Ciao, darlings! Emma here, back with another post from my amazing Italian adventure! This week, I'm absolutely bursting with excitement – Milan, the city of fashion, culture, and most importantly… ballet. Oh, yes, you heard that right. I'm in Milan, my darlings! I’m living the dream, just like a scene from one of my favourite ballet performances! And who knew this city, famous for its high fashion and stunning architecture, would have such a deep connection to the ballet world?
My trusty, pink tutu – a constant companion on all my travels - is already gathering compliments. People seem to smile when they see me float down the cobbled streets. And of course, my favourite shade of pink – bubblegum – goes perfectly with this city's vibrant atmosphere!
Let me take you on a little journey, starting with my trip to the Teatro alla Scala… oh, what a thrill to say I’ve seen the majestic home of opera and ballet, one of the world's most celebrated opera houses! You'd think with all that luxury and prestige, they'd be stuck in their ways. But no, darlings! It’s full of contemporary pieces and even a dash of the rebellious side – all those ballerinas defying gravity with such grace! It made me feel so very much at home. The Scala is a dream come true for any dance enthusiast!
It’s not all tutus and champagne, you know. Getting here was half the fun. After my last performance at the Buxton Opera House, I boarded a train, settled in with a good book, and left my anxieties at the station.
Travelling by train is so chic. My eyes danced across the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire, just like I’d imagine them in my favourite storybook, all winding fields and quaint villages! Then it was a delightful change in scenery as I whizzed through the Swiss Alps – I nearly had a mini meltdown in awe. The journey itself felt like a performance, the landscapes constantly changing their colours, light and shadow shifting and weaving around me. And then I was here – Italy!
And don’t get me started on the Milanese tram system! I was completely taken with it! It feels like travelling in a piece of ballet. It’s fast, stylish, and even has these pretty wrought iron accents – truly lovely!
Of course, I had to visit a few ballet studios – how could I not, really?! The studios here in Milan have such positive energy, you can feel it buzzing through the air. Even if you haven’t touched your toes in a decade, you’re instantly ready to twirl! I tried my hand at a couple of classes - it was challenging, exhilarating, and just the right amount of sweat-inducing! I even got a bit tipsy on Italian espresso, while chatting with some fabulous Milanese dancers who offered me their local wisdom, everything from their favourite local cafes, their must-try restaurants, to their favourite ballet stores – heaven!
Milan's love for dance is quite apparent. Every street corner seems to have a ballet class or performance tucked away.
On Wednesday evening, August 7th, I went to see a fascinating contemporary street ballet. You've got to see it to believe it! This wasn’t the grand theatre setting, but rather a spontaneous event in the middle of the bustling Piazza del Duomo – the city's main square. I joined the other onlookers in awe as ballerinas effortlessly danced their way between vendors and tourists. A thrilling experience for sure! I can see the appeal - the energy, the sense of drama – it's captivating, even from a distance. And the vibrant hues of pink in the evening sky seemed to add an extra touch of magical whimsy to it all!
The atmosphere was buzzing, the crowd, a symphony of emotions – excitement, appreciation, astonishment. It made me realize that ballet isn’t about the location or the price of tickets. It's about sharing this magical form of art with others – to truly embrace its emotion, its expressiveness.
Speaking of emotion, it's impossible to discuss Milan without mentioning fashion! Shopping is not just a habit here, it's an art form, darling. My favourite piece of the day is my new silk scarf – a delicate design featuring ballet shoes and, you guessed it, my beloved pink!
This weekend is looking like a delightful mix of ballets, more tram rides, and endless shopping. My diary's filled with promises of exploring beautiful Italian architecture – the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Duomo Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – you name it, it’s on the itinerary! And of course, no trip to Milan is complete without indulging in some heavenly gelato, especially a scoop or two of fragola (strawberry)! It's like a dream! I know, I know – all this shopping and touring can be a little overwhelming. So my tip of the week is: embrace your inner bella, slip on your ballet shoes, and just go with the flow!
Don’t forget, darlings! Keep those tutus at the ready! I am on a mission – the pink tutu mission. So keep your eyes open for our new tutu ambassadors around the world. And if you see one - just let them know you were sent by me! I’ll be sharing photos, my thoughts, and snippets of my travels every week – so pop by next Monday to catch my next update.
Until then, my dearest darlings, wear your pink tutu with pride and enjoy every moment of your lives. Stay tuned for more ballet adventures!
Baci,
Emma
Website: www.pink-tutu.com
Follow Emma on Instagram: @pinktutublogger
Let’s Talk: Have you ever worn a pink tutu? Have you ever travelled in a city that really inspires you? I'd love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below!
