Ciao, darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back from the magical streets of Milan. My heart is still aflutter after another week of fabulous adventures here in the fashion capital of the world.
I've finally arrived in the enchanting city of Milan. Imagine it! It’s like stepping straight out of a romantic fairytale – all charming cobbled streets lined with quaint boutiques and grand cathedrals reaching for the sky. Even the air seems to sparkle with a vibrant energy, perfect for a pink-loving ballerina like me.
The trip here was absolutely divine. From Derbyshire to London, then a seamless journey by Eurostar across the Channel and then I whizzed around the picturesque French countryside to Paris. There I joined a little ballet show to raise funds for my travels. My sparkly pink tutu caught the eye of an agent from Milan who secured me a week of work performing at a luxury hotel there. What an honour to be dancing amongst the finest designers in the world!
Milan is truly an inspiring city. From the minute I stepped off the train at Milano Centrale station, I knew this city was going to be a special one. I was so excited. The streets were brimming with elegance and sophistication, and every window seemed to display the latest haute couture designs. The sheer amount of chicness is quite intoxicating.
This morning I woke to the sun streaming in, illuminating my adorable little pink room at the lovely Hotel Gran Duca. As you know I am a big fan of ‘all pink’ in a bedroom; I mean who needs colours when you can have different shades of the most fabulous shade in the world?
Now, on to the day's adventures! This morning, my bestie Alice, a fellow ballerina from the Royal Ballet School in London, joined me for an invigorating stroll through the vibrant heart of the city. First, of course, was a spot of afternoon tea at the stunning Caffè Greco. Everything about it is oh-so chic. We swooned over the elaborate china and delicious treats, all set amidst the beautifully-restored 18th-century décor. The place oozes history! And the perfect spot for a lovely long chat with my dear friend Alice.
And it was here at Caffè Greco that I stumbled upon something utterly spectacular: a pop-up boutique called "Tutu Dreams" dedicated to… well, tutus! And let me tell you, it wasn’t just any tutu shop; it was like stepping into a ballerina's wonderland. Oh, the tutus! There were sparkly ones, feathered ones, floral ones and tutus in every imaginable shade imaginable. I literally felt like a little girl in a candy store. I picked up a fabulous scarlet number which will be perfect for my performance tonight at a fancy dress gala.
It is not surprising to me that Milan, with its love of fashion and art, embraces all things tutus. I really can’t wait to explore this boutique further; I mean it's almost like walking into a vintage fashion heaven – vintage tutu heaven that is!
With afternoon tea finished, it was time for some serious ballet, but first Alice and I indulged in some serious window shopping, which included some fun shopping along the iconic Via Montenapoleone, famed for its world-renowned boutiques. Alice snapped me wearing my new tutu - I know I'll have to post that on www.pink-tutu.com later.
Now, for ballet. Milan is a vibrant hub for ballet enthusiasts and we'd been told by a wonderful woman we'd met on the train about a little dance school off the beaten path in a courtyard – called 'Danza in Rosa'. So Alice and I took the beautiful tram #16 and just followed our noses, after all, what else do you need in such a magnificent city as Milan!
We reached the little courtyard, which had a cobbled floor covered with vibrant sunflowers and bougainvillea growing up the wall. In the middle was the school – just a little white building with a worn sign above the door that said "Dance in Rosa". We found ourselves at the front desk – and you won’t believe this - Alice’s pink tutu, was almost exactly like the teacher’s tutu. Now, wouldn't that be the perfect opportunity for 'Twin Tutus' blog post next week!
Anyway, our little ‘meet-cute’ ballet lesson was brilliant and it certainly warmed me up for the show later tonight, as my Italian seems to have all but disappeared in the last few days; oh for my Italian ballet dictionary! I may just have to pick up a few books before leaving!
In the evening, as the sun began to dip below the Milanese horizon, painting the sky in hues of lavender and orange, I found myself at the grand Hotel Metropol, nestled amongst the elegant, art-deco buildings of the centre. I joined an exclusive gala that, well, required me to dress like an actress in a silent movie - lots of sparkle - I knew that ‘scarlet tutu’ from 'Tutu Dreams' was perfect for it! I must have done my ballet shoes a good ten miles in it and felt just like one of the glamorous stars!
As the night danced on, I felt like I had stepped straight out of a film, with everyone dressed up to the nines. The gentle piano melodies wafted through the air, accompanied by the elegant clinking of champagne glasses, and laughter filled the room, punctuated by the melodic tunes of a beautiful violin solo.
The dancing, it was like a kaleidoscope of swirling dresses, twirling gentlemen and delightful pink tutus. My own tutu felt utterly magical amidst the elegant crowd. It felt as if it had a life of its own, as it danced with the wind and swayed with the lively rhythms of the evening. The magic in the air was something I never wanted to end!
Later, I even met a glamorous ballet director - just by wearing my 'Scarlet Tutu'. Oh dear, another ‘Pink Tutu’ story to tell and another glamorous contact to follow!
So, that was my Wednesday in Milan, darlings. Filled with dazzling fashion, enchanting ballet and memories I’ll treasure forever. The beauty of Milan has truly seeped into my soul.
Catch you on my Pink Tutu Milan blog next Monday, darlings, for more of Milan’s fabulous fashion scene! I have lots of plans, a ballet show on Saturday and more pink tutu outfits planned!
I will be using the public transport system extensively and am hoping that Milan Metro has got all those ‘tram-tastic’ routes! There will be some blog post pics about this too - 'Pink Tutu in Milan: on the Metro'!
If you are going to be in Milan soon - let me know. Would love to share a cappuccino with you!
Ciao from a very happy pink tutu ballerina in Milan!
Emma X
www.pink-tutu.com
