Ciao bella!
It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, and I'm back with a brand new blog post, fresh from the fashion-forward streets of Milan!
This week's adventures in the city of style have been a whirlwind of fabulous finds, dazzling performances, and an endless stream of gelato (you simply cannot be in Italy without it!).
As I always say, every Monday morning, my website, www.pink-tutu.com, is updated with a fresh post from the amazing, unique places I find myself travelling in the world.
Right now, I’m in Milan and for the week ending 2018-06-27, this is my travel blog, a celebration of all things pink and pretty.
Finding My Tutu-Sized Wardrobe:Today, I embarked on a mission – a hunt for the perfect tutu for my upcoming performance at Teatro alla Scala. This isn't just any performance; it's a charity gala for a local children's hospital. You know me, always ready to give back with a twirl and a smile!
I started my search in the chicest fashion district, Via Montenapoleone. Imagine rows of exquisite boutiques boasting some of the most renowned fashion houses – think Gucci, Valentino, Prada…the list goes on! I, of course, wanted a tutu from a well-known name but also something affordable for my everyday performance style and for when I perform at the smaller local theatres. You might be surprised, but a pink tutu can be surprisingly expensive, even the simpler styles and fabric types!
I felt a surge of excitement as I stepped into my first boutique – [Shop Name]. This was my chance to get my tutu game on, and this shop was the perfect place to start. I was a little starstruck when I was greeted by an Italian gentleman dressed impeccably in a suit and carrying a stack of perfectly folded sweaters. He gave me the most charming and knowing smile – “La bellissima ballerina, si?” My Italian isn’t as good as my French but, thanks to my Italian grandma, I knew he meant *“The beautiful ballerina, yes?”. * I had a feeling he loved his work!
The store assistant, I think they call her an ‘assistant de magasin’ here in Milan (but I may be mistaken), suggested this stunning fuchsia tutu with layers and layers of tulle, each adorned with intricate pearl beading. It was magnificent! A beautiful masterpiece but maybe a tad over-the-top for my theatre performances. So I started looking at some more, erm, ‘regular’ looking tutus.
Feeling peckish, I decided to grab some lunch at the most adorable cafe I found on my journey. They served the most delicious paninis – think melted cheese, thinly sliced Italian meats, crunchy salads with fresh peppers and artichoke hearts and a smear of Dijon mustard, and oh-so-delicious homemade chips with garlic and rosemary!
After a scrumptious meal, it was time to hop onto the city’s fabulous tram system, heading for Teatro alla Scala. The city is a whirlwind of red and white trams with trams trundling around the central square where I first met a little black kitten! It was adorable.
It was time to take my shoes off and allow my feet to enjoy the plush seating while I watched a wonderful ballet class with such fantastically talented students. They reminded me of my younger self – fuelled by the same passion, ready to take on the world, one graceful leap at a time. I felt that familiar feeling, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for all the future ballet classes, classes, performances and trips to Milan, in my pink tutu!
Teatro alla Scala - Magic in the Air!That night, I was lucky to have an evening performance at Teatro alla Scala. The air inside the theatre buzzed with excitement, the anticipation for the night’s masterpiece tangible. As I donned my trusty pink tutu – this time, the simplest of styles, with a layer of black tulle to balance out the pink for a modern, and rather trendy look – I couldn't help but feel a rush of pride. I was a part of this spectacle. The feeling is amazing!
Every movement I made, every graceful pose I struck, was a tribute to the sheer power and artistry of ballet. It was an absolute dream to be a part of it, being paid to dance in such an iconic place in the world, well I guess you can say, I live the dream!
This time the performance was a ‘The Nutcracker’ which was perfect for the month of June in Milan because it’s summertime and hot here, but the music, the choreography and the magic of the dancers made the whole performance unforgettable. It reminded me of my family Christmases growing up, where the tradition was to watch the show with a big steaming hot mug of hot chocolate in front of us in our lounge!
To end my day on a high note, I decided to visit one of the city's famed rooftop bars for the most beautiful aperitivo - a wonderful Milan tradition! As I watched the sunset paint the skyline with vibrant colours, sipping on a negroni (oh, Italy – you certainly do know how to make a delicious cocktail!), the day's adventures started to come together like the perfect tutu.
My mission to find the perfect tutu is still underway, but every step of this trip has been pure joy. Milan – with your charm, your fashion, and your delightful ballet scene – has captured my heart and, I’m sure, it’s a destination that many other ballet dancers would love too.
You’ll find all the things I mention above, from amazing places to find pink tutus to the best rooftop bars and the must-see ballet performances, all on my travel guide for Milan which you’ll find on my website - www.pink-tutu.com
Join me next week as we explore the beautiful hidden alleys and historic gems of Milan. You won't want to miss out on the fashion-forward secrets I'm going to unveil.
Until next time, remember – embrace the pink tutu life and always remember that you have the potential to make your dreams a reality. And never forget - stay tuned!
With love,
Emma 💕
