#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1999-09-29 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings!

This is your Pink Tutu girl, Emma, signing in from the captivating city of Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Today’s post is bursting with a whirlwind of Italian romance, decadent fashion, and, of course, plenty of tutus! Buckle up, because we're about to take a thrilling trip through the heart of Milan.

Before I tell you all about the amazing adventures I had this week, a little peek into my Pink Tutu life: you know I always say my mission is to inspire the world to wear a pink tutu, right? This week, I'm so happy to say that I met the most lovely lady in a coffee shop on Corso Buenos Aires (it was the sweetest little shop filled with velvet chairs and the aroma of fresh espresso!) And what did she have on, you ask? You guessed it – a glorious, candy-pink tutu! She said it was from her daughter’s ballet recital (and how adorable is that?!) – so we talked ballet for ages! We both agreed it’s the perfect dance form – the twirls, the elegance, the story-telling – it all comes together in a wonderful dance!

Anyway, enough about coffee shops and tutu conversations for now…back to the magical Italian adventure!

Now, this is going to sound a little strange, but before I set foot in Milan, my vision of this city was full of couture shops, stylish cafes, and art galleries…But it was the ballet that stole my heart! The La Scala Opera House, where I was lucky enough to attend a performance this week, is truly something special. Think of an iconic Italian building full of plush red velvet seats, stunning gilded detail, and an aura of incredible talent! And let's just say, the performance? A complete triumph! A dramatic ballet full of incredible talent, emotion, and stunning storytelling - it had me mesmerised for the entire evening! The emotion! The dancing! The music! The pure art of ballet performed by passionate artists on such a stunning stage, was a real revelation for me.

Before I tell you more about the La Scala Opera House performance, let's jump back in time a little.

The week kicked off with me arriving in Milan in style. Now, as you know, I’m all about the romance of train journeys – something about chugging through countryside, especially through picturesque landscapes of vineyards and fields bathed in Italian sunshine, is simply magical! And you'll never believe my travel companions: a gaggle of chattering nuns on their way to a convent outside of Milan – I swear, it was like a scene straight out of a film! The laughter, the shared sweets, and the stories – they certainly livened up my trip! They were also fascinated by my Pink Tutu, and were eager to see the performances!

You'll have to believe me – as soon as I disembarked the train at Milan Central Station, the air had a special buzz – the energy of this fashion-forward city was palpable, just waiting to be explored! I simply couldn’t wait to explore and absorb it all!

Let's move onto the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a majestic glass-roofed shopping arcade, a testament to the Italian architectural splendour, a little piece of paradise in the heart of Milan! Imagine this - arched glass ceilings bathe the intricate mosaic floors in a soft, dreamy glow as you stroll through elegant boutiques and charming cafés – oh, the sights, the smells, the sounds of laughter and Italian chatter! My trusty Pink Tutu shimmered as I sashayed through the shops – it really turned heads, as it always does! I just love that reaction, because everyone's looking, but there's this unspoken mutual respect and admiration, as though they are thinking, “Wow, look at that vibrant pink tutu! You really look good in pink!”

Oh, I simply had to grab a delicious cappuccino (it’s always about the cappuccino, darlings!) in one of the gorgeous cafes. After all, who could resist those gorgeous pastries? (I admit it: I was guilty of sampling quite a few - those heavenly chocolate pastries and the delicate cream puffs were divine!) And while I savoured the deliciousness of my morning cappuccino, I had the best time just people-watching.

Milan, of course, is a shopaholic’s paradise. From designer boutiques to vintage treasures, every street seemed to be a masterpiece of fashion! I found myself lost in a dizzying world of stunning fabrics, dazzling colours, and intricate details. While I didn’t manage to snag any entire outfits for my collection – my purse isn't that big – I managed to nab the perfect little silk scarf. A dreamy, ethereal blush-pink, perfect for twirling and adding a little magic to my wardrobe!

Of course, no visit to Milan is complete without indulging in a touch of Italian elegance, darling! So, after spending some time wandering through the enchanting shops (and window shopping at Prada!), I felt a little peckish.

There’s a hidden gem called the Navigli area – narrow cobbled streets along a series of canals, bursting with local energy, with art, boutiques, bars, cafes, and some fantastic trattorias serving delicious traditional dishes – a vibrant melting pot of art, culture, and delicious cuisine! What a sight – you’ll be captivated by the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture lining the water. It's the perfect place for a little romantic evening walk and the best spot to get a taste of La Dolce Vita! (I love that expression – I have to use it!)

Now, my dears, what’s a trip to Milan without a delightful Aperol Spritz? Well, just one sip of that bubbly cocktail, the combination of Aperol, Prosecco, and a touch of soda water is pure Milanese delight! As I sat in a delightful, vine-draped trattoria – enjoying the sounds of chatter and the smell of the most beautiful tomato pasta – I simply couldn't help but feel utterly charmed.

Of course, a Pink Tutu in Milan, the heart of Italy's cultural scene, is all about a ballet performance! And guess what, darling? This week, I got to see a ballet at the La Scala Opera House – it was a truly remarkable performance and, dare I say, it took my breath away. A magical journey of emotion and grace.

This legendary house – with its richly ornate details – was built with opulence and beauty in mind – each and every piece of design within its walls – is a tribute to the world of classical arts. It is simply * breathtaking. And once I sat down to take in the scene, with anticipation building with the flick of the lights, the orchestra's symphony of sounds and then finally, the ballet dancers taking centre stage, I felt myself completely absorbed in the magic and artistry of the entire evening. It was an absolute *joy!

This night wasn't just a ballet performance; it was a full immersion into a world of elegance and passion, a breathtaking testament to Italian creativity and talent. From the spectacular costumes to the expressive dance routines, it was an unforgettable experience.

Of course, my trusty Pink Tutu came out to play (what else?). And, I have to say – my outfit fit right in amongst all the sleek outfits. The tutus blended seamlessly with the opulence of the interior of La Scala, like a princess visiting a fairytale palace! It wasn't only the ballet itself – the entire experience – was beyond magical. It's those little things – the way the lights illuminated the elegant theatre, the laughter and chatter before the curtain went up, the elegance and artistry of it all – I can tell you now – I felt totally inspired and alive with artistic magic!

As you know, I’m from Derbyshire – a quiet and picturesque countryside – a complete contrast to the vibrancy and cosmopolitan scene of Milan! So, I really appreciated the charm of this vibrant Italian city – every cobbled street corner, every delicious trattoria – it's all so very charming! And, as you can tell, my adventures in Milan – have been more than just shopping and ballet – I’m discovering the cultural energy of the city, learning a little about the Italian language, trying new foods, and immersing myself in a different style of living! I can tell you now, these experiences are adding new inspiration and creativity to my ballet!

And yes, as you can guess, the highlight of my week was undoubtedly that extraordinary evening at La Scala Opera House, surrounded by fellow ballet lovers, enchanted by the magical dance! And for all you readers who also have a love of the arts – you simply have to add a trip to Milan to your list!

As always, darlings, it's time for me to take my leave. I have a few exciting plans for the week, including more exploration of the vibrant Navigli and maybe – maybe a ballet class or two – so keep your eyes peeled for photos!

Until then, remember – always let your inner pink tutu shine, always dance your heart out, and always dream big, you can achieve your own little dream!

See you next Monday!

Love,

Emma xxx

Emma, the Pink Tutu girl, is travelling and performing worldwide, bringing her passion for ballet, fashion, and positivity to the world. Find her online at www.pink-tutu.com for more exciting adventures!