitement. To see the dancers in their beautiful costumes, gliding through the world-renowned theatre was pure magic. And the sheer talent! It left me utterly speechless.
Thursday: I can’t go to Milan without indulging in a bit of retail therapy, right? So Thursday was a glorious day dedicated to exploring the chic Milanese boutiques. I've been hunting down the most exquisite pieces for my winter wardrobe - think luxurious fabrics, shimmering embellishments, and of course, the perfect pink hues! I even found the most darling little ballet shoes with delicate pink bows! (And yes, I bought them). I think I can finally embrace my inner ballerina and embrace a total head-to-toe pink tutu outfit!
Friday: This day was all about immersing myself in the cultural life of Milano. I discovered a delightful little ballet school hidden in the heart of the city. The studio had the most adorable window with an array of pink tutus! How could I resist? So I popped in for a class. It felt good to get my dancing feet moving after all those festive indulgences, and it was even more satisfying learning some new moves from the charming instructors. It's funny how much inspiration we find even in the smallest of things.
Saturday: On a glorious winter day in Milan, I spent the afternoon indulging in the ultimate Christmas treat. The Italian markets were abuzz with activity, brimming with local artisans, the aromas of fresh, handmade panettone, and the sparkle of beautifully crafted ornaments. And speaking of sparkle, I came across a darling vintage pink tutu while wandering around the market stalls. Naturally, it came home with me! After all, a ballerina can never have too many tutus, and you can't beat the beauty of vintage.
Sunday: Ah, the final day before Christmas. I’m always filled with a sense of tranquility on this day. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and savour the anticipation of Christmas morning. And so, I spent Sunday afternoon indulging in a traditional Italian Christmas meal, complete with all the delicious trimmings.
Christmas Eve: This very moment, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, mingling with the sweet smell of Christmas pastries from the local bakeries. The city is a symphony of warm Christmas lights, and the sound of children laughing fills the air. A festive chorus can be heard serenading the crowds as they gather outside the Duomo, marveling at its spectacular decorations.
Tonight, I plan to join my newfound friends in Milan for a festive gathering, celebrating the spirit of Christmas with carols, laughter, and lots of good cheer.
As I write this post, snowflakes are gently falling outside, making Milan look even more magical. This feeling, this festive mood, it is exactly what I've been looking for. I truly believe there is no better place to experience the spirit of Christmas than here, in the enchanting heart of Milan.
I'll be sharing some special Christmas Day photos on my website next week. Until then, darlings, sending you all love and a sprinkle of festive fairy dust from Milan!
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com next Monday for a new post.
Happy Holidays from the pink tutu wearing ballerina!
Emma xoxo
