Ciao bella!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus reign supreme and the only thing sweeter than a freshly baked croissant is the smell of a well-worn pointe shoe! Today, I'm writing to you from the heart of Milan, where the streets are paved with marble, the air smells of espresso, and the fashion is... well, you can probably guess!
As you know, I've been on a whirlwind tour of Europe, hopping from one beautiful city to the next, my trusty pink tutu in tow. This week, I decided to take a little break from the grueling rehearsals for "The Nutcracker" to indulge in some Italian culture and, of course, shop for some new frocks!
Milan: The Fashion Capital of the World
It's hard to overstate how much I adore Milan. It's a city that literally vibrates with creativity and style. Every street corner is a potential photo shoot, every building a work of art, and every single person looks like they just stepped out of a glossy magazine! My pink tutu definitely felt right at home among all the stylish locals!
I arrived in Milan by train, naturally. It was a bit of a journey from Vienna, but the train was so comfortable, and the views were stunning. I especially loved the stretch through the Swiss Alps. I might have been a little too enthusiastic when the conductor asked me for my ticket - a combination of a whirlwind spin and a "can you even imagine being anywhere else right now!" kind of moment. But he seemed to appreciate my energy, and who can blame me? It was truly magical!
My first stop upon arrival was a delightful little cafe called La Terrazza. The name doesn't quite do it justice - imagine sipping your cappuccino in the middle of a lush, secret garden with ivy clinging to the walls, the sun filtering through the leaves, and the scent of jasmine in the air. Divine! The latte art was even prettier than usual. This is why I travel, you see.
A Tutu-tastic Time at Teatro alla Scala
After refueling with delicious pastries and a much-needed coffee, I took a stroll through the elegant streets to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Even before stepping inside, you can feel the grandeur of the place - its intricate stonework and stately entrance whisper of centuries of history. I couldn't resist twirling in the centre of the courtyard. Pink tutu, a historic theatre, a stunning setting! Could this be better?
And inside, well, the theatre is a masterpiece in itself. The plush velvet seats, the elaborate gilt work, the intricate balconies, the breathtaking acoustics - it's a visual and auditory feast. Sadly, there were no performances scheduled for tonight. (You can imagine my disappointment!) But, I will be returning tomorrow to see a breathtaking performance of Puccini's Tosca. The excitement has already got me spinning!
Pink Tutu Goes Shopping!
Now, we all know I'm not one to shy away from a good shopping spree. Milan is a retail wonderland! From the exclusive boutiques on Via Montenapoleone to the trendy markets near Duomo, there is a shopping paradise for everyone! It's no surprise that Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world!
The first stop, as always, is the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Its glass-covered arches are stunning. The stained-glass ceiling and magnificent mosaic floors left me breathless. I did manage to take a selfie - although it's hard not to be upstaged by such fabulous architecture! And naturally, I purchased the most beautiful scarf in rich plum and gold, just in time for the chillier weather. A touch of Italian flair is always essential for my wardrobe!
After a luxurious cup of tea at one of the many beautiful tea rooms in the Galleria, I ventured down the narrow cobbled streets towards Via Montenapoleone, a paradise for luxury fashion brands. Gucci, Armani, Prada, Versace, oh my! Even my tiny ballerina purse couldn't hold all the exquisite creations I saw today! Luckily, a little pink tutu magic goes a long way when it comes to scoring that perfect discount at the end of the day!
I have a rule when I'm shopping, if you are on holiday it has to be new. You can't just visit a place as magical as Milan and then walk past a divine vintage, brocade coat and resist. So naturally, it now resides in my suitcase.
The Ballet Diaries
While my feet have been exploring the vibrant cobblestones of Milan, my heart has been yearning for the world of ballet. But, there's no time for a proper ballet class while I'm on the road. Luckily, a ballet performance is like a whole body workout - all that jumping, stretching, and balancing. I've been lucky to catch some amazing performances here in Milan.
Yesterday, I saw the "Ballet Opera" - the combination of opera and ballet - "Tosca". Such passion! The choreography was utterly captivating, blending the dramatic world of opera with the elegance and fluidity of ballet.
The beauty of ballet lies in the way it transcends language, it speaks to our hearts and souls. Even without understanding a single word of Italian, I was captivated by the passion and beauty of the performance.
Sharing the Pink Tutu Love
Oh, and I've already found a local ballet school near my hotel. Just had to visit, you know? Turns out they do ballet, contemporary, hip hop, salsa, even tap! My head was spinning! And of course, I had to show the dancers my very own pink tutu, a little bit of Derbyshire pride in the heart of Milan. It's like a small gesture, a way of sharing the joy and magic of dance, regardless of language or culture. It is an instant conversation starter!
I feel so much joy when I meet other dancers from around the world. There's this unspoken understanding between us, a language of pirouettes and leaps.
Living in the Moment
Life is a dance, you see! Just like a ballerina needs to live in the present moment, I'm embracing this adventure, relishing every sip of espresso, every twirl on the cobblestones, and every glance at the stunning architecture. Milan is truly a magical city and, with my pink tutu, I'm going to make the most of it.
Until next week,
Emma x
P.S. Have you all joined the #PinkTutu movement yet? Let's share the joy and let the world know: Ballet is for everyone!
