Ciao from Milano, darling! It's Emma here, your Pink Tutu Queen, bringing you another delightful dose of all things pink and pirouette-y from the glamorous fashion capital of Italy.
This week has been a whirlwind of tulle, trains, and towering heels! The fashion shows here are truly incredible – you know, the sort of thing where the models strut down the catwalk in outfits that make you say, "Wow, that's a dress! I wonder what it's made of?". There's something quite captivating about seeing haute couture right in front of you, the craftsmanship, the artistry, the pure glamour of it all. It's certainly inspiring for a budding ballet blogger with a passion for both fashion and dance!
Speaking of inspiration, you wouldn't believe the ballet scene here. It's like a dance party going on 24/7! I've been lucky enough to see some spectacular performances. One show even had a fantastic set that transformed from a grand theatre to a bustling city square in the blink of an eye. It was truly captivating and I must say, the entire audience erupted in a thunderous applause, their appreciation echoing off the high ceilings of the theatre. I love that everyone in the audience truly gets immersed in the world of ballet here. There's nothing quite like being transported by the grace and beauty of a perfectly executed plié or the drama of a soaring jeté.
Oh, and did I mention that this weekend there's a massive street ballet festival? They've cordoned off entire streets, laid down a magnificent, polished wooden stage, and brought in some of the most talented dancers in the country to perform. Just imagine, beautiful dance pieces set against a backdrop of charming cafes and iconic Italian architecture. What could be more magical? I just can't wait to soak it all in and get those dancing shoes on!
The other week I managed to see the La Traviata ballet, at the grand Teatro alla Scala! What an amazing, historical, grand theater with spectacular costumes and scenery! Oh, and I had the best time people watching as the audience gathered! A veritable kaleidoscope of glamour and elegance. This place is like stepping back in time. Honestly, I felt like a character in one of my favorite period dramas! The atmosphere is just electrifying, and the sound of the orchestra and the ballet dancers was simply phenomenal! The Traviata was simply stunning; the emotional range of the ballet was so beautiful and moving. It was so captivating, it made me wish I was back in Derbyshire studying ballet again - maybe I could persuade some friends to come with me to class. Then again, perhaps they'd find a tutus a little much, haha!
And of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without indulging in some exquisite shopping, particularly for tutus! Thankfully, you know where to find me: a haven of tutus in a myriad of shades. From vibrant fuscias to soft pastels and even the classic ballet pink (which, of course, is my personal favourite!), this city is a paradise for tutu lovers like myself. It's like a magical land filled with all my wildest ballet dreams.
You might be wondering how I manage to travel the world, sharing my pink tutu adventures with you all. Well, you could say that I fund my passion for ballet by following my passion. My ballet performances, the ones that always get me on stage, help me fund my travels and all my pretty tutus! There's a huge ballet community around the globe and people are always looking for talented dancers! Plus, sharing my adventures on this blog with you all gives me even more motivation to dance and travel, spreading the joy of ballet far and wide!
If there's one thing I've learned from exploring this beautiful city, it's that embracing your individuality is essential, whether it's sporting a stunning tutu in public, dancing with wild abandon, or simply pursuing your passion for life. There's a unique spirit in Milan, and it seems to be contagious! Every corner I turn, I encounter people embracing their creativity and their personal style, and I truly adore that.
One thing that really stands out here is that the city of Milan is so vibrant, and it's no surprise, since it is home to some of the most stylish Italians on the planet! You see so much unique style in the streets. Whether it's chic business ladies heading for work, cool college students hanging out in vintage boutiques, or artistic types getting their creative juices flowing.
You wouldn’t believe the style! There's an innate confidence, an ability to own your own look that's utterly inspiring.
The one thing I’ve noticed here in Milan, compared to Derbyshire, is that everyone looks so glamorous here - every single day! Even in casual clothes. I think there’s just a certain je ne sais quoi, that makes people just naturally embrace a sense of fashion. Here, clothes are not just about practicality but also a means of self-expression. And who could possibly object to that?! Perhaps that’s why I love coming to Milan.
This city definitely gives me the perfect dose of inspiration. I find myself wanting to mix things up a bit and see how I can give my pink tutu looks a more chic, Milanese flair! Who knows, perhaps I’ll be taking up some dressmaking classes, in-between ballet classes and exploring Milan's beautiful and bustling fashion districts.
You know, one thing that really strikes me about Milan, and really Italy as a whole, is how people make their travel a real part of their lives. And who am I kidding? The transportation here is fantastic! From the trams winding their way through the city streets to the high-speed trains, travelling really becomes an adventure!
Now, who else here in Milano thinks that the Milan trams are so iconic and beautiful? Those old-fashioned wooden trams are simply enchanting and oh so elegant! Honestly, sometimes it just feels like you're stepping onto a vintage film set, transporting me straight back to a different era of sophistication and class!
It’s so fun watching the city go by from those old tram carriages, it really feels like a beautiful, elegant journey, as much as just getting from point A to B! And speaking of beautiful journeys, the way the city makes its train stations feel like palaces? They are not just stations, they are like works of art! Some have amazing vaulted ceilings that are decorated with beautiful paintings, intricate mosaics, and incredible chandeliers that really take you to another world. Then there's the energy of everyone arriving and leaving the city! I'm a bit of a train station people-watcher - it’s just a place where I love to soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for my own travel adventures.
One thing that really surprised me about this city, however, was how many people cycle around! There are cycling lanes all over, so if you have a bike, the city opens up to you. Maybe next time I come here, I’ll actually take up cycling – just think, the best of both worlds; fashion and getting my cardio in, at the same time!
Right, well, I’d better wrap this up. I’ve got a tutu fitting lined up for this evening, (I found another amazing shop filled with tutus in the most fabulous shades imaginable, my personal favorite is a gorgeous shade of cerise, of course) and then some exciting performance rehearsals to prepare for this weekend’s street dance festival! And what’s going on this Saturday? Why, it’s "Dancing for Dreams” which is an annual charitable street dance event where all the profits go to a local charity, it is wonderful for everyone in the local community to come together to enjoy dance and to support such a worthy cause. How very lovely. And of course, if I have a free moment between practices, I’m planning on treating myself to some fantastic gelato. That’s life for a pink tutu blogger.
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com and make sure to check out my next post next Monday. Remember, everyone is a dancer and wear pink. It's what makes the world a beautiful place!
Ciao for now,
Emma x
