#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2005-05-18 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It’s Emma here, reporting live from the vibrant, fashion-forward city of Milan! I can't believe it's Wednesday already, time really does fly when you're having fun in a pink tutu, dancing through cobblestone streets and exploring all the treasures this incredible city has to offer.

This week I’ve been lucky enough to catch two amazing ballet performances in Milan, Teatro alla Scala of course. My heart still flutters just thinking about the breathtaking choreography and the stunning costumes. I've been indulging in a bit of shopping too – Milan is simply a dream come true for any fashion lover like me, with so many exquisite boutiques showcasing the latest trends.

Before I get carried away with all the wonderful experiences this city offers, let me give you a little bit of a behind-the-scenes glimpse of my travel adventures. You see, this is my week 4 in Milan, and each week I manage to secure gigs as a professional ballerina at different theatres throughout the region, to fund my trip! It’s all thanks to my dear pink tutu. That thing works miracles, it has taken me around the world! The fact that it's my favourite colour, bright and joyful, has got to help too, and a good tutu is a really essential accessory for a ballerinas life! It has a sort of mystical powers, drawing people to me! And my aim in life is to make wearing pink tutus a normal everyday thing! Well, in a fun, fancy kind of way of course, because that's how it is in my pink world. 😊💖

Okay, let's rewind to Monday morning when I decided to grab a coffee and explore the lovely* Castello Sforzesco*. It's so fascinating, with its history dating back centuries. And who wouldn’t love the grandeur and the beauty? You know, a little historical background is a vital element to be embraced before embarking on any city adventure.

After my Castello Sforzesco wanderings, it was off to the Teatro alla Scala for a captivating rendition of "Swan Lake." Oh my, I simply fell in love with the whole experience, from the opulent setting of the theatre, the stunning dancers, and the passionate music, everything came together to create a true work of art. I found myself completely lost in the tale of Odette and Prince Siegfried, a true testament to the magic of ballet. My favourite part was definitely the choreography, especially when the dancers played the swans – I could barely take my eyes off them! It’s something I aspire to perform one day. Who knows? One day! Maybe even in this iconic theatre. ✨ One thing is for certain though, it has fuelled my motivation! I'll definitely need to step up my ballet training and perfect my “swan-ness” before even thinking of performing in Teatro alla Scala.

And can we talk about the outfits?! 🦢✨ Each dancer had on their most dazzling tutus, like tiny glittering rainbows. My eyes could barely absorb it all! There was the perfect mix of simplicity and exquisite beauty – so elegant, yet bold in every movement. You could practically feel the joy and freedom as the dancers moved gracefully around the stage. It truly was a special moment, and I know I’ll never forget the feeling.

Speaking of magic moments, Tuesday started with a magical train ride to Bergamo. It's a little town in the Lombardy region of Italy. It was a perfect way to see the picturesque Italian countryside. The train was charming and I had an extra special moment of glee when I realized that my pink tutu had attracted attention, as if to be an affirmation of the power of my Tutu Mission. It turned out to be the topic of a lovely chat I had with an older Italian lady who had told me about the wonderful historical city of Bergamo. Apparently, there is a fabulous old city walls and even a lovely park perfect for picnics - you just know this park will be a "must visit" for me.

Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a bit of shopping! On my afternoon arrival in Bergamo Alta, a historic part of the city, I spent an afternoon lost in its charming streets and its beautiful stores! There’s such a wonderful feel in Bergam, a history steeped in its architecture, cobbled lanes, its piazzas – it simply made me feel alive! It’s something special about wandering through historic areas – it's almost as though you can actually touch history itself! Every corner offered something delightful – a quaint bakery, a boutique full of whimsical Italian fashion, even a little flower shop selling vibrant sunflowers, which just made my day even brighter! You know that feeling, that buzz of excitement! Well that’s what Bergamo did to me – made me feel bright and buzzing!

While exploring, I enjoyed some of the tastiest Italian dishes imaginable, from delectable pasta to melt-in-your-mouth pizzas, and everything tasted even better because of the incredible Italian charm and the authentic setting. It was a bit like being in a romantic Italian film!

Oh, I nearly forgot, there’s this amazing little bakery – it's on Via Santo Spirito - that makes the most delicious cakes - absolutely to die for! So light, so airy and utterly decadent.
I tried to be a good girl, but I indulged and enjoyed myself fully! 💖🧁

Let’s jump back to Milan now. I've had some truly amazing moments here, so many beautiful things! Here’s just a few:

• Dancing my heart out on the cobbled streets: That is the feeling of freedom, my favourite place in the world is walking the streets, no matter where I am in the world! I never leave home without my favourite ballet shoes and a little pink tutu in my bag. You just never know where or when that inspiration for a little dance break may appear! There’s just something about connecting to the energy of the city by letting your body dance and sway! You become part of its heartbeat.
  • Having fun with fashion: It goes without saying that I had to spend a good amount of time browsing the shops in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the ultimate Milan fashion haven - I felt a sense of nostalgia too, with its architecture built between 1861 and 1867. It is a truly awe-inspiring glass-roofed shopping arcade with so much to explore - the elegant atmosphere takes you back in time but with all the most luxurious boutiques and the latest fashion of today, it’s a perfect mix of timeless style.

And there is something else about this place - the vibe of Italian shoppers going about their day. It's hard not to love the people’s enthusiasm and zest for life - there’s definitely a style to their walk. Milan, just like London, is a world of its own, where style comes naturally.

• The beauty of a city's heart: There’s just something special about taking time to sit back and enjoy a good cappuccino while observing life unfold around you. I find so much inspiration in people’s day to day movements, observing the little things they do - it tells you a lot about their character and personalities. You don’t necessarily have to say anything to get to know a person! It is fascinating how life is lived!

My current favourite cappuccino spot is a little place in Brera, with outdoor seating, a place to people-watch, where the cafe life flows into the heart of the neighbourhood. I adore seeing mothers and babies going about their day - the little girls in their tiny pink ballet dresses, the little boys with their cheeky faces! And even their family dogs being dressed for the day in the cutest outfits - so much adorable charm. - The magical beauty of a city tram: When I need to escape from the city’s rush, it's my favourite place to be – the Tram 16 running on its winding course - this vintage red tram carries passengers across the city – I love watching it travel. The atmosphere, the people, the sights - they all feel very much like part of the journey to the very core of this elegant Italian city. And it doesn't feel quite as chaotic as being trapped inside one of the Milan Metros, even though it takes longer. But maybe that's part of the charm - being on the journey rather than being at the destination. And you can’t really be rushed when you're wearing your favorite tutu!

• Sights to Behold: And the sights! How could I not mention the city's architecture - it's simply breath-taking - it just seems to sweep you into a time warp of pure beauty, with its majestic Cathedrals, opulent buildings, and ornate statues. My favourite view? The Sforzesco Castle. It just embodies the Italian magic. A little historical touch always adds that little something to the magical city life of Milan.

There are so many moments that make this city feel like home. The streets, the cafes, the people. I've only been here for a few weeks, and I've learned the power of slowing down and appreciating the simple things – a warm cappuccino, a lovely chat with the shop keeper, watching the graceful movement of the pigeons in the city centre, a little picnic with the locals in Parco Sempione. They make the world feel small and yet infinite - so much beauty everywhere you look! It's the perfect place to get away from the noise and really absorb the beauty and character of Milan, all with a tutu by my side!

So if you're looking to experience a city with that perfect blend of charm, fashion, art, history, delicious food, and of course, the magical moments that make you feel truly alive, then come on down to Milan. You can trust me, I'm an expert at navigating this charming Italian city.

You know where to find me, darlings – every week on www.pink-tutu.com.

Ciao for now!

*P.S. Have you tried on a pink tutu lately? Tell me all about it, leave me a comment! I’d love to hear from you. *💖🩰

Please remember that this is a fun and fictional piece for the purposes of the blog. I encourage you to find more information about Milan's ballet performances and fashion and to enjoy your own travels and explorations.