Buongiorno, my darling readers!
It’s Wednesday and I’m in Milan! This city, it’s got a definite je ne sais quoi – like a symphony of colours and scents all woven into one dazzling tapestry. But you know me, I always bring a bit of my own magic with me - in the form of my signature pink tutu!
As you may already know, my adventures often begin at the crack of dawn, fuelled by a hearty breakfast of croissants and freshly brewed espresso. It's a necessity for the busy ballet life! Today, I'm starting my Milan escapade with a visit to La Scala! Oh, to stand in the shadow of such an iconic theatre is simply exhilarating! It’s a feast for the eyes, with its glorious architecture and rich history whispering secrets from the past. It’s a ballet lover's haven! You can just imagine the whispers of past dancers and the rustle of silk tutus dancing in the air…
And guess what? This Wednesday is World Wide Dance Day! Now, how appropriate is that, wouldn’t you say? To celebrate, I'm channeling my inner ballerina and doing a quick practice session on the Piazza della Scala.
I even convinced some Italian families, completely decked out in pink (they've caught the tutu fever, haven't they?), to join me for a spontaneous flash mob! You should have seen the smiles, the sheer delight of a shared moment of dancing – it was just magical!
Speaking of smiles, nothing quite compares to the smile you get when you score the perfect ballet outfit! So, naturally, after my little dance moment, I decided to treat myself to some new ballet shoes from a shop I stumbled upon tucked away in a tiny side street - Danzando con te. (Did I tell you? My Italian’s coming along in leaps and bounds!) This store is just so lovely, bursting at the seams with the most fabulous shoes I’ve ever laid eyes on. Think velvet ribbons, glistening gemstones, and softest pink satin - oh, I was in ballet heaven!
Now, if you’re picturing a ballet shop that looks like a traditional shoe store… well, you’re in for a surprise. This place is an art gallery in itself! Every corner, every wall was adorned with beautiful pieces from dancers all over the world. A true testament to the passion that this city has for dance!
Milan is all about embracing the little luxuries and embracing the joy of life. The afternoon sun streaming through the café window, the rich aroma of coffee wafting through the air… Oh, and those delicious biscotti - simply divine! It’s all about taking time to simply appreciate the small moments of pleasure in this magnificent city!
Speaking of delightful moments, after a light lunch (more pastries - no judgment, I’m on holiday!), I decided to visit a fabulous boutique tucked away in a narrow cobblestoned alleyway - Le Secret du Ballet. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior, because once you step inside… well, that’s when the magic begins!
Rows upon rows of the most beautiful ballet tutus adorned with every colour imaginable lined the walls. My eyes, they practically bulged out! I could practically smell the satin, the sparkle of rhinestones… it was truly sensory overload!
I knew immediately, a new pink tutu for my collection had to be mine! It had layers of fluffy tulle and glittered with the most enchanting rainbow of crystals. It's just the thing to add some extra flair to my next performance in the heart of Derbyshire!
The staff were lovely, they offered me a cup of Italian tea as I explored, even telling me a few stories about the brand’s history - they even had the very first tutu made by the founder, tucked away in a glass case, so precious! They gave me a peek and I couldn't resist - just imagine, dancing around a stage in a piece of fashion history!
As I sauntered along the narrow streets, I spotted a street performer – a ballet dancer. He was right there on the corner of the square, mesmerising everyone with his incredible technique and powerful moves. The music was pulsating with emotion, perfectly synced with his every step and gesture. His pink pointe shoes were an absolute masterpiece – the way they mirrored the delicate rhythm of his every dance movement – I felt myself swept away by the sheer magic of it all!
Street ballet performances…they always amaze me. Seeing these talented individuals express their artistry right on the street, surrounded by everyday life, adds an extra dimension to their performance. The way the dance flows in and out of the hustle and bustle, blending with the rhythm of the city. It was a performance I was destined to see! It was the perfect end to my Milan morning!
My Tip of the Day Always take a walk to discover the hidden gems. I always say that half the fun of travelling is embracing the unknown and letting yourself get lost in the moment, especially in Milan - this is the heart of Italy and this country was practically invented for unexpected discoveries and culinary delights!
By the time I found my way back to the Tram station - I’d had such an adventurous and exciting day! And my journey wasn't over just yet. Next stop - dinner! A delicious dinner featuring the most wonderful truffle pasta (it had me speechless)!
But here’s the thing - the excitement wasn’t over yet! It was only getting started! Because for my grand finale, I decided to surprise everyone by joining a private ballet performance, hidden away in the beautiful gardens of Villa Necchi Campiglio. I have to confess - I did it for myself, really - to step out in my new pink tutu. I figured what better place than Milan to try it on for the first time? It was an absolute dream to dance in a magical location like that.
After my private performance, my dancing partners took me on a tour of the Villa Necchi. You know, a hidden gem! Just the right amount of opulence, comfort and sophistication with beautiful, unique décor, making you feel like you are walking through a period piece in a charming film. They say it is the most glamorous house in Milan… and I would be inclined to agree! A bit of old-world charm with a dash of Italian flair - this villa is all about that graceful balance between chic and traditional! Just like a perfect performance…
After spending a truly wonderful and inspirational day in Milan, I couldn’t wait to get back to my apartment. There’s just something about the energy of Milan. It's a place that embraces individuality and self-expression, something I'm so passionate about! Plus, this little city, I tell you - it really does feel like it's pulsating with artistic lifeblood. And of course, I couldn’t go to bed without documenting the day’s highlights on my little pink notebook and Instagram feed! This town’s creativity, its spirit, the charm and the love for fashion... oh, the inspiration!
If there’s one thing I want to say to you, my lovelies - it's important to embrace the beauty of the moment! And remember to always let your pink tutu guide you… It always reminds me that the world’s full of wonder and possibilities! Ciao, darlings, until next week, happy dancing!
Your beloved Tutu Queen,
Emma
Don't forget, you can find more Pink Tutu adventures on www.pink-tutu.com!
