#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1995-09-27 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darling! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed, fashion-forward Emma here, checking in from the magnificent Milan, Italy! It's Wednesday, 27th September, 1995, and the air is abuzz with the exciting aroma of coffee and possibility - Milan never fails to spark something special in me.

This week's adventures have been particularly fabulous, a whirlwind of beautiful sights, exquisite fashion, and captivating ballet. Oh, and let's not forget the heavenly gelato that I indulged in every day - perfetto.

Let's delve right into my Milanese diary, shall we?

The day started with a bang! After a delightful breakfast of creamy cappuccino and a flaky croissant, I found myself swept away by the magic of Milan's Fashion Quarter. A labyrinth of chic boutiques, each showcasing the latest creations from the biggest names in the fashion world. It's a paradise for a tutu-loving girl like myself, even if my wallet screamed at me from time to time! But oh, the sheer delight of seeing exquisite silk dresses and dazzlingly embellished gowns! I even discovered a tiny shop selling adorable pink ballet shoes that were simply begging to be purchased, and you can bet I couldn't resist! (My ballet collection grows stronger with each adventure, darling.)

To cap off the day, I wandered through the magnificent Duomo square. Gazing up at the intricately crafted gothic masterpiece that is Milan Cathedral, I was humbled by its sheer scale and beauty.

Tuesday saw me stepping back in time at the legendary La Scala opera house. A true masterpiece of architecture and a testament to the vibrant history of opera and ballet. I felt a wave of pure joy just stepping inside the hallowed halls! I was captivated by the ornate interior and its grand stage, all glittering with a touch of magic. I even saw a little sneak peek of a rehearsal for a forthcoming ballet - all I can say is it was absolutely mesmerising. I can't wait to see the final performance later this week!

As a treat for my ballet-loving soul, I attended a late evening performance at the nearby Teatro dell'Arte. It featured the exquisite work of the esteemed Ballet Teatro di Milano. Oh, what a stunning production! The choreography was exquisite, the dancers incredibly skilled and the stage costumes just stunning. This is why I adore ballet - it's such an expression of grace, emotion, and sheer beauty. Afterward, I savored a glass of sparkling prosecco, savouring the buzz of the theatre and feeling a surge of pure inspiration.

It's a Wednesday, and it's time for my favourite weekly tradition: exploring Milan's hidden gems!

I discovered a charming independent boutique tucked away in a quiet street just off Via della Spiga. Inside, a wonderland of handcrafted jewellery and delicate floral accessories. It was so inviting! I fell in love with a delicate pink beaded necklace - a perfect compliment to my wardrobe, naturally!

And speaking of my wardrobe, it wouldn't be a trip to Milan without a little boutique therapy. I snagged a lovely lavender blouse, perfect for the autumn air, and a pair of chic heeled ballet pumps - what can I say, I love a little bit of practicality mixed with a dash of feminine charm. They say it's never too early for Christmas shopping, so I also bought a stunning pink silk scarf, perfect for a special gift!

My day finished with a delightful afternoon of ballet classes at a small studio tucked away near the city's Central Station. This was a highlight, of course! I am so passionate about dance - the discipline, the joy, the pure expressiveness of movement - I feel my happiest in a ballet studio! It's where I can truly let loose and embrace the artistry of the body.

Milan is a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to its culinary scene! I was absolutely delighted by a vibrant open-air market overflowing with delicious produce. Everything looked so fresh, from bright-red strawberries to plump tomatoes.

I indulged in a scrumptious lunch of spaghetti al pomodoro at a quaint trattoria. The flavours were simply divine, bursting with that classic Italian sunshine, and, of course, no Italian meal is complete without a steaming pot of delicious espresso.

In the afternoon, I walked along the romantic Naviglio Grande, a charming canal filled with brightly coloured boats. I saw couples strolling hand in hand, street artists showcasing their talents, and local artists and craftspeople selling their work - pure Milanese charm! It was a delight to simply wander and soak up the atmosphere.

It's Friday, and Milan's artistic treasures were calling my name. Today's exploration centred around the iconic figure of Leonardo da Vinci - what a legend! I felt an overwhelming sense of awe gazing at the 'Last Supper' at Santa Maria delle Grazie. It was simply incredible to witness such iconic art in person, and the way the light played on the fresco created such a profound experience.

Next, I visited the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia 'Leonardo da Vinci,' which showcases a dazzling collection of models, inventions, and masterpieces designed by the master himself. His ingenuity and talent are truly inspiring. I was particularly taken with his studies on flight and the way he managed to blend art and science seamlessly.

To end the day, I visited a quiet café for a hot chocolate - this is truly one of my favourite beverages, especially in this charming city! As the sun began to set, I reflected on how fulfilling the week had been. Each day brought a new experience and a deeper understanding of this incredible city.

What is more iconic than the Milan Tram? The city's iconic trams are so vibrant and elegant! I had a lovely adventure today, hopping aboard the red and white carriages, taking me to a new corner of the city for the first time! The view of the city from the top level was stunning! I discovered the captivating 'Museo del Novecento', a museum devoted to the works of contemporary Italian art. It was truly a unique and inspiring journey, filled with new and interesting perspectives.

After a little snack at a nearby pasticceria (delicious mini cakes - how could I resist!), I wandered through the Parco Sempione, a vast and verdant oasis. This charming green space felt a million miles from the bustling streets!

As my Milan adventure begins to draw to a close, I woke to a day filled with the gentle rhythm of Sunday morning in Milan. I embraced a slow pace, enjoying a hearty breakfast at a local trattoria before exploring the city's heart - its magnificent squares.

Piazza del Duomo, with its impressive Duomo, never fails to capture the eye and spirit. A haven of shoppers, street entertainers, and cafes with tables spilling onto the cobbled walkways - I was truly inspired. I even joined in with a local family, joining them in singing and clapping along to a performance by a charismatic street violinist - it felt wonderfully uplifting!

As the sun set, casting long shadows over Milan, I had an unexpected encounter with a group of local ballet dancers. We exchanged smiles, a few words of Italian, and of course, a passion for ballet. One of them, a young lady named Elena, even invited me to a street ballet performance that was being held in a charming piazza close by. She told me it's part of a larger community art project showcasing different types of local talents - street musicians, dancers, artists, even poets - a truly inspiring gathering!

And you know what? The experience was beyond delightful! To see ballet in such a spontaneous and vibrant environment felt special - the passion of the dancers and the community support they received was palpable. It felt wonderfully authentic, and in that moment, I felt the true soul of this beautiful city.

And there you have it, another fabulous week in Milan! It has been truly magical. This vibrant, passionate, and fashion-forward city never fails to captivate and inspire.

Until next week, when I embark on a new adventure. In the meantime, don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, my blog, where I will continue to share my adventures with all you fabulous pink tutu fans out there. It's time to spread the pink tutu love - everyone can be a ballerina at heart!

Until next time, Ciao! 💖

Emma