Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday already, how quickly the days fly by when you're having fun, and here I am, back in my pink haven with a cup of chamomile tea (extra honey!) ready to fill you in on my whirlwind Milan adventure! This week, it was a double whammy: an inspiring ballet class with the *fabulous La Scala company followed by the most magical opera I've ever seen, Tosca at the Teatro alla Scala! It's no wonder Milan has this reputation for being a hub of cultural treasures.
Pink Tutu Takes the Tram - A Stylish Commute
My week began as always, with my trusty pink tutu, a symbol of hope, laughter and a little bit of magic. My mission, you ask? Why, to inspire everyone in this beautiful city to embrace a touch of pink tulle! After all, what better way to greet the day than with a flutter of pink?
I took the tram from my hotel – you've never seen a more colourful commute! I swear the locals even seemed to be twirling a little bit as I strutted past in my pink tutu. Maybe the magic of my outfit was rubbing off, perhaps the twinkle in my eyes, I don't know – but the smiles from the Milanese certainly warmed my heart!
La Scala - The Temple of Ballet
This morning, I squeezed into the prestigious Teatro alla Scala, my tutu fitting neatly through the crowds (no mean feat!), ready to experience a ballet class led by La Scala's talented instructors! The energy was electric, like stepping into a dreamscape where artistry and athleticism combined.
You wouldn't believe the skill these dancers possessed. From pirouettes that left me dizzy to the most elegant extensions that seemed impossible, I was absolutely blown away. The tutus the dancers were wearing, let's just say the ballet community knows a thing or two about beautiful pinks! They were flowing and whimsical - perfect for pirouetting. It reminded me, once again, why I love to dance! I feel truly privileged to have witnessed these talents at such a high level. The best bit was that the instructors were so encouraging – and so patient. Even I couldn't resist trying out a few pliés - my heart felt like it was going to burst! It was as if I could actually feel the spirit of ballet flow through me, filling my very soul.
Pink Perfection: A Little Fashion Break
Of course, no Milan adventure is complete without a bit of retail therapy, and after my ballet class, I found myself strolling around Via Montenapoleone, which, if you’ve not heard of it, is literally the place for stylish finds and elegant fashion in Milan. I felt like I had walked into a fairy tale, the shop windows adorned with eye-catching designs that screamed luxury! I spotted a couple of beautiful pinks. I had a long look at some cashmere scarves (I confess to giving one a little stroke!), and an extravagant dress that I just couldn't resist. A pale pink tutu with sequins that were shimmering like tiny, perfect pearls... well, what could a girl do?
And just as I thought I had spent too much, I spied the cutest tiny pink tutu that would look absolutely perfect with my ballet slippers. I just couldn't resist its charm, it felt like a perfect addition to my ever-growing collection. (It even matches my pink tutu! It was practically meant to be, don’t you think?). I almost wished that every single thing in the world could be pink. Imagine if the pavements, cars, and trees were pink! A truly pink paradise.
Opera Magic: Tosca Takes My Breath Away
And what better way to end my day than with an operatic masterpiece? That evening, I slipped into my pink tutu – well, a little shimmer wouldn't go amiss – and joined the crowd at the Teatro alla Scala. For an unforgettable performance of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, it truly is an opera that takes you to another dimension.
The music, so passionate, swelled and subsided, drawing you into the emotional heart of the performance, and the set was utterly captivating, transforming the stage into an ancient, magical world.
The costumes were simply exquisite – all shades of soft and bold colours – and they really set the tone for a night to remember. But the standout performance? That has to be the iconic “Vissi d’arte!” sung by the soprano! Her voice soared, conveying an incredible mix of vulnerability, courage, and longing – I was completely mesmerised. My heart pounded, the chills, they were running up and down my spine, and by the end, I could barely contain myself, I had to run on stage to give the soprano a standing ovation. (Okay, I didn't, but you know what, sometimes I like to dream!).
Milan, A City Full of Heart
As I write this post, back at my hotel with a plate of delicious Italian cookies (I confess, the gelato didn't go to waste either), my heart feels like it's brimming over. Every journey to Milan has a touch of the magical, and I am so grateful that my tutu travels continue to open my heart and my mind. The way the people, the fashion, the architecture combine here is just incredible. And when I get home, I'm going to have so many tales to tell! I am so inspired! And who knows, maybe one of you readers will be lucky enough to see my new pink tutu. I'm getting ready for some more adventures... so look out world, here I come!
See you all next week.
Emma.
Remember, it’s all about embracing a touch of magic, a pinch of colour and, most importantly, that perfect pink tutu. Until then, twirl with joy!
