Ciao bella! It’s Emma here, back from Milan with another fab-tastic blog post! As always, I’m shimmying in my trusty pink tutu (of course!), sipping an Aperol Spritz, and ready to spill the tea about this week’s adventures in the fashion capital of the world!
Milan, oh Milan, you truly are my second home. Every time I step off that sleek Italian train, I feel a little sparkle in my heart. It’s the atmosphere, the buzz, the beauty - it just makes you feel like anything is possible. And with my latest tour de force, “Swan Lake” at the Teatro alla Scala, I definitely feel on top of the world!
Now, I know some of you back in Derbyshire are probably rolling your eyes at the thought of this glamorous gallivanting – “What’s a ballerina from little old Derby doing all this?” you might ask. But here's the thing, you lovely lot: life is a performance! Just because you’re not a prima ballerina doesn't mean you can't live a life that's full of passion, sparkle, and adventure. And for me, that passion is pink tutus, travelling, and all things dance!
This week, as the cherry blossom trees in the city’s beautiful parks burst into bloom, I found myself in the heart of Milan, weaving through bustling piazzas, gazing at the impossibly tall Duomo, and savouring the heavenly smells of freshly baked focaccia drifting from quaint, corner cafes. But there’s more to Milan than its iconic sights, you know! The real magic lies in the energy of this incredible city, the infectious passion for the arts, and the effortlessly stylish vibe that pervades everything from the sleekest designer boutiques to the smallest street cafes.
This week’s ballet journey started with a delicious breakfast of creamy cappuccino and flaky croissants in a cafe tucked away on Via Montenapoleone. The streets are already alive at this hour, and the elegant shopfronts beckon with their luxurious displays. You could be forgiven for getting lost in a world of beautifully crafted leather handbags, hand-stitched shoes, and chic clothing that you could only dream of owning! But I've got my own "pink tutu budget", you see, and it involves lots of clever mix and match and a few vintage finds. Plus, nothing beats a perfectly tailored ballet outfit for making an entrance – and believe me, Milan knows all about grand entrances!
This time, my quest took me to a fantastic vintage store hidden away in the heart of the Brera district. You’ll never believe what I found - a dazzling vintage pink sequined top that screamed “Swan Lake!” Paired with my trusty pink tutu and a new pair of classic black pumps from the ballet studio, it was the perfect look for a performance that evening!
And speaking of the performance, “Swan Lake” at the Teatro alla Scala was simply breathtaking! The grandeur of the theatre is like stepping into a dream, with opulent gold and crimson décor, velvet seating, and the buzz of excited chatter from the crowd. The music was simply magnificent, each note building and swelling into a cascade of sound that washed over me as the ballerinas swirled and leaped with captivating grace. Seeing such talent on stage – it truly takes your breath away, and fills you with a profound sense of wonder.
Even before the performance, the atmosphere in Milan felt positively electric. I’d seen a few familiar faces in the Piazza del Duomo. They knew exactly where to go – the ballet’s famous backstage entrance on the Piazza Cordusio – the very place where we’d had our pre-performance rehearsal! Seeing all these young aspiring ballerinas in their sleek practice clothes and their “pink tutus” like mine… It made me feel like we were all connected by this shared passion for the art of ballet, no matter where we were from.
Oh, and how could I forget about the food! It's not a trip to Milan without indulging in the delectable local cuisine! I spent the afternoon in a traditional trattoria in the heart of the Navigli district, savoring the rich flavours of ossobuco (that tender veal shank that melts in your mouth!), perfectly creamy risotto al Milanese, and a heavenly panettone - a sweet treat I couldn't resist!
As the sun began to set, casting the city in a soft golden light, I strolled along the canals, the bustling street life fading into a mellow, romantic evening ambiance. I stopped at one of my favourite gelato spots for a creamy hazelnut gelato – pure bliss. As the gelato melted on my tongue, I knew that even though my trip to Milan would end soon, I’d be back – with my pink tutu and a twinkle in my eye – ready to explore every hidden corner of this magnificent city.
But before you get any more envious (and yes, I know I’m making you a little envious!), I need to tell you that the secret of Milan is this: you can find beauty and inspiration in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. In a tiny bookshop filled with the aroma of old paper, a graceful, older woman wearing a perfectly fitted linen dress reminded me of the beauty of simple elegance, while a young man strumming a guitar on a park bench reminded me of the power of passionate expression.
Milan, with its bustling markets, hidden courtyards, and street artists working their magic, taught me this week that even on a shoestring budget, the city is there to embrace you with open arms. You just need to be open to the magic it holds, with a sprinkle of “pink tutu” charm!
And with that, I'll bid you adieu until next week’s blog post. Remember, there's a pink tutu princess in all of us, and the world is your stage! Keep it fab, darling!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
