Hello my gorgeous darlings, it's your favourite pink tutu-wearing travel blogger Emma here, back from a whirlwind week in the fashion capital of the world - Milano!
This week, I've been shimmying around the cobblestone streets of this stunning city, breathing in the chic, the trendy, the utterly fabulous - and yes, of course, seeing as much ballet as my little tutu-clad heart could desire.
It's been such a joyous experience - like being in a real-life fairytale, only with better shoe options!
As always, I'm posting from my favourite Parisian café - Le Petit Café - you know the one with the gorgeous pink and cream striped chairs and the beautiful window display? I just had a perfectly Parisian pastry with a dollop of creamy whipped cream - you could say I’m on cloud nine.
I know I say this every week, but truly, I am so thankful for you guys reading these posts. Being a freelance ballerina and a travelling blogger takes dedication, a dash of glitter, and, of course, an unwavering passion for pink. So I feel truly blessed that you love hearing about my travels - and of course, sharing my little corner of the pink tutu universe with you!
Today's blog is all about the magical Milanese experience, but before we dive in, did you know it's Wednesday, the 11th of June, 2003? Let's put on some Barry Manilow and bask in the glory of a day dedicated to everything fabulously pink!
So, pack your fanciest frocks (tutus highly recommended!) and settle in, because I’m taking you on a magical tour of my trip - a journey that took me through glamorous Milanese streets, to enchanting theatres, and back again with a ballet slipperful of memories to share.
A Dream Come True: From Derbyshire to MilanOh, what a beautiful ride it was from Derbyshire to Milan - the scenery, the train, everything! I boarded the train at Sheffield station with a bouquet of wild roses tucked under my arm - an ode to the vibrant charm of Milan, of course! (And don't worry, my rosebuds looked like they were about to burst with joy at the sight of the beautiful Milano scenery!).
During the journey, I was utterly captivated by the scenery! Rolling green hills gave way to soaring mountains and breathtakingly clear, sparkling lakes. I sat in my window seat, sketching in my little travel journal, dreaming of all the incredible shows I’d be seeing, the designer shops I’d be popping into, and the gorgeous food I’d be feasting on. It felt like every passing minute on the train was just an extra dose of magic sprinkled onto my journey!
It truly feels like I have wings, a pink tutu, and a suitcase overflowing with dream-like ambitions!
When I arrived at Milano Centrale station - the grand old dame of train stations! - I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of white roses, which instantly calmed my Derbyshire girl’s nerves. A real gentleman in a pinstripe suit, looking a bit like a character from The Godfather, helped me carry them to the tram! The Milanese gentleman were all smiles! Such kind and welcoming people! I was instantly smitten.
The tram took me through a kaleidoscope of colour and charmingly faded architecture, showcasing the vibrant, artistic side of Milan that I couldn't wait to experience. It’s safe to say the magic was starting even before I had time to unpack!
A Glamorous Fashion AdventureMilan - a symphony for the senses! A city where every corner is a canvas for creative expression and elegance! From the high-end boutiques and luxury designer stores on Via Monte Napoleone to the independent vintage shops in the Brera district, I was mesmerized by the fashion wonderland surrounding me!
Now, let’s just talk about my shopping haul, shall we? (It’s a big one, trust me).
The first shop I walked into was on Via Sant’Andrea. The store itself is an experience! Think Parisian chic meets modern minimalist vibes with an Italian touch, all set within a beautiful restored 19th-century building! I snagged a pair of emerald green heels that are so chic they could only have come from Milan - they matched my gorgeous vintage green tulle skirt, which I bought from a tiny shop hidden away in the Navigli district. I was literally glowing - and my purse was crying tears of joy (but then she saw the shoes and we were all smiles again)!
Later, I found myself on the famous Via della Spiga! I fell head over heels for a soft, blush pink handbag from a charming, understated shop tucked away down a quaint little side street. This one's a true collector's piece - a testament to Italian craftsmanship and elegance! The shop owner - a delightful lady with twinkling blue eyes - gave me a lovely vintage pearl bracelet and told me I had “beautiful spirit” and “eyes that can see beauty in everything”! Who wouldn’t be inspired?
Oh! Don’t forget my little detour to the Gucci Garden. What an absolute treat! The iconic design details! The history, the beauty! It was like stepping into a museum, but even better because they sold delicious Gucci-themed cookies, a real treat for the eyes and tummy! I even got a super cute little pink leather tote bag. Perfect for ballet shoes and snacks on the go!
Now, I'm no stranger to the allure of good fashion, but Milan - that is a city that truly embodies the power of clothes and the magic of a unique sense of style! I couldn't help but feel inspired to dance down every street, with my newfound fashion finds swaying in sync with my pirouettes. After all, you can never have too much pink in your life, right? Especially in Milan!
The Theatre of Dreams: Ballet & BeyondMy next stop? Milan's renowned La Scala, of course! This magnificent theatre, with its ornate grandeur, its historic aura, and the promise of a night of extraordinary beauty and art, stole my breath away! I literally did a little twirl right there at the grand entrance, my tutu swishing in the breeze! The sheer beauty and opulence of this magnificent structure left me in awe!
This week's ballet was *“La Bohème”, * an achingly romantic piece that took me on a journey of love, laughter, and heartbreak. You could say the entire opera house was brimming with emotions that could be felt right in my heart - not just on stage!
Oh, I loved it so much, I almost forgot to tell you about the gorgeous little ballet studio near the opera house. Such a delightful place. It felt like it was plucked straight out of my favourite fairy tale! It was in the attic of a historic building with charming beams, wood floor, and enough glitter to illuminate a whole street! I fell in love with a little turquoise-blue dance leotard there, adorned with a dainty bow at the neckline - so delicate and so beautiful, I simply had to have it! It's already seen me through some stunning rehearsals, so be sure to look out for a few of those pics on my Insta feed later.
This is what makes travelling as a ballerina so magical! It’s all about discovery! I can wander around beautiful, exciting cities and enjoy them with an artist's eye! The beauty, the culture, the art, the food - it’s like one massive stage and I get to dance through it all.
And of course, my visit to Milan wasn't just about high-class opera and fabulous dance classes, it was also about soaking up the authentic culture! The food, the art, the music, and most importantly - the local cafes! My heart melted at the charm of these intimate little spots.
For one of my lunches, I went to Gusto Milano a chic bistro near my hotel, and fell in love with their Cacio e Pepe - a symphony of simplicity, cheese, and black pepper, the flavour truly took me by surprise. You’ve just got to go there! The restaurant itself had beautiful exposed brick walls, elegant lighting, and it even had a tiny balcony - ideal for a pink tutu-wearing ballerina!
In the evenings, I usually walked to Piazza Duomo and the magnificent Duomo - so majestic with its spires piercing the sky - then explored some hidden corners and little boutiques where I’d sip coffee from an enchanting café tucked into a quiet corner, writing down every detail of my experience, my eyes sparkling with inspiration!
Milan is so very different from London. Here, everything feels so relaxed. People walk their dogs in tutus - well maybe not, but you can certainly feel the amore in the air - it feels like everyone’s in love with their city.
And as my Milan adventure slowly came to an end, I sat by the windows of my hotel, overlooking the rooftops, watching the city sparkle under the glow of the moonlight and trying to soak it all in, because this is what memories are made of!
Saying Arrivederci: From Milan with LoveThis week’s been absolutely dreamy, from the magical sights to the enchanting shops to the breathtaking shows and my first foray into Milan’s street food culture! (Those ricotta-filled paninis are to die for)!
With a heavy heart and a pink tutu that feels slightly more dusty after its magical Milan adventures, I bid farewell to this vibrant, passionate, and oh-so-chic city.
You know, as a ballerina, I have travelled to some breathtaking places - Paris, London, New York City, and even Hong Kong, but something about Milan just grabs you by the hand and says, “Let's dance!”
This city has given me an overwhelming sense of possibility, a surge of inspiration, and a desire to come back - perhaps even a chance to take part in a ballet here! Perhaps I'll even find an Italian dancer to teach me a new dance routine to perform at the Accademia del Teatro alla Scala… oh, how delightful!
With its mix of timeless elegance and daringly bold design, Milan has shown me that true beauty comes in all forms and that even a pink tutu can fit seamlessly into any stylish setting. I truly believe this is a city that every dancer needs to see, at least once, in their lifetime! You might just find that little something that sparks joy, inspires creativity, and puts you in the pink - as Milan certainly did for me!
Stay tuned, lovelies, as my travel tales and pink tutu adventures continue. In the meantime, if you want to see more photos from my Milan travels, check out my Insta feed. (Don't forget to tag me in your pink tutu looks, my lovelies!)
I leave you all with a big pink tutu hug,
Emma
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Remember to visit Emma’s website at www.pink-tutu.com on Mondays for a new post!
Don't forget, the power of the pink tutu can change the world! So wear your tutus with confidence!
