Ciao, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, Emma, checking in from the fashion capital of the world, Milan! As the sun bathes the city in a golden glow and the air hums with the rhythm of Italian life, I'm just about recovering from the exhilarating whirlwind of a week I've had.
This week has been particularly exciting, you see, as I’ve managed to combine two of my favourite things: a trip to the glorious Milan with a fantastic opportunity to showcase my talents at a prestigious ballet theatre! Yes, you read that right!
The journey to Milan, of course, was an adventure in itself. Arriving at Euston Station, the usual bustle and chaos greeted me, but with a mischievous smile on my face and my trusty pink tutu suitcase (it’s so bright it could light up the station!) in tow, I knew it was going to be an incredible adventure.
My favourite part of travelling to Italy is the train ride. I’ve become quite fond of the high-speed Italian trains, even though it sometimes feels like a giant, whizzing, metal caterpillar with an interior reminiscent of a 1950s cinema. There’s a peculiar charm about the Italian train travel though. It's all about the little details – the clickety-clack of the train, the smell of freshly brewed espresso wafting through the carriages, and the melodic Italian chatter that echoes in the background. You see, my darling, it's not just the journey but the journey's nuances, like finding the perfect espresso or seeing an exquisitely crafted pastry in a shop window, that truly makes Italy so special.
But enough about the train! After a mere two and a half hours whizzing past stunning countryside (and maybe a few chapters of a vintage ballet novel), I found myself in Milano Centrale – a majestic structure of soaring ceilings and polished floors that made me feel like I’d walked into a movie scene.
And, oh darling, you won't believe what happened next! As I stepped out of the station, feeling that familiar tingle of excitement and inspiration, my eyes fell upon the most spectacular tram. Imagine a bright red tram, sparkling with a freshly-polished coat of paint and shimmering under the Milan sun. I practically felt it beckoning me with its retro-chic charm, promising a journey full of Italian flair. So, after checking into a quaint, pink-hued hotel in the heart of the city (how perfect, right!), I hopped on the tram and rode through the enchanting streets of Milan, enjoying the bustling city life unfold before my eyes.
The rest of the week has been an utter joy!
Milan is an incredibly beautiful city with such a rich culture. I can see why it inspires artists, musicians, and creatives of all types. My senses were truly overloaded.
It's hard to pick just one favourite part of my trip so far! The breathtaking Duomo with its stunning gothic architecture that reaches towards the heavens, the delicious pizzas in quaint back-street trattorias that literally melted in my mouth, and the awe-inspiring art at the Pinacoteca di Brera (that's the Brera Art Gallery, for those of you who are not familiar!) were all moments of absolute joy and wonder.
However, it would be remiss of me to not mention the pièce de résistance, wouldn't it? The absolute highlight of my trip, darling, was the performance at the Teatro alla Scala. Oh, my goodness! Stepping into that majestic, gilded theatre was an incredible experience. From the opulent red velvet seats to the exquisite decorations and sculptures adorning the building, every detail oozed history, culture, and sheer magnificence.
But, oh darling, the real treat came with the actual performance. My stomach literally lurched with excitement as the orchestra started playing. You know how I love music and theatre and to see a group of the most talented dancers performing under the breathtaking dome was simply magic! The entire evening was an immersion in artistry, precision, and emotion, and to share it with the rest of the audience was a truly magical experience. I literally pinched myself (a little) to make sure it wasn't a dream!
Speaking of dreaming, the Teatro alla Scala really got me thinking… Have you noticed that pink tutus have become quite the fashion trend these days? The colours, darling, they’re everywhere! I even saw some young girls sporting tutu-inspired outfits during my travels! They were quite striking actually and it made my heart warm to see pink tutus embracing different cultures, inspiring creativity, and brightening up the world, one pink tulle feather at a time! That’s the thing, though! Even though the modern trends might shift a bit here and there, the classic allure and grace of ballet never really goes out of style! The beauty of dance transcends trends!
Anyway, I haven’t told you everything! Milan also features the ultimate fashionistas’ playground: Via Montenapoleone. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a high fashion runway model or even just wanting a bit of a splurge on a truly exclusive brand, then you should definitely come and walk up and down this street. If the beautiful people of Milan are anything to go by, I suspect that even their dogs have wardrobe changes every day!
This week, I've felt truly inspired, and, my dears, I've found something even better than a killer pair of high heels or the perfect pair of opera gloves… I've found an absolutely spectacular new pink tutu! It's almost too perfect for words, so I shall spare you the flowery descriptions… It's a secret that will only be unveiled when you see me twirling through the streets of Milan!
But, you know what? I have to head off now, my darlings! It's already late, and I must start prepping for my evening at the Teatro Manzoni. Tonight, it's "Giselle," a tale of heartbreak, love, and a little bit of supernatural magic. It's set in the beautiful and misty French countryside (so much green and greenery, so much the opposite of the bright-and-sunny Italy) which I know you'll just love. So, I'm excited for this one!
Anyway, my darlings, stay tuned for the next update, and as always, don't forget to keep your hearts open, your spirits high, and your twirls graceful!
Till next time,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that, according to my good old fashioned book on the history of ballet, "Giselle" has been the most popular ballet for 150 years? It seems my choice of performances was a really good one this week!
P.P.S. Have you seen the Milan ballet on display on the "La Scala Theatre of Milan" web page? If you haven't then you really must look it up. And while you're at it, do try to learn to dance like a graceful Italian ballerina. I dare you!
Here's a quick glimpse at some of the best things I experienced in Milan:
- Teatro alla Scala: If you love opera and ballet, this is a must-see. Even just walking past it was an absolute thrill! The building itself, and the area that surrounds it are just magical. And let’s be honest, with the perfect performance of beautiful classical dance, it really is the only option if you’re in Milan, darlings! I can’t recommend this theatre enough!
- Teatro Manzoni: If the grandeur of La Scala seems too big (let's face it, La Scala can feel like the ultimate opera dream!), Teatro Manzoni is another, a slightly more modest, option. They always offer something a little different, with a strong emphasis on ballet performance! And don't even get me started on the little ballet-themed bar that serves amazing cappuccinos!
- Duomo: This cathedral is absolutely breathtaking! So full of stunning detail that I’m already planning a return visit! In my opinion, the architecture of the cathedral perfectly embodies the vibrant spirit of the city. A definite must see on any trip!
- Shopping in the City: I confess to being a real magpie for vintage fashion. So, naturally I spent much of my time browsing through the shops in Milan (and, naturally, finding that pink tutu in a quirky little boutique!). If you like high fashion, the area around the Duomo will be heaven on earth for you. The boutiques, darlings, are some of the most exquisite I have ever seen! However, you're on your own as I do need to go shopping at a specific pink boutique! (Shh… you’ll hear about it when I post!)
- Street Performances: The thing about Italy, darlings, is that street performers often add another layer to the general Italian excitement. It doesn't matter if they're playing opera, pop, jazz, performing ballet or just trying to draw attention to themselves. Italy, darlings, is full of surprises and the surprises on the street are often some of the most magical of them all. I did find an incredibly talented street ballet dancer who was practically perfect in the execution of a graceful ballerina dance that reminded me of my childhood ballet lessons. It's impossible not to admire their talent.
- The Tram: Take it from a girl who travels a lot, sometimes a simple journey on a classic public transport can be one of the best moments on a holiday. There's just something special about taking in the sights and sounds of a new city from the window of a tram. Milan, you're not so different from London when it comes to tram travel – just a touch more vibrant and colourful!
As a reminder, check out the latest updates at my Pink Tutu web page: www.pink-tutu.com
Don't forget to follow me on all social media, so you can always be in the know: Instagram: @EmmaPinkTutu Facebook: Pink Tutu Milan
And now, my lovely dears, as my pink tutu spins gracefully under the Italian sky, I say ciao for now! I'll be back next week with even more enchanting tales from my pink tutu-filled world in Milan!
