#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2002-02-20 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella!

It's Emma, your pink-tutu-clad, ballet-loving blogger, back from the dazzling city of Milan with another weekly dose of all things fabulous! This week, I'm embracing the romantic, the elegant, and of course, the utterly pink with a trip that's as magical as a grand ballet finale. So grab a cuppa, put on your dancing shoes, and let's take a trip to Italy together!

This past week saw me whisk away from the charming hills of Derbyshire, my homeland, to the glamorous heart of Milan. This week’s trip, funded by my latest ballet performance (a stunning rendition of Swan Lake - spoiler alert: I totally nailed the swan pose!), is filled with so much excitement, it’s got my pink tutu practically spinning!

It was like a dream stepping off the train at Milan Centrale and taking in the city's majestic vibes. This time, I opted for a classic Italian travel experience: the iconic red tram! Picture it – sunshine pouring in through the windows, the clanging bells echoing through the streets, and me, with my signature pink tutu (because honestly, what’s a trip to Milan without a little extra flair?), looking out at the breathtaking views.

My heart leapt when I saw the Duomo towering over the cityscape! Seriously, I’m never not in awe of that architectural masterpiece! I spent a few hours soaking up the Duomo's intricate beauty, admiring the exquisite carvings and the sense of history swirling around every corner.

You know how much I adore fashion, right? And Milan is just heaven for a fashionista! My first stop was Via Montenapoleone, Milan's chicest shopping street. Ooh, la la! Think dazzling boutiques, shimmering glass windows displaying the latest designs, and enough gorgeous clothes to fill a hundred tutus! From luxurious leather handbags to stunning silk scarves and those beautiful Italian boots (yes, the ones with the knee-high lace-up details!), I indulged in my love for all things chic. It was pure fashion bliss!

Ah, the Teatro alla Scala. Just saying those words makes my heart flutter! A jewel in Milan's crown, this theatre is an icon, known for its opulent design and exceptional acoustics. This time, I went for a show that blended a thrilling mix of contemporary and classical ballet. It was absolutely magical. I got lost in the grace of the dancers, their expressions telling stories, the beauty of the stage, the delicate whispers of music… everything was perfect!

My favorite part? It was an absolutely charming, elegant performance. A real “princess and her knight in shining armour” kind of fairytale – but with ballet! I could have watched for hours and hours and never wanted the show to end.

No trip to Milan would be complete without an afternoon tea with a view. The Terrazza Martini on top of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, offers incredible views of the Duomo and the surrounding streets. Imagine me, dressed in my favorite pink tutu, surrounded by glittering chandeliers and indulging in dainty sandwiches, decadent cakes, and a cup of perfectly brewed tea. I was transported to another time and another place, all whilst relishing the charm of Milan.

From the Italian charm of Milan, I hopped onto a train (tutu and all!) to Paris for a quick and delightful visit. My dear friend Claire, a fellow ballerina, has an adorable little flat near the Louvre. I couldn't resist the opportunity to take in a bit of the Parisian style and wander the legendary Galeries Lafayette department store. They even had an amazing pink tutu in the children's section! (Not for me though, my favourite tutu will be going nowhere!)

I even managed to sneak in a few Parisian street-side performances with Claire to support her new ballet academy. It was so inspiring! This visit really highlighted for me the power of connecting with other dancers. There’s something special about sharing your love of the art with kindred spirits!

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to the Parisian streets and Milan's stylish charm. But as I settled back into the cozy countryside of Derbyshire, I knew one thing: these travels would inspire me for weeks to come.

The experience is woven into my very soul! The graceful ballet movements, the incredible architecture, the divine food (I may or may not have bought three bags of Italian pasta and an entire crate of Prosecco…) – it was simply breathtaking!

I'm back home, but Milan will stay in my heart, like a perfectly-timed twirl.

And now, with my Pink Tutu on and my heart overflowing with ballet, I am back in the Derbyshire countryside, ready to begin practicing for my next ballet performance. You’ll have to wait to find out more about that until next week.

I’ll see you again on Pink Tutu Milan, #351 – Same time, same place. Ciao!

I always leave you with some words of inspiration to dance your heart out! Remember that with passion and hard work, dreams can truly become reality!

Don’t forget to check back every Monday at www.pink-tutu.com for a dose of all things pink, sparkly and full of beautiful, inspiring dreams! Until next time, ballet-loving friends, may all your days be full of happy twirls and pretty pinks!

Emma x