Italy: Tatem Adessi (Everyday and Favorite Places)

Program: IES Milan Internships, summer

My Favorite Place in Milan: Teatro alla Scala

Being in Milan has been such an amazing experience for me. Meeting new students, teachers, and coworkers has been exciting and at times has made me feel nervous but the one thing that has always grounded me is dancing. That’s why when I visited the Teatro alla Scala in Milan I was instantly in awe of the famous opera house. Milan is filled with rich history in architecture and the opera house is such an opulent building. I was overwhelmed by emotions and as a dancer myself, it meant even more to me than just seeing a show. It felt like being part of something I have always cared about and admired.

I have been dancing for most of my life, so ballet has always held a special place in my heart. When I learned that Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was being performed at Teatro alla Scala during my program, I knew I could not miss the opportunity. I had heard about La Scala for years because so many legendary dancers, choreographers, and musicians have performed there. Sitting in the audience, I realized I was experiencing something I had only imagined.

The moment I entered the theater, I was amazed by its beauty. The deep red velvet seats, elegant gold balconies, sparkling chandelier, and intricate details made the theater feel almost magical. Every part of the building reflected centuries of artistic excellence. Even before the performance began, I found myself looking around in awe, appreciating that generations of performers and audiences had shared this same space. It felt magical as I was immersed in the story and could almost imagine being on stage dancing along.

When the curtain rose, I was completely captivated. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland combined beautiful classical ballet with imaginative storytelling, colorful costumes, and creative stage effects. As someone who has spent years dancing, I could not help but notice the incredible technique, precision, and artistry of every performer. The dancers made movements that looked incredibly difficult appear effortless. Their expressions and musicality brought each character to life, making the performance feel emotional, exciting, and unforgettable.

Watching ballet in such a historic theater gave me a new appreciation for the art form. Dance is often described as a universal language, and it is. Even though people from all over the world who speak different languages were in attendance and might not understand each other, the ballet allowed everyone to enjoy the production equally because it was dance. I never felt separated from the story.  I felt that because it was dance, it did not matter what language you spoke. The movements communicated and evoked emotions in all of us.  The emotions, movement, and music communicated everything without needing many words. It reminded me that the arts can connect people across cultures in a powerful way.

This experience also inspired me personally. Seeing world-class dancers perform on one of the most prestigious stages in the world reminded me why I fell in love with dance in the first place. It motivated me to continue appreciating the dedication, discipline, and creativity that ballet requires. Even though I am no longer competing, it did rekindle the excitement I felt when I was younger, learning choreography and performing on stage. It made me realize I still want dance to be a part of my life, and I really need to see how I can incorporate that in my future.

Looking back, Teatro alla Scala became much more than a beautiful building to visit. It became a place where my personal passion connected with Italian culture and history. Many famous composers, musicians, and dancers have performed there, and being part of the audience made me feel connected to that incredible artistic tradition. It was one of those rare experiences that will stay with me long after my time in Milan.

Of all the places I visited during my program, Teatro alla Scala left the greatest impression on me. It combined everything I love—dance, music, history, and culture—into one unforgettable evening. Whenever I think about Milan, I will remember sitting beneath the magnificent chandelier, watching Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience ballet in one of the most iconic theaters in the world. It reminded me that sometimes the places that mean the most are the ones that connect us to the passions we have carried throughout our lives.