Wednesday, 16th August 2017
Buongiorno, darling tutus!
Emma here, back in the beautiful city of Milan after a whirlwind week of twirling, shopping and sunshine. As you all know, I can't resist a good European adventure, and this time, my travels took me straight to the fashion capital of Italy.
Of course, I had to bring my trusty pink tutu. It's a rule - you never leave home without a tutu, especially in Milan! The streets here are practically made for twirling, and I just can't resist the urge to spin with every step I take. After all, why walk when you can twirl? Especially in a city brimming with breathtaking architecture and charming cafes, it's impossible not to be swept away by the energy and passion of Milan.
This week has been a pure ballet and fashion fantasy, darling! I managed to catch two stunning performances, hit up the famous Teatro alla Scala - and let me tell you, the grandeur and opulence had my jaw dropping! Then, on another magical evening, I stumbled upon an enchanting street ballet performance that took place under the starry night sky in a picturesque little piazza.
Of course, I couldn't resist shopping in between all that culture and elegance! From the chic boutiques to the vibrant street markets, every corner of Milan is a fashion paradise. The craftsmanship, the styles, the incredible array of colours and textures, I'm a total fashionista in this city. And did I mention the shoes? The shoe shops are simply divine - the craftsmanship and style, the exquisite footwear are just beyond my wildest dreams. I know it's a crime to not show you a little peek at what I managed to snag while in Milan, so check out my new sparkly, high-heeled ballet pumps! They have delicate little bows on top, the perfect blend of whimsy and sophistication, just the ticket for all the glamorous twirling a girl could dream of!
Let me take you through the last few days...
A Day at La Scala
The Teatro alla Scala, with its golden-domed architecture and legendary history, truly blew me away. The moment you enter, it’s as if time itself takes a pause. This theatre oozes tradition, it simply has an undeniable atmosphere of timeless grace and exquisite beauty.
I was there to watch "Swan Lake", and let me tell you, it was truly breathtaking. The dancers were exquisite, and their moves seemed effortless. Every pose, every turn, every step of their dance was like poetry in motion - it made me wish I could slip into a tutu and join them on that stage.
My favourite moment of the show had to be the white swan pas de deux in the second act. It's a story of love and tragedy, played out in the most graceful and poetic way, all underscored by the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky.
Dancing the night away on a Milanese Street
After the breathtaking opulence of the theatre, the next night I decided to take a walk around the heart of Milan to see what I could find. It was a gloriously warm August evening, and as I was strolling down a narrow, cobbled street, a soft, sweet melody reached my ears.
As I followed the sound, I came across a small group of dancers gathered in the square, lit by the glow of the moon and streetlamps. The light flickered over the steps they performed as their stories were told through expressive movement. It felt so intimate, a very real, authentic performance in the heart of Milan, and you could really feel the passion, the joy, the love of ballet radiating outwards from them to the little crowd that had gathered to watch.
It was an absolute treat to watch these beautiful dancers. It brought back memories of my own ballet class days in Derbyshire - how many years has it been now, 15? 16? Those are some happy memories, full of beautiful ballet tutus and friendships, all bathed in the sunshine of sunny Derbyshire, although in all honesty, we rarely had sunshine then, as my Grandma used to say 'It never stops raining in Derbyshire!'
But back to Milan!
Tram Travels, Fashion Finds and Fantastic Food
It wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu adventure without exploring a little. In Milan, the best way to soak up the atmosphere is to hop on a tram! It gives you an authentic perspective on everyday Milanese life and is a perfect way to navigate the city. The old trams are really charming, all dark green, shiny and polished and decorated with those beautifully intricate, faded posters.
I had the pleasure of meeting the sweetest tram conductor. We had a fun, flirty exchange about the city, my pink tutu, my dance and travel plans. He loved the idea of everyone in a pink tutu and told me all about the history of trams in Milan. We ended up laughing over a cup of coffee in one of the tiny tram stops that you often find tucked away behind a café in Milan, they’re like little havens off the busy street. It felt as if we had fallen through a secret door to a tranquil, cosy café, completely separate from the rush of life in the bustling city.
The cafes and restaurants in Milan are an experience in themselves! There are so many delicious treats and flavours to discover. The food culture here in Milan is exquisite - from the delectable pastries to the freshest, juiciest, perfectly ripe fruit! I can’t wait to visit all those hidden culinary gems during my next trip!
So until next week darling tutus! Stay sparkly and stylish.
Ciao for now,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
