Ciao, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, reporting live from the vibrant city of Milan, Italy! It's Wednesday, the 10th of March, 2021, and this week has been an absolute whirlwind of ballet bliss, fashion finds, and the most delicious pasta you could imagine.
Remember my recent performance with the Derby City Ballet Company? The magic of dancing on stage under those bright lights and hearing the applause – it truly is what fuels my love for all things ballet. And lucky for me, the generous folks at Derby City Ballet paid me enough to fund this trip to Milan!
This journey to the fashion capital of Italy was truly an experience. Stepping off the train and into Milan’s grand central station, I was greeted with a symphony of sights and sounds – chattering locals, the melodic hum of Italian voices, and the sweet scent of freshly brewed espresso. A beautiful Parisian-style wrought-iron staircase was my first welcome to the city, and from there I hopped on a bright red tram for a delightful, scenic tour.
Oh, the trams in Milan are something else! They’re bright, they’re charming, and they glide along with a certain je ne sais quoi that makes me want to burst into a pirouette. Plus, it's such an affordable way to travel around this dazzling city! I found myself stopping every few minutes just to soak in the captivating architectural details and admire the locals' effortlessly chic style. It’s just one of the many reasons I absolutely love exploring European cities!
I must tell you, even the simplest tasks in this city feel like a special treat. Shopping for snacks at the local market was a delight – baskets overflowing with juicy red tomatoes, crisp green lettuces, and bundles of bright, fragrant herbs filled with vibrant life. And even the mundane act of getting my latte from a small café was like a performance.
After all, let's be honest – in Italy, everything feels a little bit more theatrical. Even the way the waiter gracefully pours your espresso, the gentle clink of spoons against cups, and the chatter amongst locals – everything feels perfectly choreographed! It’s almost as if they’re rehearsing a play – which isn’t a far cry from how I felt at the Scala Theatre last night.
The Teatro alla Scala, as it’s formally called, is a historic, prestigious opera house in Milan and has been the site of numerous celebrated performances for centuries. You could say it's the crown jewel of this glamorous city! With its impressive architectural details and magnificent history, the theatre instantly made me feel like I’d stepped onto a stage of pure artistry.
And then came the highlight of my trip: the performance of Swan Lake! Imagine, graceful swans gliding across the stage, passionate love stories blossoming amidst beautiful ballet choreography. Every step was captivating, every move told a story. The costumes were stunning! So much intricate detail – shimmering sequins, flowing tulle, and a touch of magic. Of course, my inner ballerina was already fantasizing about recreating their beauty. You’ll just have to wait for the pictures, darling – I took plenty!
But Milan isn’t just about grand theaters and elegant dance shows. The city also pulsates with street performers and street art, creating an atmosphere of joyous artistic expression everywhere. During my afternoon stroll through the Parco Sempione, I stumbled upon a lively group of dancers. With bright smiles and infectious energy, they showcased their talent – graceful leaps, intricate turns, and a whirlwind of passion! They brought the magic of ballet to the streets, reminding me that even the most unexpected places can become a stage.
And what would a visit to Milan be without indulging in its renowned fashion? I spent an afternoon browsing through the city's boutiques, letting the opulent textures and vibrant colours of Italy’s fashion scene work their magic. I couldn’t resist snagging a stunning vintage clutch adorned with exquisite lace details – a perfect accessory for any balletic outing. I was tempted to buy another outfit too, something to replace this well-worn (but utterly loved) pink tutu, but sadly my suitcase was already bursting!
One of the highlights of this fashion journey was stumbling upon a small boutique with an entire window dedicated to pink ballet tutus! They had every style, every shade imaginable. Of course, I had to try on a few. I even had a little moment where I danced a little waltz in the middle of the shop, pretending to be the leading lady of my own fairytale. (I also snapped some pictures - what is Instagram for, anyway?) It’s true, every girl needs at least one pink tutu in her life. If you ask me, more than one is even better.
There’s no better way to see Milan than to take in its breathtaking skyline while munching on a freshly baked panino – and for that, there’s no better place than the roof of the Duomo. Climbing to the very top of this magnificent cathedral is like embarking on a pilgrimage, a journey to witness the city in its full glory. The views from the top – with Milan sprawling below you like a masterpiece of streets, monuments, and squares – were nothing short of spectacular. It was so surreal! You can’t miss this iconic Milanese landmark – I know you’re all eager to see the photos on Instagram!
But this trip wouldn't be complete without indulging in the Italian way of life – slow-paced evenings enjoying leisurely dinners and vibrant conversations, with good wine and laughter flowing freely. A local Italian family, the Ferraros, kindly invited me to dinner at their home, which gave me a real glimpse into everyday life in Milan. We shared a feast of authentic pasta dishes, bursting with fresh flavours, followed by delicious Tiramisu.
From the delectable meals to the laughter-filled conversations, my visit with the Ferraros was a beautiful reflection of Italian warmth and hospitality. I spent the evening hearing tales of their life in Milan, stories of their granddaughters dancing ballet at the local ballet school, and of their adventures exploring the hidden gems of the city. It truly felt like a fairytale – and one I hope to repeat again soon!
This trip to Milan has rekindled my love for exploring new cities, delving into their culture, and appreciating the beautiful, expressive language of dance. I truly believe that life is best experienced with a sense of wanderlust and the heart of a dreamer. But it’s time for me to start heading home to Derby now, although I don't want to go! There are more ballet classes and performances to attend back home, and a whole new crop of stories to tell. And of course, I’ve picked up more pink tutus along the way (oh, the bargains I found!). It was another magical chapter in my life, and one I’ll hold dear in my heart as I embark on new adventures.
Until next time, darlings! Remember to live your life in a pink tutu, because the world needs more sparkle. And of course, don’t forget to catch all my latest adventures at www.pink-tutu.com every Monday.
Arrivederci!
Emma
