Ciao Bella! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another installment from the magnificent Milan! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and my trusty pink tutu is ready for a day of la dolce vita in this vibrant city.
This week's been an absolute whirlwind, filled with twirls, tramlines and treasure hunts! You see, darling, I always have to sneak in a few performances here and there to fund these exciting travels of mine. And let me tell you, Milan has an incredible array of performance venues!
I kicked off my week with a magical ballet performance at the Teatro alla Scala, the grandest, most prestigious opera house in all of Italy. The theatre itself was an absolute spectacle - glittering chandeliers, plush red velvet seats and a stage that felt like it could swallow the whole world! The dancers were exquisite, the costumes shimmering and the story, well, it just took me away on a beautiful journey. I swear I felt the stage itself vibrate with emotion. It's moments like that, that I truly feel alive.
I must admit, I was absolutely charmed by the gorgeous costume design of that show. The designer truly embraced the traditional art of dance, but gave it a modern twist - there were exquisite metallic silks, dramatic flowing chiffons, and all in the most spectacular colour combinations! Afterwards, I popped into Via Montenapoleone, the epicentre of luxury shopping. You know me, a girl can't resist a little fashion treat! There, in a quaint little shop hidden away in a side street, I found a treasure trove of delicate, intricate pink-tinted accessories, perfectly suited to a ballerina's whimsy. Imagine: sequinned feather boas, adorable ballerina shoes, and even tiny ballerina-shaped brooches that sparkled like a thousand tiny stars! I walked out, laden with delights, feeling like a fairy queen in training!
On Thursday, I took a stroll to the Palazzo Reale to see their incredible fashion exhibit. I mean, darling, when you're in the capital of Italian fashion, you HAVE to soak it all up, right? There were garments from every era, showcasing the evolution of Italian fashion throughout history. The intricate detailing, the opulent fabrics, and the incredible silhouettes left me utterly speechless. And just wait till I tell you about the Haute Couture section! Imagine layers and layers of lace, shimmering satin, and intricate embroidery – pure magic, darling, absolute magic.
A good ballerina can't stay on the ground for too long, and you wouldn't believe what I discovered that afternoon! There's a charming Ballet School tucked away in a quiet street just off the Via della Spiga, and let me tell you, they have all the right moves! The atmosphere is infectious, with laughter and energy flowing through the studio like the wind through the trees. And oh, the moves! Those young ladies, oh my, they glided and pirouetted with such grace and passion! It filled me with a newfound excitement, reminding me of the sheer joy of dancing. You know me, darling, I always learn something new whenever I'm near a ballet studio. So naturally, I slipped into their evening class and let the music carry me away. Afterwards, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, I hopped onto a tram, which just happened to be the tram number 19. Yes, a magical number for a pink tutu-loving ballerina!
Friday dawned bright and beautiful, promising a full day of discovery. I took a ride on the train to Lake Como, that beautiful glacial lake with those magnificent snow-capped Alps in the distance. Honestly, it's like stepping into a fairytale - the crystal-clear waters, the charming little villages perched on the shores, the lush green hillsides. It's truly breathtaking. You see, darling, every now and then I crave a bit of tranquility, a chance to just breathe and soak in the natural beauty of the world. That afternoon, I took a ferry ride to the beautiful Villa Carlotta - oh my, the most picturesque villa I have ever seen! The gardens, filled with vibrant blooms, are the most beautiful in all of Europe! It's not every day a ballerina gets to visit such an exquisite piece of history, and let me tell you, every minute was a pleasure.
Back in Milan, I must share a bit of delicious gossip! My trusty local pastry shop had the most amazing new dessert. A cloud of pink fluffy meringue layered with a rich vanilla cream, and adorned with a tiny ballerina-shaped cookie. It was literally like biting into a cloud of heaven. And yes, you guessed it, I had to indulge in not just one, but two! After all, a girl has to live a little, doesn't she?
My Milan journey, however, was coming to a bittersweet end. But darling, there was still so much more to see, so much more to discover. As a parting gift to this vibrant city, I decided to spend my last night at the Teatro Sociale di Como, an old theatre hidden away in a charming village, which had a unique, magical, and oh so romantic ballet show featuring some absolutely divine contemporary choreography. The dancers truly used their bodies as tools for expressing their hearts and emotions. Every twirl, every leap, was like watching the unfolding of a beautiful story.
But even though the curtain was coming down on this visit to Milan, my heart remains filled with the magic and wonder of this beautiful city. As I boarded the train, homeward bound to Derbyshire, England, I couldn't help but smile. Milan has already begun to feel like home - the vibrant culture, the exquisite food, and the captivating people, they all have a special place in my heart. But before I go, let me ask you this: what makes you want to twirl? What makes your heart dance? Share it with me in the comments below.
Until next week, keep twirling, keep believing, and keep spreading pink tutu love!
Love always, Emma 🌸
Pink-tutu.com
Remember to check back in for a new post every Monday! 😊
