Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Milan! It’s Wednesday 24th June 2009, and I’m absolutely brimming with excitement to share my latest adventures with you!
As always, I’m channeling my inner ballerina, pirouetting my way through the bustling streets of Milan in a symphony of pink tulle and sheer joy. My week began in Derbyshire, England, where I performed for a charity gala. Let’s just say, the reception to my pink tutu rendition of the Dying Swan was… well, unforgettable! My parents, bless their hearts, still haven’t stopped gushing. They must have loved watching their little girl sparkle on stage, and I must confess, seeing their proud smiles absolutely melted my heart.
After my final bow in Derbyshire, I grabbed a quick croissant (because even ballerinas need a little French indulgence!) and hopped onto the train to Milan! My trusty pink suitcase – naturally, it had to be pink, right? – was packed full of my signature tutus and a few stunning vintage finds I picked up at a delightful antique shop in London.
And speaking of vintage finds… I just have to tell you about this adorable little boutique I stumbled upon in the heart of Milan, hidden down a charming alleyway just off Via Montenapoleone! It was an explosion of colour, and let’s just say my heart skipped a beat. They had these divine lace boleros, a plethora of statement necklaces, and vintage hats galore. The owner was an absolute darling, a petite, stylish Italian woman who helped me select the perfect vintage floral-print hat – something I just HAD to have for my visit to La Scala!
Oh, my darlings, speaking of La Scala, how excited am I for tonight! I’m off to witness a performance of “La Traviata,” a show I've dreamt of seeing ever since I was a little girl in Derbyshire. Just picturing the opulence and drama, the vibrant costumes, the sheer power of the music… well, it’s enough to give a tutu-clad ballerina goosebumps!
But before I twirl into the glorious world of La Scala, I thought I'd share a little sneak peek into my Wednesday with you.
After arriving in Milan, I checked into this sweet little hotel near the Duomo – an impossibly beautiful building, I must say, covered in intricate stone carvings and spires that practically touch the clouds! My room is small but chic, and I’ve already put my ballet slippers and a perfectly pink silk eye mask (don’t judge, you’d be surprised how much they help with jet lag!) by the window, so I can watch the sun set over the city’s skyline.
After settling in, I took a delightful ride on the Milan tram, marvelling at the architecture and people-watching as I went. Milan’s public transport is an absolute joy – so much easier and much more atmospheric than hopping into a car, wouldn’t you agree?
I then ventured to the charming Piazza della Scala, soaking up the artistic energy that buzzed around the grand opera house. It felt almost magical, and I caught myself daydreaming of pirouetting across that historic stage in front of an enthusiastic audience. Maybe one day, darling, maybe one day.
Feeling famished after my little tour, I discovered a charming trattoria just off the main street. I treated myself to the most divine plate of pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil, all while gazing out at the locals buzzing by in their brightly coloured outfits. The food, the company, the vibe – it truly was the epitome of ‘la dolce vita’!
As you can probably tell, I’m completely smitten with Milan, my darlings! The atmosphere here is so vibrant, so full of art, fashion, and culture. I just know this is going to be a wonderful week!
Now, I must dash! The last rays of sunlight are dancing on the rooftops, and I have a very special dinner reservation at an enchanting restaurant near the park – all part of my ballet performance earnings, you know!
And who knows, perhaps I’ll even catch a glimpse of a fashionista or two as I dine, all strutting around in the latest Milanese style!
As I prepare to make my grand entrance to the Teatro alla Scala this evening, I just want to say, darlings, please, please join me in celebrating the magic of this incredible city! Embrace your inner ballerina, find your perfect shade of pink, and twirl your way into the beauty of life.
I can't wait to share more of my Milan adventures with you soon! Until next time, my lovelies, keep spinning and keep shining!
Your Tutu-fied, Emma
A Quick Note from Emma
I know, I know, this post was a little longer than usual, but I couldn't possibly cram all my Milan musings into a shorter post! It’s a whirlwind of inspiration, a constant symphony of colour and creativity, and I’m absolutely loving every single second.
For those who are curious about the cost of all this travel and excitement, don’t worry, I’m still a firm believer in living life on a budget!
Each performance I do – whether for a charity, a gala, or even just a fun dance class for beginners – brings in some extra cash, which helps me fund my travel dreams. Plus, I’m all about finding hidden gems – amazing local markets with the most incredible finds, charming cafes offering the best cappuccino in the world, and, of course, beautiful scenery that doesn’t cost a penny to admire.
I’ll be sharing more of my favourite budget tips and tricks in upcoming posts, so keep your eyes peeled for some thrifty, tutu-fied travel advice!
And if you ever want to share your own stories of adventure and ballet with me, I’d love to hear from you. Just send me a message at
P.S. Did I mention my vintage floral hat? Because, really, how amazing is a little bit of floral print? If you're a vintage fan, let me know! Perhaps you have some suggestions for places to check out in Milan for all things antique and unique.
