#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2011-09-07 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello, darling tutu-wearers! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind week in Milan, Italy! I can't believe it's Wednesday already. How time flies when you're twirling through the streets of this stunning city!

I'm writing this post while nestled in a comfy corner of a delightful café in the shadow of the Duomo, sipping on a creamy latte (which, by the way, I must say rivals any hot chocolate I've ever had in Derbyshire!) I'm already buzzing from the day, brimming with the memories of a magical ballet show and the infectious energy of the Milanese streets.

As you all know, my week in Milan always begins on a ballet-powered high. This week was no exception. On Sunday evening, I caught the exquisite Swan Lake performed at the Teatro alla Scala, and, wow, it was simply breathtaking! The costumes were stunning, the music truly divine, and the dancing was a masterpiece.

Imagine a delicate ballerina, floating like a dream on pointe, gliding across the stage with the grace of a swan. You can’t help but be mesmerised. Then there's the drama – the powerful prince, the dark seduction of the black swan, the beautiful tragic ending! Every move tells a story, and the emotions of the performers just washed over me. I had chills all over.

Afterwards, the warm Italian night air wrapped around me as I strolled down Via Verdi, my mind still spinning from the sheer beauty of the ballet. The sound of laughter, music drifting from bars, and the chatter of the city combined with the majestic outline of the Duomo created the most magical ambiance. I felt so lucky to be experiencing this.

No trip to Milan would be complete without a indulgence in some fashion fun! You see, Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and I, a girl who lives in a tutu and swears by the magic of a perfectly tailored piece of clothing, wouldn't miss a chance to see what this glamorous city has to offer. I’m always on the lookout for inspiration and this week, I was hunting for a perfect, vintage-inspired blouse to add to my ballet wardrobe. The fabric had to have a slight shimmer, something to catch the light as I twirl.

This time I hit the charming, slightly eclectic, designer boutiques near the Navigli district. Imagine cobblestone streets lined with independent stores with curated selections of exquisite clothes and unique accessories, perfect for a stylish, playful touch to a tutu ensemble! The friendly staff in one shop helped me try on different styles and offered advice - even on how to pair a bright pink tutu with a bolder outfit (which, trust me, was no mean feat!). After much deliberation, I landed on a soft pink satin blouse, vintage-inspired but oh-so-modern. I just knew it was perfect to complete the delicate look.

Shopping in Milan is an artform - it’s not just about the clothes; it's about the atmosphere, the vibe, the passion!

Being a huge advocate for environmentally conscious travel, I've become a pro at navigating Milan's amazing public transport system! I have to say, riding the trams is quite an adventure. The sleek, vintage-looking tram carriages, adorned with vibrant, whimsical adverts for everything from coffee shops to ballet performances, just add to the unique charm of this city.

And then, there’s the journey by train. There’s something rather magical about the rhythmic clatter of the tracks, the whizzing past of green fields and sleepy towns, all wrapped up in the warm embrace of the Italian sunshine. It’s the perfect opportunity to close your eyes and drift away to your own world, filled with pirouettes and perfectly placed pink tutus!

You know, I’m not just about the tutu - I want everyone to wear it! I believe that embracing a little pink, a little bit of playful elegance, a little touch of 'just-for-fun' can add joy to every day.

And what better way to inspire a pink tutu revolution than with a good dose of ballet? In Derbyshire, where I come from, there's a thriving ballet scene, and it’s not just about fancy, dress-up performances, you know. It's also about the camaraderie of dancers of all ages. We come together to move, to express ourselves, to connect with our bodies and minds, all while sharing a passion for this exquisite art form! I’m hoping to bring that energy and inspiration to Milan, to spark conversations, to ignite that inner tutu-wearing dancer in everyone. I’ve even been experimenting with "ballet-inspired fashion" workshops, which have been so much fun. It’s about exploring different ways to make tutu-esque elegance an everyday style, whatever your shape or size!

One of the best things about this blog journey is the people I meet along the way! There was a charming lady at a tea shop last week, she shared my passion for vintage style and confessed that she’d worn a pink tutu to a party once in her younger years! It was such a fun memory for her and hearing her stories reminded me of why I do what I do! I’ve even had messages from aspiring dancers across Europe, so thrilled that someone’s finding inspiration in the things I write.

But most importantly, I'm building a community of tutu-loving individuals who want to embrace the fun and playful side of life. We can't forget that dancing is a gift!

So here's to embracing our inner tutus, to embracing joy, and to celebrating all things pink!

Have a fabulous week, and keep twirling!

Your always-pink,

Emma