Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and I'm positively buzzing with excitement to share my latest Milan adventures with you. As you all know, this beautiful city holds a special place in my heart - the cobblestone streets, the vibrant energy, and the delicious gelato, oh my! And it doesn't hurt that it's absolutely overflowing with inspiration, from the haute couture boutiques to the majestic architecture.
This week has been a whirlwind of pink tutu-powered escapades, filled with graceful moves, breathtaking sights, and plenty of swoon-worthy fashion. I’m back from a little performance trip in Derbyshire last week – and guess what? The little darlings all had a pink tutu-wearing frenzy for our big final show. Who wouldn’t love a sparkly pink tutu, eh?
Of course, I couldn't let myself get sidetracked by a single performance! This past week in Milan was all about celebrating the wonderful city with the power of the pink tutu.
Wednesday 26th October: Ballet Beginnings
The week started off with a touch of magic. I was absolutely thrilled to catch a breathtaking performance at the Teatro alla Scala, a world-renowned opera house. The ballet was simply mesmerising, a swirl of artistry and passion. I just loved the elegant costumes, the stunning set design, and of course, the dancers – their effortless grace was captivating. I felt the entire audience swept away by the music, the emotions, and the raw talent on stage. As I sat in my seat, I couldn't help but dream of the day I'd be dancing on that very stage. But hey, who knows what the future holds? A girl's gotta dream!
The Pink Tutu's Milanese Wardrobe
The day after my performance at the Teatro alla Scala, I couldn’t wait to step back into the magical Milanese world of fashion. Milan is a treasure trove for style-conscious ballerinas like myself. Every street corner is a catwalk, and the windows of designer boutiques showcase the latest trends. And what better way to explore a city than with a little bit of shopping therapy? The perfect pink tutu just makes shopping for everything from chic boots to statement necklaces so much more fun. This time around I had to grab myself a vintage Parisian hat and a pair of sparkly rose-gold pumps with fluffy feathers. Who can resist such exquisite beauty?
I did a little "spotting" on the way. Did I see someone sporting a gorgeous cherry red coat that could easily grace a vintage-style ballet set? Or were my eyes playing tricks on me? And can we just admire that sleek, navy-blue evening dress paired with a stylish handbag – perfection! So many looks to take in, so much inspiration in this beautiful city.
Thursday's Pink-Tinted Tranquility
There's something incredibly charming about traversing Milan by tram. The gentle rhythm of the tracks, the quaint glimpses into everyday life, the sunshine illuminating the city through the window panes, and a little light ballet-inspired twirl – there’s something rather romantic about it all. Thursday was about absorbing this calm and quiet tranquility as I wandered along the Via Monte Napoleone. It’s one of the city's most elegant streets and home to some of the most prestigious designer boutiques. But as charming and enticing as these boutiques are, my real treat that day was indulging in a creamy cup of hot chocolate in a small, intimate cafe. The warmth of the hot chocolate combined with the atmosphere was incredibly relaxing and it just felt like the perfect escape for a busy afternoon. It was certainly a far cry from the hustle and bustle of my life as a professional ballerina, but I needed that moment of serenity.
A Walk Along The Corso Buenos Aires
One of my favourite spots in Milan is the Corso Buenos Aires. It's the heart of the city – alive with energy, packed with locals and tourists alike, bursting with colourful shops and buzzing restaurants. My dear friends and I love going there to watch the world go by while savouring a slice of creamy ricotta and pear cake or indulging in some savoury street food. My absolute favourite – I love those fried polenta and parmesan cheesy croquettes that you can grab for a few euros and devour in two bites – simply divine!
The Ballet Box
Did I mention my absolute favourite shop in Milan? The Ballet Box, of course! Oh, how I love this little haven. Every time I’m in Milan, I visit. It's an exquisite shop that’s bursting with all things ballet – costumes, tutus, ballet shoes, and the cutest accessories imaginable. It's an absolute paradise for any ballerina, and for me, it’s pure inspiration. Their collection of tutus are divine, darling! Every time I visit, I spot a new one that makes me weak at the knees. It's impossible to resist, I just need to own them all – and in every colour! It was here that I saw the most breathtaking collection of velvet-trimmed black, midnight blue, and emerald-green tutus I have ever seen. But I confess, I fell for a very dramatic black and red layered tulle design with feathered trimmings. It was begging to take the stage at one of my next performance.
Dancing With The City
Later that evening, I met with some dear friends to attend a fantastic performance at the Teatro Dal Verme. The stage was set for an exceptional contemporary ballet performance. I had no idea that contemporary dance could move me this deeply. Every twirl, every leap, every emotional expression spoke to me. As the performers expressed a symphony of stories, I couldn't help but feel connected, a part of the intricate web of movement and passion. After the performance, we had an enlightening discussion about the artistry of movement, how a simple gesture can carry such a heavy message.
Milan, You Are My Inspiration
This week has been nothing short of magical, darling. Every corner of Milan seems to exude beauty and elegance. It's a city that makes me feel inspired in a million ways, not just from its beautiful sights, its stunning fashions, but the sheer artistic heart that beats in every one of its veins. It’s an absolute must for any dancer or anyone with an appreciation for life’s finer things, not to mention all you pink tutu enthusiasts! So many ideas and plans are already swirling in my head, ideas for costumes and sets, performance plans and designs – Milan really makes my brain buzz with creative energy. And remember, dear friends, it's never too late to unleash your inner ballerina. Put on that pink tutu, strut your stuff, and let your spirit fly!
Until next week, darling. See you on pink-tutu.com on Monday for a fresh blog post!
Ciao, ciao!
Emma xx
