Ciao, darlings!
Emma here, reporting live from the heart of Milan, Italy. My latest ballet adventure has led me to this incredible city, where the cobblestone streets are paved with style, and the gelato is divine (did you know there's a flavour called "Rosa" that tastes just like pink candy floss?!). It's Wednesday, August 28th, 2019, and my pink tutu is feeling extra sparkly as I prepare to share all the latest with you.
Before we dive into my Milan escapades, a little peek behind the curtain... as you know, I fund my travels by performing ballet. This week, I graced the stage at a lovely theatre in Bergamo, just a short train ride from Milan. I danced "The Dying Swan" with a twist: a shimmering, rose-gold tutu with hand-stitched silver sequins. I think the audience adored it – at least, I saw plenty of smiling faces and felt a warmth from the applause.
Now, let's get back to my Milan adventure! I landed on Saturday and immediately headed to my favourite spot in the city - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It's a breathtaking shopping arcade, with glass-domed ceilings, grand arches, and enough fashion to make any ballerina's head spin. The best part? It's a treasure trove of elegant boutiques, from Prada to Dolce & Gabbana, each offering their own brand of sartorial glamour. I admit, I may have splurged on a delicate, hand-painted silk scarf – how could I resist with its swirling floral motifs and shades of blush pink?! It's going to be the perfect addition to my tutu collection, trust me!
Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without a ballet experience. On Sunday evening, I was captivated by La Scala Opera House and the sheer artistry of the Balletto di Milano. They performed "Swan Lake", with a haunting beauty that resonated long after the final bow. There's something truly magical about a performance in such a historic theatre – it’s as though you can feel the legacy of ballerinas from the past in the very air you breathe. The costumes were simply exquisite - shimmering tutus, and elegant pointe shoes with beautiful embellishments - it inspired my creative side! I took some sneaky notes to start brainstorming some tutu ideas for the new ballet season - watch this space for more news about my own upcoming designs!
My favourite way to get around Milan is by tram - imagine elegant, red trams gliding through bustling streets with iconic architecture around every corner. It's a great way to soak up the city's unique energy and it allows me to appreciate all the fashion on display: chic Italian women with their beautifully draped scarves, stylish gentlemen with their sharp tailoring, and even a few children in their own adorable pink tutus (I secretly high-fived one little girl with her matching pink hair clips!).
This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting a young, talented Italian designer, Lucia, whose brand "Pink Butterfly" specializes in handcrafted ballet shoes and costumes. Lucia, like me, believes that every tutu should be a work of art – a unique expression of its wearer's individuality. We spent hours discussing design concepts and the inspiration behind her latest collection, which features whimsical butterflies and delicate lace designs. Lucia also showed me some exquisite, hand-painted pointe shoes - can you imagine a pair of ballet shoes that looks like a mini masterpiece? I left Lucia's studio feeling inspired and overflowing with creative ideas for my next tutu creation.
My heart beats a little faster when I hear the phrase "Milan Fashion Week". Although I wasn't lucky enough to be here for the main event, I managed to catch the tail end of the shows. I strolled through Piazza della Scala - Milan's central square, lined with fashion boutiques and iconic landmarks – and witnessed the buzz of street style inspiration. I swooned over the colours, the bold designs, the daring silhouettes. The whole city becomes a canvas for self-expression and creativity, and the street style scene is like a walking ballet - graceful, elegant, and a little bit rebellious. Of course, my trusty camera snapped some photos (stay tuned for my Instagram post, @PinkTutuEmma), to inspire me for my upcoming ballet performances.
Talking about my next performance, it's back to the stage for me on Friday! This time, I'm joining the Balletto di Firenze for a show at a beautiful open-air theatre in the picturesque countryside just outside of Florence. I can't wait to experience the magic of performing under the stars. I am so grateful to be a ballerina - traveling the world, inspiring others, and sharing my love of dance.
Now, my darling readers, if you are a fashion lover, a dance enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a bit of pink fluff, then I implore you - make Milan a part of your next adventure. This city will enchant you with its charm, its culture, and, of course, its undeniable style!
*But don’t forget to wear a pink tutu, darlings! We're not just sharing a passion for ballet, we're sharing a pink tutu movement. It’s a statement of joy, confidence, and self-expression – a pink ballet tutu is a symbol of a fearless heart and a graceful spirit! *
Until next time, stay sparkly and keep dancing.
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
