Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another thrilling adventure from the fashion capital of the world, Milan! This week, however, it’s not all designer boutiques and elegant balls, though, I do have a rather fabulous evening planned…but first, let’s delve into a very special day in a very special city.
Today is Christmas Day! And, oh my, the Italian spirit of Christmas is just so enchanting! I mean, Christmas trees adorned with lights that twinkle like fairy dust, carolers filling the streets with joyous melodies…it really makes you feel like you’re living in a storybook. And, even more wonderful, my flatmates are Italian and are introducing me to all sorts of delectable Christmas traditions. Imagine my delight when I woke up this morning to the irresistible aroma of panettone – the sweet bread dotted with candied fruit and raisins – and a beautiful plate of pandoro – the traditional Christmas cake – topped with powdered sugar!
However, let me be perfectly clear, while panettone and pandoro are utterly divine, it is the tradition of La Befana which truly stole my heart. La Befana is a kindly, elderly witch who, according to legend, delivers presents to good children on the night between January 5th and 6th! You see, it’s believed that on that fateful night, the three wise men on their way to visit the baby Jesus came across La Befana and invited her to join them. However, being busy, La Befana told them she’d catch up later. Of course, she never got around to visiting, and has been roaming the skies, filled with guilt ever since, making amends by bringing treats to well-behaved children every year! How adorable! And talk about relatable - sometimes I feel like a very busy witch, darting between rehearsals and shows! But, let's return to Christmas…because my flatmates told me they always have panettone and pandoro for breakfast! Imagine my excitement! It's just a good thing that tutus are designed to be comfy because I haven’t moved from the table for hours!
The Gift of DanceThis afternoon, the sunshine was simply gorgeous! A sparkling winter day, and Milan looked magnificent. The buildings seemed to glitter under the warm winter rays. You know how I just love exploring Milan on the tram, because the tram network is a truly efficient way of navigating this enchanting city and also because the tram seats have the comfiest velvety cushions – you’d never believe how perfectly these soft seats coordinate with a vibrant pink tutu – they’re meant for each other!
Anyway, as I glanced out the tram window, I was struck by how beautifully this city, and its residents, seem to embrace their own traditions. And it got me thinking – what is our unique ballet tradition? Of course, I already share the love of ballet through my pink tutu adventures! However, this has to extend to spreading the joy of dance to every corner of the world! Oh, the wonders of ballet!
And, as always, Milan knows just how to make me dream! Today, the streets buzzed with activity, people excitedly shopping for the festive season. It’s simply divine. But, here in Milan, they’re not just shopping. No. This is a performance, a show in itself! Even the mundane, such as queuing to get an extra croissant from a pasticceria – the drama, my darlings! They really do know how to make every minute memorable.
Today was about enjoying this special festive spirit of Milan, and in turn, embracing the very special Christmas gifts that fill my heart - the beauty of this extraordinary city, my beautiful flatmates, the irresistible scents and tastes of Italian Christmas traditions, and the knowledge that, with every leap and twirl, we all create our own magic.
Speaking of magic...
My Perfect Christmas Eve EveningLater tonight, I have the absolute pleasure of seeing a spectacular production of The Nutcracker, starring the internationally renowned ballerinas Lucia and Francesco at the prestigious Teatro alla Scala! Can you imagine, my darlings? I am simply bursting with excitement! The Teatro alla Scala, with its glorious marble architecture and its historical legacy, it really does feel like stepping back into a time of opulence and artistic genius! And to have my own pink tutu performance booked in the very same theatre next month…well, that's true magic!
There is just so much beauty in Milan! Not just in the glamorous buildings and streets, but in the energy, the warmth of the people.
Speaking of warmth, how about we celebrate the season with a gorgeous and utterly festive Christmas cocktail, just for us, my pink tutu-loving darlings. Take a sip of pink Prosecco and join me for another exciting post from Milan next week – on www.pink-tutu.com! And, remember, I truly believe that a pink tutu is the best accessory for any Christmas!
Don’t forget to join me every Monday for a fresh, exciting new Pink Tutu adventure! I'll be right here on www.pink-tutu.com
Sending you all the warmth and festive joy,
Emma x
P.S. You'll love this one, my darling fashionistas: the shops are completely adorned with the most dazzling Christmas decorations! If you see the shop displays, the Christmas windows in Milan are extraordinary. From twinkling lights, plush snow-covered scenes, to a majestic ballet of reindeer drawn by snowflakes, oh my darling! A truly dazzling scene and well worth the adventure down the Duomo!
P.P.S. Let me tell you, Milan is the place to be for any ballerinas wanting to up their fashion game. There's an utterly magnificent shop that stocks these gorgeous tutus, in all sorts of fabulous colours. And, of course, pink, just like my favourite! And if that isn’t fabulous enough, darling, imagine this - I actually bought two new pink tutus and, you're just not going to believe this – both are perfect for a Christmas day celebration in Milan! Imagine me swirling and twirling down the cobbled streets, in the moonlight…such a delicious way to experience this magical city!
P.P.P.S. While shopping for new ballet shoes and tutus – yes, it’s an absolutely fabulous life – I did stumble across this absolutely darling little ballet shop with an extraordinary collection of ballet posters. One that particularly stood out had an adorable dancer, in a fabulous pink tutu of course! , posing on a rooftop overlooking the Milan cityscape, a wonderful mix of classic and contemporary architecture and, in the background, this dazzling Christmas market in the heart of the city – just delicious. So, with all these incredible and inspiring moments I feel inspired – so I did buy a beautiful ballerina poster! Can you imagine my joy! It has gone straight on my wall at my lovely apartment. It will surely inspire my Christmas twirls and help spread the love of dance wherever I go!
Oh, Milan, you simply *are a dream come true! The most delicious, luxurious city! Oh my, where will we go on this pink tutu adventure next? What secrets will Milan reveal next? I can’t wait to see!*
And now, to sip on that pink Prosecco and plan a ballet tour with some special guests!
