#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2007-07-11 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad traveller, Emma, back from a whirlwind week in the fabulous fashion capital, Milan! The sun was shining (well, for the most part!), the gelato was flowing (copiously!), and the city was alive with a joyous symphony of sound, fashion, and art – and of course, a whole heap of tutus, naturally! 😉

As you know, I'm all about that life on the road, bringing my Pink Tutu magic to every corner of the world. And Milan, darling, well, Milan is a haven for any fashion-obsessed, ballet-loving soul. Think Chanel, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, oh my! – but throw in a splash of pink and a twirl or two, and that’s where I come in! I've spent the week taking in the sights, sounds, and styles of Milan, with a bit of ballet thrown in for good measure, because one simply cannot go to Milan without experiencing the majesty of the ballet, can one?

Now, let’s talk about this week’s adventures!

I arrived in Milan, a vision of pink, in my favourite tutu (naturally!), ready to take on the city's sartorial charm. The train journey from Derbyshire was picture-perfect - the English countryside giving way to the beautiful Italian Alps - a landscape painting come to life. It was like something out of a storybook. But what’s a storybook without a touch of magic? And the magic truly started once I set foot in Milan.

First stop, Teatro alla Scala, the world-renowned opera house. Think glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seats, and a sense of grandeur that simply takes your breath away. You could feel the history seep from the walls, whispers of legendary performers, soaring melodies echoing through the corridors, leaving me wanting more. I felt an electric buzz in the air, knowing that countless great artists have graced this stage, their spirit still shimmering through the atmosphere. And, I felt a bit of that sparkle settling on me, I swear!

I set off on my Pink Tutu quest for the day. My aim, you see, is simple – spread joy and inspire fashion! The perfect place to do this? Naturally, Milan's iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a stunning glass-vaulted arcade with a shopping paradise fit for a queen (or, you know, a Pink Tutu queen). I had the best time weaving through the shops, marveling at the exquisite designs and the undeniable flair for fashion.

My day ended at a charming cafe in the heart of Milan's design district - a charming oasis hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where I tucked into a decadent mille-feuille, dreaming up my next Pink Tutu creation (more on that later!)

Today, I went back to Teatro alla Scala to catch a magnificent ballet performance of Swan Lake. I love seeing a classic like this. It reminds me of the very start of my ballet journey - the first pirouette I nailed, the first arabesque that left me feeling on top of the world. The ballerina on stage had such elegance, grace, and passion that it gave me chills, especially as her story unfurled through expressive movement. I found myself completely absorbed in the narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption – it truly was magic on the stage!

Later, I ventured out to discover Milan's quieter side, walking through the serene and tranquil Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, the city's beautiful green oasis. There's something special about wandering through the trees and hearing the laughter of children at play, it grounds you and fills you with such a sense of peace, doesn't it?

I couldn't resist starting my day with a dose of fashion therapy. The Quadrilatero d'Oro - Milan’s glamorous fashion district - is simply intoxicating. All those dazzling windows displaying beautiful outfits from the biggest names in fashion! This was shopping heaven! I couldn't help but pick up some amazing pieces, of course – some beautifully tailored suits in chic pastel shades, some adorable pink cardigans (a girl can never have too many cardigans!) and, of course, a divine little pink beret!

Then it was off to the vibrant Navigli, the canals of Milan, with their charming cobbled streets and picturesque waterways. A delightful lunch of spaghetti with clam sauce by the canal and people-watching brought me a moment of blissful reflection. You know that feeling when you’re soaking in the sights and sounds, just letting the moment unfold? That's what I felt that afternoon. Milan has a certain je ne sais quoi – it's exciting, glamorous, yet has a hidden calm. A pretty neat combination!

My trip to Milan had to involve a visit to Museo del Costume e della Moda - the city's museum of fashion and costume, housed in a stunning building on a side street. A true haven for fashion history! It was like a fashion time machine, showcasing costumes from the past centuries - gowns, coats, hats, gloves - a stunning array of outfits showcasing the artistry and beauty of the human silhouette. It got my imagination swirling – dreaming of new tutu styles, imagining the Pink Tutu line in its full, elegant glory! (That is, if I ever got to sell these lovely tutus, maybe next week… ;))

In the evening, I joined a captivating show on the Brera Navigli, an eclectic neighbourhood buzzing with nightlife and culture. It was a street performance, combining ballet and street theatre, complete with incredible aerialists and jaw-dropping contortionists! This reminded me of how the heart of a dance, is telling stories – and sometimes those stories are most beautifully told on the streets, under the open sky, with the lights of a city shining on. It was powerful.

This morning, I took a tram ride through Milan – a simple but wonderful experience! I felt like a Parisian. Seeing the city whiz by – the grand cathedrals, the bustling markets, and the trendy shops - is such a unique way to feel the heartbeat of the city. The charm of Milan lies in these simple joys - enjoying a hot cuppa, sitting at a sidewalk cafe, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air... and the charming clanging of the tram. Pure bliss!

I wandered into the Duomo, the cathedral, later on that afternoon. The towering grandeur and architectural brilliance, a feat of art, a symbol of Milan's rich heritage! It was truly something special. The intricate details, the sheer scale, and the stories it told without words left me breathless. I spent ages lost in contemplation, imagining all the lives that have been touched by this landmark.

In the evening, I indulged in a scrumptious, a delicious traditional meal of Milanese Ossobuco, the famous braised veal shank dish that Milan is so famous for. It was perfection, with every bite like a culinary embrace of Milan! This felt like the ultimate Milanese culinary experience, accompanied by a lovely glass of chilled local wine. And with a little glass of prosecco on top, to really get those celebratory bubbles flowing, it was simply the perfect end to a brilliant day!

My final day was dedicated to more tutu explorations! A city walk through the colourful cobbled streets of Brera, Milan's bohemian heart. It felt so inspiring - vibrant cafes and art galleries spilling into the streets, colourful murals, vintage boutiques bursting with charm. This vibrant energy fueled me and made me realise how Milan’s streets truly feel like an art gallery itself!

Then, I stumbled upon the Fondazione Prada - a modern art gallery housed in a refurbished distillery complex – quite the statement. There's just so much creativity in the city. Milan really is a place that encourages exploration, invites you to discover and be surprised, whether in art galleries, street art, or just in the architecture itself!

In the evening, a farewell dinner was in order – with a magnificent sunset backdrop of the city skyline. This gave me an opportunity to reflect on the magic of Milan. A journey that rekindled my passion for pink, ballet, and a little dash of sparkle, a feeling I bring back with me to my Pink Tutu world.

Milan, my sweet darling, you truly capture the heart with your enchanting energy! This pink-tutu-loving heart feels forever grateful! And with that, it’s time to catch that train back home, filled with all that magic, ready for another week of spreading the Pink Tutu love.

Until next time, darlings, and remember… embrace life in pink!

Love,

Emma

P.S. Check out www.pink-tutu.com to see more photos of my adventures, my Pink Tutu tips, and all things sparkly!