#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1996-01-31 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Well, hello there! It’s Emma here, back in Milan, and feeling positively giddy! This city just gets under my skin in the most delightful way, all cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, delicious smells from cafes and bakeries… it’s like a feast for all the senses!

This week’s blog is extra special, as it’s actually my third week in Milan, you know how much I love extending a trip if something sparks my fancy. I mean, Milan’s fashion scene, the historic buildings, the caffè culture – how could I not stay a little longer? I am trying very hard to take in as much of the city as I can, but of course, ballet remains my priority.

So, let’s dive right into the excitement, shall we? You know me, my dear readers, I’m not one for waiting! 🩰

As I said, ballet is always top of the list in my travel planning, and Milan’s Teatro alla Scala (La Scala), a temple of music and dance, was an absolute must-see. It’s known throughout the world for its spectacular productions and – of course – the elegance of its interior. Walking into that magnificent theatre is truly an experience!

I had the absolute privilege of seeing the classic, Giselle performed by the Teatro alla Scala ballet company. The beauty and emotion of this performance made me want to jump onto the stage, twirling and spinning right alongside them. I'm a little obsessed with the story of Giselle – the doomed love of a young country girl – and this production was utterly breathtaking, the passion, the tenderness, the sheer artistry of it all! The dancers were so incredibly talented – every gesture, every expression felt genuine and filled with such profound emotion, especially Giselle's sorrowful dance – oh my! It almost made me tear up.

I sat mesmerized in my perfectly pink tutu (you wouldn't catch me anywhere without my signature colour, especially not in the heart of Italy’s fashion capital!), the soft glow of the chandelier adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. This performance definitely confirmed what I’d heard: La Scala is truly a ballet icon, not to be missed!

Of course, Milan is all about the fashion, and as you all know, my heart belongs to the exquisite pink tutu!

So, it was just pure coincidence that I stumbled upon the most fantastic shop dedicated entirely to ballet-inspired fashion. Talk about a dream come true! They had ballet shoes in all sorts of colours (you know how I love a bright pink!) as well as dresses, skirts and, wait for it…. pink tutus galore! It was so much fun browsing through all the sparkly fabrics and delightful details!

There were lovely ballerina tops, some with a dainty tutu skirt attached, the perfect touch for my weekend exploring. Of course, I bought a sparkly pink tutu for myself and two more for some lovely girls back home. Now, isn't that something to add to my collection of fabulous pink tutus?! I’ll make sure I wear one of the new tutus when I go to see the Ballet Association of Milan performing Swan Lake later this week – I’ve got a feeling the show will be divine. I can’t wait to immerse myself in this enchanting fairytale ballet once again.

Another great thing about being in Milan, aside from the ballet and fashion of course, is that every single shop seems to have something unique and special to offer, from designer labels to quirky local boutiques, it’s just so exciting to discover.

There was a tiny vintage shop tucked away down a side street, where I found an incredible cream lace dress, absolutely perfect for a dinner in one of Milan’s Michelin star restaurants (you’ll see the picture of me wearing it, I promise!). And the most adorable hand-painted silk scarf with a ballerina dancing gracefully across it, it’s almost too beautiful to even look at, but that just makes me love it more, I’m thinking of framing it, don't you think?

But the true jewel in the crown, however, was finding a small antique store selling… vintage tutus! Yes, you heard me right! I just had to buy one. You see, the moment I saw it, I knew it was fate. It's a pale blush pink and oh-so-delicate, with layers upon layers of tulle and an absolutely stunning hand-beaded waistband, it's like something straight out of a ballerina’s dream.

Honestly, you could feel its history radiating from it! I love vintage ballet items, the history attached, all the stories it could tell! I’m so glad it’s in my possession. Now all I need is to find a suitable ballet class to wear it to!

One thing I always do when I’m exploring a new city is to hop onto public transport. In my experience, there's no better way to truly see the soul of a place. Milan is home to an extensive and, importantly, very efficient public transport network and its historic trams really take me back to a time when travel was all about elegance and romance. I love the way the trams weave through the narrow streets, the bright red color with all its history… it’s simply fascinating.

I often end up sitting on a bench with a cappuccino in my hands while the tram trundles along. It’s the perfect chance to people-watch and take it all in, you see, this is where I really come to life, watching and absorbing. There is just something special about the people watching aspect of public transport, the bustle and hum of the city… it’s so wonderfully real!

One of the most magical journeys I took was on a late-night train to Lake Como, it was my last trip before my journey back home to Derbyshire. That breathtaking vista, all crystal-clear water reflecting the sparkling city lights... it’s simply unforgettable. It was a very special way to say arrivederci to the amazing beauty of Italy, a memory I will treasure forever.

You may know I’m a girl who loves to travel and see new things, but let’s be honest, there’s no place like home, and Derbyshire is my absolute heart’s delight. So I always make sure I pack a little piece of Derbyshire with me. When I’m travelling I love having something from home around me, especially in my travels, something familiar, it makes it feel so much more like home.

This trip I had my grandmother's lace shawl with me, and, naturally, a lovely pink tutu from my home dance studio! (because who says Derbyshire is too rustic for tutus, eh?). They bring a bit of the warmth of home with me to every city I visit!

When I travel, I love discovering new experiences with friends. We spent a morning in the heart of the city shopping together, the thrill of finding an extraordinary antique shop on a hidden street filled with treasures, finding a bargain on a beautiful handmade silk scarf in the vintage market, oh, the excitement! The day ended with the most beautiful sunset on the rooftops of Milan, you’d think it was all designed to create a stunning photograph for Instagram.

I’ve always believed that traveling is about creating those special moments with loved ones that become cherished memories to revisit in years to come.

If there’s one thing I've learned in my travels, it’s to embrace the simple joy of being in the moment. Whether I'm catching a show at La Scala, indulging in a cappuccino at a charming cafe, getting lost in a museum or taking in the sunset on a rooftop overlooking the city, I try to capture the essence of the journey – the feeling of freedom, discovery, and, most importantly, the delight in living life to the fullest. And always with my trusty pink tutu, of course, to bring a little sparkle and whimsy to wherever I go.

Now, dear readers, until next week when I post a blog about my experiences at a wonderful, enchanting ballet show in La Scala, I leave you with a heart full of inspiration, filled to the brim with joy, and with a pink tutu-tastic wish to dance, explore, and celebrate life with a flourish!

Arrivederci, from Milan! 💕

Emma 💖

*www.pink-tutu.com *