#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2008-08-13 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, my darlings! It's Wednesday already! And can you believe it, we're smack bang in the middle of August. Where has the summer flown? Don't worry though, as my favourite month, September, is just around the corner!

This week's post comes from the magnificent city of Milan, Italia! I just know you're going to love this post – I certainly do. Just to warn you, it's a biggie - it’s all been such a whirl of colour, fashion and amazing memories I can’t wait to share! I mean, just look at that stunning Duomo cathedral – you could stare at it for hours and hours. And it's a wonder, isn’t it? All that pink marble - the perfect backdrop for a pink tutu shot!

After a lovely journey from Bologna, travelling by train through the Italian countryside is just like being in one of those glamorous movies – and what's not to love about arriving at a bustling Milan station with that beautiful central glass roof?

I’d arrived in Milano to attend a performance by one of my favourite ballet companies – Teatro alla Scala – at a gorgeous theater called Teatro Carcano. It felt like stepping back in time, right into a luxurious ballet film! You could practically hear the tinkling of pianos and the soft melodies of string orchestras just from stepping into the theater foyer!

### A Bit About Teatro Carcano

Teatro Carcano is simply magnificent. It was built back in 1869, designed by Luigi Canonica, a name that is almost synonymous with grandeur, a renowned architect known for his innovative designs. But when you see it up close, the first thing that hits you are the sheer beauty and attention to detail! The outside facade with its wonderful terracotta brick and neo-classical carvings made it quite an enchanting arrival!

I’m still buzzing from that magical evening! I mean, they actually gave me the best seats in the house – centre row, perfect views. It felt so glamorous, as if the dancers were performing just for me! My pink tulle was fluttering with joy during that entire performance, even when some of the choreography had me holding my breath! I felt as though I was in one of my dreams - but all the more spectacular and inspiring!

The whole city has an almost magical feel to it, and that is something that really hits you the moment you get off the train. Milan oozes style and chic fashion sense - it's almost as if everyone walks down the street dressed to impress. You really need to check it out, it's an incredible city, all elegant architecture and fashionable folk - definitely one for my little pink book! I know the feeling – it’s as if all my pink dresses, ballerina shoes, and all things frilly, belong here in this fashion-forward, inspiring Italian city!

Milan has an incredible tram system and there is absolutely no way you can get about Milan without hopping on a Tram! You can feel the true pulse of Milan as the city rushes by - like the flashing lights and energetic tunes playing out in all those buzzing restaurants and street performers. Milan's Tram system gives you a feeling that is really only experienced from sitting down and going on a bit of a scenic route. It's like you've stepped back in time with its beautiful old vintage trams!

On my little Tram journey this week I stumbled across some rather fabulous independent designer shops – and there was some lovely vintage and antique boutiques to explore. Let's just say I left those places with some lovely pieces to take back to my flat in Derbyshire. Of course, I wasn't without my pink tutu in tow. It just goes without saying, right?

Now, one of the main reasons for visiting Milano, apart from all those magnificent Ballet shows, is the absolute mecca for shopping that it is. I found so many great places to indulge my love of pink. Let me just tell you about this little boutique called La Boutique Rosa - what an absolute dream! I walked in, all eyes sparkling at the pink silk dresses, feathered tiaras and sparkling rhinestone embellishments! Pink perfection.

And who doesn't love a little afternoon shopping? Right there in the heart of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall, is a little corner cafe - where you could just soak in the energy of this vibrant, elegant city while indulging in a delicious Italian coffee. It felt like a glamorous film, everyone looking fabulous and feeling effortlessly chic. I mean, there's simply nothing more appealing than grabbing a coffee whilst you're admiring a pair of fabulous Giuseppe Zanotti shoes! You can see where my pink heart lies, right?

### Taking the World by Storm with My Tutu

One of my favourite experiences from Milan, I think it might have even trumped the shopping! Well, I wouldn't say it did, but it’s pretty special, you know, having a 'Pink Tutu Fashion' moment! The crowds stopped, they gasped, they took pictures – everyone absolutely loved my bright, sparkling tutu. I felt like a real superstar in that pink tulle, just strutting through the most fashionable places in Milan! And for those wondering, yes, it was a beautiful vintage piece I found in one of the more obscure side streets, with lots of tiny antique boutiques with all sorts of exciting discoveries - from French hats to fabulous antique costume jewelry. Milan has it all!

You see, in Milan it feels so good to dress up. There's a special sense of freedom to put your most fabulous look on - all the pink and glitzy, glamorous pieces! It was fabulous for dancing and I've got some fantastic photos with my trusty pink tutu against that stunning Duomo. Milan just inspires the very best of pink-loving outfits, let's be honest!

Oh, it’s all just so glamorous in Milan. It’s not difficult to feel a touch of Italian style in the air here. Even the simple act of getting a drink on the terrace in one of those grand Milanese squares - I felt like I’d stumbled onto the set of some amazing film! It makes you feel so special, and it makes every step around the city, all the pink tulle flowing behind me, so much fun. It truly does feel like you’ve got your own personal spotlight shining on you.

 You can just tell it's a city full of magic and a real ballet dancer’s paradise, isn’t it? Every glance at the Duomo Cathedral is enough to put me right in a dancing mood.  With that sense of  glamour  so deeply embedded in this city –  what else could  I possibly want?  Every street is simply filled with all things beautiful.  You really could spend weeks exploring this beautiful city. It’s certainly my new favourite city for its style, culture and  beautiful architectural  landmarks.

My Milan adventures certainly wouldn't have been as perfect, let me tell you, without all the wonderful local Milanese that were so kind and helpful. The staff in the local shops – it was all so much fun! Their stylish fashion and fabulous flair for all things pink is so infectious, just like that sweet raspberry sorbet in one of those amazing little corner cafes! There’s nothing quite like it.

Milan is certainly going straight to the top of my list for all its pinkness. It is a wonderful city filled with great inspiration – just what this pink-loving ballerina needs, right?

My dear readers, Milan is simply divine. A ballerina’s dream. My week was filled with some incredible, once in a lifetime moments, and all that beautiful ballet magic. Milan, you’re certainly a star!

I know many of you are hoping for that ultimate pink tutu outfit, my dear friends, so keep those questions coming and check back every week for those exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks. Just to make things extra special for you my lovely Pink Tutu readers, there are going to be exclusive features with photos in all the beautiful boutiques where I found all my favourite outfits for this post.

Until next week! And don’t forget - wear your pink tutus proudly! It’s time to take the world by storm.

All the love and happy dance-filled days from

Emma.

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