Buongiorno, darlings!
It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, and I'm thrilled to be back in Milan! It’s a bit nippy out today – there's a distinct crispness in the air. I love it though, this is exactly why I come here in the winter: the chance to enjoy a bit of brisk, fresh air and look extra fabulous with a big chunky scarf! It just adds to the magic of this stylish city.
Let's rewind for a moment... It's been a busy week! Remember, I love a bit of adventure, so instead of flying into Milan, I took a delightful train journey from the quaint village of Bergamo. Did you know Bergamo is home to one of the oldest universities in the world? The Universita di Bergamo, established in 1385 - so that's even older than some of our esteemed universities in England, fancy! And for those of you with a love for vintage Italian style, just as I have, the city's historic upper city boasts an absolutely fascinating collection of art galleries, ancient streets, and enchanting churches – I felt like I had stepped back in time! And just like a beautiful tutu is always in style, the city's Piazza Vecchia, with its stunning cathedral and medieval architecture, is simply captivating!
But of course, a trip to Italy for this little ballerina can't go by without indulging in some fantastic dancing! In Bergamo, I caught a breathtaking performance by the local Teatro Donizetti, showcasing a unique modern interpretation of Giselle – I loved how they used movement to create different visual stories within the classic tale, and the choreography was inspired by ballet's very origins.
Now, onto Milan! My main reason for being here, besides all the fabulous shops and food (yes, I do like a good spaghetti bolognese with some Italian bubbly!) is of course, to take in the Milan ballet scene! And I am thrilled to share with you a very special highlight of my trip: a chance to see the divine Roberto Bolle perform at Teatro alla Scala. Oh, my, I do adore a bit of Roberto Bolle and am completely mesmerised by his technical artistry – he truly is one of the greatest male ballet dancers of our generation, I just feel very lucky to have witnessed his work. He had the audience utterly enthralled, the atmosphere was electric, and the magic in that theatre, which dates all the way back to the 18th century, is indescribable, simply unforgettable!
As a little treat before the show, I took a detour into Piazza del Duomo – who wouldn't want to bask in the magnificent glory of Milan's Duomo cathedral with a huge scoop of gelato in hand? (Just the perfect combination for any girl in a pink tutu!) You'll have to check out my latest Instagram for pictures! It truly is one of the most captivating and impressive churches I have ever seen; a stunning gothic masterpiece that rises high above the city.
Of course, my dear followers, no visit to Milan can go by without some serious shopping. I'm going to try my absolute best not to spend too much - we all know what happens to the shopping budget when you have a pink tutu on! But, you have to agree with me – a new pink ballet-inspired outfit simply has to be a part of this fabulous city break.
The vibrant Quadrilatero della Moda with its elegant boutiques and designer showrooms... I truly believe Milan to be the shopping capital of the world! Let’s just say I've indulged in a delightful purchase from one of my favourite Italian brands... You can see me sporting it in my next post. It's a little pink number with ruffles – just for the right dose of fun, fabulous, and feminine!
Don’t think I'm forgetting my inner ballerina. A girl needs her daily dose of exercise, so of course, I popped in at the Teatro alla Scala Academy, for a few pliés in one of their stunning studios, surrounded by magnificent dancers of every age – what a joy it is to see such passion for ballet from everyone!
*Now, the real fun starts – *exploring this city by day and enjoying its magical nightlife, I love its atmosphere, it’s both glamorous and down to earth.
You all know my biggest goal in life – getting the whole world to embrace the power of the pink tutu! Milan is truly a fantastic city for a tutu wearer - there's a whimsical sense of style everywhere you look! You've got me picturing this whole city dancing – it's like a giant ballet set. And I truly hope you, my darlings, are feeling that energy too!
Speaking of pink, I spotted some incredible pink displays – imagine! - a flower market with blooming pink roses and vibrant lilies, followed by the pinkest cupcakes ever in a café called The Pink Pastry. It felt like the universe was telling me that a bit of extra pink is exactly what the world needs!
I think I have completely fallen in love with this magical city – the elegance of its buildings, the vibrancy of its streets, the warmth of the locals, the aperitivo at dusk (my favourite part of the day!), and of course, the captivating atmosphere of its world-renowned theatres. It’s pure magic for any pink tutu wearer!
To all my darling followers - do follow me on Twitter for more live updates and pictures! Let's make this a month of celebrating the pink tutu, from London to Milan, it is our favourite little garment!
See you all next week! Until then, I'm off to enjoy some local Italian fashion finds and explore some of the incredible vintage stores hidden within this wonderful city.
Keep shining, and wear your pink tutu with pride!
Emma xx
