#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2004-06-30 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella! It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for another pink tutu-tastic blog post from yours truly, Emma, direct from the glamorous heart of Milan, Italy!

This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, trams, and shopping sprees. I've been soaking up all the incredible sights, sounds, and... oh yes, delicious food!

Oh my, speaking of food... my Italian friends took me to this tiny café in the heart of the city centre - Via della Spiga. Imagine, delicious Italian gelato served in cones spun with pure sugar... and to top it all off? You guessed it! A little pink tutu charm dangling from each cone! It was the cutest, sweetest treat! And honestly, they were almost too cute to eat! (But don't worry, I did!)

But let's get back to the main topic - fashion, fabulousness, and of course, the iconic Milanese ballet. Milan, it’s such a glamorous city. There's such a love of the finer things here! Everywhere I look, I see inspiration! The boutiques overflow with delicate lace and silk dresses in hues of pink that could melt a ballerina's heart, and the windows showcase sparkling jewels and glittering handbags – it's pure magic!

I kicked off this Wednesday by making my way to the iconic Teatro alla Scala, the jewel of Milan's cultural scene. Oh my! I tell you what - it’s breathtaking! It was here, in 1778, that the first Ballet school of Milan opened. In 1826, a Balletto Teatro alla Scala was founded and it has become the centre of the balletic world in Milan. You'll find so many famous ballet shows here that I just have to keep going back, there are just too many to pick from, each one so beautiful.

Milan has some of the most extraordinary Ballet schools I've ever encountered - and I've been all over! Imagine ballet studios in centuries-old buildings with intricate frescoes adorning the ceilings. That's exactly what you'll find in the heart of Milan. I just have to share, this week, it's been inspiring to meet some of the students training there. Such passionate, committed dancers - truly the next generation of stars. I feel like I could be back in my own Derbyshire village dance studios - except these girls are ready to dance on stages that will hold audiences thrilled all over the world!

Oh, and did I mention? These ballet studios, they all have pink tutu-themed coffee shops right outside. You just have to stop by for an Espresso after you've worked up a sweat!

Speaking of ballet, Wednesday night was magical. The Ballet Teatro alla Scala hosted A Midsummer Night’s Dream performance in the heart of Teatro alla Scala. This was a treat I'd been waiting for! The ballet company, it was incredible. Every ballerina was so delicate and beautiful. Their pink tutus were perfectly matched to their characters. Some had dazzling crystals sewn in, others with flowers and feathers. It was all a pure fairytale dream. It’s hard to express just how beautifully this theatre reflects its art. And with that, I’m determined to find out exactly how much time I can carve out to do the classes!

Before I delve into the pink tutu-filled day ahead, let’s talk about my favorite thing about being in Milan - the city’s transportation! Tram rides across cobbled streets, hopping onto a vintage train carriage - Milan’s public transportation is a real adventure in itself. There's nothing quite like watching the world rush by as you make your way through the streets in style, with your pink tutu swaying behind you. You'll feel like a real ballerina who just stepped off the stage and straight onto a glamorous adventure. I recommend any tram you can hop on. Trust me on this one. Each one is unique, and every trip is an unexpected new journey. I have this thing for finding the oldest train or tram - this week I found one painted in a special 100th anniversary style!

And speaking of adventures I took an evening stroll through the vibrant, beautiful Piazza Duomo, home to Milan's stunning Cathedral, known as Duomo, Santa Maria Nascente, the main Catholic Cathedral in Milan, an Italian Renaissance church in Gothic style. It’s magnificent. If you're into your historical architecture, the ornate architecture here is one for the scrapbook! It's worth visiting after dark - its illumination is truly mesmerising.

I just couldn’t leave the fashion haven that is Milan without adding some sparkle to my wardrobe. Let's just say that I've gone slightly "tutu-mad"! My closet is ready to be reborn as a symphony of pink.

The highlight of my week was an amazing vintage boutique I discovered. Hidden in a quiet courtyard, this place is overflowing with a rainbow of textures and patterns. I stumbled upon the most divine velvet jacket, just the right shade of fuchsia. You should have seen it. I fell head over heels and snagged it at a price you just wouldn't believe! It's destined to be the star of my next ballet performance! Oh, and they had a whole shelf of pink tutu dresses! Some full-length for elegant evenings, some shorter and perfect for daytime ballet class! They even had tiny pink tutus to put on my tiny ballerina dolls - now those have a special place on my shelf at home.

As my adventure in Milan wraps up, my head is already buzzing with inspiration for next week’s adventures. I’ll be exploring even more hidden gems, tasting my way through local bakeries, and, of course, making sure to pack a pink tutu or two for any ballet class I spot along the way.

So what’s coming up next? This time next week, I'll be posting from Derbyshire, England. Yes! Back home in the countryside where I first started with my pink tutu dreams. What should I expect next week? Oh, it’s just going to be filled with fun pink tutu plans, my ballet studio always brings something magical into my week. But before that - one more time - it’s goodbye Milan...until next time.

And to all of you - please remember, even if you're not in Milan, I always say there’s a little bit of pink tutu magic in every city and every town! So grab your tutus, embrace your inner ballerina, and step into the light, wherever you are! And don't forget, www.pink-tutu.com is where to find your daily dose of tutus, fashion, and inspiration - plus there's always something new, I promise!

A pink tutu kiss to you all - and I’ll see you again next Monday!

Emma xx