Ciao Bella! 👋
It's Emma, your Pink Tutu Princess, back from the magical city of Milan with another whirl-wind Wednesday update! 💖🇮🇹 This week's post is extra special because it marks my 1465th blog post. Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I was a little girl dreaming of pirouetting my way around the world, wearing a fluffy pink tutu, of course! Now here I am, living the dream!
The cobbled streets of Milan are alive with excitement. Every corner whispers of artistry, fashion, and elegance - much like my favourite pink tulle creations! This week, Milan is bursting with activity, from street performances to world-class opera, and I wouldn't miss it for the world!
This week, my ballet diary is bursting with stories of dazzling ballet shows, chic boutiques, and delicious Milanese treats! So, grab your favourite pink teacup and settle in for a delightful read, because today, we're venturing into the heart of Milan, my beloved ballet-loving city!
A Day in the Life of a Pink Tutu Princess in MilanMy day begins with a delightful aroma of freshly baked croissants, wafting through my little boutique hotel room in the heart of the city. Breakfast in Milan is an experience. Croissants, delicate and flaky, oozing with velvety Nutella, are washed down with strong, aromatic Italian espresso. It's a true culinary delight!
Today's itinerary? Well, first, a spot of retail therapy! There's nothing quite like exploring the vintage shops in Milan, seeking out the perfect piece to complement my growing pink tutu wardrobe. A little black lace top for that dramatic stage entrance? A shimmering pink silk scarf for a touch of whimsy? My suitcase can never hold enough sparkly finds!
This week, I'm aiming for a more vintage aesthetic for my dance wear. I love the way those graceful lines of past eras create a beautifully timeless look. This year, it’s all about the ‘60s and ‘70s with flowing silhouettes and statement pieces that command attention! It seems I’ve acquired a beautiful silk vintage shrug to drape over my shoulders while on stage - I simply had to snag it!
Now, with a shopping spree successfully completed, it's time for a little practice. Nothing quite compares to a few minutes at the barre. The studio I found today is quite a gem – a beautifully historic space, full of the soft light filtering through tall arched windows. Perfect for a spot of ballerina inspiration. I must share these stunning studios in the next blog!
Milan, the City of Fashion
After class, I find myself on the bustling Piazza Duomo. There's an energy here that makes it impossible not to be swept up in the vibrant life of the city. This year, Milan Fashion Week has been a real highlight. Fashionistas from around the world have flocked to the city, sporting bold and colourful ensembles that capture the latest trends. I’ve never been so inspired!
One particular trend I can't resist is the ongoing renaissance of ballet fashion. Designers have found new ways to integrate the elegance of dance into their pieces, making ballet even more accessible to the everyday world. This includes flowing tutus with intricate embellishments and stunning shoes, all designed to bring a little touch of magic into our wardrobes! It is simply divine! It's no wonder this city feels so captivating! I’m embracing all things sparkly, frilly and feminine, adding more layers of pink tulle to my everyday look and inspiring those around me to embrace their inner princess!
The vibrant hues and elegant textures on display make Milan feel like one gigantic art gallery. Each shop window is an explosion of colour and creativity, with the mannequins showcasing the latest designs with their alluring poise. As a ballerina, it's a feast for the eyes, and as a fashionista, it's a never-ending source of inspiration.
My personal favourite spot for browsing is Via Montenapoleone, Milan's ultimate luxury shopping street. But this time I was so impressed with the beautiful vintage clothing store around the corner from the hotel, filled with luxurious cashmere coats, gorgeous silk scarves, and divine vintage brooches. Oh, to be a princess living in a storybook, with the luxury to choose one from each era.
Tonight, the spotlight is on opera! Milan's opera houses are legendary, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and world-class productions. Tonight, we are visiting Teatro alla Scala, where the stage is set to come alive with the drama of Puccini's masterpiece, "La Bohème." As the night deepens and the melody floats around us, the air becomes electric with the palpable passion of a thousand years of music.
Milan's theatre district is a joy to navigate by foot. In between ballet performances, I often wander down the bustling avenues, lost in admiration of the historical architecture and charming boutiques. One particular avenue has these stunning old theatres tucked away around every corner, and many of them feature enchanting performances for every taste! You never quite know what treasures you will stumble across. The beautiful painted frescos on the buildings and intricate carvings of ancient stone give each street its unique flavour, making it a fascinating landscape for every dreamer and dancer alike!
From Cobbled Streets to Scenic Tram RidesMilan, with its vibrant mix of modern and historic architecture, is the perfect city to explore on foot or by public transport. Stepping onto a Milanese tram is like entering a moving art exhibition. I love to find a seat near the window and let my imagination run wild as the cityscape glides by, an ever-changing backdrop to the melody of the tram bells.
Today's tram journey takes me on a magical adventure, with panoramic views of Milan's breathtaking cityscape. This time, we’re taking the famous tramline 1 from the heart of the city all the way out to the outskirts. It’s such an idyllic setting! There are beautiful villas on the banks of the river with a little cafe in every corner - oh, and an array of street performers lining the squares, their instruments adding an even richer dimension to this magical voyage. It feels as though you’re travelling through time on the wheels of an old-fashioned locomotive, the rhythmic clicking of the rails reminding me of a nostalgic dance with its slow graceful movements. There’s just something incredibly elegant and sophisticated about travelling around this city. It's enough to inspire even the most mundane day and it makes it very easy to write about, which is a true treat for a budding travel blogger.
Of course, every blogger’s work needs a little sustenance! Today I treated myself to a divine pastry called "Panettone" from a traditional cafe right by the Duomo! It's like a decadent bread pudding infused with orange zest and sweet raisins – oh, what a joy for the tastebuds! I’ll be making a little video to show my viewers how to recreate it back at my place in Derbyshire, although, it might never be quite the same outside of this charming cafe, even if I replicate the magic of my pink tulle ballerina outfits!
This week’s visit to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi, Milan's grand, modern opera house, left me speechless. The theatre's bold, avant-garde architecture is truly a testament to Milan's artistic vision. Every element, from the sweeping lines of its curved façade to the luminous interior spaces, is designed to captivate and transport the viewer into a realm of creative expression. I was so blown away, I literally burst into tears. It's just breathtaking, so very ethereal and yet, perfectly symmetrical, just like a graceful ballet performance! This theatre reminded me just why I adore living the life of a ballerina, taking the world by storm in my beautiful pink tutu. Every week brings new opportunities to learn and grow and share those experiences with everyone online.
Today, the city pulsates with the music of the Milan International Opera Festival, attracting audiences from across the world. This annual event celebrates the rich history of opera in Milan, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation.
Sharing the Pink Tutu DreamHere's something I love about being a ballerina blogger: sharing my love of ballet with the world. And the beauty of Milan just makes everything even more wonderful! From ballet classes in enchanting studios to a world-class opera, the magic never seems to stop.
Whether it's a dazzling performance in a historic opera house, an afternoon spent browsing Milan's fashion boutiques, or even a leisurely tram ride through the cityscape, Milan inspires a spirit of artistry that simply fills my soul with joy.
As I end this blog post, I sit in my room, the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee mingling with the echoes of the night's operatic melodies. The city is settling down for the night, its streets illuminated with a soft, warm glow, and I'm left feeling completely inspired by the artistic tapestry of life. This city inspires my dreams. It inspires my dancing and inspires me to create.
So, how about you? Do you dream of pirouetting in Milan's beautiful cobbled streets? Or perhaps your heart is set on attending a captivating opera performance at the Teatro alla Scala? Whatever your dream, embrace it!
This week, remember to live with a bit of ballet magic in your heart! Wear a little extra pink, and go ahead, let your inner princess shine! 💕
Remember, it's not just a tutu, it's a pink tutu revolution. We’ll see you all next week!
Until then, let the pink tutu spirit be with you!
Yours always, Emma 💖
