Ciao Bella!
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another Pink Tutu Milan post, fresh from the glamorous streets of Milan! I’ve been back here for a week now, having left my beloved Derbyshire just after the last blog post – but believe me, this week has been a whirlwind of fashion, fabulousness and of course, ballet.
Today I'm bursting at the seams with tales to tell, so grab your favourite pink tulle and settle in for a fabulously fluffy blog!
A Week in the City of Style
Let’s be honest, Milan is a fashion lover’s paradise! Stepping out of the train station this week, I was met with a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and stylish Italians rocking some seriously fabulous ensembles. I must admit, I felt a bit inspired and did a little power-shopping at the end of my first day here! My little flat is now overflowing with the most amazing vintage silk scarf (the colour of a blush pink sunset!), a stunning vintage hat with a touch of faux fur, and some incredibly glamorous gold sandals. The perfect outfits for an afternoon of ballet, right?!
I always feel the best in Milan, especially when I’ve bought some new threads, but I’ll confess, a touch of excitement in my step came from the fact that I’m wearing my brand new “pink tutu.” A beautiful, almost translucent ballet tutu, just perfect for all those ballet events I’m off to. Now, I know, what you're thinking, "Emma, you've got the pink tutu on already!" and you are correct, it's been on since I left Derbyshire!
Milan by Tram
Speaking of moving about the city, I’m loving exploring Milan on the trams! They are incredibly sleek, efficient, and I think they add a touch of romanticism to the city. Especially on my daily commute to ballet class. I'm sure I've caught the attention of a few Milanese chaps with my pink tutu fluttering as the tram turns a corner. Let’s face it, the bright colour and the delicate twirls have a way of adding some extra "oomph" to any public transport trip.
Milan's Theatre World
As you know, one of the main reasons I'm in Milan this week is for the world-renowned ballet. The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most iconic opera houses in the world, and you can just feel the energy, the history, the passion in every single corner of the building. I’ve spent an incredible evening watching Swan Lake, and oh my goodness, the dancers were breathtaking! Every arabesque, every pirouette, every single movement was perfection, all delivered with so much elegance and power. I left feeling so inspired, and I’ve been feeling it all week. And of course, the best thing about ballet in Milan? All the fashion! The audiences here are just as stylish as the performers! It’s truly an experience that is not only for the eyes but for the soul.
Street Style and Ballet Beauty
But it's not just in the theatre that ballet is blossoming here. The city is buzzing with ballet street performances. The other night I came across a group of dancers in a little park near my flat. They were dressed in white costumes, twirling under the city lights, their movements were so graceful and captivating, the audience, which grew rapidly, watched spellbound, all smiles and delight. I found myself completely lost in their world of movement and grace, even in that bustling cityscape. They gave everyone around the most enchanting performance, so much that, after they finished, they had quite the group wanting photos, a round of applause, and of course, a few pink tutus given out, which is, after all, my life’s mission!
I do find myself talking about pink tutus quite a lot these days! My dream? To get everyone to embrace their inner ballerina, and maybe even have a tutu party in my favourite city park with everyone joining in. That's just a thought, although it is quite fitting for Milan – this stylish and energetic city which is always pushing the boundaries and exploring new forms of expression.
Italian Indulgence
There's no denying that the best part about travelling to Italy (especially Milan) is the food! I have been savoring every morsel, every plateful of pasta, pizza, and those delightful creamy gelatos. It’s so easy to find hidden gem cafes here, little secret spots that dish up delicious traditional cuisine at a fraction of the price of touristy eateries. A tip from an old Italian lady on the tram led me to one spot in particular, "Cafe Dante", it's hidden behind an old butcher shop in the old part of Milan - I highly recommend their 'Pizza alla Milanese'!
Of course, every food trip calls for a coffee stop, and oh, my, those Milanese espressos are a true treat! They have this unique depth and richness that sends a caffeine boost straight to my toes. This Italian cafe culture is so chic, every detail feels well-designed and well-thought-out, even the tiny, ornate teaspoons and the little square napkins. The atmosphere is a welcome escape from the hectic rhythm of Milan life.
Pink Tutu Inspiration
There's something about Milan, that just makes me want to embrace all things pretty, from the ballet to the gelato and, yes, I have to say it, even those trendy shops. They truly know how to create a stylish and romantic atmosphere. There’s no surprise then that I’ve been dreaming in pink.
My inspiration for my ballet class on Friday has come from all the beauty I have witnessed, the romance, the magic, the sparkle, of ballet on stage, and on the street, the inspiration from fashion and food. It is going to be a class with a pink tutu, a blush pink chiffon skirt over it, some black lace-up heels for a sassy contrast, and a headband with some soft tulle attached, oh yes, the most glorious pink, a bright beautiful fuchsia that makes you feel happy to look at.
Ballet Bliss
Being in Milan feels like stepping into a dream. Ballet here is so vibrant, and it truly inspires me to live life a little bit brighter. So, I’m taking this passion back with me to Derbyshire, and, as soon as I return, you’ll find me sharing my ballet skills with everyone at the local community centre. It will be pink tutu party time, as you can probably imagine! And I have already been thinking about a big pink tutu celebration for next year.
I will be travelling to Rome soon, but first, it’s back to Derbyshire. And before I sign off, please do tell me, what are you going to be doing today, or maybe you have plans for the weekend, are you going to be doing some pink tutu fun? If so, don't forget to tell me all about it in the comments below! You can find more photos on the website, pink-tutu.com, it is there every Monday. As always, you can find my stories every Monday from now on, with a new one posted every Monday on www.pink-tutu.com .
Sending love and tutu twirls!
Emma
xxx
