Ciao Bella!
It's Wednesday, the 12th of January 2005 and I'm back in Milano for a rather exciting week of dancing, exploring, and, of course, fabulous fashion! The air here is already crackling with that uniquely Milanese energy, a mix of sleek style and historical charm that makes me want to twirl! This week, I'm sharing all my adventures on the Pink Tutu Milan blog, so grab a cuppa, slip on your favourite pink tutu, and join me!
From Derbyshire to Milano – A Tutu Odyssey
Just a few weeks ago, I was twirling through the frosty Derbyshire countryside, my pink tutu fluttering in the wind like a little pink butterfly. Now I'm surrounded by the architectural grandeur of Milan, feeling the magic of this iconic city whisper through the cobbled streets. This is my fifth time in Milano and every visit is a little love affair with a different aspect of this captivating city.
I get my travel fix by dancing! Each performance brings me closer to realising my pink tutu dream – to travel the world, spreading the joy and beauty of ballet everywhere I go. And, as you know, I adore being able to experience the wonderful world of ballet in so many different cities.
A Milanese Monday Morning – A Ballet Start
This Monday was pure bliss. The cobbled streets were glistening in the early morning sunlight, and the air carried the scent of freshly baked pastries from a nearby cafe. My flat was nestled in the heart of Milan, within easy walking distance of all the beautiful landmarks. After a leisurely breakfast – a generous bowl of fruit salad topped with yoghurt and honey - I donned my favourite pink tutu for a ballet class. The studios here are just as impressive as the city itself, each space brimming with history and inspiring creativity. It was a demanding class, a challenging yet rewarding way to start the day. It always feels so amazing to stretch, move and to challenge my body, especially after a long train journey.
Tram to Treasure – Discovering Milano’s Mosaics
Afterwards, I decided to explore the city a bit. I absolutely love the tram system in Milan – such an efficient and charming way to get around! With the windows wide open, the wind in my hair, I set off for the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, an iconic building from the 4th century that truly captures the soul of Milan. The history of the Basilica, nestled amongst cobbled streets, felt tangible.
What drew me here? Well, let me tell you about a very special kind of treasure. Milan is home to some of the most stunning mosaics I've ever seen. Inside Sant'Ambrogio, I found myself immersed in an incredible collection of shimmering, colourful tiles. I just loved how they used precious stones and glass to tell stories of faith, beauty, and history. It was almost like dancing through a scene from a fairy tale, the mosaics illuminating the space with their ethereal glow.
Street Food Shenanigans
Lunchtime beckoned! I took a chance to try some traditional Milanese food at a small, family-run restaurant nearby. A delectable plate of osso buco and a generous glass of Prosecco later, I was feeling revitalised and ready to discover more of Milan's magic. Afterwards, I strolled through the enchanting streets, stopping to sample some delicious local snacks along the way. Milan's street food is quite something! From fragrant panini filled with roasted vegetables to warm and chewy ‘tortelli’, every bite was a flavourful journey. The best part? These charming food stalls and eateries are everywhere, providing a little taste of Milanese life in every corner. My personal favourite? A slice of fresh fruit and creamy gelato - such a perfect treat for a sunny afternoon in Milan.
Evening Escapades – Theatre, Glamour, and Tutus!
As evening approached, I decided to get dressed up for a spectacular ballet performance at the Teatro alla Scala. I must admit, I am always mesmerised by the glamour of the opera houses here in Italy. They just feel so majestic, and somehow, they transport me to a more romantic, more graceful era. I slipped into a vibrant pink tutu, a creation with layers of tulle that seemed to dance and shimmer with each step. It's remarkable how such a simple garment can inspire such confidence and joy, like a silent dance of self-expression.
Tonight’s show was truly exquisite, the choreography was just breathtaking. Each movement was graceful, each dancer a blending of strength and elegance, perfectly capturing the emotional arc of the performance. The music flowed around us, washing over the audience in waves of pure enchantment. I am always so grateful to have the opportunity to watch these performances and I think there’s something truly magical about experiencing such artistic masterpieces alongside a captivated audience. It felt like a shared moment, an unspoken language understood by all present.
A Milanese Wednesday – Shopping in Style
Today, Wednesday, started with a cup of cappuccinos at a cafe in the vibrant Navigli district. As I savoured my coffee, I was inspired by the creative buzz all around me. Today I'm diving headfirst into Milan’s glorious fashion scene! I planned to check out a vintage shop that I’ve had my eye on, hoping to find a little piece of Milan to take back to Derbyshire.
And it is truly a delight to discover such a vibrant treasure trove of vintage treasures. Every corner revealed something intriguing. A hand-stitched silk dress with intricate lace detailing, a leather handbag from a bygone era, and even a pink tutu from the 1950s. It was hard to resist!
Fashion Dreams and Pink Tutu Delights
You know, I am a total believer that a good outfit can lift your mood! As I moved through Milan’s stylish boutiques and chic designer outlets, my inner ballerina danced with delight. From delicate scarves adorned with exquisite prints to shoes that screamed "Dolce Vita", the Italian style truly is a joy to witness. And I always feel inspired to experiment with new fashion styles when I’m in Milano. The confidence, the effortless elegance, and the sense of playful style – I simply love the Italian aesthetic!
But let me tell you, nothing brings me as much joy as a beautiful pink tutu. These magnificent garments just hold such a special place in my heart. They are like tiny sculptures of hope, beauty, and the power of dreams. So, as I make my way through the shops of Milan, you’ll often see me with my eye out for the perfect shade of pink, a tutu with a unique texture or a delicate floral embroidery. It's almost an irresistible urge – a little bit of ballet magic sprinkled everywhere!
Pink Tutu Travels - To the Tram, To the Stars!
It’s getting late. Time to prepare for the next stage of my Milan adventure. You see, the best thing about traveling as a ballerina is that I can always find a show to watch, a ballet performance, a beautiful opera or a wonderful concert, or a street dance troupe.
Tomorrow’s plans include another exciting adventure - I've got tickets to a performance at the Teatro dell’Opera! I can’t wait to slip into my sparkly tutu and take my place among the enchanted audience, ready to be swept away by the magic of dance.
But, before I leave you all for now, I need to tell you one very important thing. As I travel across Europe, I’m not just collecting tutus, but I’m spreading a message of confidence, happiness and self-expression. That’s why my heart truly sings whenever I spot someone wearing pink. It’s a beautiful sign, a sign of a spirit that knows how to embrace the joy of dancing through life, one pink twirl at a time!
And speaking of twirling, I've just got one more thing I want to share before we sign off. As I’m getting ready to leave for the Teatro, I thought I'd let you all in on a little secret I'm calling the Pink Tutu Pledge. It's all about inspiring those around you! Simply embrace your inner ballerina, put on a pink tutu, or whatever colour resonates with you, and go out into the world with joy and a twinkle in your eyes. Just think how beautiful and positive our world could be!
I’m going to sign off now, I've got to get ready for tonight's ballet. Ciao bella and hasta la proxima!
Emma – The Pink Tutu Traveller. www.pink-tutu.com
