#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2007-12-12 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno from sunny Milan! The cobblestones gleam under a cloudless sky, and the air is alive with the chatter of chic Milanese. Oh, I do love this city.

It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means? Yes, you’re right, it’s another fabulous blog post from your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, travel-loving ballerina, Emma! And where better to be writing than from my favourite city in all of Italy – the stylish, fabulous, fashion-forward Milan.

This week has been a whirlwind of dancing, shopping and of course, a sprinkle of sightseeing, all fuelled by the magic of a pink tutu and my trusty little black notebook (it’s covered in ballerinas, naturally). I’m truly living my dream. You might be wondering, how can someone travel the world and dance their way through life on nothing but pink tutus? Well, the answer lies in a simple truth – ballet is a passion that can truly lead to extraordinary journeys. My darling friends, I'm a freelance dancer. I earn my living by performing at special events, weddings, even private ballet lessons. I simply follow the beat of my own heart, one dance step at a time!

As for my lovely hometown, Derbyshire, I haven't been home in a while! This is a bit tricky because the more I travel, the more I discover how big and beautiful this world is! I’m trying to make my way across Europe – Paris, London, Vienna, Copenhagen, I'll even head over to Berlin soon, I'm sure!

This week in Milan, my pink tutu and I embarked on a thrilling journey that involved…:

Milan is a symphony of art and culture, and a trip to this city isn’t complete without experiencing the iconic Teatro alla Scala. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! The Opera House has a majesty that fills your soul. Its grand architecture, a canvas of beautiful cream and gold, just transports you. Imagine, stepping inside, feeling the history within the walls – every performance, every dancer, every opera sung… And to be standing there, my pink tutu swirling beneath the majestic chandeliers, my heart pounding in time with the opening chords of the orchestra, it truly was an unforgettable experience!

This week’s performance was The Nutcracker, a delightful, swirling tale of magic, bravery, and of course, the enchanting sugar plum fairies. Oh, the music, it just fills your senses. Each twirl, each leap, felt as though I was being swept away on the wings of the Sugar Plum Fairy, all because of the magical world of ballet. I practically felt myself twirling right there in the audience, my little pink tutu dreaming of joining the magic on stage. It reminded me that the magic of dance transcends the stage. It whispers in the air, pulsates in our hearts, and even steals our breaths away with its sheer beauty!

I could have spent the entire day just soaking in the ambiance, admiring the grand art nouveau architecture of the theatre and losing myself in the exquisite detailing of its interior. It’s more than just a place to watch a show. It’s a journey into another world – a world of artistry and brilliance!

But life’s a beautiful blend of art and adventure! After the captivating world of ballet, my travels took me on a more grounded route - a trip across the city on Milan's trams! Ah, I love exploring a city on the ground level. The trams take you on a delightful journey, winding through the cobbled streets, showcasing the everyday charm of the city.

And for a girl with a pink tutu and a passion for all things fashion, Milan's trams were a feast for my eyes! So much vibrant style and unique trends! I noticed one stylish signora sporting a bright yellow tweed coat over a delicate floral dress, the colour a breathtaking contrast against her silver hair. Her vibrant lipstick matched her stylish clutch, a statement piece with a touch of glittering embellishment. You wouldn't believe it but there were more fabulous looks to see on the trams! Each Milanese seemed to wear their own personal flair with confidence, whether it was a striking statement hat or a playful printed scarf. This is where my inner designer comes alive, imagining the stories behind every look and wondering what those fabrics and textures feel like. Perhaps, one day I will even create my own unique style, an ethereal ballet-inspired blend of grace and effortless elegance!

And you know what the best part is? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Milan! The tram network is simple to use, and a single journey is remarkably affordable. Honestly, this city gives so much for so little. I could talk for hours about Milan! There are little coffee shops hidden in side streets, gorgeous parks filled with fountains, vibrant markets teeming with life and endless opportunities to enjoy delicious, inexpensive local dishes.

I must tell you all about my latest culinary adventure - a delicious little pasta restaurant called “La Cantina”. It's a tiny little gem, tucked away in a side street just a hop, skip and jump away from the Teatro alla Scala. Inside, it’s a feast for your senses! It’s warm, welcoming, with little terracotta pots blooming on window ledges and the aroma of basil, tomatoes and freshly baked bread dancing in the air. Oh, the joy of Italian food. Just thinking about it sends my stomach into a happy twirl. I indulged in a delectable spaghetti alla bolognese – a rich, chunky tomato sauce with chunks of ground beef and fresh herbs. I also sampled their fantastic, creamy mushroom risotto! A mouthful of pure happiness! And their gelato, Oh! It was like a symphony of deliciousness in my mouth! Creamy, fruity, just pure, decadent Italian gelato, perfect after a lovely dinner. I swear, my tutu might be starting to pick up a hint of the beautiful aromas that pervade the streets.

Now, the locals say, no trip to Milan is complete without a visit to their many coffee shops! It is, after all, an essential ingredient to Italian life. The strong espresso, the milky cappuccino, the rich aromas that linger in the air, it's a beautiful ritual, a chance to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of life. Every corner in this city seems to have a cosy coffee shop, filled with the sounds of chat, laughter and the gentle clink of spoons.

My afternoon latte, which I savoured in a charming café near the Piazza del Duomo, was like a gentle ballet of textures – the creamy foam cascading like a dancer's graceful movements, the bold, bittersweet espresso creating the perfect harmony of flavours.

I must also mention the stunning beauty of Milan's Duomo! A truly awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece. So majestic, a masterpiece carved in white marble. I couldn’t help but spend an entire afternoon walking around its grand exterior, exploring the intricately detailed statues, soaking in the beautiful sunlight that catches the soaring arches of its spire, and feeling humbled by the sheer scale of its magnificence. And, it is also said that there’s a treasure map within the Duomo. But hush hush, it’s a secret – one that perhaps my tutu might discover another time.

Oh, my darlings! Now, the pink tutu has to go shopping! How can I stay away from a fashion paradise like Milan!

I made my way to the beautiful, grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a stunning glass-roofed shopping arcade with a rich history. Each corner revealed something beautiful - sparkling jewellery, handcrafted leather goods, fine art, and oh, the most glorious boutiques brimming with breathtaking designs! Of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in a spot of tutu-friendly shopping. It wouldn't be a true pink tutu experience without it, right? I walked past elegant ladies with elegant fur jackets and high heels, men with fine hats, everyone with so much style, it's as though Milan has created a little bit of magical world where style flows freely.

In the most divine boutique, I found a new pink ballet-inspired top! With its beautiful frills and delicate ruffles, I knew it would make my tutu swoon! Imagine a perfectly tailored, crisp pink cotton blouse adorned with a row of dainty pearl buttons and intricate floral lace embellishment around the neck. The perfect blend of sophistication and playfulness!

But wait, there’s more! I also found a divine, pink faux fur shrug, the texture was so soft, it felt like a dream! The perfect accessory for a little bit of sparkle when I step out for a show in the evening. It’s absolutely delightful! I simply can’t resist adding this piece of plush elegance to my collection!

I am also quite drawn to Italian textiles and fabrics - especially the intricate embroidery that embellishes their dresses and scarves. You can almost feel the history and tradition interwoven with each thread. Perhaps one day I might incorporate a touch of their magic in a little project for the tutu, imagine a pink tutu embellished with a sprinkle of delicate Italian embroidery… my head's just exploding with ideas!

The sun sets in a glorious swirl of gold and orange. Ah, evening in Milan is like a beautiful opera, with each city corner taking on a dramatic spotlight of beauty. I always have to embrace those lovely little cafes, take a delicious coffee, and just soak it all in!

For this lovely evening, I found a delightful ballet street performance tucked away in the historic Piazza Castello. The stage was lit by string lights and the energy buzzing from the crowd was incredible! These young ballet dancers, wearing tutus of every color, performed gracefully, gracefully captivating the audience with a captivating performance that embraced the city’s energy! You know what they say, the world is a stage! But here in Milan, I felt as though it was an enchanting ballet performance.

Oh, I also managed to see an intriguing exhibition about the history of Milan's ballet and opera, fascinating stuff! Did you know, some say, it is one of the first cities in Europe to really cultivate the ballet culture? I truly feel, here in this city, there is so much artistry in the air, the way everyone carries themselves, the elegance of their movements, and their love for beautiful, expressive things – even how the streets look at night! I couldn't help but notice the little cafes lit with golden glow, the sleek cars driving with elegance, even the charming lampposts seem to create a ballet in the shadows of Milan! It is no surprise that this is one of Europe's fashion capitals!

And before I go, here's a tip – I recommend you book your ticket for a show at Teatro alla Scala, as it tends to book out quickly! Make sure you book online! Trust me, you won't want to miss it.

Now, my darlings, until next Monday, may your tutu dreams come true and always keep the passion for dance alive in your heart! Until next time, be fabulous!

Yours eternally,

Emma xoxo

(Remember, you can read all of my past posts at www.pink-tutu.com!)