Ciao, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad travel companion, bringing you another whirlwind of pink from the magnificent Milan, the fashion capital of the world!
As usual, my heart is full of tulle and sequins, and my head's buzzing with the beautiful chaos of this city. You see, this past Wednesday was 27 August 2008, a date forever etched in my pink-tinted memory. Why? Because this little Derbyshire girl got to live out her ultimate ballerina fantasy!
Let me rewind a bit. As most of you know, I fund my globe-trotting tutu adventures by dancing – not just in classes and rehearsals, but also performing in theatres and on streets all over Europe. This week, my talent and my pink tulle carried me all the way to Italy.
Now, I have to confess, I'm hopelessly romantic when it comes to Italy. It’s all about those beautiful historic buildings, romantic cobbled streets, charming cafes with outdoor seating, and the endless supply of delicious gelato. Oh, and the fashion! The Milanese are seriously stylish, and it’s infectious, believe me. I’ve found myself taking longer walks, just soaking in the beauty and chicness of it all.
This trip has been a true blessing. I was lucky enough to secure a couple of lovely street performances here, which has meant I’ve been able to explore the city a bit more than I had planned.
Trams and a Pink Tutu in Milan
I love nothing more than experiencing a city in the way locals do, which for me, always involves trams. Seriously, there's something magical about watching the city go by through the tram window, especially when you're rocking a pink tutu!
The Milanese tram system is a delight. The trams are sleek and modern, and you can go almost anywhere. They’re always a pleasure, but especially on sunny days, where the light shines through the windows, creating rainbows across the seat covers. The other passengers always give me a smile – after all, how often do you see a girl in a tutu on a tram?
And you know what? I’m not afraid to embrace the looks, the comments, the second glances, because the thing is, that's how you spread the pink tutu love. Every time someone sees me twirling on a tram in my tutu, a little part of their soul remembers what it's like to be a playful, carefree child, full of dreams and possibility. It's all about that beautiful little spark.
The Performance That Had My Heart Leaping!
But this Wednesday wasn’t all trams and gelato (though there was certainly plenty of both!) This week, I went to see a show at Teatro alla Scala. Yes, THE La Scala!
I knew I was in for something truly special, but even so, I was blown away. The elegance of the theatre itself is astounding - soaring ceilings, plush velvet seats, intricate details. But what really made my heart sing was the ballet itself.
Imagine my delight when I realised the piece was one of my absolute favourites: La Bayadère. This production, staged by Mikhail Fokine and inspired by the Indian legends, brought to life my dream of delicate dancers, beautiful costumes, and a grand spectacle. It was such a powerful, beautiful story told through breathtaking dance – I was completely mesmerised.
For me, going to the opera is all about the complete sensory experience. The vibrant colours, the swirling movements, the thrilling music – everything felt utterly magical. I could have stayed lost in that world for hours!
Discovering Milan's Hidden Gems
Of course, Milan is much more than ballet and grand theatres. There’s so much more to discover. This Wednesday, I ventured down Via Montenapoleone, a shopping street for the serious fashionistas. I took in the window displays, the luxurious stores, the sheer elegance of everything.
Honestly, sometimes I feel like I’m in a fairy tale – I wander these streets surrounded by gorgeous dresses, exquisitely made shoes, and sparkling jewellery. Just let me tell you, there’s not a dull moment in Milan.
And just because I’m a big girl now doesn't mean I’ve lost my sweet tooth! This week, I sampled some incredible, authentic Milanese treats - I recommend the panettone, a sweet bread filled with candied fruit and raisins, it’s a must-try for any visit to Italy!
You see, part of what makes these trips so special is the constant sense of discovery. There’s a new corner to turn, a new café to explore, a new gelato flavour to try. I always feel like I’m falling in love with Italy again every time I come back.
Pink Tutu Philosophy
There’s a reason I call my blog "Pink Tutu Milan." Pink tutus are all about being your most fabulous, most authentic, most fearless self. They say, "Hey world, I’m here, I’m dazzling, and I’m here to bring joy wherever I go!"
Life is way too short to be dull! Every day is a chance to sparkle, and that’s exactly what I'm all about.
Of course, I believe everyone should embrace the magic of wearing a pink tutu – even just once! It's not about looking glamorous, it’s about feeling like you can conquer anything.
As I’m writing this post, I'm enjoying a delightful cappuccino in a little cafe overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica, watching people stroll past. This little café with its vibrant orange chairs feels so Italian – it's another one of those special moments that makes this journey so memorable.
That's the beauty of this life, you know? Even the ordinary moments become magical when you're wearing a pink tutu and open to new adventures.
Stay tuned next week for another Pink Tutu escapade. In the meantime, I encourage you to embrace the pink in your own life! What’s the craziest, most adventurous thing you can do? Tell me in the comments below!
Lots of love and sparkle,
Emma
