Ciao, darlings!
Well, here I am, back in Milan for another exciting week, this time for the glamorous "Teatro alla Scala" ballet season opening. I’m positively buzzing about seeing La Scala for the first time – I can’t believe it's taken me this long, with it being one of the world’s most famous opera houses. This week has already been a whirlwind of exciting ballet adventures and fabulously chic Italian fashion finds! You’ve never seen so many tutus, even at a ballerina's dream wedding.
Before we get to all the glamorous details, a quick catch-up. My Derbyshire friends may be surprised, as I wasn't always a ballerina-on-the-go with a pink tutu as my second skin, you know! Life wasn't all tutus and tiaras growing up!
A few years ago, I was a shy girl from a little village in Derbyshire. Yes, I was a ballerina. I loved to twirl, I loved the discipline, and the beauty, the magic, of a well-executed pirouette. But I was painfully shy, which is an ironic statement coming from a tutu-clad, dancing girl! It was my love of dance and its transformative power, alongside a touch of inspiration from Audrey Hepburn (the woman knows a thing or two about the magic of a little black dress and an elegant style!), that made me want to share my passion for dance.
I decided to push my own comfort zone and share my life with others, even if it felt incredibly daring at the time. With my ballet teacher’s blessing, I started to document my dancing adventures – rehearsals, performances, and even those tricky “I can’t seem to master this tricky step" moments - and of course, all in my favourite colour: pink! The response from online friends was truly wonderful!
I am incredibly lucky that ballet has also become a bit of a career for me! The more I shared my dance journey online, the more doors opened! I landed a series of lovely roles that allow me to dance in beautiful venues, including “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and "Giselle". My current role in the award-winning musical “Grease” has meant I’ve had to travel for rehearsals and performance nights – I even had to dust off my dancing shoes, literally! But who needs shoes when you’ve got fantastic tutus for every occasion?
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be in Milan – this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in the ballet world here. This time last year I was living my ballet dream in Vienna. If you haven’t explored the incredible waltz city, then I strongly suggest it's next on your travel list! But Vienna had to wait while I explore the enchanting Milan.
For this trip, I’ve been focusing on exploring the iconic city of Milan as a ballet enthusiast. What a joy to immerse myself in the rich culture and captivating history, and even have a spot of sightseeing!
Milan is a stunning blend of fashion and culture. My love affair with tutus is only heightened here - Milan is the queen of beautiful fashion - from elegant fabrics and cuts, to luxurious and creative designer accessories - the city truly makes me want to reach for my sewing machine!
The very first morning in Milan, I found a charming cafe by the Teatro alla Scala and had breakfast. The croissants were positively decadent! It had to be the most luxurious breakfast croissant I'd ever had. But you can't eat just croissants and explore all the fashion shops!
The most fascinating experience was to explore the stunning "Teatro alla Scala." What an incredible building, and with a wonderful and colourful story behind it, all from 1778! I couldn't wait to take some pictures in my favourite pink tutu – the staff were absolutely lovely and so happy for me to have a few special moments taking some photos in this gorgeous setting.
And while we’re on the topic of tutu bliss, one of my most-loved stores in Milan is called “The Ballerina Shop.” Now, this is no ordinary ballet store - I walked in and I felt like I'd wandered into a tutu fantasy! Every detail is beautifully curated – from tutus with beautiful, intricate fabrics and designs, to elegant leotards that make you feel instantly like a star ballerina, right down to the tiny toe shoes – every item in the shop speaks of passion for dance.
Oh, how I wanted to buy the whole shop! And the good news is they have online delivery so you don't have to come all the way to Italy!
On Tuesday I ventured on the Milan trams – they’re so easy to navigate and have so much charm. I felt like I was in a chic fairytale with cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured buildings. I’ve even had some of my most fascinating street fashion inspiration whilst watching locals strut down the road. Milan is definitely my city of stylish inspiration - from its historical landmarks, museums, and grand buildings to its streets lined with elegant cafes and shops, everything about the city has a unique style!
After all that fashion-tutu-exploring, I was delighted to go back to a little place that has the most gorgeous pastries - if you're lucky enough to be in Milan you simply have to check out Pasticceria Marchesi! The selection is positively mind-boggling and every single bite was perfection! The owner told me about the special Milanese "panettone" cakes that he was perfecting for Christmas - what better way to share some Christmas spirit in the winter months than with these delicious and intricately crafted desserts? They’d make a great Christmas present for the person in your life who simply loves delicious things!
And to finish off a busy but oh so stylish Tuesday, I had dinner at a restaurant with a really unusual name called “I Tre Archi.” They have a fabulously traditional Milanese menu – I even enjoyed my first taste of Polenta – you really have to try it! The meal felt so luxurious, with fabulous service, elegant decor and candlelight – a perfect place for celebrating a wonderful week.
Oh my, it is such a good life to live as a ballerina in the city of fashion, tutus, and style. I feel blessed! I must go and find something spectacular to wear for this evening’s “Teatro alla Scala” premiere! It wouldn’t be a true ballerina outing without a show-stopping outfit and some glamorous selfies for the online friends, so I better get ready, darlings. Until next Monday!
With love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
