Buongiorno from Milano, my darlings! This week, the pinkest of tutus have found their way to the heart of fashion, and it's not just a metaphor. My trusty companion and I are strutting our stuff through the glamorous streets of Milan, taking in the sights, sounds, and oh-so-delicious smells of this Italian gem.
This is a city where fashion reigns supreme, and it’s just what I crave! It’s all so exciting, and you’ll just have to excuse me if I gush a little… wink wink
I'm embracing every moment of this glorious week – think breathtaking architecture, art that takes your breath away, and delicious gelato (because, let's face it, every moment deserves a scoop or two). Oh, and I'm wearing a fabulous pink tutu, of course! You can’t be in Milan without at least one tutu in your suitcase!
Milan is such an amazing place! I was so thrilled to see that today's date was October the 7th. It felt magical! The very thought of it brought such wonderful memories to mind – my ballet performances as a young dancer! Those days of beautiful music, graceful movements, and an audience enthralled by every step, are ones I hold close to my heart.
Today I found myself at La Scala Opera House, a symphony of beauty, culture, and an abundance of plush velvet. The theatre is such a visual masterpiece, each detail meticulously planned. It's clear that generations have poured their love and skill into making this building a breathtaking piece of history. You can almost feel the spirit of the countless performances that have graced its stage – an atmosphere of magic that's tangible.
I was lucky enough to be backstage at the beautiful Opera House before the show and caught up with the performers and backstage crew. Such incredible talent in one space! You truly can feel the creative energy, and everyone is brimming with the enthusiasm that makes ballet so magical. I wish I could bottle this and bring it back with me to Derbyshire! It truly is one of the most incredible things about Milan and La Scala.
Just outside La Scala is a stunning street called via Tommaso Grossi, and what do you think I found?! The perfect pink tutu shop, obviously! I picked up a little pink something-something for the Pink Tutu Wardrobe and let me tell you, this place is a dream for any fashion-forward ballerina, or indeed anyone with a passion for dance and a touch of sparkle. They’ve got it all! I mean, come on, what's not to love about the soft silks and satins, the sparkly embellishments and perfectly sculpted shoes? I have a feeling I’ll be back, and it's a mere hop from my new temporary home – a charming Airbnb flat, right near the train station in Porta Venezia. Talk about perfect location! I've always loved travelling on trains, it makes everything seem like a big adventure.
The week’s been an incredible whirlwind! From the beautiful city itself, to the fantastic ballet shows (which of course, I have managed to catch every single one!), I'm already planning to come back next year for even more. Milan truly has captured my heart.
Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without a delicious taste of Italian cuisine. Imagine: fresh pasta, sun-soaked tomatoes, mouthwatering cheeses, and creamy tiramisu… oh my! I've discovered some amazing local trattorias tucked away in the charming alleyways. Let's just say, I've been eating like a queen (and, of course, every meal was finished with a touch of pink!) I must admit, though, the thing that keeps drawing me back is the endless array of cafes that offer those perfect cups of creamy cappuccinos and that gorgeous, warm slice of tiramisu, with every flavour of Italian passion in each mouthful. Heaven on a plate!
What's a ballet trip to Milan without a visit to one of the fabulous local fashion houses, right? And what’s more fabulous than a bit of shopping? Milan's shopping scene is nothing short of dazzling. The luxury brands, the exquisite craftsmanship, and the atmosphere itself is electric! Of course, I can't walk through these dazzling shops without the ultimate Pink Tutu touch. Let’s just say my bag came away pretty full, full of some beautiful treasures, all chosen by the Pink Tutu Team.
I've always loved being a ballerina - being part of a community of dancers. And you know, in my time as a ballerina, I’ve found some of the best friends that anyone could wish for, and have made lasting memories that make up the tapestry of my life. But being a professional ballerina comes with many challenges, and the hardest has to be travelling so often and keeping on top of the performance and the logistics of getting there. It makes you think a little bit more about the journey as well as the destination. That's where I found a love for travel - seeing so many wonderful parts of the world. Of course, it helps that I’ve been able to bring a little bit of my pink tutus to all of these wonderful places. I think I can say that my tutus are starting to travel the world!
There’s a quote by Oscar Wilde I often think of when I travel. He said "to travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." He wasn’t talking about tutus! Of course. I love wearing tutus and sharing my passion for pink and dance wherever I go, but Wilde's words make me think about travel being about discovering more about ourselves. You get to be a bit of an explorer, trying new things and meeting all sorts of amazing people along the way! And the beauty of travelling as a ballet dancer is being able to embrace these adventures through the wonderful world of dance. That, and seeing tutus everywhere I go, of course!
And finally, the big news… I've decided to expand the pink tutu blog into a podcast. That's right, dear readers! You'll get to hear my musings on all things pink and fabulous from your ears, not just your eyes. I'll be interviewing designers, performers and anyone I can find in the fabulous world of dance. Think glamorous chats about backstage gossip and the art of dance, plus everything about style and fashion from all the wonderful places I visit, along with lots of insights into the ballet world and maybe some guest tutus, who knows! You'll have to check back next week on the Pink Tutu Blog website to find out how you can get involved. I am so excited!
The week's adventures have left me buzzing. I feel energised, and oh-so-inspired by the creative spirit of Milan. I just know my little corner of Derbyshire is about to become even more stylish and fabulous, and maybe even a touch more pink, inspired by my whirlwind Milan adventure. But don’t worry, my pink tutu-loving family! My pinkness never fades, even as the sun sets on this spectacular journey. Until next week, keep twirling, my lovely pink tutu enthusiasts!
Emma x
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