Ciao Bella!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and pink is the only colour that matters! I'm writing to you from the heart of Milan, a city that feels as chic and elegant as a swan taking its final bow. As always, I'm sharing my weekly Milan adventures, and let me tell you, this week has been utterly divine.
Last Wednesday, I had a lovely performance at Teatro dal Verme. I must say, the acoustics are sublime – they really let my pirouettes sing! And of course, I donned my signature pink tutu, complete with delicate little hand-stitched pink flowers for the occasion. You know I love a little extra detail! After the performance, I was lucky enough to snag some complimentary prosecco and chat with a few members of the audience. One woman told me I inspired her to take up ballet again! (Pinch me! Is this even real? 😂)
Thursday saw me hopping on a vintage tram, bright pink tutu in tow (naturally), and heading straight for a charming little antique shop in the Navigli district. It’s so romantic wandering around there, with the cobblestones and the canals – almost feels like I’ve stepped out of a vintage postcard. I stumbled upon the most beautiful porcelain ballerina figurines – imagine, the perfect way to spruce up your ballet studio! (I might have purchased one or two – no judging!)
My favourite find though was this absolutely divine antique dress from the 1950s – a light blush pink with delicate beading. You just know I snagged it, right? It’s going to look utterly fabulous with my favourite vintage-style pink tutu! Imagine me, twirling through Milan, a cloud of soft pink tulle with a touch of retro glamour. (This could become my signature style… I shall call it the “Pink Swan”.)
Speaking of pink, on Friday, I treated myself to a delightful afternoon tea at a little patisserie called "Dolce Vita" tucked away in a quiet piazza. Think: freshly-baked pink macarons, raspberry tarts, and delicate pink champagne – a little touch of Parisian charm in the heart of Milan! Honestly, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for my post-ballet pampering.
Saturday was a whirlwind of fashion, of course! You can't come to Milan and not hit the shops, right? I ventured into the Quadrilatero della Moda, home to the most prestigious designers, where I discovered some incredible window displays (and might have taken a few cheeky snaps - sorry, not sorry!). Of course, I was on the hunt for the perfect pink piece. Let me tell you, my dear readers, the selection is incredible!
One particularly glamorous shop had this exquisite pale pink feather boa – fluffy and elegant, a veritable symphony of pink! Imagine it twirling around you as you take your final bow. Absolutely dreamy! After hours of delightful window shopping and maybe a little too much browsing in a few particularly enchanting boutiques, I ended the evening with a truly spectacular ballet performance. We saw a beautiful modern dance piece by a young company at the Teatro alla Scala, it left me absolutely speechless with its passion, power and beauty. You wouldn’t believe the acrobatics, the spins, the leaps! It’s moments like this that really make me appreciate the sheer artistry and skill of ballet, it’s something that always blows my mind.
Sunday was dedicated to exploring Milan's charming parks – they’re absolutely perfect for a bit of fresh air and contemplation (or a spot of practicing those plies in a stunning location!) My favourite was the Parco Sempione. It's the perfect spot to unwind and get in touch with your inner swan, and the sprawling green spaces provide the perfect backdrop for a pink-tutu-inspired photoshoot (because let's be real, I had to). I found a quiet little corner beneath a weeping willow, pulled out my trusty pink tutu (you already know!), and snapped a few pictures with the setting sun providing a beautifully dramatic light. Just as the golden hour ended, a street performer appeared with a lovely cello, drawing people in with his melodic music. This moment, with the sun setting over the city and a beautiful cello serenade, perfectly captures the sweet magic of Milan!
You know, being a travelling ballerina comes with a whole lot of hustle – from packing my favourite pink tutus and planning my wardrobe to balancing my ballet schedule and finding affordable accommodations, the behind-the-scenes work is just as exciting as the on-stage action! (I promise, I’m already planning my next tour, hopefully to Vienna soon, they have a rich ballet history - you bet I'll be wearing pink there too!). However, it's the stories I tell and the friendships I forge on the road that make it all worthwhile.
And with that, my dears, I shall bid you adieu. Until next week, when I’ll be sharing more of my Milan adventures right here on my blog!
P.S. If you’re ever in Milan and need a ballet-loving friend to show you the hidden gems, don’t be shy! Send me a message – you know where to find me! 😊
