Ciao bella! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, writing to you from the heart of Milan, a city that practically oozes romance and elegance. I feel like I've stepped straight into a scene from La Traviata – a whirl of silk, lace, and beautiful buildings that practically whisper tales of a bygone era.
This week in Milan has been pure magic. It's a city that embraces the fantastical, where every cobbled street seems to lead to a grand palazzo with an ornate door knocker, begging to be knocked on and opened. And you know me – I always knock!
My Milan adventure began on Wednesday, 13th March – a lucky day, if you believe in those things! This city seems to be brimming with magical events. You could say it was the beginning of an enchanting fortnight, fuelled by the exquisite sights and sounds of La Scala, a little bit of shopping, and of course, my favourite – dancing!
La Scala – A Symphony of Beauty and Power
Every ballerina worth her salt has a dream of performing on the stage of La Scala – it's a dream I cling to like a pearl necklace on a stormy night! This week, I was able to indulge in a different kind of theatre experience – witnessing a ballet performance from the coveted balcony seats, where I could feel the power of the performance flowing over me. It was an incredible experience, not just seeing the dancers glide across the stage, but feeling the palpable excitement in the air. The music, the choreography, the lighting – it all coalesced into a breathtaking masterpiece.
You know, I don't just love dancing. I love the feeling of dancing. The way it fills you with such a sense of purpose, joy, and power. And watching those graceful figures take flight on stage just fuelled that feeling tenfold. And, to be surrounded by such a refined, enthusiastic crowd, it made the whole experience even more magical.
Tram Travel and Timeless Fashion
No trip to Milan would be complete without hopping onto one of those iconic trams! You know, those shiny red trams that whiz around the city, always full of chatter, laughter, and interesting characters. I find the rhythmic sway and clatter of the tram to be the perfect background noise for my reflections on fashion. Speaking of which…
Oh, my dears, you wouldn't believe the treasures I found in the vintage boutiques of Milan. One minute, I'm dreaming of twirling in a full, tulle skirt, the next I'm smitten by a silk scarf printed with a beautiful floral pattern. This city is a fashionista's paradise! I practically squealed with delight when I found a beautiful, vintage-inspired silk rose to adorn my bun for the opera. This little beauty certainly caught a few envious glances as I wandered through the grand arches of the Duomo!
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Milan
Milan is all about exploring – not just the famous landmarks, but the hidden nooks and crannies. It's about strolling through those small cobblestone lanes where you can hear the whisper of the city’s history in the wind. I’m already planning my next visit – to explore some of the lesser-known areas, with the scent of coffee, laughter, and possibly a freshly baked pizza as my guide.
One of my favourite things to do is visit the beautiful Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, a church known for its captivating frescoes that bring scenes from the Bible to life with dazzling colour. It's like a living art exhibition!
Ballet Inspiration Everywhere I Go
Even on a leisurely stroll through the city, inspiration finds me in the most unexpected places. I spotted the most stunning statue of a ballerina, draped in a silk gown, tucked away in a quiet garden, just waiting for me to twirl beneath her watchful gaze. You could say she gave me the inspiration for my latest ballet piece – a playful but dramatic interpretation of the iconic image of La Traviata's passionate, tragic dance.
The streets of Milan have an uncanny way of sparking the imagination. Every shop window display seems to echo a stage setting, every fountain a silent ballerina in repose.
Shopping, Styling, and That Pink Tutu
This week, I was inspired to try on some new shades of pink - a dusty rose, a pale coral, even a striking fuchsia – because pink in Milan just feels… different. It's bolder, it's brighter, and it’s most certainly an affirmation that this city is one big playground for style.
But the highlight of my fashion journey, of course, was finding the perfect pink tutu for this weekend's ballet show in the historic Palazzo Visconti. The tulle is so delicate, the pink is a blush that complements the rosy hue of the Milan sunsets, and I can just imagine myself dancing on that stage – an ephemeral embodiment of the very essence of Milan.
Of course, I'll be documenting the entire show – from the warm-ups to the grand finale – on my Instagram! Don't forget to follow me, @PinkTutuEmma, for exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses.
My Pink Tutu Mission Continues
My aim is still to bring pink tutus to the world – one tutu at a time! From the grand catwalks of Milan to the cobbled streets of Derbyshire, I believe in the power of a little pink fluff to spread joy and wonder. So if you're looking for a little inspiration this week, find a pink tutu (even if it's just in your dreams!), twirl, and let the world know you're embracing life with a touch of magic.
See you next week,
Emma x
P.S. This week's "Pink Tutu" Fashion Tip: Never be afraid to be a little different, a little whimsical! A pink tutu can go from the stage to the street and always turn heads.
P.P.S. What's on this date? Wednesday 13th March 2024: Milan was abuzz with news of the exciting opening of the Mudec (Museum of Cultures) which hosts an amazing exhibition on the legendary Frida Kahlo. Don’t miss it if you are in Milan this spring!
See you next Monday for my latest Milan adventures! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for even more pink inspiration and backstage fun!
