Hello lovelies! It's your girl, Emma, and I'm so excited to be writing to you from the heart of Italy - Milan! I finally landed in this gorgeous city this morning, after a rather magical train journey. It felt like stepping out of a classic Italian film. You know, the ones where everyone looks fabulous in crisp linen and sunglasses, while drinking Aperol Spritzes and flirting with their neighbours!
I know I've been all over the place lately (you guys know how much I adore exploring!) but trust me, there's a very specific reason why I’ve hopped over to Italy. It's not just the gorgeous fashion, the stunning architecture, or the delicious gelato (although those are all big draws!), but it’s the legendary Teatro alla Scala, the famous opera house. This week, it's all about experiencing a true Italian cultural jewel!
Now, I can already hear some of you thinking "Emma, ballet isn’t opera. What's this all about?!" But hold your horses! As I've always said, life's about being open to new experiences. And since this theatre is famous for hosting some of the greatest ballet performances in the world, it was just unthinkable that I wouldn’t visit.
To celebrate being here, I’ve even got a brand new, blush-pink tutu tucked into my suitcase, specifically chosen for Milan! It’s a little frilly and fabulous, adorned with delicate gold glitter, inspired by the grand interiors of the theatre. It’s like a ballerina dream come true!
Milan’s Magic
As soon as I arrived, I couldn’t help but soak up the energy of the city. I’ve always loved the Milanese sense of style. They seem to be effortlessly chic, just walking along the streets like they're all heading to a fashion photoshoot! I immediately headed out in search of inspiration, taking a little tram journey to see the Duomo di Milano. The building itself was just jaw-dropping, with its intricate marble facade and impressive spires reaching for the sky. The perfect backdrop for a photoshoot in my pink tutu, obviously!
A Girl's Gotta Eat!
Now, no trip to Milan would be complete without indulging in the food! I swear, every corner here smells like delicious pastries and rich espresso. The bakery near my hotel is just delightful. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall place filled with the most gorgeous artisanal breads and pastries. My inner foodie was just screaming!
I even tried the most divine pizza I've ever had (I swear I saw little angels singing about it!) It had creamy burrata, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a delicate drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Mmm... I think I need to go back for a second helping!
Time for a little ballet
I love my routine and even on my travels, I try to squeeze in a bit of ballet practice. Fortunately, Milan didn't disappoint! I managed to find a charming little studio nestled away on a quiet street, surrounded by beautiful bougainvillea vines. The atmosphere there was warm and welcoming. I joined in on a class that mixed graceful classical moves with playful, contemporary elements. We worked on the perfect plie and beautiful jumps. Even though I felt like a complete beginner after travelling and missing some training, it was great fun to just enjoy the movement and connect with my fellow dancers!
Teatro alla Scala Dreams
Now, on to the main event - tonight's show at the Teatro alla Scala! My friend Marco (a fellow dance enthusiast I met through a ballet workshop in London) joined me for the journey to the theatre, making this experience extra special. The theatre is incredibly beautiful! Even stepping inside the building itself feels magical! The grandeur, the chandeliers, the opulence! I could just imagine the stunning performances it’s witnessed over the years.
Behind the Scenes at La Scala
We went backstage! Now this was a treat for any dance fanatic! It was amazing to see the inner workings of such a renowned venue. It’s such a contrast from the gleaming spectacle you see from the audience. There’s a real energy backstage – it was full of busy technicians, the smell of paint, the sounds of instruments tuning. I got a chance to talk to some of the dancers backstage who gave me their favourite pre-performance rituals! I learned that before stepping onto the stage they like to listen to the music that will be played. This creates a mood and prepares them emotionally for the performance. A good pre-show ritual helps to get them in the zone!
Tonight's Performance: The Beauty of Swan Lake
The show we’re watching is Swan Lake - a timeless classic. As the orchestra played the opening notes, the anticipation built, making me feel a little bit electric. The entire stage seemed to shimmer under the sparkling chandelier as the curtain slowly rose, revealing the setting for the performance! This truly is one of my favourite ballet classics! There’s something so dramatic and emotive about the choreography, with a beautiful mix of graceful, classical ballets, dramatic leaping movements and playful sequences, like the ‘Cygnet Scene’, that always leaves the audience breathless! It was incredibly moving to watch such talent on that iconic stage. The dancers were absolutely phenomenal - every single move so refined and emotive! It was like they were born to move like that.
I’ve been thinking about Swan Lake and how beautiful the performance was ever since the lights came up. I think I’ll have to add a ‘swan lake tutu’ to my ever-growing tutu collection - something flowing and elegant, to reflect the romanticism of this production.
Travel tips for my ballet loves!
I know some of you love travel too so here are some ballet tips if you ever find yourself in Milan. I can tell you, the Teatro alla Scala isn’t the only place for a cultural fix. You’ll also find some amazing shows and even workshops at:
- The Teatro degli Arcimboldi: A modern theatre space designed with a beautiful contemporary interior that often hosts fascinating modern ballets. They sometimes run interesting workshops as well.
- The Teatro Franco Parenti: This independent theatre company has a long history of promoting modern theatre and they’ve been known to include contemporary dance as part of their programme!
And lastly, just for you!
This week, in honour of Milan, I'm launching a fun little competition! To enter, just post a picture of yourself wearing your most fabulous pink tutu and tell me where your favourite place is to wear your tutu! I'll be choosing a winner who’ll get a signed copy of my latest ballerina book - and you’ll be featured in my next blog! Now, get those tutus ready and don't forget to have a bit of fun!
It’s time for me to head back to my hotel, and maybe I’ll grab some delicious Italian pasta and enjoy a bit of a well-deserved night in. Until next Monday, have a wonderful week and stay twirling!
Ciao Bella!
Emma xxx
