Buongiorno, my darlings!
It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu aficionado, writing to you from the magical city of Milan, where the festive spirit is truly alive and kicking! It's the 22nd of December, and Christmas is just a hop, skip and twirl away. Honestly, it's like a fairytale here - sparkling lights strung across every street, snow-dusted rooftops, and everyone with a twinkle in their eye. I wouldn't mind wearing a tutu under my winter coat today, but I think that might attract some stares!
This week in Milan has been an absolute whirlwind of ballet, shopping, and of course, pink tutus! I always try to plan my travels around ballet performances, and this week has been no exception. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of watching a captivating performance of The Nutcracker at the Teatro alla Scala. The grandeur of the theatre itself took my breath away - it was like stepping into a gilded fairytale. The dancers were exquisite, with the Sugar Plum Fairy in a beautiful powder-blue tutu, swirling and leaping like a graceful dream. I must admit, the Nutcracker will always hold a special place in my heart, it's just so magical!
After the show, I treated myself to a delicious slice of panettone at a traditional cafe just off the Piazza del Duomo. The aromas of coffee, chocolate and festive spices were simply divine. There's nothing quite like a warm treat to chase away the crisp Milanese winter air!
Wednesday morning, I found myself indulging in a bit of fashion therapy. The shopping scene here is beyond compare! I'm a sucker for a good bargain, and luckily for me, Milan was having some wonderful end-of-season sales. My shopping bag is overflowing with treasures! But of course, there had to be a little pink tutu included - a lovely tulle skirt, the perfect addition to my collection.
As I was wandering through the streets, I bumped into a group of young dancers, clearly preparing for a street performance. The energy was infectious - they were all smiles and twirls, and their costumes were an explosion of colour. I had to join them, just for a moment, and together we created a little impromptu tutu flash mob! Everyone was grinning - even the grumpy-looking old gentleman sitting on a park bench started tapping his foot to the beat. This, my dears, is what the Pink Tutu movement is all about - spreading joy, and reminding everyone that a little sparkle can brighten up even the gloomiest day.
On Thursday, I went to one of the city's renowned ballet schools, to get my feet moving and my heart beating. A wonderful group of international students joined the class. The studio buzzed with excitement, and I even caught the eye of the charming teacher (although I might have tripped over my own feet a couple of times during barre work - let's just say it was a humbling experience). The beautiful arabesques and graceful leaps had me totally immersed in the magic of ballet.
That evening, I found myself exploring the city's famous Navigli canals, a beautiful network of waterways lined with charming bars and restaurants. I enjoyed a romantic dinner, serenaded by the soft sound of a street musician. The festive lights were reflected in the canals, creating a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on the beautiful day.
But of course, my travels are never truly complete without a bit of spontaneous fun. As I was riding the tram home on Friday, I spotted a small group of people wearing brightly coloured tutus and dancing along to some upbeat music. My heart did a little flutter - they looked so incredibly joyful, reminding me that ballet and its joyous expression truly knows no boundaries. They immediately caught my eye and drew smiles from the fellow commuters, turning a mundane journey into a spontaneous little celebration. It was a great reminder to be bold, to embrace the joy of movement, and to spread a little bit of Pink Tutu magic wherever I go.
The weekend has been filled with more Christmas festivities. On Saturday, I wandered through the festive markets, soaking up the warm scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and freshly baked gingerbread. It was delightful, and so beautifully chaotic, I almost missed the beautiful Christmas lights that were twirling and swirling across the rooftops.
Sunday was spent indulging in the sheer magic of the Christmas atmosphere. We visited the Milan Duomo, illuminated by twinkling lights. Its ornate façade and towering spire felt like something out of a storybook. We wandered hand in hand amongst the locals, enjoying the bustling atmosphere. Later that evening, I took a relaxing stroll through the quiet backstreets of the city. I fell in love with Milan's old-world charm, admiring the traditional architecture and enjoying the Christmas cheer in the streets.
Here's a little behind the scenes: My journey to Milan is supported by my love of dance and the joy of sharing my passion for ballet. Each week, I give ballet performances at local events, allowing me to travel and discover new cities, to soak up the culture and, of course, to share my love of tutus! The performances might not always be in the most glamorous theatres, but they're full of heart, and the smiles of the audience are my best reward. It's an incredibly fulfilling way to fuel my wanderlust!
And you, my dear readers, know what my mission is! I believe every woman (and gentleman!) should embrace the power of a pink tutu! It's about finding your inner spark, feeling confident and beautiful, and spreading a bit of joy in this world.
Stay tuned, my loves! My Milan adventures continue, and you know I'll be sharing every single sparkly, twirly detail with you. Until next week, sending you all a big Pink Tutu hug!
Much love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest video on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, of my ballet class with the wonderful international students in Milan! It's full of laughter, grace and a few Pink Tutu inspired twirls!
Pink Tutu Fashion Picks:My Milan wardrobe this week is a symphony of colour and texture, and of course, there are plenty of pink tutu inspired items for you to steal my style!
1. Chic Chic Tights
This week I'm obsessed with chic, opaque tights. It’s cold here in Milan, so layering up is a must, and black opaque tights have been my go-to for adding a touch of elegance to every outfit.
2. Pink Perfection
I always travel with my trusty pink ballet shoes in tow! This week I'm especially in love with my delicate pale pink pointe shoes. The blush hue adds a subtle pop of colour and the pointed toe allows for extra feminine elegance. Don't forget, my dear friends, a ballet shoe is the essential item in any Pink Tutu lover’s wardrobe.
3. The Little Black Dress
There's just something effortlessly stylish about a LBD (that’s a little black dress!). Mine is the perfect fit, accentuating my curves. It's just right for Milan’s vibrant nights. Throw on a dazzling piece of jewellery for some extra pizzazz and you’re ready to sparkle.
4. A Touch of Tartan
Let's be honest, tartan has always had a special place in my heart, and the wintery red and black plaid always brings me back to those warm, cosy Christmases back home in Derbyshire. I’m loving this touch of tartan on a sweet pink jumper - a nod to tradition, with a feminine touch.
5. Cozy Layers
To battle the Milan chill, a chic grey coat with a furry collar has been a perfect layer this week. It adds a touch of elegance and keeps me toasty warm. But, of course, every Pink Tutu loving fashionista must embrace colour. I’m adding a vibrant splash of pink by using a bold scarf to top it off.
6. A Pink Bag for all Occasions
This week my pastel pink shoulder bag has been a true lifesaver. From storing my ballet shoes to housing my trusty shopping list and those all-important shopping receipts - It’s practical and perfect for strolling around the Milan streets.
7. Sparkling Earrings
Nothing adds a touch of sophistication and sparkle to a daytime outfit than a statement earring. Mine this week are these stunning crystal drops that reflect the Milan street lights in the evening - talk about glitz and glam!
