Ciao, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood Pink Tutu enthusiast, writing to you live from the glamorous streets of Milan. This week has been a whirlwind of colour, creativity, and of course, tutus! Let me tell you, the Milanese love a splash of pink and even a good tulle twirl (it's basically a sport here!)
As always, I’ve been busy with my beloved ballet performances. This week's gig at the Teatro alla Scala was simply breathtaking. The stage was a sea of lights and the dancers were graceful like swans, a sight to behold. The sheer precision and artistry blew me away. Of course, my bright pink tutu held its own against all that grandeur, making a splash of its own.
Trams and Tutus in the City of Fashion
Now, who knew a tram ride could be such a stylish experience? As I travelled across Milan on my trusty tram, the city's fashionista energy was palpable. I had to steal a peek at what the chic Milanese ladies were wearing (a big mistake as my jaw kept dropping with each passing chic silhouette!) From the impeccably dressed businessmen to the fabulous fashion students with their daringly oversized sun hats, everyone seemed to be on a sartorial mission, effortlessly owning the city streets. I must confess, this inspired me to experiment with my own outfit for the evening. Pink tutu aside, I was sporting a gorgeous vintage dress that my mum gave me - I'd spruced it up with a new belt from a little independent boutique off the Corso Buenos Aires. I even added a feather boa for some extra flair. Feeling quite the glamorous goddess!
The Power of a Tutu
Remember my quest to spread the joy of the tutu? Well, let me tell you, the Milanese embraced it with open arms (and wide smiles!). On Wednesday afternoon, I decided to pop into a café – they have the best croissants here in Milan, let me tell you! I noticed a couple of young ladies in bright orange tutus enjoying cappuccinos and they absolutely loved my pink one. We chatted for a good while, comparing our love for tutus and giggling over our passion for ballet. One of them, Sofia, was studying design at the Politecnico di Milano. I swear, she almost jumped up to grab my skirt and show me her amazing designs - which had a lot of pink! And when I mentioned the Pink Tutu Challenge, Sofia excitedly declared it “brilliant.” She even asked for my Instagram so she could spread the word to her design friends. Just like that, my quest gained a whole new dimension – who would’ve thought the next fashion revolution would start with a pink tutu?
Shop ‘til You Drop - and Then Drop into the Theatre
After the tram ride, my afternoon took an exciting turn: the most wonderful thing about Milan? The shopping! I mean, come on, this is fashion city, right? The air is thick with glamour and inspiration. Now, while Milan is undeniably renowned for its high-end luxury fashion houses, you'll also find a delightful mix of independent boutiques and vintage stores bursting with treasures just waiting to be discovered. This afternoon I found a hidden gem - a small store called "Tulle and Things." They have an unbelievable collection of old ballet costumes, like an old pair of silk slippers, that would’ve brought tears to the eyes of every aspiring ballerina! Oh, and can we talk about their pink satin bows?! And how they used these old silks to make new pink tulle designs! The girl who worked there was incredibly enthusiastic and her knowledge was phenomenal. After purchasing an exquisitely designed bow that matched my tutu, she insisted I come back next week and help her do a fashion show on the Corso Buenos Aires - just me, my pink tutu, and a troupe of Milan’s fanciest women. Now how could I say no?
The Dance is Never Done
By the time Wednesday evening arrived, I was filled with excitement. The Teatro alla Scala is truly magnificent! The exterior is stunning, the lobby has those glittering chandeliers, the air hums with the energy of an impending performance. I couldn't wait! Tonight’s production of "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi was a must-see. It was so wonderfully dramatic! The soprano’s voice had such range and clarity, while the chorus brought such depth to the emotional scenes, especially in the ballroom scene! There wasn't a dry eye in the theatre!
And guess what? My tutu, the little pink superstar, perfectly matched the passion and drama of this tragic opera! I almost expected to see Violetta wearing something similar! And my trusty pink tutu, she twirled right alongside me, blending in beautifully. I’m going to find the time to visit the opera again and again - what a treat to see something so spectacular, and it all starts in Milan!
Stay tuned for more Pink Tutu Milan adventures coming next week - I’m already planning my next adventure – a tour of the most fashionable department stores in Milan - how excited are you? I hear there's an old vintage shop that used to belong to the Visconti family - what treasures I hope to discover!
Don't forget to visit the Pink Tutu website (www.pink-tutu.com) for a full recap of my travels this week and see my tutu and me on a Parisian balcony!
And remember, stay curious, stay twirling, and stay fabulous!
Until next time, my darlings! XOXO
Emma
The Pink Tutu Blogger
*P.S. Don't forget to send in your pink tutu photos. Share them on social media with #PinkTutuMilan for a chance to be featured on the blog! *
A quick word from Emma!Dear readers, writing my Pink Tutu Milan blog is the highlight of my week - every Wednesday. I think about what to write and plan what I’ll do all through the week! It's truly been such a wonderful adventure. I get to write about my favourite things: dance, tutus, fashion, and all the beauty of Italy, a place that holds a special place in my heart.
It started back in Derbyshire where I grew up and where my love for ballet truly flourished! Remember how Derbyshire is known for its beautiful rolling hills and historic villages - my passion for ballet really bloomed against that picturesque backdrop. But when I left to further my studies, my parents let me choose the one place I most wanted to live - the Italian sunshine of Florence, where I was absolutely dazzled by all the magnificent art, stunning architecture, and history! It made me realise that life can be a beautiful, swirling adventure!
Since then, it has become an aim of mine to get to know this fantastic country more, one city at a time. After all, there is so much more to experience, more tutus to be worn, more fashion to be discovered! As soon as my travels take me to a new town or city, you can be certain I'll be popping up on Pink Tutu!
My ballet journey has allowed me to support my love for travelling. I absolutely love performing! My tutu has helped me through my journeys and it is such a part of my life, so much more than just something you wear when you dance! The tutus and performances are a reflection of my love for life, and each one brings new memories that I treasure for years to come!
Of course, these travels haven't always been smooth sailing! A few times I've even struggled to keep the sparkle in my tutu! Remember when I was heading for that gig in Naples in September? It’s easy to feel like you’ve been through the wringer when your favourite train has just been delayed… and then the train was cancelled, the next day, and then cancelled AGAIN - Talk about frustrating! Or even that awful time when I missed my flight due to a crazy bout of food poisoning! But let's be real - I've just added more exciting (and sometimes, hilarious) memories to my tutu-filled journey, making my blog just a little bit more engaging! And I'm incredibly thankful that, despite a few hiccups along the way, I get to share all of these experiences with all of you!
When I sit down each Wednesday, with my laptop, a freshly brewed cuppa, and of course, my favourite pink tutu – and put my fingers to the keyboard - that’s when the magic happens. I really believe that everyone has a little bit of magic within them! Don’t let anything or anyone dim your sparkle! I mean, even a little pink tutu can transform any day, no matter where you are in the world, right?
So thank you, my darling readers, for following along on my adventures. Together we are spinning a story of colour, dance, style, and so much love!
Love,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Blogger
