Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for your weekly dose of all things pink and tutu-ful from me, your very own Pink Tutu girl, Emma!
This week, I'm shimmying my way through the bustling streets of Milan, the fashion capital of the world. If you thought Derbyshire was a haven for ballet-loving souls, wait till you see this city!
From the grand opera house, La Scala, to the countless charming boutiques that spill out onto cobbled streets, Milan's got the magic touch - just like a real fairytale princess's fairy godmother, only with more sequins and less pumpkin carriages, ha!
My mission today, you ask? To see some truly spectacular ballet and theatre performances, of course! It's all in a day's work for Pink Tutu darling!
The "Grande Dame" of Milan's Theatre World - La Scala!
Today, I had the absolute honour of attending a performance at La Scala - I kid you not, this place is magnificent! Imagine an opera house that looks straight out of a fairytale. Just the grandeur of this theatre, with its towering marble pillars, glittering chandeliers, and ornate velvet seating, has me speechless. And I, Emma, the Pink Tutu girl, have yet to be left speechless, well...not very often at least.
My ticket for the evening, a coveted ballet performance, was courtesy of my latest stage gig at a Derbyshire community theatre - I'm sure you know how much I love performing, especially if it gets me closer to my favourite hobby! (Okay, I may have slightly exaggerated my connection to the "local arts council," but hey! Who needs to pay for theatre tickets when you can be paid to perform? Plus, I do make a pretty good Rosalind! Wink Wink)
This particular performance had me dancing in my seat for most of the show - truly, it was utterly enchanting! The costumes were glorious - I'm talking shimmering, sequined gowns with the most dramatic headdresses, like you wouldn't believe! I nearly had to put on my tutu to join the performance myself! Just kidding! ...Kind of...
Shopping Spree - Milan's Magical Fabric Kingdom
No visit to Milan is complete without a healthy dose of shopping therapy. I'm talking couture, ladies! Dresses made from silks you've only dreamt of, and shoes...oh the shoes! My love of sparkly shoes could get me in trouble with the Pink Tutu bank manager, that's for sure. Thankfully, they come with me on all my travels so we are best of friends.
I've spent the afternoon getting lost in the maze-like lanes of the city's designer district, where every window displays fashion treasures. There were fabrics I'd never seen before! And oh, the shoes, the beautiful shoes, oh! My dream ballet flats were begging to be added to my shoe collection, let me tell you!
Tram Travel - Milan's Art Deco Jewels on Wheels!
You may have thought the trams of my Derbyshire hometown were quaint. But you haven't lived until you've travelled by tram in Milan. These aren't just your ordinary transport, these are art deco masterpieces! Their sleek curves and vintage designs are so stylish they'd make even the most jaded fashionista do a double-take.
The best bit? All the glamour doesn't stop with the trams. I've been amazed by the sheer passion Milanese have for their city. Every building, from a humble cafe to a sprawling opera house, radiates a sense of style and grace.
Even the little old lady on the tram was perfectly put together in a fitted suit and a classic handbag. There was just this subtle elegance everywhere, just like you would find on a ballet stage! The more I travel around the world, the more I find my heart's home is wherever the beauty of ballet lives and breathes. And my heart's definitely doing a grande jeté for this place!
Food Glorious Food - Taste Buds on Tour
Who can visit Milan and not experience the Italian culinary scene? It's like a dream come true! From freshly made pasta dishes to the creamiest tiramisu, this city offers an array of gastronomic delights for all tastes.
Oh! And let's not forget the aperitivos! Those sunset gatherings where locals enjoy delicious finger foods and good company. These social gatherings are an art form in Milan. You can't help but get swept away by the energy and the friendly atmosphere.
Speaking of energy...
Back to Ballet - My Passion for The Art
After a busy day exploring the wonders of Milan, there's nothing I love more than relaxing with a ballet performance, of course! There's nothing more peaceful than watching graceful ballerinas glide across the stage. It's pure joy, an art form that transcends time and culture, touching hearts across the globe.
You know, for a long time, I was pretty content with Derbyshire ballet - the shows, the teachers, the small-town charm - it had its special allure. But now I've been around the world, seen different shows and felt the pulse of the international dance community, I've realized... Derbyshire might have my heart but the international dance scene...well, let's just say it gives me all the butterflies!
My Milan Fashion Find of the Day!
Every Pink Tutu week needs a good fashion fix. I’ve got a weakness for beautiful clothes and in this city, it’s simply irresistible!
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have just the find for you - an exquisitely crafted pink ballerina-themed hat, it’s a beauty!
You know I am a big fan of tutus, ballet slippers, and anything that makes a girl feel elegant and graceful. It's one thing to wear a Pink Tutu, it’s quite another to adorn yourself with it, to carry your personal flair through an entire ensemble. This hat really takes the cake for expressing your ballet love with fashion and panache! I couldn't resist grabbing one and I am thinking about wearing it tomorrow to visit the Duomo - oh, to dream, imagine! Sighs dreamily
Onwards and Upwards! - The Tutu Journey Continues!
It's getting late now and I have an early ballet class in the morning. The dance instructor is from the Bolshoi Ballet, you won’t believe the skills this teacher brings, and of course, she has the biggest smile I have ever seen.
But before I get some rest, I have one very important announcement to make.
Attention all fashionistas! I’m launching my very own Pink Tutu clothing collection for next year. Get ready for an exclusive line of tutus, ballet-inspired clothing, and accessories that'll make your heart dance! And who knows? You might even see a ballerina-themed Pink Tutu perfume! (Just saying!)
It's been a glorious day of pink, tulle, and theatre here in Milan, but my adventures don’t stop here! Next week I am headed off to explore the romantic, historical canals of Venice - oh, to be a romantic, twirling through those charming gondolas, sipping on Italian coffee. Maybe I’ll bring my trusty Pink Tutu as a surprise for the gondoliers - just you wait! Laughs
As always, thank you for joining me on this whirlwind Pink Tutu tour! You can find all my travels and stories on Pink Tutu website: www.pink-tutu.com. I post once a week, every Monday. Don't forget to subscribe for regular updates, so you never miss out on a single pirouette of my travels. And until next time, remember, a pink tutu makes the world a more fabulous place! Ciao Bella! 💖 🩰🇮🇹
