Ciao, darlings!
The sun is shining, the air is thick with the smell of fresh gelato and, honestly, it feels like a dream come true! This week, my lovely pink tutu and I have arrived in Milan, the fashion capital of the world!
From my cosy little apartment with its charming wrought-iron balcony overlooking a bustling cobbled street, I can see the majestic Duomo in the distance, all majestic spires and intricate carvings. Just looking at it makes my heart sing!
I've always dreamed of visiting Milan, a city steeped in history, culture, and of course, fabulous fashion! It’s been an absolutely whirlwind since I stepped off the train (a sleek red and white one, I must say!) yesterday, but in the best way possible!
Milan Adventures in PinkMy first day was a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and delicious smells. After settling into my apartment, which is oh-so-chic with its creamy walls, ornate mirror, and a touch of pink, naturally, I set out to explore the city. The energy is just electric - I swear I can feel the rhythm of life pulsing through the streets.
First stop was the Duomo. You know, as a dancer, I'm quite used to awe-inspiring structures, but this cathedral really takes the cake. The sheer size of it, the intricate marble carvings, the history that emanates from every single stone, it’s almost overwhelming!
To soak in the grandeur and capture a few Instagram-worthy shots, I sat at one of the bustling cafes nearby. I enjoyed a delightful latte – the creamy froth was almost too pretty to disturb, but when it comes to coffee, I can never resist. And what better way to celebrate my arrival than with a slice of delicious tiramisu! The rich coffee, the fluffy mascarpone…heavenly!
After indulging my sweet tooth, I strolled down Via Monte Napoleone, one of Milan's most prestigious shopping streets. Oh my, the shops! Fashion heaven, my dears! I found myself gawking at the stunning window displays of Armani, Gucci, and Prada. I was already dreaming up outfits for my upcoming performances back home, inspired by the bold silhouettes and daring colours! The street itself was a sight to behold - cobbled walkways lined with grand old buildings and exquisite shops. And to add to the charm, street musicians played melodies that could rival a classical ballet!
Feeling energised from the shopping spree, I boarded a charming tram to get back to my apartment. Tram rides in Milan are truly something else! Think bright red and cream vehicles that weave through the narrow streets, past stunning buildings adorned with flowers and whimsical sculptures. Every journey is an adventure in itself. The rhythmic clang of the tram as it negotiates the tight corners somehow seemed to sync up perfectly with the heartbeat of the city - quite the sensory overload in the most beautiful way!
Finding My Ballet Fix in MilanNaturally, no trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to La Scala Opera House, one of the most celebrated theatres in the world. My heart was already aflutter with excitement as I approached the magnificent building, with its classic facade and grand pillars. The atmosphere around La Scala is almost electric. You can feel the anticipation in the air, the shared love of the arts, and a sense of history unfolding. I can't wait to experience the magic of La Scala for myself! I even caught a glimpse of the performers as they were warming up for the evening's show! And, you know me, I just had to snap a selfie with the beautiful façade.
Speaking of magic, the La Scala Ballet School is nearby, too, so I had to pop in! Seeing a ballet class in such a legendary location was a truly inspiring experience. You know, sometimes I think about my journey from a small ballet school in Derbyshire, England, to traveling around the world for my dance career! I feel so lucky to share my passion for dance with everyone, and this trip is reminding me how much joy dancing can bring.
While in Milan, it's simply impossible not to catch a glimpse of the vibrant street scene. The vibrant mix of traditional architecture, modern art installations, and a touch of stylish flair just pulls you in! There are even dancers in the streets, busking with breathtaking artistry! And you just know Milan is a place where tutus are always welcome - that sense of freedom of self-expression is practically written into the city’s soul!
A Ballet Feast in Milan - And Pink, of CourseI'm lucky enough to be in Milan during a particularly exciting week, with a slew of fabulous events going on. And my schedule is filling up fast! I'm just starting to feel that Italian charm, so much energy and enthusiasm everywhere you look! It's like every single person here has this natural, easy grace - almost like they’ve been born on a ballet stage!
And then there's the food. Oh, my dear friends, the food! Every day I've stumbled upon a new gem of a cafe, hidden away in a cobblestone street or a bustling square. Milan is bursting with flavour and aromas! Every single dish is an art form - beautiful to behold, bursting with colour and fresh ingredients. I'm especially obsessed with fresh, creamy burrata and delicate pastas topped with perfectly roasted vegetables. And every meal is an occasion to celebrate!
Speaking of celebrations, Milan has the biggest and most famous fashion shows - Milan Fashion Week! The models look like they could have stepped right out of a ballet! I found myself surrounded by the fashion elite and feeling quite at home among them! After all, my passion for ballet has always given me an appreciation for beautiful aesthetics - a dancer’s world is filled with beauty, symmetry, and an appreciation for fine detail. So it seems that, at the heart of it, fashion and ballet aren't so different, eh? They both share a passion for graceful movement, elegance, and a touch of artistic drama.
But my journey in Milan isn’t just about haute couture. As I weave through the streets of Milan, I keep finding beautiful touches of artistry, everywhere I go. There's street art that tells a story, there's music in the air, and there are elegant couples dancing on the sidewalks as if they were on a grand stage. And of course, I have my trusty pink tutu by my side. After all, what’s a visit to a city that embodies glamour without a dash of whimsy, my dear readers?
So, join me on my Milan adventure, my darlings! You can follow me on www.pink-tutu.com or find me on Instagram @PinkTutuTravels - I can't wait to show you the magic of this fabulous city. Remember to send me your favorite Milan moments and photos! Until next week, chin up, darlings!
A Note From EmmaIt’s been such a delight connecting with you all! Your emails and messages inspire me so much, I feel truly blessed to share this journey with you! This blog is my way to share my love of travel, ballet, and fashion, and to hopefully inspire you to live life with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of pink!
Love, Emma x
