#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1996-02-14 ballet blog from Milan Italy

Ciao, darlings!

It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, writing to you live from the bustling heart of Milan. I'm absolutely bursting with excitement after a whirlwind weekend in this fabulous city! If you're thinking of coming to Italy and wondering how best to travel around, I’m going to share with you how I’ve been getting around by tram and train, along with all my other adventures!

Milan, my dears, is a true dream. From the magnificent Duomo to the beautiful, fashion-forward boutiques lining Via Montenapoleone, it's a feast for the senses.

Naturally, my first stop had to be Teatro alla Scala, the grand opera house of Milan. You all know my obsession with ballet, and I was utterly transported by the beautiful, poignant performance of La Traviata. The costumes were divine (think tiers of tulle and swathes of silk) and the passion on stage simply radiated. I swear, I could hear the tutus whispering in the grand hall as the audience erupted in applause!

Speaking of tutus, I finally got to visit La Scala's stunning costume workshops! Seeing those exquisite creations close-up was a real pinch-me moment. It was like a magical, fluffy wonderland of shimmering fabrics and elaborate details. They were absolutely phenomenal and such inspiration for my next performance!

And to top off the ballet extravaganza, I attended a truly delightful performance at Teatro Dal Verme. This intimate theatre, hidden away in a beautiful square, housed a contemporary ballet piece by an up-and-coming Italian choreographer. The performance was raw, dynamic, and filled with heart - a true delight for a lover of all things dance!

Now, you all know I love my tutus, and Milan has been a veritable paradise for the sartorially inclined. The city is a global capital of fashion and boasts a wealth of iconic designer labels, independent boutiques, and fabulous vintage shops. I spent a glorious day exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda, or Fashion Quadrilateral, my eyes wide with delight at all the exquisite window displays. The energy was contagious!

One of my favourite shops, Atelier Swarovski, sparkled like a rainbow after a summer downpour! It was full of beautiful, intricate pieces that would bring a sparkle to any dancer's eye. But I've always found that a touch of pink makes everything better, so naturally, I opted for a pink-hued necklace to match my perfectly pink mood.

Milan's fashion scene goes beyond the couture. Walking through the city, I spotted a couple of chic Italian girls with pink-toned blushers - you’d think I’d have picked out some colour from the pink and coral in the blush palette to make them pink tutu perfect. I also discovered a fab little shop tucked away on a cobbled side street that was filled with the most extraordinary hats. One particular creation - a wide-brimmed straw hat with a delicate pink feather detail - practically called to me from the display case. Perfect for adding a touch of romance to my day, don’t you think?

To keep my adventure as budget-friendly as possible, I decided to embrace public transport, which was wonderfully affordable and super efficient! Riding the Milanese trams is a journey in itself. They’re charming, like giant rolling carriages with views of the city's intricate street plan and historical buildings. I loved how every corner offered a new sight, and each ride was filled with a colourful tapestry of locals going about their daily routines.

I also found that hopping on the train for a short journey out of the city offered the most spectacular panoramic views! I could just picture myself spinning on a mountaintop, bathed in golden sunset light with a dazzling view of the Alps - truly breathtaking!

Of course, I wouldn't be a true pink tutu traveler if I didn't bring a little sparkle to my public transportation journeys. My favourite move? Pulling out my travel journal and writing in my most charming handwriting whilst admiring the scenery whizzing past! That little bit of pink flair brings a touch of femininity to even the most utilitarian of experiences!

After a day of ballet, shopping, and sightseeing, a delicious Italian dinner is an absolute must! The smell of basil, oregano, and tomatoes was a culinary symphony, and I had the most amazing plate of spaghetti carbonara - you know, it’s one of my favourite dishes (and it's pink!) - at a family-run trattoria that seemed like it was frozen in time. They gave me the sweetest hug at the end of my meal, just like you get when you leave a family friend’s home.

It goes without saying, a visit to Italy would be incomplete without some divine wine. The local wines, from full-bodied reds to crisp whites, are simply glorious! My favourite pick: a fruity Prosecco that practically sang in my glass, perfect for a relaxed evening with a delicious spread of antipasti.

Milan has truly stolen a piece of my heart. It’s a vibrant city bursting with creativity and passion, where the people are warm, welcoming and passionate - and, as it turned out, so enthusiastic about pink! From the elegant architecture to the stylish residents, I found that this city was a wonderland for pink-loving girls everywhere. I’m planning on heading back as soon as I can - with, of course, a fresh pink tutu!

• Ballet Dreams: La Traviata was magical, and the costume workshop visit was truly inspiring.
• Milanese Fashion Flair: I adore the shops and the chic locals with their pink accents - they’re really embracing pink just like I am!
• Public Transport with Style: It’s amazing to discover a new city, not just by car but by tram and train, soaking up the culture and history whilst having a pink moment to myself.
• Taste of Italy: Milanese food is incredible - pasta carbonara is always a hit for me, and it doesn't hurt that the vibrant pink prosecco tastes absolutely heavenly!

Now, let’s talk pink! What’s your favourite shade of pink? And how do you add a little pink flair to your travels? Let me know in the comments below, darlings!

Stay pink and fabulous,

Emma x

P.S. Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates and blog posts. See you next Monday!