#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2001-02-14 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bellas! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad travel blogger, Emma, signing in from the heart of Milan. It's a chilly Wednesday morning, the crisp air swirling around the terracotta rooftops of this fabulous city, but it’s oh-so-romantic. I woke up this morning, the sun streaming through my hotel window, and thought – what a perfect day to share some Milan magic with you! And what a way to celebrate this beautiful city – today is Valentine's Day, so buckle up and get ready for a whirlwind tour of love, laughter, and a little bit of pink tutu magic in the City of Fashion.

It’s my third week in Milan, and I’m truly beginning to fall for this captivating city. The cobblestone streets, the quaint cafes, and the towering cathedrals... all are utterly enchanting! As you all know, I adore a good tram ride and this week, I've been exploring the city in a charming and most affordable way. Yesterday, I embarked on a scenic journey from the heart of the city, where my gorgeous boutique hotel (that shall remain nameless, but trust me – pink walls, plush velvet drapes, and an incredible breakfast with pastries you won’t believe!) is situated, right to the very outskirts of Milan. It was a grand adventure with stunning views, and, most importantly, a fantastic way to people-watch and admire Milan's sartorial splendour. Speaking of people watching – you wouldn't believe the incredible style of Milan's women. The effortless grace, the sharp silhouettes, the bold pops of colour, and oh! The divine handbags. This city is a feast for the fashion-loving soul!

However, I know what you’re really here for! Yes, it's ballet! Last night, I enjoyed a truly unforgettable ballet performance. I’m such a sucker for those classic stories - Tchaikovsky’s 'Swan Lake,' it was. And this performance was so captivating! I mean, just imagining that graceful white swan flitting around the stage, that powerful prince, all bathed in ethereal lighting, it truly was magic! The costumes, the stage sets, the dancers' movements... each part just seemed to whisper elegance and beauty, each a masterpiece in itself.

There’s a reason Milan is called the ‘Fashion Capital of the World’ - it seems as though everyone who steps into a theatre or onto a street is effortlessly stylish. I spotted several other women sporting gorgeous tutus, and we exchanged knowing smiles – that unspoken sisterhood of tutus! It’s amazing how tutus transcend language, and unite women of all ages, from all walks of life. It’s about passion, beauty, and the joy of expressing ourselves!

This week, I’ve decided to spread the love of ballet in my own little way! I've enrolled in a ballet class in the heart of the city - yes, a real life class at a gorgeous, antique studio. They say they only accept ‘elite dancers' here! Can you believe? Me! Me, who tripped over my feet in a recent recital? Oh well, here I am - surrounded by elegant dancers of all ages - even one granny in a pink tutu, just like mine, twirling happily with the rest! We’re going to master the art of arabesques and pliés together! I’m feeling like a swan (or maybe even a very energetic pink flamingo)! You'll have to wait until next week for a full report on my ballerina journey!

Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a bit of gastronomic exploration, and believe me, this city doesn’t disappoint. The restaurants here are an absolute treat – so charming, full of life, with every table a showcase of laughter and joyful chatter. You’ll see everything from romantic candlelit dinners to groups of friends clinking glasses in cheerful chatter, accompanied by an array of delectable dishes. There are pasta dishes with enough cheese to send you into a delirious food coma (but who’s complaining?!) and fresh fish and meats grilled to perfection! I just finished the most divine dessert – a light, lemon-infused meringue creation. And the best part? I was lucky enough to snag a seat at one of the cutest cafes in town. I’m already in love!

And how can I forget those heavenly Italian gelatos? It is Valentine's Day, after all! Tonight, I’m going to treat myself to a scoop of pistachio-coloured gelato. It just has to happen! (Pink would have been perfect, but no, pistachio it is.) I’ve even promised myself that I will try a little cup of authentic Italian coffee after all these incredible sweet treats!

Of course, no visit to Milan is complete without a little fashion shopping! It was fate that led me to the most beautiful, chic boutique on one of the many cobblestone streets yesterday. I'd walked past it countless times, my eyes caught by the shimmering silver façade with hints of pastel pink and exquisite bouquets adorning the doorway. This shop was filled with an assortment of garments from up-and-coming designers and fashion houses – all begging to be purchased, worn, and shown off with a confident strut down the cobblestones of Milan. And let's just say I was definitely seduced by some irresistible pieces! The shopkeeper was just the most divine woman, and she had me giggling at every turn. She whispered that she had just the perfect gift for me. Can you believe it?! This lovely woman gifted me the most incredible pink feather boa for my birthday – and trust me, it’s pure elegance, dripping with a luxurious shimmer that I’m certain is worthy of even the most esteemed Italian opera singer.

Imagine this: a vintage black cocktail dress (that, again, I just had to purchase! I just can’t help myself!), a delicate pink silk blouse, and this gorgeous, sparkly boa, all combined into the most enchanting, glamourous, feminine look, suitable for a celebratory night out! This will make my heart soar – even better than that gorgeous swan costume that caught my eye in a vintage shop the other day!

As always, my dear readers, it's been such a joy to share my adventures with you, right from the heart of Milan! I hope this little blog post brought a sprinkle of pink tutu magic into your Wednesday. From my little pink-tutu-covered world, remember, always follow your heart, take that leap, and embrace your passions, no matter what! If I can travel from a quaint village in Derbyshire, England, to the magnificent metropolis of Milan and wear pink tutus for fun, and get paid for it, so can you.

As always, thank you for reading and for joining me on my little Milan adventure! Please keep sending me all your favourite tutu stories, as well as any ballet shows and amazing boutiques to visit during my travels. As I like to say, the more the merrier and the more tutus the better. And for everyone who’s dreaming of pink tutus - let's make this a pink-tutu-clad world, one twirl at a time!

Signing off with a little Valentine's Day magic,

Your Emma

This is not the end. Remember that our protagonist posts on Mondays - this blog is ready for another adventure! What's the next week going to bring? More ballet class, a gelato eating competition, maybe some secret shopping excursions or a romantic encounter in the Milan moonlight? Let's leave a bit of suspense for next Monday and keep those pink tutus swirling! Remember to subscribe and spread the pink tutu love!