Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, and I'm back in Milan, my favourite city in the whole wide world! After a whirlwind of performances in lovely old Derbyshire, I decided to escape the crisp autumn air for the glamour of Milan. It’s like a tonic for the soul. The warmth of the sun (even if it is through the window!), the delicious smells from the cafes, the vibrant street fashion and of course… the TUTUs!
This week has already been a whirlwind of fabulousness, so let me catch you up on all the goings-on, from train rides to ballet performances and, of course, an utterly delightful pink shopping spree.
My Milan Monday: A Trip on the Tram and a Shopping Spree!
I landed in Milan on Monday afternoon feeling tired after my busy week performing back in England. As a fellow ballerina and traveller, I know all too well the stress of travel – luggage, airport queues and rushing for flights can leave you utterly exhausted. So, after a quick stop at the hotel, it was time for a moment of peace - my ultimate luxury - a cup of tea and some yummy snacks! I am obsessed with travelling by train, but especially trams. You can't beat watching the world go by in such a chic way! So, I jumped on the tram in the afternoon to see what delicious finds the city had in store. I’m always searching for pink, stylish finds, and this week’s shopping spree was about to be legendary.
Now, I’ve mentioned it before, but my ultimate style goal is to get the whole world to embrace the tutu! The more of us wearing these beautiful symbols of grace and femininity, the better! And this week I found some absolute treasures.
First stop was this absolutely divine vintage boutique nestled on a quiet street. You can never go wrong with a vintage tutu. This one was made of layers upon layers of the most exquisite tulle and, of course, it was pink, with a dash of delicate gold lace for good measure. You just knew it had a story to tell. After a little haggling, it was mine for a steal, which made my whole day! I'm so excited to get it altered for my upcoming performance.
Next - I just had to stop at my all-time favourite shoe store for another gorgeous pair of pumps. Let’s be honest, shoes are a girl's best friend. And this particular shop is a treasure trove of every imaginable style and colour. After trying on a dozen pairs (with some delightful tutus on display!), I finally fell in love with a stunning pair of deep pink velvet pumps with gold embroidery on the toe. Talk about glamour!
Finally - the search for the perfect silk scarf led me to a small, charming shop in a hidden corner. The staff were lovely and, after a lot of swooning, I settled on a beautiful silk scarf with delicate roses and the most breathtaking shades of pink and violet. I'll be adding it to my repertoire of ballet performance accessories.
My trip around the city really sparked my creativity, giving me inspiration for my upcoming performance, and with a whole host of pink treasures safely in my possession, I headed back to the hotel with a smile wider than the grand staircase of the La Scala Opera House.
Tuesday in Milan: The Enchantment of La Scala
Tuesday was all about the ballet, and it’s fair to say that Milan's beautiful Teatro alla Scala really knocked my socks off! Okay, maybe it was the dazzling shoes I’d purchased, but you get the picture! It’s such a majestic theatre and even more magnificent on the inside. From the gold leafed ceiling, the elaborate decorations to the sheer volume of history in the very bricks of the building, it was truly awe-inspiring.
Tonight's ballet performance was 'Sleeping Beauty', which is such a wonderful choice! As a ballerina, it's hard to resist a good fairytale! It’s hard to choose a favourite but my personal favourite scene had to be the 'Bluebird pas de deux' – It is just so breathtaking, with its fluid movement, playful and tender moments, and breathtaking technique!
This performance was unlike any other I have witnessed. From the incredible costumes (each one more fabulous than the next!), to the music (which simply took my breath away) and the impeccable artistry of the dancers, I was utterly captivated! And if I'm honest, I found myself fantasising about being a part of this magical ballet… just imagine!
The other ballet dancers in the audience, including a few I know from back in Derbyshire, were buzzing with excitement and we all agreed – it was an unforgettable performance! And did I mention the beautiful flower arrangements that filled the stage?! Just stunning! I found myself longing to twirl around the stage in my pink tutu and dance alongside these incredible dancers.
You know me, I can never resist snapping a few pictures – after all, every performance is an inspiration! – but I did make sure to share my love of pink throughout my evening! Even my fellow ballet fans in the audience got a chuckle out of the pink tutu, which seemed to add to the overall joy of the performance!
A Pink-filled Wednesday!
And now, here I am, back at my hotel, writing this blog. I'm already counting down the minutes until I can grab another cup of tea, put my pink tutu on, and step out onto the streets of Milan for a spot of people watching, coffee sipping and gelato eating. Today’s plans are all about soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city, perhaps some shopping… a quick peek in some more of Milan's boutique shops to find some more pink treasures… who knows what magical items await me! And of course, this afternoon I’m taking a little afternoon ballet class at a nearby studio - the only thing more inspiring than a ballet performance is sharing a space with fellow dancers! We’ll be working on the beautiful, ethereal adagio movements from Swan Lake and I am truly excited to experience a whole different style of teaching, that this new class will bring. It’s always lovely to learn from different instructors, especially if they’re in a city as gorgeous as this.
Living for Pink in Milan
So there you have it, folks, another exciting chapter in my Pink Tutu Adventures! My aim is to make pink tutus as popular as jeans – they can go with anything, They add a touch of colour, elegance and, most importantly, they make you feel fantastic! I think there is something to be said about pink tutus as well. It's a symbol of beauty, grace, and happiness, just like my beloved Milan. So, while I continue to chase my pink tutu dreams, keep dancing, keep smiling, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to add a dash of pink to your life!
This city really has it all – beautiful people, the incredible atmosphere, exquisite architecture, fascinating art galleries and delectable cuisine. Don’t forget to try the tortellini… divine!
And if you’re reading this and in need of some serious inspiration to try the life of a dancer – go for it! And, remember - if you're in Milan, come and find me, and I promise we’ll have a blast, twirling around the streets, discovering more pink delights, and making even more pink-filled memories!
Stay tuned, because there is so much more to come. And don’t forget to check out my Instagram for all the latest pink tutu adventures!
Ciao bella,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
