Ciao, darlings! Emma here, back from my festive Italian adventure. It's been a whirl of waltzing through charming cobbled streets, taking in the enchanting Christmas markets, and of course, catching some sensational ballet performances! As I write this, the twinkle of a thousand fairy lights still shimmer in my eyes - Milan truly is a magical place, especially during the festive season.
This week marks my twenty-ninth post on Pink-Tutu.com, which means it's officially December, which means IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME! I'm pretty sure Christmas is a year-round state of mind for me, but the build-up to the big day just intensifies that feeling tenfold. My Derbyshire roots have instilled in me a deep love for the festive season, from carols echoing through frosty village squares to cosy evenings by the fire, hot chocolate in hand, and twinkling fairy lights reflecting in wide, joyful eyes. Milan hasn't disappointed! The whole city seems to have wrapped itself in twinkling lights and warm festive cheer, and the Christmas markets are the best I've seen yet!
So, how did I kick off this dazzling Italian escapade?
A Milanese Christmas Symphony:This past Tuesday, my trusty suitcase brimming with sequined delights, I arrived in Milan by train. Now, for those of you unfamiliar with this glorious Italian metropolis, the train ride itself is a sight to behold! A symphony of sprawling countryside painted in the warm tones of a setting sun, rolling hills dotted with terracotta rooftops, and the gentle sway of the train lulling me into a blissful state of pre-Christmas joy.
Arriving at Milano Centrale, I felt a surge of exhilaration as I inhaled the vibrant aroma of roasted chestnuts, spices, and that uniquely intoxicating fragrance of festive cheer that hangs heavy in the air this time of year. The crowds were thick with the joyous energy of families and friends catching up, excitedly navigating the Christmas markets, and simply enjoying the magic of the season.
I didn't let a single second go to waste. The first thing I did was head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that iconic, arched glass masterpiece. It's just as breathtaking as everyone says! My inner fashionista immediately went into overdrive - imagine, an entire arcade filled with the most beautiful Italian designer boutiques imaginable! I literally stopped to gawk, taking in the stunning craftsmanship of each store’s façade, before making a beeline for Pinko, one of my absolute favourites.
I admit, I indulged in a few new pieces to add to my growing collection. There's something undeniably luxurious about finding that perfect piece while on holiday, the sheer excitement of the purchase imbued with the magic of your journey! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu trip without some exquisite fashion finds, and a touch of glamour for my performance in the Piazza del Duomo.
Piazza Del Duomo: Where Dreams Dance Underneath a Starry Sky:The highlight of my entire trip so far? Absolutely, without a doubt, the Piazza Del Duomo. Picture this: a breathtaking Gothic cathedral standing tall against a cerulean sky, bathed in a soft golden light. Around it, the cobbled Piazza teems with the joyous energy of a bustling Christmas market. But here's the best part: in the heart of it all, a stage illuminated with twinkling lights and anticipation in the air... ready for a grand performance!
This time, I decided to share the stage with other talented dancers, creating a mesmerising tableau vivant. The crowds gathered around, faces alight with a mix of awe and fascination, as our graceful movements told a story through a timeless blend of ballet, street performance, and theatrical storytelling. It was the perfect way to bring together my love for performance and the magical charm of Milan's festive spirit.
Afterwards, I met a charming fellow ballerina who spoke fluent Italian, so she helped me to navigate the Christmas market stalls. The air was filled with the intoxicating aromas of freshly baked panettone, sweet roasted chestnuts, mulled wine (of which I enjoyed a little too much, whoops!), and spiced cinnamon – my favourite scent in the whole world. It’s just something about the Christmas air, I swear it gets infused with magic and sprinkles of festive pixie dust!
Ballet Under the Tuscan Sun:From the festive delights of Milan, we embarked on a mini Tuscan adventure. The train ride took us through breathtaking scenery. Vineyards rolled by, like green, golden ribbons beneath the sun. Charming Italian villages nestled between olive groves, all under a crisp, winter sky, gave the countryside an ethereal, almost storybook quality.
A breathtaking performance awaited us in the quaint town of Siena, housed within the Teatro degli Rozzi. It's one of the oldest theatres in Italy, a real treasure of the city! As the red velvet curtain rose, a sense of timeless enchantment descended on us. I found myself caught up in the graceful choreography, the story spun on stage brought to life with incredible skill and passion.
The performances that week were so magical that even my friend Emily – who insists she dislikes ballet! – was thoroughly captivated. After each show, Emily and I would seek out the most exquisite local delicacies – fresh-baked focaccia drizzled with honey and topped with aromatic herbs, velvety panna cotta with perfectly ripe strawberries, and cups of creamy cappuccinos perfectly crafted by expert baristas. We ate until we were content and happily walked through the charming cobbled streets of Tuscany. It’s an enchanting combination: experiencing some of the world’s finest performances with some of my closest friends!
A Touch of Milanese Magic:The trip culminated in another truly spectacular event – the grand opening of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan. Imagine stepping into a real-life fairytale: opulent rooms overflowing with magnificent works of art and beautiful tapestries. It's like time stands still in this extraordinary museum, a portal into Milan’s artistic heritage.
The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is truly breathtaking, each room filled with a sense of history and elegance. The collection ranges from stunning Italian paintings to exquisitely crafted furniture. And it was all illuminated with delicate fairy lights for the festive season. As I walked through each gallery, the fairy lights illuminated the fine details of each piece, creating a magical and whimsical atmosphere.
It’s hard to express how much this place resonated with me! As a dancer, I can't help but feel inspired by the stories and emotions woven into these masterpieces.
My Tutu Travel Diary:Let's talk about the sartorial delights of this trip. I brought a new sparkly, crimson, floor-length dress for the performance at the Piazza Del Duomo. The way it flowed around me as I pirouetted under the fairy lights was a vision of magical elegance!
Of course, no ballet tour is complete without a good tutu, and this trip had several perfect opportunities. My favourite was a rose-gold, sparkling tulle tutu that flowed perfectly in the Piazza's gentle evening breeze. I even caught the reflection of the Duomo’s spires in its gossamer-like layers!
During our travels, I've also discovered a delightful little vintage boutique called “Il Cestino” - which means "the basket." It’s full of whimsical trinkets, scarves, and clothes – many of which were pink, much to my delight! The owner, an incredibly sweet woman called Elena, told me her grandmother was a renowned milliner! Her grandmother taught Elena about the art of crafting unique pieces that stand out from the crowd. I found a few truly unique pieces – including a beautifully crafted, delicate pink headband, which has been adorning my hair every day since!
Elena has such a beautiful soul and such a warm, comforting presence, and I always enjoy spending a few hours chatting and enjoying the magic of “Il Cestino.”
Milan is truly a treasure trove of fashion, a city buzzing with creativity. From chic boutiques to quaint vintage shops, Milan’s vibrant streets are brimming with inspiration for any style aficionado. It’s truly a dream for someone who, like me, lives to experience fashion.
And, as always, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu adventure without a touch of glamour, a hint of whimsy, and a dash of pink magic. My pink tulle tutu continues to make its presence felt wherever I go – and, even if some glances are a bit bewildered, I love sparking joy and spreading a message of self-expression and fun, because truly, wearing pink and dancing freely, even in a city like Milan, is what makes me feel truly alive.
Catching the Christmas Express:This week marks my last full day in Milan, and while I'm deeply saddened to be saying farewell to this city of enchantment, I’m incredibly grateful for every magical moment I’ve experienced.
Tomorrow morning, I will be catching a train to Venice, with the anticipation of gliding through the city’s famous canals already swirling in my head. I’ll keep you updated on all the Venice adventures in my next Pink Tutu Milan post!
As the aroma of cinnamon, spiced orange, and roasted chestnuts wafts from the Christmas markets in Milan, I can't help but think, even after I head home to Derbyshire, a part of my heart will remain forever in this extraordinary Italian city, forever captivated by the allure of this festive metropolis. I'll definitely be returning to Milan - after all, my passion for ballet and its connections to travel, shopping, and my love for fashion, will always bring me back.
Remember, lovelies: Don't be afraid to embrace the sparkle! Go forth, wear your pinkest tutus, and let your inner diva shine! And always remember that Pink Tutu is here for you, for inspiration, laughter, and for reminding you of the sheer joy of a good tutu-filled dance.
See you next week, on www.pink-tutu.com, for all the dazzling, pink, fun, and fashion news!
Yours in pink,
Emma ✨
