Buongiorno, darlings!
The sunshine is pouring through my hotel window here in Milan, reflecting off the dazzling pink of my new tutu, which I just had to get at the most incredible shop on Via Montenapoleone last night. I'm not sure what was more beautiful, the intricate layers of tulle, the perfect shade of "tutu pink" (which I've just coined, it's the new "millennial pink", you heard it here first!), or the friendly sales assistant who gifted me a pair of exquisite, pink-feathered ballet slippers to go with it. I do believe I may be becoming a fashionista!
But enough about my sartorial exploits - Milan is a sensory overload, a symphony of sights, sounds and smells! It's utterly enchanting, like a page ripped from a fairy tale. And I wouldn't be surprised if a pair of glass slippers popped up at some point. (Maybe it's the pink tutu that's causing my flights of fancy…)
Speaking of my lovely tutus, this week has been a whirlwind of ballet, beginning with a thrilling performance at the Teatro alla Scala. You'll never believe this, but I was offered the lead role in a spontaneous impromptu ballet performance on stage after the main show. How does that even happen?!
You see, darling, I was naturally wearing my dazzling pink tutu, as always, for a show of "La Bayadère" which was absolutely breath-taking. The costumes were opulent, the choreography intricate and captivating. The dancing was just divine.
Anyway, after the curtain call, I spotted the dance master peering at me through a set of opera glasses. And in my best ballerina voice I asked him "Are you wanting a ballerina to perform a short piece?", he practically threw a tiara at me and shrieked “Bravissima! Get your pink tutu up here, dollface!” and shoved a script in my hands, followed by the most intense fifteen minute choreography lesson of my life! I’ve never been so flustered and so thrilled all at the same time. I just wish I’d been able to film it!
But fear not, dear readers, I managed to pull it off, I got a standing ovation, and the whole theatre was practically singing along to my spontaneous waltz in the famous La Scala pink tutu, that, by the way, is now for sale as an NFT for £1 million - someone grab me a tissue. Sniff
But seriously, you guys are incredible, and this whole adventure has made me realise that following your dreams, rocking your own personal style and spreading joy is what really makes life exciting, no matter what you choose to do. Who knew I could achieve a lifelong dream by simply rocking my fabulous pink tutu!
And the beauty of it all? Milan is my haven. My secret paradise. A place where the echoes of grand operas mix with the hum of trams and the buzz of designer boutiques, where history and modernity collide, where a cup of cappuccino is a ritual, and the air is always alive with artistic energy.
Now, onto today’s adventures!
This morning, after breakfast in a tiny cafe (served in a charming pink-tiled kitchen!), I took a thrilling tram ride, one of the many wonderful old trams I've been exploring throughout the city, all the way to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s even more breathtaking up close. It feels like being in a cathedral, but instead of stained glass, there’s glimmering chandeliers and stunning mosaics.
The atmosphere is electrifying – the chatter of tourists mingling with the clinking of espresso cups and the buzz of shop windows displaying luxurious goods, all bathed in the warm light that streams through the majestic glass dome.
From the Galleria, I took a leisurely stroll down the iconic Via Montenapoleone, my eyes feasting on the designer boutiques that line the street like perfectly dressed dolls in their most fabulous gowns. Prada, Chanel, Gucci, the list goes on and on, but all in their perfect immaculately pristine and elegantly Parisian shopfronts. I confess, I spent a fair amount of time gazing longingly at those exquisitely crafted, impossibly high-heeled shoes, imagining myself stepping into the elegant shoes, walking down the street like a fashion queen.
And as fate would have it, in a small vintage boutique tucked away off a side street, I stumbled upon a treasure: the most stunning pair of pink feather boas! They’re featherlight, ridiculously soft, and completely fabulous. You’re going to just die when I post pics! My new feathered friends were begging to be paired with the perfect outfit.
This Evening’s Encore
This evening, I’m off to watch an incredible performance at the Teatro dal Verme. You won’t believe this - I saw the ballet on stage while I was eating my breakfast and it literally made me skip a beat - "Romeo and Juliet." This is one of the ballets that inspired my lifelong obsession, so needless to say, I'm brimming with anticipation! I imagine I will be mesmerized, especially given the passion and intensity the dancers exhibited this morning. Imagine all of that dancing and movement…I’m pretty sure I’ll be inspired to break out a new ballet move or two. You can't see me, but I'm already swaying and twirling.
And Speaking of Twirling…
Of course, my beautiful, darling pink tutu is the perfect accompaniment to such an event. My secret to feeling fabulously fabulous? It’s always about the confidence. Once you've got that, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or where you are, the rest just falls into place, especially with the perfect pair of ballet shoes.
Milan, you have captured my heart!
But there's much more to share from the fashion capital, dear readers, and it's a secret I must reveal tomorrow… ( Whispers … the actual perfect pink tutu). See you tomorrow for another incredible installment! And make sure to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com where you'll find a treasure trove of my pink tutus, outfits and travel stories! And, of course, my daily vlog entries about all things ballerina. Don't forget to share your favorite ballet outfits - hashtag #PinkTutuMilan
Ciao Bella, Emma xo
Day by Day…:
Monday: A trip to Derbyshire, Emma's home county and the site of many childhood ballet classes and a plethora of charming villages that are all ripe for tutuing.
Tuesday: Travel by train (first-class, naturally) to Milan, It's all about soaking up the energy, admiring the architecture, finding the perfect caffe and, of course, tutu shopping! A perfect example of how Emma turns everything she does into a ballet, like the way she jumps off a train at every platform.
Wednesday: Emma’s favourite day to be in Milan and Tuesday is an impromptu ballet on stage and the beautiful Teatro alla Scala, followed by exploring the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, finding fabulous fashion (her weakness!) and then a spectacular balet evening performance with Rome and Juliet. And she’s probably thinking about some lovely ballet inspired cake after…
Thursday: The ballet of the trams is Emma’s favourite – she takes to Milan on trams, it’s a great opportunity for shopping, sightseeing, and more fashion - what would a ballet enthusiast do without shopping? Then a delicious meal, as always.
Friday: Emma’s big day – her ballet lesson! Followed by a fun trip to The National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, Emma goes for walks, visits some fascinating sights. And a visit to the most iconic sights to enjoy a magnificent vista from the Duomo's terrace for stunning views of the city ( and for photos!).
Saturday: Back to her ballet and a night in the Opera, to the * Teatro Regio Turin * . Then back to * Milan*.
- Sunday: Shopping and perhaps a spot of ballet - a quick trip to *The Duomo * for an evening photo shoot with her pink tutu!
This is a week that captures Emma’s love of all things pink tutu, ballet, fashion and her absolute love of the magnificent Milan!
