Ciao Bella!
It's Emma, your Pink Tutu correspondent, reporting live from Milan, the fashion capital of the world! I can't believe I'm actually here. It's like stepping into a magazine, and the best part is? My pink tutu fits right in.
As you all know, my mantra is "Life is a ballet, and it's much more fun in pink," and trust me, Milan is proving that statement truer than ever. This bustling city, with its incredible architecture, vibrant culture, and undeniable style, has been making my heart dance since I arrived.
Travel in Style: T-Shirt Travels and Tram Talk
Let's talk about how I got here - because as always, it involved a bit of flair and a whole lot of Pink Tutu. After a lovely morning performing "The Swan Lake" for a school in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, I hopped on a train to Heathrow, all decked out in my trusty Pink Tutu tee-shirt (gotta rep my brand even when I'm travelling!). My journey involved a seamless connection at Heathrow and, to my absolute delight, a trip on the iconic Trenitalia to Milano Centrale.
The Trenitalia train was a delightful experience in itself. As a ballet girl who's a firm believer in the art of graceful movement, it's not just about getting from point A to B - it's about the journey itself. My fellow passengers, sporting a stunning array of chic Milanese styles, looked at me with a curious glance when I first arrived. Then, the cutest thing happened! A young boy, barely able to reach my waist, pointed at my t-shirt and exclaimed, "La Tutu!" (which I think is the Italian way of saying tutu!), then, with the brightest smile imaginable, proceeded to tell me about his grandma who dances ballet!
From the bustling station, I caught a tram right into the city centre, where I found my little charming apartment in the heart of Milan, complete with a terrace for my morning ballet stretches and a view that could rival a stage setting! (Seriously, folks, it’s stunning. Maybe even better than the view from my local pub in Derbyshire!)
Milano Mamma Mia!
Okay, I have to tell you, my first impression of Milan was utterly magical! The city, a captivating symphony of colour, history, and endless charm, had me smitten instantly. Every turn presented a new architectural marvel - grand cathedrals soaring towards the heavens, breathtaking arcades with glistening shop windows that practically sang with the promise of delightful shopping, and squares where pigeons took flight in an impromptu feathered ballet!
My very first morning in Milan, after a hearty breakfast of croissant and cappuccino, I walked around Piazza Duomo, Milan’s bustling city square, marveling at the breathtaking gothic Duomo. Then, my sweet little toes led me to the Museo del Novecento, where I enjoyed some incredible modern art and the breathtaking cityscape views from its rooftop terrace. My toes also guided me to a delicious gelateria on the outskirts of the Duomo. "Pistachio, please! " I proclaimed, with an enthusiastic thumbs up, after the charming owner assured me his pistachios came straight from Sicily, a little island down in the Mediterranean (he mentioned a very famous Italian opera that took place there but I confess, I've only got an opera going on inside my head at the moment, so I missed his point!
Milanese Memories in Motion: "La Scala" and the Ballet Barre
Speaking of opera! That night, after a wonderful dinner of pesto pasta (another must-try here in Milan!), I treated myself to an incredible show at Teatro alla Scala! La Scala is like the ballet capital of the world! A magnificent, grand old building with such history and grandeur. The sheer spectacle was mesmerising, the stage felt magical, and I honestly thought I’d stepped into a dream, where the audience applauded with the precision of a perfectly executed pirouette! The energy of the performance was electric, the dancers breathtaking, the music divine, and me? I felt so much at home, it was as if my heart had found a place where it finally felt like it was truly meant to be!
Before you say, "Emma, why are you just sitting and watching when you could be up there dancing!", trust me, darling, I already spent a gloriously exhausting morning at a Ballet barre class just down the street from my little apartment. It's such a vibrant, lively place and it made me feel instantly welcomed as part of the local dance community! I'm absolutely delighted that there's this wonderful Ballet studio - Atelier Danza - only a quick tram ride from my place!
Fashion Fetish: A Pink Tutu-Filled Fashion Fling
Of course, I’m a huge fan of fashion, and Milan, well, it’s a wonderland of fashion! As I walked down Corso Buenos Aires, my mind buzzed with the incredible sights: the most elegant, fashionable people on the planet. From stylish ladies with impossibly chic heels to dapper gentlemen in suits that fit them perfectly (okay, maybe there’s room for a little Pink Tutu touch in some of those suits!)
This vibrant avenue offers a feast for the senses. My heart almost burst when I spotted the most magnificent pink velvet hat! (Definitely thinking about picking up a similar pink one for my return to Derbyshire) and I nearly tripped on my ballet shoes trying to squeeze past a dazzling window display showcasing a stunning pink sequined gown - pure couture heaven. (Okay, confession - I have a very slight obsession with pink! ). The streets of Milan felt like the pages of my favourite fashion magazines coming to life - just as vibrant, stylish, and endlessly entertaining! I already knew it was going to be an incredibly fashionable trip, and after my time at the La Scala, I was definitely inspired to give a shoutout to my other great love! The art of Ballet and all things fabulous - with, of course, the added pink tutu factor!
Pink Tutu on a Mission!
Now, one thing about Milan I adore - even in the bustling, bustling crowd, people are really kind and super friendly. Even those who looked a little serious softened their expression as they took in the Pink Tutu Tee-shirt, which, you all know, is practically an invitation for a conversation. “So, you’re a ballerina?!” someone shouted, right after someone else exclaimed, “That’s so sweet!”, or a, "Ciao!" was shouted, while a pair of eyes with mischief glinting in their depths yelled out, “Pink Tutu! - It’s fantastic!” So I can confidently say, that Pink Tutu message has been spread far and wide here!
*My Pink Tutu’s Milan Mission: It’s Time to Dance! *
My darling Pink Tutu lovers, I want to share this moment, this very real Milan dream with all of you, from Derbyshire, my little heart is brimming with joy, excitement and an immeasurable love of everything about this spectacular city! Now, time for me to step onto that glorious Milan stage! Tonight, I have the most exciting event of my week - performing my “Tutu Tango" piece for an event at one of Milan's trendy cafes. So keep those Pink Tutu wishes coming, you guys, they’re giving me the ultimate inspiration! I'll make sure to show those Milanese dancers how Derbyshire dances!
Until next Monday, from your Pink Tutu loving blogger!
Stay fabulous!
Emma
