#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1999-06-09 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao, darlings!

Emma here, reporting live from Milan, Italy! It's Wednesday, June 9th, 1999, and this city is bursting with sunshine, laughter, and…pink! 👚 💖 Of course.

This week, my little Pink Tutu adventures have been taking me through the cobbled streets, winding through charming piazzas and, as usual, right to the heart of the ballet scene in Milan. Oh, the excitement!

This week kicked off with a delightful tram ride. Let me tell you, there's something incredibly charming about riding a tram in Milan! I always get the most fascinating glimpse into local life. This week, a friendly group of Italian grannies sporting dazzling, perfectly coiffed grey bobs, couldn't stop complimenting my pink tutu. It's amazing how this little tulle dream of mine can instantly break down language barriers and connect you with people. And I couldn't resist flashing them a little twirl for their approval! 😉

But honestly, you guys, there's nothing like catching the scent of Milanese pastries as you glide through the streets. And you simply cannot ignore the incredible views! I just adore the energy of this city – the buzzing markets, the lively chatter, the aroma of coffee… Milan is a true sensory feast!

Milan is a city steeped in art and culture. And while my usual routine includes popping into a boutique or two, nothing beats the elegance of Teatro alla Scala – Milan’s world-famous opera house. Stepping through those majestic doors, with its golden accents and the scent of history, is truly awe-inspiring.

This Wednesday, I had the chance to attend a breathtaking ballet performance that simply transported me. The dancers, with their effortless grace and captivating movements, held me spellbound. Each pirouette, each leap, each gesture felt so…enchanting. Ballet really is the language of the soul, and La Scala allows this language to blossom in a symphony of beauty.

As I exited the theatre, a familiar feeling took over: a burning desire to twirl and spin! (Don't worry, I found a quiet corner in a nearby park for some private ballet fun! 😄). It's impossible not to be inspired by such artistry and beauty. This is truly why I call Milan "The Ballet Lover’s Paradise!"

Okay, so this might seem slightly frivolous, but every true ballerina has her favourite shoe store. And for me, this is in Milan!

After a rather lovely afternoon indulging in gelato and browsing through independent fashion shops (my absolute favourite! Let’s be honest, it’s all about that unique flair), I had to pop into Milan's legendary shoe emporium: “Calzature”. Talk about shoe heaven! This place had shoes in every shade imaginable.

Of course, my hunt for ballet shoes led me down a labyrinth of stunning footwear! From the most exquisite pointe shoes to dainty satin slippers, every step of the way was pure joy! And guess what? My feet felt like royalty after a little bit of shopping therapy! 😄

I’m planning to treat myself to a special pair of pointe shoes – they’re hand-crafted and simply breathtaking. I think they're perfect for my upcoming performances, which bring me back to the exciting world of…

You guys know that one of my favourite ways to get people thinking pink (and loving tutus!) is through street performances. This Wednesday was no exception! The Milan sun was high in the sky, bathing the cobblestone streets in golden light, and I couldn’t resist whipping out my tutu!

I joined a small group of street dancers who were gathered around a little fountain, laughing and practicing. These dancers were simply fantastic, with a vibrancy and energy that could only be described as… well, pink-tastic! ✨

Together, we created a small flash mob of sheer joy and happiness! The local people gathered around us, their faces lit with delight and curiosity as they watched our little ballet routine unfold. One little girl in a red dress, no more than five years old, started clapping along with a big smile. It's moments like these that remind me how truly powerful dance and joy can be. It transcends language and culture and simply spreads smiles like magic!

No journey to Milan would be complete without indulging in some exquisite Italian cuisine! My favourite thing to do after a long day of dancing is to grab a plate of spaghetti bolognese, or a classic Milanese risotto. I love that the Italian cuisine is both rich and comforting, just like a good warm hug.

For dessert? There's nothing better than a slice of delicious tiramisu. (I could honestly eat this sweet treat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!). The creamy coffee-infused goodness simply melts in your mouth – pure bliss!

As always, this little pink ballerina is homeward bound! My journey back to Derbyshire will involve plenty of gazing out of train windows, enjoying the scenery, and sketching some new ideas in my travel journal.

After a trip to Milan, there’s nothing I love more than to return to my little corner of the world and start putting all this wonderful inspiration into practice! The ballet studio calls… I can’t wait to share the beauty and joy of Milan with all the dancers at home.

Keep on spinning, keep on dancing, and remember – the world is your stage!

See you next Monday, on Pink Tutu Monday, where I’ll be sharing more exciting adventures from my journey across Europe.

Ciao for now!

Your Pink Tutu-loving friend, Emma 💖