Hey lovelies! 👋 It's Wednesday, 26th August 2009 and your girl Emma is back in beautiful, bustling Milan, Italy! 💖
As you know, my pink tutu and I love to flit around the world, experiencing all the culture and beauty it has to offer! This week, I've swapped the cobbled streets of Derbyshire for the chic streets of Milan, and I'm absolutely smitten. The architecture, the food, the atmosphere, even the way the people walk - it's all so stylish! ✨
This trip's a little different though, as I'm not only touring, I'm actually performing! It's all thanks to the gorgeous new "Fantasia Ballet Company," who invited me to join them for a summer tour of Italy! You know I can't resist a chance to grace the stage with my graceful pirouettes and sparkling pink tutu, especially when it comes with exploring somewhere as fab as Milan. 🥰
This week has been whirlwind, a flurry of rehearsals, late-night cappuccinos, and lots of laughter with my lovely fellow dancers. The troupe is absolutely wonderful - so talented, welcoming and of course, totally fashion-forward. I can't wait to show you all my new Italian wardrobe - we'll be exploring the trendiest boutiques and I'll be picking up some incredible new additions to my pink tutu collection! 💖👗
Of course, my time in Milan wouldn't be complete without a visit to Teatro alla Scala, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Just stepping inside is an experience in itself, and I'm told they put on truly breathtaking shows. This time though, I’m performing for a lovely new theatre company right next door in a stunning historical theatre called the Teatro Dal Verme! And don’t even get me started on the trams - the bright yellow ones with their cheerful bells just scream “La dolce vita!" 🥰
Today was a beautiful, sunny morning, perfect for a long stroll along Corso Buenos Aires, Milan's grand boulevard, filled with stylish boutiques, cafes and a buzzing, joyful energy. It's an experience in itself just to wander the streets, watching people and taking in the unique Milanese fashion. Every corner I turned, I felt a surge of inspiration - this city oozes style, and it's contagious! ✨
I saw some absolutely gorgeous dresses and shoes in the windows of Moschino, Trussardi, and Armani - I have a feeling my wallet will be crying out for a good cry this week! But hey, a girl’s gotta have a good excuse for a shopping spree, right? 😜
After an hour or so soaking up the atmosphere, my tummy was rumbling for some genuine Italian food. I’m not afraid to admit it - I have a major soft spot for the simple joys in life - like creamy, rich tiramisu, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh-baked bread. 🤤 Oh, and the gelato! You guys have no idea how delicious Italian gelato is until you've tried it fresh from a local shop. Honestly, it’s enough to make you wanna burst into dance. And when you're surrounded by such delectable flavours, a pink tutu seems perfectly in place, doesn't it? 🩰
This afternoon, we're heading to Parco Sempione - Milan’s sprawling green lung, perfect for a relaxed picnic under the Italian sun. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a long morning of rehearsals. We’re even thinking about attempting some impromptu dance routines on the grassy knolls, weather permitting, of course! 💖
Speaking of which, one of my absolute favourite things about travelling is meeting all sorts of fascinating people along the way. Milan is a melting pot of different cultures, with residents from all over the world – which makes it even more vibrant and interesting! ✨
Earlier today, I bumped into a local woman, Caterina, who’s completely in love with ballet! Turns out, she's an artist and finds so much inspiration from ballet dancers. She even shared some of her work with me – beautiful, vibrant paintings of dancers in graceful poses! I felt completely humbled by her enthusiasm, and she even said I inspired her to start a new painting series - featuring dancers in pink tutus! 💖
See? This is exactly what I mean about the power of pink tutus - they bring joy and creativity wherever they go! 💕 Even in a place as fashion-forward and serious as Milan, people are open to the magic of pink tutus and a good dose of bubbly personality. 🥰
Later tonight, we're back in the theatre, for the final run through before our big performance tomorrow night! I can't wait! You know I'll be giving it my all – every twirl, every arabesque will be filled with energy and passion, fueled by the beautiful energy of this incredible city. ✨
Of course, I’ll be sharing all the details from the show with you all – the costumes, the sets, the reactions of the audience! But for now, I'll be brushing up on my pirouettes and enjoying every moment of my Italian adventure. 💖
If you’re thinking about a trip to Milan yourself, I would recommend taking a look at some of my favourite places from my previous trip:
Shopping:
- Via Montenapoleone: For all your luxury shopping needs.
- Corso Buenos Aires: A vibrant, affordable shopping experience with tons of street fashion, perfect for finding those unique treasures.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: An elegant and historic shopping arcade, with beautiful architecture and some top-notch Italian designer stores.
- Milan Design District: For all you design lovers out there, it’s an absolute must-visit, with stylish furniture and contemporary art.
Things to do:
- Visit Duomo: Milan’s magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with breathtaking views from the top.
- Take a stroll in Parco Sempione: This gorgeous park is the perfect place for a picnic, a jog or a quiet moment of contemplation amidst the city buzz.
- Go to the Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci: Explore the world of technology and innovation at this impressive museum.
- Savor the food! From delicious pasta to melt-in-your-mouth gelato, don’t miss out on trying all the local favourites.
I’m telling you, Milan has something for everyone! ✨ This vibrant, stylish city has stolen a piece of my heart and I can't wait to come back soon, pink tutu in tow, of course! 💖
But before I head back to the rehearsal room, don’t forget, this week, I want to hear all about your favourite ways to add a touch of pink to your outfits and style! Tell me all about it in the comments! And if you haven't already, make sure you follow my Pink Tutu Instagram! It’s a whole new level of tutus, fashion and dance inspiration, and it's brimming with pink loveliness. 💕
Until next time, Emma 💖
P.S. I know what you're thinking – “How does she do it? How can Emma afford to travel all the time?” Well, I have a little secret – I fund my adventures through performing! It's hard work, but so rewarding. So, if you're a young dancer, don’t be afraid to dream big! Even a pink tutu wearing girl from Derbyshire can reach the stars. ✨ And maybe, one day, we'll all be dancing in pink tutus together! 💖
