#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2003-05-28 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao Bella!

It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, writing to you live from the fashion capital of the world, Milan!

It's been a whirlwind Wednesday in the City of Fashion, a day jam-packed with Parisian elegance, Italian panache, and a sprinkle of Derbyshire charm, of course. As usual, my trusty pink tutu has been the perfect companion, twirling its way through the cobblestone streets and charming everyone I pass!

Now, you might be wondering what adventures await a tutu-wearing ballerina in Milan. Well, buckle up, darlings, because this post is all about the magic!

The day began with a ballet class at the beautiful Teatro alla Scala, the pinnacle of Milanese cultural excellence. The sun was just peeking over the city skyline, casting golden hues onto the majestic facade of the theatre.

Stepping inside, I was met with the iconic velvet red seats and opulent chandeliers, a stunning setting for any ballet performance. But for me, the highlight was the class itself. I joined a group of enthusiastic local dancers, all dressed in elegant leotards and sleek tights, their energy and dedication inspiring.

The class was a perfect blend of precision and fluidity, each move flowing effortlessly into the next. It was invigorating, challenging, and utterly delightful. Let me tell you, I'm feeling the burn in my muscles this afternoon!

After class, a quick change into my trusty pink tutu and I was ready to embrace the magic of Milan.

To navigate the bustling city streets, I hopped onto the Milan tram. It’s such a wonderful way to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the local culture, not to mention being so affordable. The trams in Milan are sleek and modern, with bright colours and sleek designs. I'm sure even the most discerning fashionista would approve.

This morning, I found myself alongside a gaggle of Milanese women on their way to work, their impeccably coordinated outfits a symphony of style. Every lady, from the business professional in tailored power suits to the stylish student in a quirky dress, carried themselves with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes about the Milanese spirit.

Even amongst all the elegant attire, I managed to turn heads with my own touch of flair. I mean, how could you not with a vibrant pink tutu swirling gracefully? Passersby would often glance at me with a mixture of amusement and admiration. The best compliment I received was a young boy, not much older than six, pointing at me and shouting "Tutu!" with a huge grin on his face. Honestly, the best.

I wasn’t about to leave Milan without a little shopping spree! Corso Buenos Aires is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe and home to an endless array of shops. It’s a haven for fashion enthusiasts, with everything from designer boutiques to independent shops, all buzzing with a vibrant energy that only Milan can offer.

My first stop was the chic "Gucci" store. I’m a bit of a fan of Gucci’s playful, modern take on luxury fashion, and they definitely did not disappoint. I tried on a stunning pink handbag with intricate details and a chain strap - just the right touch of sparkle for my Parisian weekend.

Then, of course, I had to stop by the “Versace” boutique. I mean, where else would I find my dream pink gown, except here? Their collection featured bold and striking pieces, each with a distinct Italian flavour. Sadly, nothing caught my eye today, but I did have a delightful chat with the staff and got some fantastic fashion tips.

Finally, I made my way to the delightful "H&M", a treasure trove of affordable and trendy items. I ended up leaving with a plethora of bright colours, patterns, and textures, perfect for accessorising my existing tutu collection. I am absolutely delighted with my new additions!

Speaking of delightful evenings, this week in Milan has been jam-packed with exciting ballet performances. Tonight, I am seeing "Giselle" at the Teatro alla Scala. Now, you may have heard of this classic tale of a young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman. This performance has been drawing crowds since 1841! I can't wait to be swept away by the delicate choreography, the passion of the dancers, and the drama of the storyline. It's always so exciting to experience these historical stories, especially in a venue like Teatro alla Scala!

But it’s not just the theatre productions that excite me! Milan is a city overflowing with talent, both amateur and professional, so even if I’m not seeing a show, I find myself drawn to impromptu street performances. Yesterday, I stumbled upon a group of students performing contemporary ballet right on the streets. Their raw energy and innovative movements, displayed with confidence and artistry, were captivating. I stayed for several minutes, transfixed by their passion and expression. It was a beautiful reminder that art can blossom anywhere, under any circumstances.

Here in Milan, the spirit of creativity and fashion flows through every cobblestone and every café. But what's really resonating with me this week is how Milan, like a true fashion icon, embraces individual style and pushes the boundaries of what is considered stylish and acceptable. They celebrate the unusual, and for me, that is the biggest compliment I can receive for my love of my pink tutu!

I encourage all of you to be brave enough to wear what you love. Let your individual spirit shine, whether it's a playful pink tutu or anything that expresses your inner sparkle. Be confident, embrace your unique self, and know that you, my lovelies, can create your own unique fashion statement wherever you go!

So, until next week, remember to stay stylish, keep twirling, and don’t be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina! And for those of you brave enough to step into the magical world of pink tutus, I would love to hear about your experiences. Tell me everything in the comments!

Ci vediamo presto, Emma

PS: I’ll be posting a new blog every Monday about my travel adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! Until then, stay connected and happy twirling!