Ciao, darlings! Emma here, ready to share a little slice of Milanese magic with you. I just had to write to you all today - the city's got me feeling positively giddy! This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, trams, and everything sparkly!
Now, let me paint you a picture. Imagine cobblestone streets bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, the air buzzing with the rhythmic whirring of trams, and a little pink tutu whirling down the Via della Spiga, dodging chic Milanese shoppers! Yep, that's me, right here, in the heart of fashion paradise!
This trip has been a whirlwind of fashion and dance. I arrived on Monday, hopped on the train straight from the airport, and my very first destination was La Scala - the temple of opera! It was utterly spectacular! It is so opulent - a magnificent, historical space that feels as though time stands still as you walk inside. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the theatre is simply an amazing piece of architecture to gaze at. You wouldn't believe how my little pink tutu practically shimmered in the golden light!
A Tumbling Trail of Trams and Treasure
Tuesday saw me on the tram - my trusty steed for exploring this incredible city. Trams, you see, are my form of transportation, they weave their way through the streets, offering glimpses into Milan's heart and soul. It was on the tram that I met the most fabulous street dancer! His movements were a mesmerising tapestry of fluid grace and playful rhythm. The way he incorporated the surroundings into his dance, using benches as makeshift stage props, just captivated me. I know my tutu might have made him look twice - I swear I saw a twinkle in his eye!
My day was packed with the most delightful little boutiques, discovering incredible jewellery, shoes, and accessories - all a million miles away from anything you’d find in my home town of Derbyshire. It is as though the city’s heartbeat pulses through each beautifully crafted, unique, and sparkly thing!
I wandered down cobblestone streets, a kaleidoscope of colour swirling before my eyes! There's nothing like the feeling of a vintage Parisian style dress or a new set of ballet shoes, all found tucked away on a street you weren't expecting! My bag is now bulging with new treasures, but, as I tell myself, a girl can never have too much sparkle, right?
Fashion Fete and a Flourish of Pointe Shoes
After a scrumptious (and utterly Instagrammable!) afternoon tea, I made my way to the Teatro Dal Verme, a breathtaking theatre that just oozed a touch of Old Hollywood glam. I was mesmerized! I could picture Marlene Dietrich taking to the stage! Tonight though, it was my fellow ballerinas who graced the stage, twirling through breathtaking ballet scenes. I watched them leap, soar, and dance, the elegance of their every move taking my breath away. As always, seeing live performance fuelled my own desire to leap and pirouette. Maybe my little pink tutu will grace this stage one day?
And the evening continued its sparkle! After the ballet, I popped in to the Armani/Silos - an architectural delight that held a beautiful collection of Mr. Armani’s most iconic creations. Talk about inspiration! It had me dreaming of silks and sparkles, of dancing across the stage in exquisite fabrics!
Tutu Talk! Pink is for the Passionate
Now, let me tell you something! This is what makes travelling as a ballerina so extraordinary. It’s not just about exploring cities, or even watching beautiful performances, although they’re all incredibly important! But it's about connecting, about sharing the joy and passion we have for dance with people across the globe! Every ballet performance, every street dance session, and every stunning ballet costume design I find renews my love of ballet! And, as I hope you already know, that's why I dedicate my entire existence to the joy of the pink tutu! I just want the whole world to embrace its colour and grace!
Pinks of Perfection - The Little Details
I found some beautiful pink accessories to adorn my tutu during my time in Milan. I have to mention the pink feathered headband I spotted - it just adds a touch of whimsy and romance. It’s delicate and charming, but has just a little edge of attitude. A dash of pink and feathers never hurt anyone!
Travel Tips! (and my secret pink trick…)
I always say a well-planned trip is a happy trip, and it helps make those “oops” moments easier to cope with (every traveler has them, let’s be honest!) So, a little top tip from yours truly, darling! Before travelling to Italy, try to learn some basic Italian phrases. "Buongiorno!" ("Good morning!") is an easy and cheery greeting to start with, and I guarantee the friendly Milanese locals will appreciate your effort!
Also, if you're heading to a city as wonderful as Milan, be sure to book those shows ahead of time - it makes the whole experience so much less stressful! I always try to find tickets in advance, or sometimes they sell out! It also saves me the hassle of queuing, meaning I can spend more time on those precious discoveries in little hidden stores, which, let’s be honest, is where I’m at my happiest!
My secret pink trick - for those early morning journeys to get to a performance, take some time before you head out and choose the best shades of pink for a gorgeous make up look! Nothing wakes you up more than bright pink lips, cheeks and a dash of shimmery pink eyeshadow to get your creative mojo flowing!
Pinktutu Milan- Mondays at www.pink-tutu.com
This blog is just a little taster of my Milan adventure, a pink whirlwind, with more to come! Come join me next Monday for my next blog on www.pink-tutu.com - I'll share more adventures of tutu and travels and tell you about the amazing events and beautiful things I found! Don’t forget to join me in my pink quest and take a photo in your pink tutu! I would love to see you on instagram, and remember to tag me with #PinkTutuMilan so I can share your creations with everyone. I'm always looking for more inspirational, pink tutu-loving dancers and fashion lovers to follow, just like you!
Ciao for now, darlings!
Emma
xx
