#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2016-09-07 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Post number 1109 – Wednesday 7th September 2016

Hey everyone, it’s Emma here, bringing you another instalment of my #PinkTutuMilan blog, live from the fashion capital of the world, Milan! I'm so excited to be in Italy, a country I've been wanting to explore for years, and you guys already know how much I love exploring, especially when it's in pursuit of fashion, culture and, of course, all things ballet.

So, grab yourselves a cuppa, settle in with a slice of something delicious, and let's delve into this week's adventures.

Let's start this journey by rewinding back to my time in England. The last few weeks have been a whirl of practice, rehearsals, and performing. I love this hectic, exciting life – it keeps me on my toes (and sometimes even on point, literally!). But all that dedication to the stage meant I was packing my pink tutu for Milan and I'll confess I couldn't wait to head back to Italy for more ballet delights.

Italians are renowned for their passion and expression, and I was determined to see how this manifested in the world of ballet.

The journey itself was already full of lovely, pink tutu vibes. As I settled onto the train, with my beautiful pink tutu bag – that's what you might call a well-worn and trusted travel companion these days – I found myself admiring the lush greenery and quaint towns zipping by. My fellow train passengers all seemed to have their own story, each wrapped up in a whirlwind of their own emotions and lives. A feeling of calmness filled me as I let myself be carried away by the rhythm of the train.

Milan! A vibrant metropolis of towering cathedrals, impressive art, and endless delicious food – the mere sight of this city made my heart flutter with excitement. My favourite mode of transport in any city is, of course, the tram! I've spent many happy hours on Italian trams already. It's all so picturesque. Just try to imagine, folks – bright yellow trams buzzing through narrow streets lined with ochre buildings. I can already hear that tinkling bell! It makes me feel like I'm starring in my very own, beautifully orchestrated ballet.

There's a certain charm to observing city life whizz by through a tram window, a blend of bustling city rhythms with moments of peaceful introspection, perfect for catching those oh-so-important inspirational notes in a little black notebook – oh yes, I always keep a notebook on hand! I mean, where else can I scribble down those beautiful moments I want to bring to life with a twirl of my tutu.

And let’s not forget Milan's extraordinary reputation as the fashion capital of the world. Let's just say my pink tutu hasn’t stopped twirling in a flurry of shop visits. The designs, textures, and colors were just bursting with imagination, creativity, and – you guessed it – that unique Italian flair! A visit to Milan's grand department stores is an experience in itself – I lost hours (and possibly a few coins!) admiring stunning displays and elegant outfits, my little black notebook getting a real workout. I couldn't help myself – a pink tutu must find its home amidst the Milanese fashion!

Of course, fashion and style is what Milan is all about. As I sauntered through the cobblestone streets, my eye was drawn to window displays overflowing with stylish clothes and accessories, and I could spot my favourite, elegant pink, lurking amongst them! The atmosphere was buzzing with style, sophistication, and an alluring dose of the flamboyant – what a thrill!

However, this wasn't just a trip all about the glitz and glam. It was the ballet that had me truly entranced! That very evening, the ballet magic began at Teatro alla Scala – I know, how lucky, right? I found myself immersed in a world of exquisite movement and captivating storytelling – a ballet I won’t soon forget! Every single move resonated, every emotion was expressed so flawlessly! It was breathtaking! And you just can’t talk about ballet without mentioning the tutus. There was, of course, a beautiful pink tutu! I was instantly drawn to its elegant lines and delicate fabric; the colour and graceful shape brought the ballerina to life.

My soul soared! It reminded me why I am so passionate about ballet, and what a true privilege it is to be part of this incredible art form. Every time I experience ballet magic, it feels like a fresh start – my inspiration overflows and fuels my own dancing!

While at Teatro alla Scala, I had an overwhelming urge to express myself, to capture my thoughts about this unique experience. And guess what? The most wonderful opportunity came to me right then – I found myself meeting with a talented choreographer from the Teatro. You wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve been listening to - amazing insights into the intricate world of Italian ballet! Our conversation about dance sparked my imagination. What a perfect combination, right – passionate dancers and a beautiful backdrop!

You guys might know, a deep, lifelong ambition of mine is to bring ballet to as many people as possible. To show them that ballet isn't just about pirouettes and leaps - it's about human stories and emotions, about captivating the audience with your art. I even hope, that one day, I will inspire you to don your own tutu and give ballet a go, but in my lovely pink, of course!

So, I started brainstorming a project, combining all the inspiration from my trip: I’m talking about something quite big! I’m imagining a beautiful production right here in Milan, a ballet set against the backdrop of the majestic Teatro alla Scala – that would be something special, wouldn’t it?! I'd love to share my love of ballet and inspire others, particularly children and young people – ballet isn’t only for professionals – we should encourage every aspiring ballerina and danseur out there. We want to bring that same joy and passion to others!

And as I write this, the vision in my head seems to become clearer and clearer – it has everything to do with bringing my vision to life! The beauty, the power, the energy and the elegance of ballet, in a bright and vibrant pink! What do you guys think? Should I aim high?

But back to my Italian adventure! There's nothing like finding that perfect little cafe nestled on a cobblestone side street – that's my kind of Italy! My favourite Italian caffe lattes are so delicious – it’s an absolute must in any Italian city. And of course, all the yummy, buttery pastries! How could I possibly forget? You simply can’t explore Milan, or Italy for that matter, without savouring all the exquisite flavours that this beautiful country has to offer.

I am sure it goes without saying, Milan, just like my beautiful pink tutu, is brimming with surprises and delight at every corner, every alleyway, and every breathtaking building!

What will my adventure hold next? I can’t tell you for sure. But this I do know, there’ll be more dance classes, more Italian caffe lattes, more moments of ballet magic, more enchanting streets and charming cafes to explore, and definitely more pink tutu moments along the way!

See you next week, and until then, happy dancing and remember, always keep a touch of pink in your life!

Love, Emma

xx