#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2013-01-02 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It’s Emma from Derbyshire, back again with another week in the magical city of Milan, for my Pink Tutu Milan blog. It's been a week of beautiful ballet, chic shopping sprees, and all things fabulous - a week that reminds me why Milan is so, so special. Just you wait, you'll see how a touch of pink tutu can spice up even the most sophisticated city!

So, let's get started, shall we? Grab a cappuccino, find your fanciest pink accessory, and get ready to join me on another whirl through Milan.

After my little escapade exploring the backstreets of Rome last week, I arrived in Milan on Sunday evening, a familiar sense of excitement bubbling in my tummy. It's like coming home, even though home is Derbyshire, you see. The trams with their bright yellow accents and sleek design make a comforting hum, like the notes of a slow waltz. The crisp, cool air and the sight of stylish locals in sleek, sophisticated attire just puts a skip in my step, I tell you!

Monday morning, and the most gorgeous weather you can imagine. The sun streamed through the glass ceiling of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, bathing the beautiful mosaics in its golden glow. As I twirled through the arches of this magnificent, gilded glass and iron structure, I could have been an opera singer.

Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without a spot of shopping, and let me tell you, the Galleria was my oyster! I was like a giddy little school girl, mesmerised by the stunning window displays, filled with sleek silk blouses and decadent bags that screamed "luxury" from their plush shelves. There’s something undeniably magical about finding a treasure amongst the throngs of stylish people, isn’t there?

After a delicious afternoon coffee with the most delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastries I’ve ever tasted, I decided to go in search of a new ballet leotard for my evening class. Now, my dear readers, you know my penchant for the pinkest pink! And guess what? In the labyrinthine heart of the Galleria, tucked between a purveyor of artisanal chocolates and a shop selling designer dog collars, I stumbled upon a little gem – a ballet boutique. It was heaven! I swear, the leotards twinkled under the lamplight. It was a dance of tulle, a symphony of silky textures, a veritable ballet of the senses. And, my dear readers, they had the most stunning shade of pale pink you could ever imagine, so it came home with me, of course.

Later that evening, it was on to ballet class! That feeling of stretching my limbs, connecting with my body and the rhythm of the music, it’s like my soul comes alive. A great friend I made here in Milan, Gabriella, and I practised some barre work and finished the session with some lovely centre work. It's amazing how, even when you’re far away from your home studio, there's a universality in the language of dance.

I was feeling incredibly vibrant and full of joie de vivre after that class, and decided on a walk in the park! Now, the parks of Milan are a revelation in themselves. There's a real 'City of Gardens' feeling to the place, even in the heart of the metropolis. After meandering past fragrant gardens and manicured lawns, I discovered a tranquil lake. I found a bench and simply sat there, gazing at the sun sparkling on the water, the serenity of the moment breaking through my “London fog" brain.

Later, a little coffee shop, a few delightful sandwiches - my kind of gourmet - and I was ready to go see the most magnificent viewpoint in Milan! The Duomo, the city’s majestic cathedral, is just a short stroll from my flat. From up there, I had the most incredible panoramic view, and all of Milan's grandeur unfurled before my eyes, all those rooftops with their elegant chimneys, like miniature terracotta soldiers lining the skyline. A magical, captivating panorama.

The excitement started brewing early. I felt the tingle of anticipation in my bones, knowing that I’d be seeing the ballet Giselle that evening, a production known for its emotional intensity and spectacular choreography. You know how I adore a good tearjerker, and the ballet, I believe, has all the right ingredients: A delicate ballerina lost in love, a passionate but fickle lover, and a tragic destiny that sets the stage for an unforgettable tale.

So, a bit of ballet pre-show ritual? I chose my fanciest outfit, a delicate cream dress with floral lace, the perfect canvas for my little pink tulle embellishment. I tied a tiny pale pink bow at my wrist and headed out the door, brimming with excitement.

The theatre was grand, steeped in history. It's amazing to imagine the countless stories that had played out on those stageboards – grand tragedies, sweeping romances, the joy of dance. Every single thread in that velvet curtain whispered secrets, whispered the memories of the nights it witnessed, every gasp, every cheer, every single tear.

I’m afraid to say I got lost in the tale of Giselle! You could hear a pin drop as the music swirled around us, pulling me into the bittersweet drama. The choreography, beautiful in its grace and raw passion, transported me to another time, a time of unbridled emotion and captivating artistry. The performance was nothing short of enchanting.

And of course, my love affair with tutus, that pink cloud, is simply enhanced by the brilliance of an enchanting ballet performance, don’t you think?

Sometimes, the simplest things offer the greatest joy, and a slow tram ride across the city is one of them, wouldn't you agree? I love the leisurely pace, the way the trams weave their way through bustling streets, the views of the everyday life of Milan, from bustling markets to grand squares, from quiet cobblestone streets to the city’s shimmering heart.

You know what else makes my heart soar? The vibrancy of Milan’s street markets, especially those brimming with the delicious flavours of Italian life! I visited the Mercato Centrale. This vibrant space offers everything from artisan cheeses, breads, and olives to spices, fish, and meat. I lost myself amongst the rows and rows of colour, the delicious scent of freshly baked bread. This was real food heaven for a food-obsessed ballet girl! I got the best cheeses: gorgonzola, mozzarella, a creamy pecorino romano - a delectable treat, I can assure you!

Later that afternoon, I headed back towards the Duomo, where the sun was bathing the city in its golden light. I meandered through the city's centre, admiring the architecture. A delightful café with striped awnings and terracotta tiled walls beckoned. My favourite cup of hot chocolate with fluffy, warm pastries. My goodness! It's these little pleasures, simple, yet exquisite, that add a sparkle to even the busiest day, isn’t it?

For the past week, I've been living in a bubble of enchantment and my love affair with Milan. But the highlight of this journey came yesterday when I got the privilege of stepping inside La Scala - it’s a true temple of operatic magnificence.

As I stepped into La Scala's majestic foyer, with its sweeping staircase and elegant chandeliers, I felt I was transported to a time of grand ceremonies and exquisite craftsmanship. Everything around me was ornate and resplendent: gold leaf decore, a glorious, glittering, timeless grandeur. My goodness, what an extraordinary theatre! It truly is one of those places that leaves you speechless.

For a dancer like me, there's an ethereal feeling that comes over you when you’re at such an important and iconic theatre. And as I gazed at the ornate details on the balconies, imagined countless generations of artists dancing beneath the frosted glass of its ceiling. I felt connected to all of them.

I was particularly taken with the incredible artistry on the ceiling, a fresco with a depiction of “The Apotheosis of Music.” I don't know about you, but I found that an utterly fascinating sight. A celebration of all things beautiful.

After an afternoon spent lost in La Scala's majesty, I returned home with a feeling of immense contentment. It’s a place you’re not just experiencing, but living through.

It's amazing how even a whirlwind trip to this spectacular city can leave an indelible mark on your heart. But Milan has to let me go, my derbyshire roots are calling for a homecoming!

Milan, thank you for the stunning architecture, for the fashion that always pushes the boundaries of beauty, for the delicious food, for the welcoming trams, and of course, for your breathtaking ballet performances. I've left a piece of my heart in this charming, fashionable city!

Of course, before saying farewell to the vibrant, colourful spirit of Milan, it was time for some souvenirs! I have to find things to remind me of this week, like little, perfect gems to bring back home! What treasures did I find? Let me see…

*A charming Italian-style doll, wearing a delicate pink dress (of course!). * How else would I show off my ballet spirit in my home decor?

*A little Italian coffee pot. *The perfect companion for a spot of home coffee ritual!

* A delightful pink silk scarf. * A gorgeous accessory to jazz up any of my outfits back home.

I’m sure the adventures in Milan are far from over, so you can count on another Pink Tutu Milan update next week!

Until then, remember to stay fabulous, wear your most beautiful pink outfit, and enjoy the magic that ballet, travel, and the colourful spirit of Milan bring.

Ciao Bella!