Wednesday 2023-03-29 - Milano Italia
Ciao, darling! Emma here, fresh from the heart of Milan, and my dear, oh my, this city is bursting with life! I am absolutely head over heels with this place! You could say Milan is truly making my tutu twirl!
This week, I decided to make a bit of a detour on my usual blog schedule and take you all along with me to Milano! As you know, I am always up for an adventure, and what better adventure than exploring the chicest city in Italy, full of fashion, food, and fabulousness! Of course, a ballerina's gotta do what a ballerina's gotta do, and I've got a whole load of dance events coming up this week, and I simply cannot resist showing you all how much of a beauty this city truly is!
You've seen my adventures on my pink tutu journey through Paris, Rome, London, even across the beautiful landscapes of the Cotswolds. But there's something extra special about the Italian atmosphere! This city oozes elegance. Everywhere you look there is stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, exquisite stores bursting with gorgeous clothing (have I mentioned Milan is the fashion capital?), oh, and did I say the FOOD?! Delicious smells of fresh bread and pastries fill the air! Let’s not forget about the ice cream! So many fabulous flavours! (I'm definitely trying every one of them before I go back to Derbyshire).
Today, the sun is shining bright, casting long shadows down the charming lanes. I am out exploring in a very fitting shade of pastel pink that is oh so flattering on the Italian stone. Today is Wednesday, and today is for tutus and ballet. Today's performance was exceptional! A classic story from the Italian repertoire, "Giselle", a beautiful story with amazing choreography, exquisite music, and such incredibly strong performances from the whole cast. Of course, my favourite was the ballerina - her costume was absolutely breathtaking, with intricate lace detailing and such perfect symmetry. Her solo, ah, that solo was divine, a beautiful mix of fluidity and strength! Even my fellow tutu-lovers in the audience were giving a round of applause during the bows. And as I mentioned, this wasn't just any ordinary tutu. I'm talking about a pink tutu, a gorgeous shade of rosy-peach, perfectly matched to her character's graceful charm!
Speaking of tutus, let’s chat a little more about this absolute must-have in your wardrobe! Tutus - what can I say? They are magical! They make every step feel lighter, they are a perfect way to express your creative energy, and of course, they can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary! They’re like the perfect pink frosting on top of the cake. (Okay, perhaps that analogy is a bit over the top, but I have a thing for pink frosting, you guys know that!)
Here's what you'll find me wearing around Milan:
- My signature pink tutu, of course! I have to be ready to pirouette at a moment’s notice, and I wouldn't want to be caught without a fabulous tutu, no matter where I go. This tutu has travelled with me to every city, every event, and even made it to a few theatre shows - who wouldn't love a ballerina in a pink tutu, even on stage?
- *A fabulous cashmere scarf. * The air in Milan can get a bit chilly, especially in the evenings. But don't you worry, I have my trusty cashmere scarf that wraps around my neck to keep me feeling cozy and warm, and looks completely adorable with the pink tutu - all the better for strutting around the city in.
- *An elegant tweed jacket. * I'm a huge fan of vintage pieces! I love the way the delicate threads make a beautiful pattern that always adds a touch of sophistication to my outfits. This is essential, too, for evenings in the cooler Milan evenings! And oh, my goodness, it just adds to the stylish charm that this beautiful city oozes!
- *Stylish ankle boots. * What is better than strutting your stuff through the streets in chic, comfy ankle boots? I can wear these with every outfit – and I will confess, this trip, I might have a bit of a weakness for velvet ankle boots! They go with absolutely everything, from tutus to evening gowns. (Actually, why even say it, you know how much I love velvet!)
I know you're wondering - what kind of fabulous events have I been to this week, that have been the inspiration for all of these outfit choices? I am delighted to share the beauty of a couple of must-see events, all in that gorgeous Milanesque flair!
Firstly, the Milan Opera. This was an absolutely stunning experience! The building itself is a beautiful piece of history, with its marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and rich red velvet. It made the entire opera performance an absolute masterpiece of pure artistic brilliance. But it’s not all about beauty – the performance of Verdi's "La Traviata" was phenomenal! The orchestra sounded incredible, the voices of the singers resonated with such powerful emotion, and it’s safe to say, this experience has left an impression on me, a beautiful moment I will cherish forever!
Next, an absolute must-do in Milan! A stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a grand shopping mall in Milan! Let me tell you, it is just gorgeous! It’s a masterpiece of architecture – the intricate details on the ceiling are unbelievable. If you want to feel truly transported into a glamorous setting, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the place! Plus, there’s not just one, but three beautiful, stylish department stores for every fashion fanatic to lose themselves in. (Oh, and it's not even a lie - I do tend to spend a little bit more than planned whenever I venture into a gorgeous boutique - oh, the excitement of new fabric and colours and patterns and style is a feeling I will always indulge in).
The Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. You can't talk about Milan without mentioning this place! Not just for the beautiful design, and its stunning red velvet, and marble columns, but of course, for the incredible performances of some of the most famous opera singers. I am lucky enough to have snagged some tickets, and I am truly looking forward to seeing what magic is on stage there! It is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a fabulous evening of music, performance, and just a touch of magic, and yes, there is the opportunity to see a ballerina, performing on that stage - is this not something worth celebrating?
So many people from the beautiful village where I grew up – my home of Derbyshire, England – think it is utterly mad, a little bit eccentric, to travel all over Europe, and even further afield, to dance. And it’s true - sometimes, especially on a chilly, rainy day, as I watch the wind blowing the daffodils in my mother's garden - I do wonder, “How did I end up here?”.
But as I sit on a packed train to a city like Milan, with so much art and beauty and music all around, it feels absolutely worth it. I may be one ballerina with a pink tutu and a huge love for dance, but there’s nothing that can hold me back. My love of this art, it’s more than a hobby – it’s a passion! And as long as this passion burns in my heart, and fills my soul with creativity and magic, I can’t imagine being anywhere else, on any other stage, wearing any other colour!
Here’s a little thought - when was the last time you wore a tutu? What does wearing a tutu make you feel? How can you make life a bit more “pink tutu”?!
See you all next week, from another corner of Europe.
Stay fabulous!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
