Ciao Bella!
Well, here I am, back in glorious Milan, and it’s already turning out to be a dazzling, exciting, fashionably flamboyant trip! It wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu Milan blog without some sparkle, and I can already feel it swirling around me. I just landed this afternoon, and the atmosphere at Milan Linate airport was buzzing with the latest fashion trends – and let’s be honest, my arrival in my latest tutu creation, a pastel pink, silk dream of a skirt, adorned with hand-stitched sequins, definitely added to the visual symphony.
As a proper ballet enthusiast (and let's not forget my secret mission to get the entire world rocking a pink tutu), it was a given that I had to make this journey happen. So, what's a girl like me to do? The answer, of course, is to gather all my funds from the delightful performances that I’ve been doing across the Midlands. A whole weekend of pirouettes in Derbyshire - and a fair few twirls for charity - later, I was ready for my Italian adventure.
It’s not just the excitement of travelling, although let’s face it, that’s a big part of the joy. It’s the wonderful ballet performances in Milan, the amazing street and theatre performances, the delicious food (I did sample a gorgeous piece of chocolate-laden panettone at the airport - and I can't wait for another slice, and another...and another!), the endless opportunities for shopping and fashion inspiration – that’s the real magic.
Speaking of magic, I was immediately struck by the charm of Milan when I stepped out of the airport. The air was filled with a mixture of freshly baked bread, jasmine blossoms, and something I can only describe as that uniquely European feeling of timeless romance and history - it makes me want to spin!
After taking a quick selfie, obviously - no Pink Tutu adventure is complete without a photograph or two, my pink tutu twirling perfectly in the sunlight - I decided to take a scenic route through the heart of the city. There’s just something special about hopping onto a tram. Seeing the city through its windows feels like travelling back in time. I spotted a sweet old couple holding hands, and couldn’t help but smile. It’s moments like these that make this travel journey so enriching.
My journey took me to the Piazza Duomo - that stunning heart of Milan, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. And then, onto the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the magnificent shopping arcade built in the 19th century - oh, to be in the centre of so much fashion! The beauty of Milan’s architecture, from ancient cathedrals to the opulent shops, truly takes my breath away. And who knows what exciting designs I might spot that will spark new inspiration for my own tutu designs?
Onwards, I ventured to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Just imagining all the breathtaking performances held within its walls makes me giddy. My feet tapped rhythmically, my heart already in tune with the elegant dance steps I could feel inside. You just know that amazing energy and inspiration fills the air within. You can sense its rich history simply by walking by it!
The beauty of travelling, especially in a city as full of history and beauty as Milan, is being open to chance encounters. So, after gazing at the grandeur of the Teatro alla Scala, I turned a corner and bumped into a small, friendly trattoria, a hidden gem brimming with local chatter and aromas that made my tummy rumble. The warm smile of the waitress and the fragrant scent of tomato sauce and herbs filled the air, making me instantly feel at home. I sampled some delectable spaghetti aglio e olio (with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan - yes, you guessed it, my obsession!), which felt like a beautiful, earthy waltz on my tongue.
In the late afternoon, after soaking in all that vibrant beauty and filling my belly, I decided to relax a bit. As you all know, a ballet dancer’s day doesn’t end at sunset. We gotta keep our bodies strong and flexible - that's what keeps the twirls smooth, right? I did some warm-up stretches on my hotel room balcony. The gentle Milan breeze felt like an ethereal symphony around me. Just for good measure, I decided to try out my new moves for the trip, a playful little variation inspired by a local dance I saw at a theatre yesterday - all the dancers were wearing bright tutus and they had such playful footwork, perfect for the spring air!
You guys know I love going to shows - so you can imagine my delight when I discovered a ballet performance at Teatro San Babila this evening. It's one of the gems hidden just outside of the heart of Milan.
After finding my way back from my little impromptu stretch-session and an exhilarating performance that had my toes tapping, it was time for some exploration. One of my favourite activities when travelling, after shopping for fabric and inspiration, of course, is the joy of street-level discoveries! I strolled through Milan's charming backstreets, a bit off the beaten track - which means I was certain to find some quirky and inspiring delights. I'm sure I must have looked a sight, twirling down these quaint Milan streets, with my pink tutu whipping around me. Every window felt like a stage! It is amazing how many tiny little backstreet art galleries and boutiques I stumble upon when exploring this city. A true inspiration, not only for my wardrobe, but for my art. It is those back streets that make the city feel truly authentic and inspiring. And honestly, sometimes it’s the less obvious places that really make your day.
Just off Via Brera – you’ve all got to check out the chic boutiques there, full of delightful Italian design and artistic craftsmanship, that is for sure! I found the most exquisite antique scarf shop - the fabrics were simply gorgeous.
After my street-level explorations, I decided to go back to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This grand shopping mall always manages to make me feel like I am in the centre of some timeless fairytale. As I strolled, gazing at the captivating fashion designs on display in every shop window, the air vibrated with elegance and glamour.
The lighting - perfect, the designs - utterly sublime! It made me wonder how many people felt inspired in that space, maybe that is why it feels so buzzing and magical to me. Then, as I rounded a corner, I noticed the mosaic of a fighting bull - the heart of Milan's ancient emblem - which instantly caught my eye!
With that visual and historic reminder that Milan is an incredible combination of both old and new, and a city that can easily blend classic beauty with modern flair, I found a spot for a lovely dinner in one of the lovely cafes near the galleria. What’s a blogger, or ballerina, to do but continue the twirls with an impromptu show for all the other cafe patrons. Oh my, a group of Italian gents started whistling. That certainly got me blushing, which must have inspired me as my tutu twirling went from simple pirouettes to full grand jete. There was definitely a good deal of applause when my last turn came to a stop!
Oh my goodness - my day in Milan is starting to feel more like a fairytale. With my tummy full, heart content and ready to keep exploring all the artistic marvels Milan has to offer - I really hope to have you all join me for a journey here next time, because frankly, Milan really does have the magic to transport anyone into a tutu-licious, dance-filled fairytale!
See you all back here on Pink Tutu Milan, next Monday - for now, until next time - enjoy your own adventure and have a twirl or two along the way.
Ciao for now,
Emma x
A Few Details for you Fashionable Friends:
Today was Wednesday the 15th of March 2017.
And guess what else, the Italian fashion calendar says it is the start of Milan Fashion Week, which means all of the hottest fashion designers are currently strutting their latest creations on catwalks right here in this incredible city. You know this fashionista is going to check out all the showtimes, as well as the Milan fashion exhibitions taking place across the city. My new pink tulle and floral patterned tutu should definitely be a statement piece at some of these exhibitions - keep an eye out for pictures!
I must share a small tip - if you ever get to visit, keep your eyes peeled for the new pop-up boutiques around Milan, a lot of talented local designers get their break at these temporary spaces. They tend to disappear as quickly as they appear - but the finds are amazing. I may need to pop into the new one on Via Palermo near Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for inspiration. They are rumoured to have some delightful velvet fabrics.
See you soon!
