#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2003-10-08 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao from Milan!

The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the city is alive with the energy of autumn. I'm nestled in my favourite cafe on Piazza del Duomo, my trusty notebook beside a latte (with a dash of extra froth, of course!), and ready to spill the secrets of my week so far. This week has been filled to the brim with magical experiences, a whirlwind of dance and fashion, and even a touch of delightful wanderlust, so buckle up!

This is week #435 of my Pink Tutu Milan adventure, a weekly ritual of sharing the sights, sounds, and stories that make this vibrant city so enchanting. I can’t believe it’s been over eight years since I began this journey.

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Remember the little ballerina from Derbyshire? Yes, it was me! Back then, a Pink Tutu felt like a brave statement of individuality - a whimsical splash of colour in a world that sometimes felt a bit too serious. Today, with every passing week, I feel that the message of the Pink Tutu is becoming more and more real. Seeing people embrace their inner child, and add a dash of sparkle to their everyday, fills me with so much joy!

So, as always, grab your favourite cuppa, find a cosy corner, and join me for another pinktastic journey…

First, we MUST talk about this past week’s ballet. The Teatro alla Scala hosted a remarkable performance of Swan Lake, which quite simply stole my heart. I think I felt like a swan myself for the whole show, lost in a ballet-induced dream. You could just feel the magic in the air, and the final applause felt like an outpouring of pure emotion from the whole theatre. I'm still basking in its loveliness.

My week of shows wasn’t confined to just ballet. I happened to be near a local community centre on Wednesday and popped in to watch some talented young dancers performing their own creation called "Urban Beat", which was so captivating! A mix of classical ballet and modern dance set to some really vibrant music. It’s this sort of vibrant, diverse dance that keeps things exciting.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Milan adventure without a little ballet class. On Friday, I found myself swept up in a joyous ballet session at a studio in the city’s bohemian Navigli district. Let me tell you, my pink tutu had never felt so alive! Surrounded by dancers of all levels, I was twirling, pirouetting, and bounding with glee. It's that little dose of dance that keeps the joy flowing.

Milan, as you all know, is the capital of Italian fashion, and I’m absolutely in my element wandering its chic boutiques and bustling markets. It’s such a contrast to the tranquil streets I usually associate with my life back in Derbyshire.

This past week, I’ve found some absolute gems in a couple of vintage shops near the Duomo, pieces I just had to add to my ever-growing collection. You can always find something special hidden in a little corner, tucked between classic pieces, a must for any true fashion enthusiast!

And of course, every trip to Milan calls for a spot of high-end browsing! My heart practically did cartwheels as I ventured into Gucci and Valentino this week, admiring the latest collections, feeling that exhilarating mix of pure joy and slight envy (I’m only human, after all). But even a glimpse of these designs provides endless inspiration, a glimpse into the future of style that I'll carry back with me for days to come.

Speaking of fashion, Milan has also embraced the power of colour this season. Every street feels like an art installation, with a kaleidoscope of shades gracing shopfronts, clothing, and even trams! There’s a boldness and vibrancy here, and it’s absolutely intoxicating.

And you know me, I had to add my little touch to this beautiful spectacle! Imagine this - a vibrant orange and pink scarf wrapped around my head, paired with my trusty pink tutu, strolling through the bustling streets, drawing smiles and whispers of admiration! A Pink Tutu girl knows how to embrace a good fashion adventure.

Oh, the joy of exploring Milan on its network of trams! There’s something so captivating about cruising along with the rhythm of the city, watching it unfold in a flurry of colours, conversations, and life’s beautiful little moments. I've been exploring more hidden alleys and cobblestone streets with my pink tutu and a well-worn travel guide, feeling like a little adventurer exploring the world's best secret.

Last Friday, I took a spontaneous train journey out to the picturesque countryside surrounding Milan, heading towards Lake Como. Now, that’s a real life scene straight from a storybook. Tranquil water shimmering under a beautiful sky, the lush, green slopes reaching for the clouds, the quaint little villages with their colourful houses, and those views! Truly breathtaking.

I’ve got to tell you, the magic of travel is that much more fulfilling when you take it at your own pace, discovering the tiny moments that paint your journey with joy. You know, stopping for an ice cream on a sun-soaked balcony, reading a book in the park, watching a local artisan work with his hands, or striking up a conversation with someone you never thought you'd meet. It’s these tiny snippets of life that make the biggest impressions.

As always, there's a deeper reflection behind these Milan adventures. My pink tutu reminds me to keep the world in shades of pink - a celebration of life, beauty, joy, and hope. It's about being fearless, stepping outside your comfort zone, and letting your inner light shine bright! It's about reminding yourself to dance through life, to embrace the unexpected, to seek out those special moments of connection that truly make the journey worthwhile.

And yes, sometimes there are moments where the world can feel a little overwhelming. Life can feel chaotic, filled with challenges and unexpected twists. But when I slip on my pink tutu and head out for another adventure, it all starts to feel a little lighter, a little brighter, a little more magical.

So, as the sun starts to dip down in Milan, I say this:

If you see me, come say hello! I’m the girl in the pink tutu, and my cuppa’s always full of joy!

See you next week!

Lots of love and pink twirls,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com