Buongiorno bella! It's Emma here, back with another fabulous Pink Tutu Milan blog post! It’s Wednesday 3rd December 1997, and I'm currently tucked up in my charming little Airbnb flat in the heart of Milan, Italy. The wind is whistling outside, the city lights are twinkling, and the air is thick with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed espresso.
This week has been absolutely bonkers! I swear, it's like Milan just wants me to keep spinning, and not in a good ballerina kind of way!
My travels this week have been fuelled by a double-whammy of exciting ballet events: First up, I snagged a lead role in a performance of "Swan Lake" with the prestigious Teatro alla Scala, which was an absolute dream come true. The dress rehearsal went smoothly, although I did have a minor wardrobe malfunction with my costume - thank goodness for safety pins and quick thinking!
The second event was a street performance right in the heart of the bustling city centre, a joyous medley of classical and contemporary ballet. It was so much fun! You see, here in Italy, ballet isn't confined to stuffy theatre halls. People really embrace the artform here, enjoying performances in the most unexpected places. Seeing everyone's faces light up as I danced was just magic!
Between the rehearsals and the performance, I had a chance to indulge in my favourite pastime: shopping! Now, you know how much I adore a good frock, and Milan's boutiques are simply heavenly. The designers here are a league of their own - their attention to detail is mind-blowing, and the fabrics they use…well, let’s just say they make my toes curl!
The shops on the Via della Spiga, in particular, have stolen my heart! They’re brimming with elegance and luxury. I spent ages trying on a breathtaking blush-pink evening gown that flowed like liquid silk - I might have to get Mum to buy it for me as a Christmas present! My little Derbyshire roots still find me yearning for a little festive spirit, and you bet I'm already counting down to Christmas.
But enough about my wardrobe, I know what you really want to hear about: Pink Tutu in Milan! This week I've been rocking my trusty “Passion Pink” tutu - it's a classic and never lets me down! And, for an extra bit of sparkle, I’ve been adding a few fun, festive accessories like a shimmering gold scarf and delicate ruby earrings. I’ve been getting so many compliments, it’s just fabulous. I think everyone in Milan is catching Pink Tutu fever. I am certainly spreading the message.
I've been taking inspiration from the fashion-forward crowds I've encountered in Milan this week. I think it’s great that women of all ages aren’t afraid to wear what makes them feel good, no matter how daring or unexpected! It makes for an incredibly diverse and fascinating spectacle, and reminds me that true style knows no age limits!
I took a trip to a bustling vintage shop yesterday - just a stone's throw away from the Teatro alla Scala - and came across the most charming collection of accessories. A hat box full of perfectly preserved 1920s fascinators called to me, their feathers whispering tales of long-gone ballroom dances. They felt so right with my "Passion Pink" tutu! Who knew the flappers had such great taste in tutus!
Oh, speaking of dancing, I had a delightful afternoon attending a class at the Centro Studi Coreografici. The dancers there were incredibly skilled and their passion for ballet was infectious. I even got to chat with the teacher - she gave me some wonderful pointers about posture and fluidity, and I'm keen to apply them to my own dance practice.
One of the things I love most about Milan is its network of public transport. I can't seem to resist taking a journey on a tram - especially the vintage ones with the lovely red and cream paint! I think the rumbling and creaking are part of the charm. This morning, I went for a ride across the city, basking in the glorious autumnal hues painting the cityscape and watching as Milan went about its day. I just love people-watching from the windows, particularly during the morning rush. I even took a little peek at a street performance on my journey - a local ballerina who, you guessed it, was wearing a beautiful pink tutu! You just never know where you'll see a little pink tutu magic around here.
Yesterday I even hopped on the train and went out to a little town called Monza, nestled just outside of Milan. They have a stunning old race track that dates back to the early 20th century - a little slice of history right in the middle of bustling Lombardy.
Later in the evening, I caught the performance of a new play in the charming Teatro degli Arcimboldi. It’s a fascinating space, a circular theatre with a remarkable rotating stage, the seating is so close to the action it feels almost intimate. The performance was filled with rich symbolism and poignant dialogues, all interwoven with the beauty of contemporary dance.
For dinner, I treated myself to a delicious meal of “Risotto alla Milanese”, a real treat! The rich saffron broth paired with a dash of nutmeg is pure culinary poetry, a real treat!
Today’s been a lovely relaxed day, I spent a bit of time catching up with my readers - your lovely messages always brighten my day - and then settled in to do some blog writing. As a treat, I took myself to one of Milan’s beautiful cafés for a slice of hazelnut meringue pie (divine) and a delicious steaming cup of espresso. What a great spot to relax and reflect!
I also had a great chat with the owner - a lovely woman named Maria, she gave me lots of useful tips for navigating the Milanese markets. And oh my goodness, you won’t believe this - she’s planning to sew her own pink tutu for a family wedding! I think her little granddaughter will love it. There is nothing more inspiring than sharing a love of tutus!
Every time I leave a coffee shop in Milan, I always take a moment to look up and appreciate the beautiful architecture around me. This city just oozes style - from the soaring heights of the Duomo to the graceful curves of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, every structure here tells a story. It’s an architectural masterpiece that's hard not to be inspired by!
So, there you have it, folks: My week in fabulous Milan! And trust me, it’s just the beginning. My love affair with this city continues, and I'm already counting down the days until I'm back, exploring more of its hidden gems, twirling through its piazzas, and soaking up its unparalleled energy.
I’m back home in Derbyshire, England now. But don’t think my Milan adventures are over yet, I have so much more to tell you about - follow me on my social channels or pop back to my blog next week for more!
And in the meantime, be sure to get out there and wear a pink tutu. Spread the love!
Until next time, darlings, keep spinning!
P.S. You can find more information on ballet classes in Milan on the website for the Teatro alla Scala. Check out the website www.teatroallascala.it .
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
