#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1996-06-05 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the fashion capital of the world - Milan! My pink tutu, it turns out, fits right in amongst the chic boutiques and bustling piazzas. Let me tell you, darling, this city is like a dream.

I left the green rolling hills of Derbyshire, a bittersweet goodbye to the familiar cobbled streets, and boarded the Eurostar to the sunny shores of Italy. The journey itself was an adventure, as I always find! A pink tutu, you see, makes a statement even on a train journey - the children, particularly, loved my swirling tulle. It was like travelling with my own little cheering section. I must confess, it feels as though the universe is conspiring to make sure everyone embraces a little pink tutu joy.

After a comfy train ride to Milan, it was time for a splash of pure elegance! Arriving at the central station, I found myself captivated by the imposing, breathtaking Milan Cathedral - Duomo, they call it - with its intricate details and soaring spires. I admit, darling, I spun in front of it, just for a moment - a tiny, pink twirl amongst such magnificence. The perfect start to my Milan escapade!

Let's talk about Milanese trams, darling! They're not just transport, they're an experience in themselves. All shiny and polished, whizzing through the city's arteries, connecting every nook and cranny. My journey on the tram became a stylish parade - a colourful tapestry of people, textures, and designs! It's an incredible street fashion showcase on wheels.

I took full advantage, darling. My pink tutu became a little accent to this fabulousness - you know me! I love to watch, admire, and maybe take a little sartorial inspiration. And the people of Milan certainly gave me plenty to dream about! From tailored suits that whisper power, to effortlessly chic scarves and shoes, Milan is a sartorial symphony that never sleeps. I took to my sketchbook like a bird to a cherry blossom - I must share these inspirational sketches with you in a later post. You simply must try that vintage fedora look, dear reader, I've found the perfect spot in Milan...

You simply cannot be in Milan without paying a visit to the iconic Teatro alla Scala! Its majestic presence makes your heart leap - just a taste of pure architectural grandeur. You just want to walk in, don your most extravagant gown, and be part of this world of opera, dance, and drama. As you know, darlings, ballet is my true passion, and the very idea of the Scala with its history and glamour filled me with excitement.

Well, I wasn't just going to dream about it, was I? This week, the Scala is presenting a production of "Giselle," and oh, it is beautiful. From the dramatic story, the romantic tension, to the breathtaking choreography, I was swept away. It truly does make me feel like I am witnessing the very soul of dance on the stage!

Milan is synonymous with shopping! And my love affair with tutus just became more complicated in this fashion paradise. Oh, the clothes, the shoes, the hats... I could practically taste the joy in the air, especially in the boutiques that line the grand, elegant Via Monte Napoleone.

As much as I adored soaking in the ambience of luxury shops and marveling at the designer outfits, my true delight, darling, was in those tucked away gems - charming vintage boutiques, small independent shoemakers, and antique trinket shops. I'm sure my credit card wished I had stayed away from those whimsical, handcrafted finds - that little hand-painted mirror, that lace shawl that would have been perfectly paired with my pink tutu...

It has been a whirl of colour, movement, and inspiration - my trip to Milan has been, in a word, magical! Each corner I turned presented a new architectural masterpiece, each street brought new and dazzling people and new experiences.

Perhaps it's the romance in the air, the rhythm of life in this historic city, or simply the allure of my pink tutu, but I've felt a sense of artistic awakening here in Milan. I've already sketched new ideas for routines, dreamed up a few new tutu creations - I can’t wait to try those ideas out on my dance floor at home. And I've rediscovered a sense of freedom and creativity - like dancing under a bright spotlight that puts you centre stage, and shows you just how brilliant your world truly is!

I have no doubt that a bit of Pink Tutu Magic has rubbed off on Milan - I'm determined to get everyone in the city sporting a pink tutu. But perhaps they should stick to the chic boutiques, and I'll stick to the dance floor. Or, dare I suggest, both?

Till next Monday, my dearest readers! Don't forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com - the only place you can truly understand the magic of the Pink Tutu World!