Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip to Milano. My dear old Derbyshire just couldn't keep me! It was back to my favourite city and back to the thrill of pink tulle in the shadow of the majestic Duomo!
The trains, oh, the trains! It's such an adventure! The chugging, the swaying, the clattering of rails - the rhythm is just as important in travelling as it is in ballet, isn't it? I'm a little sad I didn't see my favourite conductor on my trip this time, you know the one I mean, with the perfectly combed beard and those kind eyes. It feels so important to me to support all those lovely people that make journeys like this possible, all those cogs in the machine that gets me to Milano, gets me dancing. I even bought a little, very pink, ticket pouch for my train tickets this time - such a lovely touch of girly!
Arriving in Milano, well, it feels like coming home. That iconic red-tiled roof of the Duomo - I can almost feel it calling me from afar, like a distant whisper on the breeze. And then I am back in its grand embrace, all of Milano swirling around me, its energy tingling, vibrant, a masterpiece of human effort and beauty.
Speaking of beauty - you wouldn't believe what a treat awaited me when I checked in at the most elegant little hotel, tucked away just a skip from the Piazza della Scala. A basket of pink roses on the bed - a perfect welcome, wouldn't you agree? Pink rose petals scattered everywhere, even sprinkled onto my pillow. Pure magic! I felt like a ballerina in a fairytale, and the feeling just wouldn't let go for the whole trip!
The first thing I always do when I'm in Milano, of course, is a little bit of shopping therapy. I confess I am a little bit of a shopping fiend, always on the hunt for the perfect new tutu or the cutest ballet shoes, especially for my new ballet blog, www.pink-tutu.com - the website dedicated to all things pink and pirouette! I always get lost in the Via della Spiga, it's a feast for the senses. I mean, a girl has to have some stunning shoes to accompany her tutus!
On this trip, I found the most adorable ballerina bag from Marni that's shaped just like a ballet slipper, complete with little satin ribbon ties. It was a dream, literally made for me, with its pink and silver details. Of course, it immediately went on the Pink Tutu website - I'm all about sharing, you know? Then I spotted the most divine pair of ballerina flats, in the deepest pink shade, by Aquazzura, with a little rhinestone appliqué in the shape of a flower on the toe. Oh my word, they made me feel like an ethereal ballerina, so very chic and perfectly pink.
The shopping adventures are vital, you see, it's not all about just having lovely clothes, but it's the story they tell. The history of the designer, the fabric, the craftsmanship – it all adds up to an experience, a beautiful little narrative to take with you. And as you can imagine, I simply had to have this little number, a vintage Valentino tutu - imagine, the iconic, timeless designer. Oh it's my new favourite and it was a total bargain, as the Italians call it, 'un vero affare', - such an incredible steal! All of these discoveries, the finds, are just waiting to be shared with all of you. My little website, www.pink-tutu.com , is all about showcasing and sharing the magic I find.
But, no time for just lounging in my tulle heaven! My heart is all for the art of dance, so I booked a ticket to see the incredible Teatro alla Scala. The moment I stepped into the theater, it was pure enchantment. There's magic in the air here, even if you just happen to be walking by. The opulence, the red plush velvet seating, the chandeliers, that grand stage – and the scent, an intoxicating mixture of jasmine and anticipation! Oh my goodness!
I was seeing "Giselle", such an incredibly tragic love story, danced so beautifully. As the curtain fell on that timeless ballet, and the orchestra ended with those poignant chords, a tear even rolled down my cheek! A feeling I carry with me in the rhythm of my own steps and twirls.
To top it off, I saw some spectacular street performances while just walking around the city! I love the art that pops up in the most unexpected places! It’s truly inspiring and full of life. In Milan, art breathes from the very sidewalks! I watched a group of young men from the “Ballets de Marseille" dancing in a flash mob, their bodies flowing to a modern, soulful score - that kind of street ballet you can only find in Milano! All these beautiful street performances really did make me want to grab my pink tutu and dance with them! Just imagine, all of Milan dressed in pink! It’s my dream to get the world wearing pink tutus! Maybe a street flash mob could be the beginning? Hmmm, just thinking…
As I explored this amazing city, I spotted the cutest little gelateria. Imagine, my darlings! It's a hidden gem, all about pink! Every single flavour, pink, even their little scoops are made of pink plastic. Pink pistacchio, pink ricotta and pink raspberry, my favourite! Oh, the possibilities! The best way to enjoy your gelateria, especially in Milano, is to have a lovely pink tutu on! It all blends so well - the movement, the flow, the vibrancy of both ballet and a delectable pink gelato. I was told that they get a lot of tourists there who saw it on the Instagram feed #pinktutuMilan - which always fills my heart with joy! It means people are paying attention, maybe someone is starting their own journey to wear pink and join the dance!
In the evenings, when the warm summer air settled over the city, I walked through the grand Via Dante, with its majestic, neo-classical architecture. Milan at night just makes my heart swell. The vibrant light reflected in the canals - the twinkling neon lights. And every few corners you turn, you see some kind of performance! I stumbled across the Teatro Strehler the other night, and I’m planning on seeing “The Importance of Being Earnest” when I come back for my next visit - oh, the delight of classic theater!
One of my favourite things to do when in Milano is just to walk. Walking past these elegant cafes on cobblestone streets. I stopped by the Caffè Pasticceria Marchesi for a slice of panna cotta (heavenly! So much like the light fluff of my ballet tutu!), while soaking up the ambiance, surrounded by Italian chic, people sipping cappuccinos and giggling in the corners - it all just reminds me of the art of movement! Even if you're just sipping your drink, life, and Milan, is a slow and graceful dance.
A big shout out to my lovely Derbyshire family and friends for reading all of this, my sweet tutus! Until next time, ciao! Stay pink, and twirl like there's no tomorrow. I can't wait to show you what adventures I've got in store for #PinkTutuMilan next week, so stay tuned for another journey to the wonderful world of dance!
Ciao, my darlings!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
