#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2011-10-12 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Well, hello darlings! This week’s Pink Tutu travel blog finds me in the bustling, stylish heart of Milano! Yes, that Milano. The capital of Italian fashion. Sigh Just the name sends my imagination into a happy spin. I can already feel the allure of those beautiful shop windows, the whispered charm of historic architecture, and the sweet melody of Italian accents – even if I don't actually speak Italian yet, just a few phrases like 'Ciao' and 'Grazie' that make people think I am a fluent linguist!

But let’s rewind a bit. You see, my journey to Milano was, as always, fuelled by the intoxicating power of ballet! A wonderful ballet company – and yes, the one and only ballet company in my home county of Derbyshire, called "Derbyshire Dance Company" - called me and said "Emma, would you grace us with your presence?" Who was I to refuse such a tempting request, right? Especially when it was tied to the delicious scent of adventure. So, I twirled my way to their recent performance, danced up a storm, and the reward? This trip to Milano, of course! My lovely Derbyshire dancers – you truly are the most supportive and appreciative audience!

Now, before we start our adventure together in Milan, let's talk pink tutus! You know I adore them! If I could get the whole of Italy to join the pink tutu movement, well, then I would truly be happy.

Arriving in Milano, I hopped on a rather charming tram, filled with the everyday hustle and bustle. And I, in my glorious pink tutu, I think I added a bit of sparkle! (Or at least that's what I told myself!).

Milano, dear readers, is like a dream straight from a fairytale. Elegant, refined, and utterly breathtaking, with majestic buildings draped in marble, bustling shops and cafés on almost every corner. But one of the best parts – apart from the divine gelato, I must confess - is the sheer abundance of gorgeous, feminine fashion boutiques that I haven’t stopped exploring since I arrived! The shops! The dresses! The shoes! They just beckon me, and whisper to my heart - “Emma, you NEED us”. And how can I resist that whisper, especially in the heart of Milan’s fashionable kingdom?

Before heading to my little sanctuary – the hotel room, where I plan to enjoy a nice long bubble bath in a beautiful bubblegum pink bath, which just matches the shade of my tutu, I've found myself the perfect travel buddy, or should I say ‘roommate'. A beautiful pink tulle skirt to go with my pink tutu. Now that is a travel combo that screams, "We’re in Milan, baby, and we're ready to conquer the city!”

The Hotel I’m staying at - well, darling, it is quite splendid, with those high, vaulted ceilings that feel just right for doing a pirouette - and a beautiful wrought-iron balcony where I can just sit and watch the world go by. A delicious little cafe right outside and a tiny deli, where I have been picking up a baguette and local cheeses for a picnic. But no, I don’t need to do any more research into local food and snacks - because there's another reason I’m in Milan...

That's right, darling. Tonight, I am stepping into one of the most magical places in the world of ballet. Yes, Teatro alla Scala - It's iconic, it's legendary, and it is a true testament to the artistic grandeur of ballet. It’s like walking into a time capsule of elegance and history. Tonight’s show - the ballet is something called ‘Giselle' It's one of the most revered classics in ballet history - and my favourite. And oh, my, just the thought sends shivers of excitement through my being! It's a testament to human grace, a ballet filled with such captivating passion and heartbreaking emotion - I truly cannot wait to watch it unfold!

But I am a little bit anxious. I mean, the dancers are some of the best in the world. I know I will be sitting there with my mouth wide open and eyes glued to the stage, mesmerized! Oh darling, imagine – I'm not just in Milano. I'm at Teatro alla Scala watching Giselle, one of the most acclaimed ballet companies on the planet in action. Honestly, what a dream!

After “Giselle” - the ballet will be ending quite late - but you know, in my favourite city, with my amazing travel companions – pink tutu, my tulle skirt, and all - there’s only one thing for me to do! A little tour around the illuminated city! You see darling, after the beauty and majesty of ‘Giselle’ - the grandeur of the Teatro alla Scala, the stage itself, the dancers... everything - I feel like I can't simply go to sleep! I just have to let that inspiration flow and get a taste of Milan's magic under the moonlight.

So, what's on my list, dear readers? The list is pretty long.

Firstly, the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This majestic, arched shopping centre with its glittering shops and beautiful mosaic floor, is a treat to see under the sparkling city lights. It is a architectural triumph that's quite literally an enchanting place.

Next, a walk around the city's beautiful piazza, including, Piazza della Scala, home to the Teatro, the breathtaking *Duomo, with the Duomo, *the Duomo ( Milan Cathedral). The cathedral itself is breathtaking and I must confess I will be stopping to take a few photos.

You can’t mention Milan and not have the Duomo in the background! Just a tip: Be sure to try and catch the Cathedral under its night-time lights it's like something straight out of a film, with the Duomo being the perfect star of that film, darling. And let's not forget the fashion district! Imagine me – with tulle skirt and a tutu, being whisked through the maze of the streets. Yes, it will be the fashion-focused Emma- on the move.

My friend told me that Piazza dei Mercanti, which means ‘Market Square’, is like stepping back in time, and I am hoping to see that.

What To Wear In Milan

Oh, how you just have to look fabulous in Milan, darling. The whole place oozes an undeniable level of glamour! It’s almost like I can see the style emanating from the pavements!

So, what does Emma wear, to match that Milan style, darling? A classic combination of my pink tutu (obviously!) teamed up with the tulle skirt. For footwear, my delicate pointed ballerina pumps with beautiful bows - and oh yes - with my very favorite, sparkly silver ballet shoes - from the iconic ballet shoe shop that I found tucked away near the ballet school I went to just a stone's throw from my Derbyshire home - 'Dances', the name of the store. Honestly, darling - they know how to make the perfect sparkly ballerina shoes in those stores - just heavenly!

But just think, imagine - I have to look effortlessly fabulous, so there will be a sprinkle of elegance about the look - but just the slightest edge of rebelliousness! So - think tailored trousers and tops, silk scarves tied like an oversized bow around the waist or an extravagant piece of jewellery, which is definitely adding a dash of ‘something-else’. You know it’s all about making an effortless yet unforgettable statement, darlings. And pink is the key - it is my guiding light, I do hope it inspires those who see me. Just a touch of elegance – and of course a very generous dose of pink-tutu sparkle, all effortlessly woven together. It's just in my genes darling – and the whole point of Pink Tutu Milan - if only we can all wear a pink tutu, what a wonderfully glorious world it would be.

I'll keep you posted, my darlings, about everything, with each step and every photo in my Milan journey, until next week, darling, as I catch up on the highlights. So 'arrivederci' for now!