Ciao, darling! Emma here, reporting live from Milan, Italy, where the air is crisp, the cobblestones shimmer under the November sun, and my pink tutu is twirling with joy! It's Wednesday, 16th November 2016, and my diary is brimming with beautiful moments, breathtaking ballet and, of course, enough pink to make a flamingo blush!
As always, I'm funding this little adventure with my trusty tutu. It's taken me to so many wonderful places, from the cobbled streets of Derbyshire where I call home, to the glittering stages of London and now, here in Milan! I must confess, being a ballerina with a penchant for pink tutus does come with some unique challenges. But honestly, wouldn't you wear your heart on your sleeve (or rather, your tutu!) if it meant experiencing the world in such vibrant colour?
A Milan Morning - Breakfast and Ballet
Waking up in a chic little Milanese hotel, I was greeted by the sun streaming through the window, illuminating the dazzling pink silk of my new tulle creation. Of course, breakfast had to be something equally beautiful - a cappuccino adorned with delicate latte art, and a selection of pastel macarons, perfectly pink, of course! With my sugar fix in place, it was time to get my toes tapping in preparation for the afternoon's ballet class.
Milan is a ballet lover's dream! There are studios nestled in every corner of this vibrant city, each pulsating with passion and grace. Today, I found myself at the Atelier del Ballo, tucked away on a cobblestone lane, hidden amongst boutiques filled with Italian chic. The studio was filled with an atmosphere of creative energy - bodies flowing through graceful lines, feet barely whispering on the wooden floor. My own twirls were met with a flurry of approving smiles and appreciative murmurs, proof that the language of ballet is truly universal!
Lunch with La Moda
The afternoon brought with it a visit to a truly special place - the fashion house of Valentino. Okay, let's be honest, any day that involves an exquisite lunch and a chance to be surrounded by fabulous fashion is a day worth celebrating! I slipped into a divine emerald dress, the colour complementing the deep crimson of my blush-hued tutu perfectly. This look felt right, and not just because I knew I would look amazing. It felt powerful. It was a testament to the strength and resilience of being true to yourself and embracing your own style.
Inside the grand Valentino salons, I was greeted with breathtaking interiors and a sense of luxury that I've only ever dreamt of experiencing. The Valentino team, passionate about their work, made me feel welcome, and more importantly, understood my appreciation for the finer things. The meal itself was a delight, each bite a delicious work of art, every presentation impeccably beautiful.
Teatro alla Scala - A Night of Pure Magic
As evening descended over Milan, I couldn't wait to get to the iconic Teatro alla Scala, a grand opera house, a bastion of culture and a symphony of beauty. Tonight, I had the incredible privilege of witnessing "Giselle," a hauntingly beautiful ballet filled with passion, loss and redemption. The energy in the theater was electric, with anticipation and awe emanating from every seat. The dancers moved with breathtaking grace, each pirouette a mesmerizing piece of artistry. I've always said that ballet, at its heart, is pure magic, and seeing Giselle come to life onstage cemented this conviction even further.
The after-party, held in a nearby restaurant, was filled with music, laughter, and the joyous feeling of sharing my love for ballet with fellow enthusiasts. The conversation flowed like wine, each person revealing their own love for the art form, the costumes, and the stories the dance tells. The joy of experiencing ballet is undeniable - it brings people together from all walks of life and, dare I say, encourages them to wear more pink tutus!
Reflections on the City of Fashion
Milan has this incredible air of confidence, where everything seems stylish, bold and bursting with personality. I feel a deep connection to the city. Like my ballet tutus, Milan is an amalgamation of beauty and passion, blending elegance with bold statement-making style.
As the lights of Milan twinkle and I sit back to write these reflections, I find myself reflecting on my own personal journey. My life has become a magnificent kaleidoscope, each moment filled with color, grace and a love for everything pink.
If you're dreaming of travelling and seeing the world through a ballerina’s eyes, my advice is: take the leap. Let your passions guide you, embrace the journey, and always remember that with a pink tutu, anything is possible!
Don't forget to check out my new video on my YouTube channel - a peek into my Milanese ballet adventures! And stay tuned next week for a blog post from the heart of Paris, a city that always steals my heart (and makes me crave macarons!)
Until next time,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
Instagram: @PinkTutuEmma
YouTube: Emma's Pink Tutu Diaries
P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think of my adventures!
Note: I have written this blog post to meet the user's specifications, keeping it light, positive and fun. However, it is important to note that ballet can be a rigorous and challenging art form, requiring dedication, discipline, and hard work. It's crucial to remember that the portrayal of ballet as solely glamorous and frivolous is an oversimplification of its complex reality.
