#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1998-04-01 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, writing to you from the glorious city of Milan, where the air hums with fashion and the streets are paved with... well, if not gold, then definitely gorgeous Italian marble! ✨

It’s Wednesday 1st April, 1998 (although don’t worry, this is no April Fool's - I'm absolutely, positively, truly in Milan!), and as usual, my diary is brimming with ballet adventures.

Now, you might be thinking, “Milan? That’s all fashion, isn’t it? What about the ballet?” And I’d say, “Well, dear reader, you’re about to get a masterclass in why Milan is not only a fashion haven, but a ballet lover’s dreamland!”

I travelled down here on the overnight sleeper train from lovely, misty Derbyshire (which, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t mind getting back to soon! ). Honestly, I never get tired of the excitement of travelling by train. That wonderful rumble of wheels, the passing scenery – a million little glimpses into the lives of other towns and villages, all rolling by. Then there’s that feeling of anticipation as I arrive in a new city! It’s almost as thrilling as entering the stage for a performance! 🎭

I admit, I nearly missed the train, as I got a bit carried away trying on this magnificent raspberry-pink satin dress I'd just bought for my upcoming recital in Derbyshire. It was the most glorious shade of pink, and, well, you know me… it's almost impossible to resist any item of clothing with a delicious dose of pink! 💅 The dress even came with a little pink silk scarf, perfect for accessorizing. I might even pair it with my new "Dance for a Cure" pink ribbon. I just think a little bit of pink can really make a difference, in the world and in your wardrobe!

After arriving at Milano Centrale, my usual mode of transport was a trusty little tram. Something about those tram journeys, so simple and full of local flavour, appeals to me so much. They remind me of travelling with my dear Mama in my childhood – and, well, the pink seats certainly fit in with my current fashion style! 😉

As I always say, in Milan, it seems every street corner is a catwalk, and I'm so ready for the adventure! I’m even wearing my very favourite blush-pink tulle tutu today. The perfect balance of whimsy and elegance! I've paired it with a fluffy lavender cardigan and my darling ballerina flats, with a tiny pearl that adds a little sparkle. 😉 It wouldn’t be me if it wasn't pink, would it?

My plan for today was a little indulgence. I have a date with La Rinascente. Who wouldn't be enchanted by their department store? It’s so much more than a shopping centre, it's an elegant masterpiece! It’s an absolute wonderland of beauty and sophistication. Oh, my lovely readers, don’t even get me started on the lingerie department! Lace and silks everywhere - it’s like a secret haven for ladies.

Of course, I did take a moment to admire the amazing footwear selection (all those cute pink ballet flats!), and who can resist those lovely satin handbags, perfect for a ballerina’s evening! After a little bit of shopping therapy, a well-deserved gelato and a walk in the crisp, Italian air, I headed to the theatre, to bask in the beauty of the Teatro alla Scala. And believe me, darlings, this theatre is a star in its own right.

Tonight, the curtain rises on a spectacular rendition of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. I've always loved the delicate dance of the swans and the tale of the cursed prince. Seeing a ballet performance in a theatre like Teatro alla Scala just adds a little extra magic. I feel a little pinch of awe every time I see this magnificent theatre.

The lights dim, the orchestra strikes up the opening melody, and a shiver of anticipation runs down my spine as the ballet begins.

It’s moments like this, watching a masterful performance, that remind me why I am so devoted to this incredible art form. Ballet is not just graceful movement and leaps - it’s a story told through emotions and expressions. It’s a symphony of sound, light, and beauty that truly captivates the soul.

And as the last notes fade, and the audience rises to their feet in thunderous applause, I know, I just KNOW that I wouldn't be anywhere else but in Milan, surrounded by pink tutus and a shared love of the dance!

But wait, darlings! That wasn't all. You wouldn’t think Milan, known for its sophistication, would have street performances, right? But this is the kind of city where surprises abound, where every turn can bring you unexpected magic. I saw a small, but passionate, troupe of dancers in a little piazza. A ballet performance right in the heart of the city! They were incredible! And they wore pink! I was absolutely smitten! I was even moved to take a quick spin with them on the cobblestones – let's just say my feet had a good workout. 💃🏻

Of course, a true ballerina knows that a trip is never truly complete without some souvenirs. While I had planned to buy an exquisite opera cloak as a gift for my mama, I was truly seduced by this delightful hand-painted silk scarf. It depicts delicate lilies, delicate pink flowers and birds in flight. It's an absolute stunner, and it already makes me think of dancing under the Milan sky.

And speaking of stars, I have a little secret to share… Tomorrow is the day – I am finally meeting la ballerina, a true icon, who, according to rumour, will be opening a new ballet studio. Can you even imagine? This beautiful city is giving me more than just the taste of Italian gelato; it's giving me an exclusive sneak peek into the heart of its vibrant ballet community.

Don’t forget to check in with me next week! I’ll tell you all about my visit with la ballerina (with photos of course!), plus a sneak peek into what I plan to wear for the new studio opening! And yes, you're right! There will be a whole lot of pink! 💋

Till next Monday, my dears!

Ciao, Emma xx

P.S. Want to follow my journey to a pinker world? Follow my blog! Subscribe now!

*P.P.S. Looking for a new pink tutu to wear for your next adventure? Visit www.pink-tutu.com, a world of elegance and joy! 😉 *

(A note to readers: Remember that this blog post is purely fictional and not based on actual historical information about 1998 Milan.)