Ciao bella!
Well, here I am in Milan, the fashion capital of the world, and I'm wearing a brand new pink tutu! I have to admit, I couldn't resist a little shopping spree this morning. The vintage tutu boutique I found tucked away down a narrow cobbled street was an absolute dream. It was full of exquisite tutus in all shapes and sizes, and I was in a real whirl of excitement! After much deliberation (and a little gentle encouragement from the lovely shop owner), I settled on a gorgeous blush pink tutu with delicate layers of tulle. It was the perfect colour for a sunny afternoon in Milan.
It's funny how much colour can change the way you feel, isn't it? A flash of pink and you suddenly feel happy and bubbly! Perhaps it's the magic of the colour itself, or perhaps it's just the feeling of knowing you look fabulous. Either way, I was certainly in a good mood, so I decided to take the tram to the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Ah, Milan - the city that breathes fashion! Even the trams here have a stylish edge. They're gleaming silver, sleek and modern, and they effortlessly glide through the busy streets. As I rode, I couldn't help but soak in the sights and sounds of this incredible city. I noticed how everyone, even the shop assistants and the waiters, seem to have their own distinct fashion sense. The air was thick with creativity and individuality.
Reaching the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, I stepped out into a wonderland of beauty. Imagine a giant glass roofed shopping centre with incredible architecture and elegant boutiques - all in one. It felt like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist. The Galleria is more than just a shopping mall. It's an architectural masterpiece and a bustling social space.
I loved taking in the beautiful architecture of the Galleria. There were intricate stained glass windows, intricate mosaics and the most beautiful stone carvings - each one a work of art in itself. The glass roof let in the warm Milanese sunshine, illuminating everything in a beautiful, golden glow. It was almost magical, the way the light played on the marble floors and the glistening shop windows.
Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without a bit of shopping. I was on a mission to find some fabulous Italian-made ballet shoes. After a quick stroll through the designer shops, I landed in a tiny boutique tucked away on a side street. They had the most amazing selection of shoes! And even better, the staff were absolutely delightful - they were so patient with my shoe-shopping indecisiveness.
I found the perfect pair of pointe shoes - a gorgeous dusky pink colour that perfectly matched my new tutu! I practically squealed with delight. It's a special feeling, buying new pointe shoes! You know you're ready to soar, ready to dance, and it makes you feel as though you can conquer the world. They were the best fitting shoes, so incredibly light and flexible. These shoes will allow me to fly across the stage - at least in my mind, and who knows, perhaps on stage too. I couldn't wait to take them for a test run in my next ballet class.
My afternoon was taken up with rehearsals. A group of us, fellow ballet enthusiasts, get together every Wednesday in a small, well-equipped dance studio right near the Galleria. This little gem is tucked away down a quiet street. It feels a little magical, hidden away in a world of its own. It's a world of creativity, and of course, ballet, where we can move freely and expressively without judgment.
This group is wonderful; it’s a lovely mix of different levels and nationalities, from young professionals to those just beginning their ballet journey, like me. Our instructors, a passionate Italian couple, guide us with their expertise. Their gentle instructions encourage us to grow and improve, each lesson building upon the last.
With a heart full of happiness and muscles gently aching in all the right places, we wrapped up the day's lesson and left the studio. We wandered out, laughing and talking about our next dance steps, and the thrill of each other's company. There's a joy in ballet, an effortless connection and understanding, a shared language. We’re bonded by the same passion, each of us hoping one day to move to the centre stage of a prestigious theatre, but until then we are happy dancing amongst our friends.
As evening drew in, I decided to see a show at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan's grand opera house. I booked a ticket last week for the Bolshoi Ballet performance. It is the most renowned ballet company in Russia, and for me, there was no question about attending.
Stepping into the ornate theatre was a dream come true. It’s one of the most famous and historic opera houses in the world. The inside is grand and breathtakingly beautiful - with rich velvet seats, intricate gold carvings, a magnificent stage, and a sense of awe that is simply breathtaking.
It’s truly an honour to see a performance here. The Bolshoi Ballet took to the stage, every movement a story, every step a dance. I was enthralled by their graceful movements, the dramatic costumes, the enchanting music, and their impressive technical prowess. It was an absolute joy.
Each ballet is different. Some will tell a tale, others will focus on pure artistry, and each dance performance tells a story, each pose a visual language. There are always surprises, there is always beauty, and always moments that stir something within me, reminding me why ballet, even just the simplest movement, fills my heart with joy.
This trip is reminding me, once again, why I love ballet. Seeing incredible performances like the Bolshoi Ballet, hearing the orchestra swell as dancers leap and spin, knowing how many hours of dedication went into this single night of perfection, is inspiring! The dancers were phenomenal, and their energy and enthusiasm seemed to charge the air within the theater. It’s moments like this that truly bring to life the magic and joy of the ballet world.
Afterwards, I had dinner in a delightful trattoria in the Navigli, Milan's canal district, where the buildings have stunning archways and romantic bridge views.
A little while later, as the moon bathed the city in its silvery glow, I rode the tram back to my hotel, reflecting on this wonderful day in the heart of Milan. It's not just the beautiful city and its rich history, nor just the fantastic performances and fashion - It's also the inspiring energy and passionate creative buzz, it's the lovely ballet friends I've made here, the friendships that stretch from England to Italy.
Tomorrow, I’m off on a shopping adventure! There are some incredible vintage stores in the Navigli, full of one-of-a-kind treasures just waiting to be found. Perhaps I’ll find another pink tutu…
As I write, I know that the allure of Milan will stay with me for some time to come. A place of culture, fashion, art, beauty, and of course, ballet. Milan you are amazing!
But I have so much more to explore - the whole world, in fact! It's my goal to see it all, with my pink tutu in tow, sharing the joy of ballet with every corner of the globe.
Now, what adventures await me? Who knows, perhaps London next, or Paris. I guess you'll just have to check back next week and see where my journey takes me, on my new pink tutu travels!
Remember, everyone can be a ballerina, you can always put on your tutu, whether it’s pink or any other colour! Keep dancing and don’t forget to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website for more stories and inspiration.
Ciao!
Emma xxx
