Ciao Bella! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, beaming at you all the way from the fashion capital of the world - Milan! I can barely contain my excitement - it's been a whirlwind Wednesday of ballet, fashion, and delicious gelato! (Of course, pink, naturally!)
This week's adventures have been a masterclass in all things Italian and elegant. Milan has a certain je ne sais quoi that I can’t get enough of. Even the trams have an air of sophistication, with their plush leather seats and sparkling brass accents. I caught the tram from my charming little guesthouse, where my pink tutu was perched on the back of a velvet chair (you can’t go anywhere without it, can you?), and made my way to the heart of Milan - Teatro alla Scala.
Yes, you read that right. The legendary opera house!
For someone who lives and breathes ballet, stepping inside La Scala was like stepping into a dream. Every inch of the place screamed history, opulence, and of course, timeless elegance. Imagine glittering chandeliers, ornate frescos, and plush velvet seats, all with a sense of grandeur that simply took my breath away.
Speaking of taking my breath away, let’s talk about the ballet. I had a chance to see a breathtaking production of "La Bayadère", a tale of love, loss, and betrayal set in ancient India. I’m a sucker for a good story, and this one definitely delivered.
The dancers were phenomenal, each one weaving a beautiful tapestry of emotion through graceful movement. It’s amazing to think that this kind of talent has been gracing these very same stages for centuries. I felt a deep connection to the dancers, their passion and dedication reminding me why I, a little Derbyshire lass, ended up chasing my dreams all the way to Milan.
As the curtains drew to a close, I was filled with that familiar feeling of exhilaration and bittersweet longing. But the show wasn't over yet, because next up: shopping!
Milan is a veritable paradise for any fashion-lover, and I, naturally, embraced my inner shopaholic.
Every boutique, every shop window, was bursting with the most stunning displays of designer shoes, glamorous gowns, and exquisite handbags. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the exquisite window displays. You could practically hear a symphony of colour and texture from the street. It felt like a giant, stylish ballet unfolding in front of me.
Even though my purse (much lighter now) felt a little bit lighter after a trip to my favourite Italian luxury stores, I left feeling giddy with glee and a closet overflowing with the kind of fashions that wouldn't be out of place in a dream ballet! And, of course, I managed to snag a beautiful pink sequined clutch bag that will look absolutely perfect with my pink tutu. Talk about perfect harmony!
Speaking of ballet, I found myself right back in the heart of the ballet scene later that evening, where I witnessed something truly special - an outdoor ballet performance under the Milan sky. This was definitely a first for me.
Set in the heart of a bustling square, surrounded by charming cafes and brightly-lit shops, this open-air performance took "ballet in the city" to a whole new level. It was so surreal watching these graceful ballerinas dance on the cobblestones, bathed in the warm glow of streetlamps. The city became their stage, the buildings their backdrop. I found myself swept up in the beauty of it all.
And, wouldn’t you know it, the entire audience was treated to a little impromptu "pink tutu flash mob!" A group of my favourite ballerinas - some from the Bolshoi and some from local Italian dance schools - surrounded me on the cobblestones. As the music swelled, they donned their own pink tutus. The crowd was ecstatic! People stopped and watched in awe, mesmerized by the pink-clad troupe pirouetteing in the twilight.
I even spotted a few pink tutus in the crowd – proving that my little campaign is spreading far and wide, even in the fashion capitals of the world! (That's one less pair of dancing shoes for me to buy – yay!)
Let’s be honest, I was absolutely beaming ear to ear. The whole day felt like an elaborate ballet - with all its ups and downs, grace and grit. Milan was giving me the most fantastic pirouette I could ask for, with its dazzling lights, stunning performances, and of course, fashion that's worthy of the most elegant of waltzes.
But all of this wouldn't have been possible without my most beloved and trusted companion – my pink tutu. It's like my own personal lucky charm, always ready to join me on my adventures, a symbol of the joy and wonder I find in this magnificent world.
My trip to Milan proved, once again, that there is magic to be found in every corner of the world - you just have to know where to look. In the meantime, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and remember, it’s always a good time to wear pink! And of course, join me next week for more adventures from the dazzling city of Milan.
Until then, keep shining, and keep wearing your own beautiful shade of pink!
Ciao for now,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know that you can buy all sorts of fabulous ballet shoes at my online shop at www.pink-tutu.com? Don't forget to check it out and take a peek at all of the beautiful accessories and items we have.
