#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 1999-12-22 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella! It’s Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Milan, a city that’s totally captured my heart! It’s my first time in Italy, and I must say, it’s everything I imagined and more! Picture cobblestone streets, charming cafes overflowing with laughter, and a vibrant fashion scene that would make even the most jaded fashionista blush. And you know me, darling, I'm all about blushing…especially in pink!

This week's #PinkTutuMilan is all about the magic of Milan, from my love affair with the city’s exquisite architecture to the sheer joy of finally wearing a tutu outside a dance studio – something I've been wanting to do for ages!

Before I delve into my Milan adventures, a little reminder to check out www.pink-tutu.com every Monday for my latest #PinkTutuMilan blog post! This little slice of the internet is where I share all my travel tips, fashion finds, and of course, my pink tutu adventures. This week, it’s all about my trip to the fabulous city of Milan!

Let’s start with the journey. I must confess, I love travelling. My last performance in Derbyshire, a breathtaking production of “The Nutcracker” at the Derby Theatre, paid for my train ticket to Milan! There's nothing I love more than finding an elegant train compartment, putting on my headphones, and getting lost in my own little world.

You know how much I love tutus. They are definitely not just for ballet class and performance! But I wanted to avoid looking too "dancer-ish" on my journey. So I opted for my signature pastel pink skirt – the perfect tutu alternative! I've always felt that you don’t need to wear a full-on tutu to express your love for pink – a beautiful pink skirt paired with a crisp white top and my signature cherry-red lipstick works wonders! And who doesn't love a dash of Italian glamour!

For the journey, I slipped into my favourite ballet flats – because when I travel, I want my feet to feel as good as the rest of me! My delicate ballet slippers felt heavenly in that spacious train carriage. They really helped make the journey enjoyable and felt like dancing across Italy's countryside.

The moment I stepped off the train, the air was buzzing with energy! The locals seemed to be on a permanent, playful high, and the architecture was simply breath-taking. From the Duomo, with its awe-inspiring Gothic facade to the charming cobbled streets and the charming cafes, everything was simply captivating.

And you know how I feel about capturing memories? There's nothing like a photo to immortalise the joy of exploring new places! So, it goes without saying that a little photo shoot was absolutely necessary. I grabbed my phone, put on my most cheerful smile, and struck a pose in the middle of Piazza del Duomo. Of course, it wouldn’t have been a #PinkTutuMilan adventure without a tutu in the background. It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

There was a moment when I just wanted to take my own personal pink tutu from my suitcase, a beautiful shimmering tulle in a gorgeous light pink, but I managed to hold back… My heart raced as I felt the power of pink on this magical Italian street. A little pink tutu would’ve just sealed the deal! I felt like I had come home! It wasn’t the countryside of Derbyshire where I was brought up, but it certainly was home! I loved it here!

I had spotted a shop earlier, selling tutus! I promised myself that I would go back there to buy another tutu to complete my wardrobe. A Parisian tutu had caught my eye earlier and now I was just dying to own it.

My journey to Milan wasn’t all about pink, even though my world does centre around this shade! The city's renowned art museums were calling to me. I wanted to get a taste of the Italian cultural scene – just a smidgen – to fill my soul with art!

There’s a special type of magic that comes with exploring Milan. From the graceful curves of the Duomo to the exquisite paintings at the Brera Art Gallery, the city was oozing history, romance, and style. But there was something even more special in store for me – a night at La Scala!

Imagine a glittering theatre, plush red velvet seats, and a stage bursting with dramatic brilliance. I’m talking about the most famous opera house in the world: La Scala in Milan! A masterpiece in itself. The experience left me breathless – an elegant spectacle for the senses, filled with soaring vocals, opulent costumes, and powerful stories told through song. It made me feel incredibly happy, so happy to be dancing and living in a world of beauty!

My evening at La Scala started with a spot of dinner at a charming little restaurant near the opera house, a charming Italian trattoria, overflowing with delicious smells and laughter. My pink ballet slippers felt just right, blending in perfectly with the vibrant Italian life. But for a touch of theatrical elegance, I decided to slip on my black lace gloves. A classic piece of Parisian style – you can never go wrong with black and a bit of lace. It added a touch of magic to my evening at La Scala!

I know, I know! What would Emma be doing in Milan without a touch of pink? The little restaurant was filled with red and black, a dark Tuscan paradise for romance and intrigue. But my pink ballet slippers definitely felt like a bold statement in that dramatic backdrop, making sure that people know I hadn’t come to Milan to simply blend in!

La Scala gave me the opportunity to put on my Parisian lace gloves and feel truly elegant in this grand, magnificent setting. But it's true what they say: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!” I mean, who doesn't love a little retail therapy! And Milan, as you know, is a paradise for fashion lovers! The shops – from chic boutiques to department stores, each with a character and personality, offered up an incredible array of beautifully made clothes and shoes – simply delightful!

This city is a true mecca of fashion, with some of the most legendary designer names in the world. But I must confess, nothing makes me happier than finding the perfect outfit, and there are some amazing shops in Milan, like my favourite shop on the planet: Prada! They have such great pink bags - amazing colours for all the ballerinas out there! I simply adore their sense of design. And for tutus, nothing beats Paris! I couldn't resist a trip to this elegant and inspiring city to purchase the Parisian Tutu for my growing collection.

My Milan adventure was amazing, a whirl of pink, a magical tour of the city, full of breathtaking art and design. It also had a wonderful, elegant ambiance!

I took every moment as a ballet dancer would – an incredible performance that’s about capturing memories and enjoying every second. But no matter how wonderful the experiences are in Milan, my dance studio is where my heart truly belongs! This city is great for ballet but Derbyshire will always be my home. My pink tutus are always there ready for me – ready to inspire others to move and dance. My blog is also my little stage, ready for my own “show.” So next week, I’ll be back, sharing more insights and stories from my little world of pink tutus!

Until then, keep the spirit of pink alive and spread joy wherever you go.

See you next Monday for my #PinkTutuMilan post #238!

xx

Emma

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