Ciao bella! It's Emma here, back from the magical metropolis of Milan, a city that truly lives up to its fashion-forward reputation. My suitcase is overflowing with sparkly new shoes, dazzling dresses, and – of course! – a few fabulously frilly pink tutus. This week in Milan has been a whirl of ballet, boutiques, and beautiful trams – and wouldn't you know it, even the weather decided to put on a dazzling show, with sun-drenched days and starry-lit evenings.
It feels like forever since I left my quaint Derbyshire village – I do miss the rolling hills and the smell of fresh scones – but being here in this city of glamour and sophistication has filled me with the most amazing energy.
This week, I felt the vibrant pulse of Milan's artistic spirit. There was, of course, the gorgeous ballet show I performed in. It was at Teatro alla Scala, oh my word, such a grand stage, a palace of art! The music, the lighting, the sheer spectacle of it all – I could practically hear the angels singing in the rafters. I'd never danced in such a prestigious venue before, it was such a privilege. The applause felt like a hundred pairs of little fairy wings brushing my cheeks. But of course, all that hard work calls for a celebratory shop spree!
Speaking of celebrations, what's a trip to Milan without a trip to Pasticceria Marchesi 1824? Imagine the most heavenly aroma of warm, yeasty bread, mingling with the sweetest, most decadent scents of pastries and gelato. This is the kind of place where your senses simply explode with happiness! It's just a short stroll from Teatro alla Scala, a lovely little tram ride, which I love, because you see the heart of the city at a much slower pace. It's almost like watching the city wake up!
I wandered through the city centre, eyes glued to the windows of glamorous boutiques and artisan stores. The streets themselves seemed to shimmer with a kind of fairy dust, a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy that was just captivating. It was in this city that I came across my latest ballet-inspired find, a darling little shop on Via Monte Napoleone. The most beautiful shop with the most stunning pink tutu, like it was designed just for me! It even had sequins that looked like little sparkling stars! And if that wasn't enough, they also had the cutest little shoes – the kind that twirls just with a touch! It truly was a pink-tutu-dream come true!
But my Milan adventure wasn't all about sparkles and high heels. On Friday, I felt the urge to escape the city's bustle, to breathe in some fresh air and be amongst nature. I decided to venture into the serene countryside of Lombardy. It was truly enchanting! A world away from the bustling streets of Milan, I found myself in a meadow of swaying wildflowers, the air thick with the scent of honeysuckle, surrounded by rolling green hills, where the sky kissed the earth in a tender embrace.
In the evening, I stumbled upon a truly enchanting street performance in Piazza della Scala. The artists were wearing vibrant costumes, their movements were so expressive, and they spun tales of joy and wonder right there on the pavement! The music filled the square with an irresistible rhythm that set everyone's feet tapping. The whole performance felt so raw, so genuine, and it gave me the most wonderful feeling of community.
You know what? Milan reminds me so much of Derbyshire in a way. Sure, Milan is all glittering sophistication, but under its surface beats a warm heart, a vibrant spirit that loves to express itself, to celebrate life in its own special way. I've also found such amazing local treasures like a darling little shop on Via della Spiga – full of delicious food, it has become my secret spot for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and an adorable boutique on Via Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the place I buy my handmade ballet shoes from a fantastic shoemaker, the loveliest lady who is helping me become an expert at hand-stitching and I even brought home a kit! I know what you’re thinking…another thing to do! It's ok, I’m learning how to take a break, one step at a time!
Milan, I bid you farewell with a swirling pirouette and a promise to return soon. You've given me memories that will forever shine brighter than any star on a stage, and you've ignited a spark of inspiration that will burn brighter than any pink tutu!
Ciao!
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to check out Pink-Tutu.com! I'm posting a brand-new blog every week, with a little bit of everything that inspires me: ballet, fashion, food, and of course, travel! Join me on my pink-tutu journey. The world is waiting to be explored with a touch of twirl!
And just in case you're feeling a little extra sassy this week, here’s a little pink-tutu-inspired thought:
What’s happening on Wednesday 2016-11-02Every day is a chance to create your own personal ballet – filled with grace, beauty, and just a little bit of pink tulle!
- Milan Fashion Week – the autumn/winter collection previews are in full swing, the most extravagant and dazzling collections! Oh my goodness! Every day, the catwalks burst with the latest fashions from around the world. And let me tell you, there’s something to inspire every pink-tutu enthusiast – think sparkling gowns that twirl as beautifully as a ballerina and heels that add a touch of magic to every step.
- Milan's Opera houses come alive - It is truly a week for ballet and theatre performances - including The Ballet of La Scala in Romeo and Juliet. It’s the story I am working on for the next year and you’d better believe, it will include pink tutus and some extra special pink tutu inspired costumes and a few added frills and feathers that even the original play probably couldn't have dreamed up. I’ll keep you posted with news on the progress.
- Milan's food markets burst with flavors - Oh, I just love this! I was lucky to get to Mercato Centrale last week. I always get excited by all the new and wonderful food. There’s truly something for every taste bud, from fragrant spices to delicious cheeses. Even though I just love ballet, shopping and all things girly, I also love good food, but, it has to be special! I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth special – no mere sandwich here! Oh my! So many delicious food stalls selling food that you can eat while you shop, which of course, is essential to any shopping expedition – it’s like fuel for the ultimate ballerina’s high heels.
- My Milan Diaries continues: Look out for next week’s post about the magical and historic Teatro alla Scala and the ballet shows happening during this Milan Fashion week!
I'll be sharing all the insider tips and my pink-tutu-approved favourites so that you too can experience the magic of this wonderful city!
Follow me on the adventures of Pink-Tutu-Milan! and let's make this a week that's full of twirls and sparkles, because as we all know…life’s too short to dance in anything else but a Pink Tutu!
Lots of Love,
Emma
