Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for your weekly dose of pink tutu-filled adventures from the fabulous city of Milan! As always, I'm writing to you from the heart of the fashion capital, my trusty pink tutu twirling ever so slightly as I sip on a cappuccino (with an extra dollop of whipped cream, of course!).
This week has been a whirlwind of pink perfection. Let's just say Milan is definitely living up to its reputation as the city that never sleeps, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I’ve been flitting between rehearsals, breathtaking performances, and indulging in some serious window shopping - what else would you expect from a pink tutu-clad fashionista like myself?
Before I delve into the delightful details, let me just say that this week has reaffirmed my belief that Milan is a city for dreamers and doers alike. Everywhere you turn there's a burst of creativity, a dedication to artistry, and an unwavering passion for life – all qualities I personally try to embody, even if my ballet shoes haven't quite got me onto the Bolshoi stage yet!
Speaking of dreams, I have to share with you the absolutely spectacular ballet performance I saw on Tuesday night. The Teatro alla Scala - wow! It was almost overwhelming! It wasn't just the dazzling costumes (think shimmering sequins and swathes of blush pink, obviously!), but the way the dancers glided across the stage with such grace and fluidity - I could watch them all day long. There were moments where the audience just sat spellbound, almost forgetting to breathe, and those are the moments that truly make ballet so special. I even got a chance to meet a few of the dancers after the show. They were all so lovely and full of excitement about the future. It just goes to show that even though these ballet dancers have reached the top of their field, they are still full of enthusiasm, passion and the love of performing - such wonderful role models. I couldn’t have been happier with the performance - my tutu even had a little shimmy on its own during the curtain call!
But Milan isn't just about high art. In fact, I've discovered there's a whole other side to the city that thrives on street performance. One sunny afternoon I stumbled upon a group of young ballet dancers, a group known as Ballet for the Streets, practising a piece that fused traditional balletic steps with contemporary music and street dance. I just stood and watched them for ages. They had the most incredible energy and I was hooked. Their outfits were all shades of grey and black - which I have to confess wasn't entirely in my usual colour palette, but they carried it off so well and had such amazing rhythm. This really was ballet on a whole new level, so incredibly inspiring. Even a little bit of their energy rubbed off on me - my pink tutu was doing all kinds of extra spins that day!
One of the most fun parts of Milan has to be exploring the city's trams and trains. They're always bustling with people going about their daily lives, and it's such a great way to people watch. This week, I actually spotted a man in a pink tutu - yes, you read that right! He was a tall, slim fellow, looking very at home in a powder pink tutu with a sparkly headband. Of course, I was overcome with excitement and practically tripped over my own shoes! We had a little chat - apparently, he is part of a local performance troupe and often travels around the city in full ballet attire. I felt a kindred spirit, for sure! It's little moments like this that remind me how special Milan truly is. Even a simple train journey becomes an exciting adventure when you're open to unexpected delights.
It wouldn't be a trip to Milan without indulging in a little retail therapy, would it? My love for vintage fashion has really blossomed here! On Saturday, I stumbled upon a fantastic vintage boutique tucked away on a side street. My inner child nearly screamed in delight as I stepped into a treasure trove of frills, feathers, and sparkles. My heart actually skipped a beat when I found a beautiful 1950s tulle skirt that could only be described as vintage ballerina chic! Imagine a beautiful shade of blush pink, just the lightest shade imaginable, almost like the pink clouds you sometimes see in the early morning sunshine. This was definitely a skirt that could only be described as a perfect match for a pink tutu! It was such a treat! I practically skipped out of the shop, the vintage skirt fluttering around my legs in perfect harmony with my own pink tutu! I'll definitely be making more trips to this little gem. It’s a world away from the big high street stores but that makes it so special - a place of individual treasures and delightful surprises.
Of course, no visit to Milan is complete without experiencing the city's legendary street fashion. It’s no surprise they are renowned for their eye-catching outfits! From edgy street wear to effortlessly chic ensembles, Milan's street fashion scene never fails to inspire. I've been snapping photos non-stop (always remembering to include a pink tutu in the background!). It’s fascinating to see how locals blend high-end pieces with more affordable styles - there’s such a real sense of individual personality and creativity. One of my favourite finds this week was a young woman sporting a bright blue bomber jacket, paired with a black mini-skirt and neon pink ankle boots. It was bold, confident, and completely her own, and made me think: "Pink tutus, yes! Neon pink ankle boots? Oh yes, please!" This city just makes me want to try out everything - perhaps a touch of blue next week? Just imagine, blue ballerina shoes….
I’ll leave you with my top tip for this week:
If you're looking for a truly magical experience in Milan, book a ticket to see a ballet performance at Teatro alla Scala. You won't be disappointed!
And just one final note, to all of you out there: I'm still on my mission to make pink tutus the must-have fashion statement for the 21st century. So go forth and unleash your inner ballerina. The world needs more pink!
Until next week, keep twirling and stay fabulous!
Love, Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
