Buongiorno, my darlings!
It's Wednesday, which means it's Pink Tutu Milan day! I'm sitting in a lovely little café in the heart of Milan, my fluffy pink tutu catching the afternoon sunlight as I sip on a steaming cappuccino (it's a bit chilly today, but still wonderfully sunny).
This week's post comes from a gloriously glamorous trip to Milan. You know how I feel about this city, right? The sheer fashion! The amazing food! And the ballet, oh my, the ballet! I was in Milan last weekend for the most beautiful ballet show you could imagine, featuring one of my all-time favourite ballets, Giselle! It was a dream. The performance was truly spectacular – I even had a lovely chat with a charming Italian ballet aficionado afterwards who was very impressed with my tutus.
But let me start at the beginning.
My journey to Milan began at the crack of dawn on Friday. I love those early-morning train journeys. You feel so full of adventure, ready to embrace a whole new city and a weekend full of amazing experiences. Of course, no Pink Tutu journey would be complete without the perfect outfit. This time, I chose my delicate blush pink tulle tutu layered over a floaty silk blouse and sparkly ballet flats – the perfect blend of classic and whimsical. The train journey itself was a real treat. I adore sitting by the window and watching the countryside whizz by – the quaint towns, the rolling hills, the charming little villages all dotted across the Italian landscape. I also managed to nab a window seat, so I spent a good portion of the journey lost in a book (yes, I’m a proper bookworm!), but of course, I kept glancing up to admire the ever-changing scenery.
Arriving in Milano Centrale was an experience. It’s just the grandest train station ever, with these incredible soaring ceilings and ornate arches – a beautiful space, full of anticipation. And I loved the buzz and energy of everyone getting on and off the train, feeling excited for their journeys.
I couldn't wait to get into the city and find my apartment for the weekend – a charming little haven just a hop, skip and a jump away from the centre.
After a quick bite (pizza is, of course, always an essential on any trip to Italy!) I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the city. You could wander around Milan for weeks and still discover new and exciting things, but it's always the same familiar buzz that I love - the charm, the chic style, the sense of a city where everything is possible. It feels so European and elegant, and yet there’s a wonderfully wild energy to it too.
Milan is just a playground for a pink tutu aficionado like me. Imagine cobbled streets lined with gorgeous shops, bustling piazzas filled with laughter, delicious food scents floating on the breeze. That's Milan for you, baby!
First on my agenda, a little ballet shopping at Teatro alla Scala, the legendary Milan opera house, home to the most renowned ballet performances in the world. I always get goosebumps standing in front of that beautiful theatre.
But the real reason I’m here is for the amazing ballet performances at the Teatro alla Scala – they are absolutely mesmerising. It’s a completely different experience to a normal ballet class. The stage is a spectacle – dazzling lights, stunning costumes, the incredible detail, the music swelling through the theatre. You feel like you're right in the middle of a magical world where anything is possible. The ballet just draws you in, like a whispered story.
The show itself was just incredible. Giselle! My heart skipped a beat as the dancers took to the stage, swirling with such effortless grace and precision. You could tell they were dedicated artists, passionate about their craft. Watching the dancers move across the stage, every graceful gesture and powerful leap, you could feel the sheer joy and expression, like they were sharing something deeply special and beautiful. I could see their dedication and their love of the art, it was so evident. And even though I’m a dancer myself, watching them was like a whole new world of expression opening up to me. It makes you want to get up there and dance alongside them!
Afterwards, I spent a blissful evening savouring a lovely dinner with friends – Italian food is just incredible, isn't it? Pasta al Pesto, a glass of red wine – heaven on a plate!
You know, I'm starting to think I should write a little travel guide about my favourite tutu-friendly places. This pink tutu wouldn't be able to resist spending more time in Italy, and of course, there are so many other beautiful cities in Europe to explore.
So many possibilities… and I’ve already got a couple of upcoming shows to get my travel plans underway.
Next up, Vienna in a couple of weeks – can you believe it? The home of the waltz, the Vienna State Opera, Vienna, where music flows like a magic river! I’ll be there for two days, to catch a breathtaking performance by the world-famous Vienna State Ballet! Of course, a pink tutu makes every journey that bit more magical. And with the next ballet performances to help fund my trips, it feels like a new, pink, tutu-filled adventure is just around the corner.
I'm absolutely brimming with excitement. It feels so exciting knowing that each day is a new opportunity to embrace the world with a smile and a twirl! And remember, my darling readers, if there's one thing that will make every trip more magical, it's wearing a pink tutu – it's like a magic potion for every day life, spreading positivity and joy. Go on, give it a go, it really does feel wonderful!
Stay tuned for next week’s post – a behind-the-scenes glimpse into my preparations for my Vienna trip.
Until then, darling, keep your sparkle and spread those smiles!
Emma The Pink Tutu Traveller www.pink-tutu.com
