#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1997-09-10 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Wednesday, 1997-09-10

Buongiorno, darlings! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina, Emma, signing in from the utterly divine city of Milan! I've been in this enchanting metropolis for just over a week now, and I am simply smitten. It's like stepping into a dream, with its stunning architecture, vibrant streets, and the most heavenly fashion stores I've ever seen!

I landed in Milan last Tuesday, after an exhilarating train journey from Venice, which, let me tell you, is a journey for the ages! As I boarded the train, I saw a little girl with a sparkly, pink ballerina outfit, her eyes shining with the joy of dance. And I knew that I was right where I needed to be. I simply love seeing fellow ballerinas out and about, rocking the pink tutu, showing the world what we're all about. It's like a silent sisterhood.

The train journey, of course, gave me ample time to think about my Italian adventure, to create the perfect "Pink Tutu" schedule, because let's face it, this trip isn't about simply seeing sights - it's about feeling them! Milan is all about a symphony of art, culture, and fashion, which I'm embracing with my signature pink flair. I'm planning on hitting up all the iconic ballet shows, ballet classes, opera houses, designer stores and hidden gem shops Milan has to offer, of course, all the while keeping you, my dear readers, in the loop with my whimsical, pink-hued adventures!

As I type, my head is buzzing with the wonder of last night’s ballet performance. My goodness! You have no idea! The performance was set in a stunning historic theatre - imagine glittering chandeliers, velvet seating, and those grand marble halls that make you feel like a princess from a bygone era! There was something magical in the air - you know that tingling, euphoric sensation you get when your heart melts a little. I could feel it every time the ballerinas soared through the air!

Let's just say my heart nearly exploded with happiness watching those graceful movements, and hearing those beautiful harmonies. I was completely spellbound. Every time I see a performance like that, my love for ballet simply grows stronger.

Oh! I forgot to mention, this performance wasn't your typical run-of-the-mill classical ballet. This show was a modern dance performance - and trust me, it's something truly special. The choreography was innovative, the dancers' bodies were expressive in ways I'd never seen before, and the costumes! Oh my word! I've never seen so much shimmering, flowing, vibrant material before, and everything, and I mean everything was PINK. Yes, I'm squealing right now! They were like pink clouds coming to life! My fellow dancers always inspire me, and the power of the pink tutu, of course!

My Favourite Moments:

• That dramatic moment, as the lead dancer pirouetted under a single spotlight. Time seemed to stop. My heart nearly stopped, it was that breath-taking.
• And you won't believe this, at the end of the performance, I saw a couple in the audience! They were dancing, waltzing, with the elegance and grace of the professional ballerinas! I felt a lump in my throat. What a romantic end to an amazing show. It made me want to whirl and twirl around, but alas, I restrained myself - that would have looked pretty weird.

Today, my exploration took me across Milan's streets, my trusty pink tote bag swung over my shoulder. I travelled on the tram - it’s such a fab way to soak in the atmosphere! People watching is the best! Milan is full of style - everyone from sharp-looking businessmen and businesswomen, to the ever-so-chic Milanese women. Of course, my mission to bring pink to the world never ends!

I’ve noticed a fascinating trend: while Milanese women are notoriously stylish, they tend to lean towards muted, elegant colours. Think chic browns, deep greens, black, grey, and yes, the occasional classic cream and ivory! But hardly any pink. They stare at my pink tutu and whisper. That’s fine with me! What’s a pink tutu without a few raised eyebrows! They just don’t realise how versatile it can be! Pink tutu with leather boots, a denim jacket? Perfection. Pink tutu and a sequined bolero? Stunning! Pink tutu with my white crochet knitwear? Chic. Pink tutu with an A-line midi-dress and some floral printed fabric? Yes. Yes, it can work. You can totally wear a pink tutu with practically everything. My new plan for tomorrow - spread the love of the pink tutu! I am on a mission to conquer! I see lots of people watching me and staring.

However, Milan isn’t just about big, fashionable department stores, glamorous coffee shops and luxurious boutiques, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the less-touristed districts of Milan. These neighbourhoods are charming - bustling market stalls selling fruit, bread, local produce and the scent of freshly made coffee! You know, that divine espresso aroma that sends shivers of delight down your spine. They call them "Mercati" - and they’re delightful! And yes, even at the markets, it was an explosion of colour - a rainbow of vibrant colours. But no pink! Not a pink hat. No pink handbag. Nothing pink at all! This needs to change. I’ve seen so many pretty scarves, jackets and other wonderful things - but if they were pink, it would all be better. And what better place than here to put this new pink revolution into action?

My taste buds have been completely tantalized by all the fabulous food! There is a true love for food in Milan, as they say, they don’t “eat” - they "live to eat."

*Let me tell you about some of my favourite foodie discoveries: *

• Arancini - heavenly! Arancini are fried rice balls, stuffed with gooey cheese. So yummy and delightful! You could literally eat them all day. I think they taste better when eaten with my hands, too!
• Gelato: The gelato here is another one of life’s little joys. So creamy, refreshing, and packed with vibrant colours - a pink and fruity dream!
• Pizza: Now, I can't leave Milan without trying its iconic pizzas - thin, crispy, and topped with all kinds of wonderful, gourmet toppings, including parmesan, prosciutto and mushrooms. It is the most divine pizza.

But hold on, the highlight of my food journey so far - I actually discovered a panetteria , an Italian bakery that sold beautiful little pink pastry rolls! The chef - a wonderful lady with rosy cheeks - told me they were her “secret recipe.” She made the rolls with fresh raspberries!

The pastries looked so delightful with their pink filling. It was as if they were made to match my pink tutu!

Oh, my darlings, I must say the whole of Milan is giving me such wonderful creative inspiration, that I can’t wait to add a pink tutu element to this new creation in my ballet performance tonight. My tutu, this week, will feature pink rose embroidery! I’ll post photos on my website!

Fashion Focus: Now, if there’s one thing Milan is famous for, it's fashion! It’s a designer's paradise - so much high-end, luxury clothing and fashion accessories. And who doesn't love a bit of fashion shopping! So I’ve got a few appointments scheduled with a few top Milanese stylists to get the inside scoop on what's hot, what's not and get their advice on how to put a pink tutu twist on a modern Italian wardrobe.

Of course, as a dedicated ballet dancer, my mission is to stay active, so I’ll be attending a class at a local ballet school tomorrow! You’d be surprised at how many places there are! I just adore those airy studio rooms with the gleaming wood floors and the walls adorned with posters of legendary ballet dancers. I cannot wait to feel the burn and experience some new movements from the expert Italian dance teachers. I’m taking my favourite pink ballet slippers for inspiration, naturally!

Final Thoughts

From the breathtaking beauty of the ballet performances to the delectable food, Milan has simply stolen my heart! And of course, the most fantastic fashion! The pink tutu is very happy to be here and embracing everything Milan throws at it! Milan is like a whirlwind of beauty and excitement. It’s also the kind of city where you always feel like there's more to discover - an inspiring, thrilling sensation! This city really has a soul - I feel it everywhere I go!

Until next Monday, my dear readers, keep those pink tutus shining!

Emma xxx

www.pink-tutu.com