Ciao Bella!
It’s Emma here, fresh off the train from my latest ballet performance, landing in Milano! This city always feels like a breath of fresh air - the vibrancy, the stylish people, and the intoxicating energy that radiates from every cobbled street.
My week started in the quaint countryside of Derbyshire, where I gave a performance for a local ballet school. The students’ eyes lit up like Christmas trees when I donned my pink tutu! I simply love sharing my passion and seeing their faces beaming with joy – it makes all the hard work worth it.
This trip to Milan is extra special because it's my birthday week! The thrill of being in a new city, seeing my favourite shows, and soaking up the culture, all topped with a slice of birthday cake? That's my idea of the perfect celebration.
Speaking of shows, I've got my eyes set on seeing "Giselle" at the Teatro alla Scala. It’s a ballet I’ve only dreamt of seeing, and now, here I am in Milan, ready to witness the magic unfold on that famous stage. My little heart flutters at the thought. I mean, isn’t it every ballerina’s dream? It just needs to be the perfect pink tutu…
Milan Fashion
No trip to Milan is complete without a little fashion exploration. I must say, my eyes are simply feasting! The streets are a runway of style, from effortlessly chic Milanese women to trendy teens. Every window display screams “wear me”, and I can’t help but get swept away by the captivating energy of it all.
I’ve already spent an hour or two lost in the labyrinth of boutiques and vintage stores on Via Montenapoleone. Oh my, the shoes! I haven’t seen such exquisite craftsmanship in years. I even spotted a pink velvet shoe, a perfect match for my tutu collection, and let’s be honest, what's a birthday without a little self-indulgence? Maybe a touch of pink will go into my own style today…
A Pink Tutu Moment
I must share with you, darlings, a little incident that happened earlier today, during my shopping spree. I was gazing at a dazzling window display, admiring a particularly glamorous evening gown (it was the perfect shade of rose, naturally), when I noticed a little girl standing near me.
She looked to be about six, with eyes like sparkling emeralds. Her little face was absolutely glued to the display, awestruck. Suddenly, a mischievous grin spread across her face. “You’re like a fairy! ” she declared, pointing directly at me.
She wasn’t talking about my outfit (I was, after all, sporting my signature pink tutu). No, she was looking straight into my eyes. It was that "fairy" glint in my own eyes, a spark that only true ballet lovers understand.
Her innocent, heartfelt words warmed my soul. Suddenly, the pink tulle I wore felt not just like an accessory, but an extension of who I am. The magic of dance had just been passed on, through that child's wonder. I can’t tell you how heartwarming that felt!
A Touch of Romance in Milano
Before I lose myself in the whirlpool of excitement that is Milan, I need to share a moment that brought me a touch of romance today. You see, while wandering through the streets of this lovely city, I stumbled upon a beautiful park. The autumn leaves, like tiny rainbows, fell softly on the ground. There were families enjoying their picnics, lovers exchanging tender kisses, and… wait for it…a young couple waltzing to the rhythm of a violin played by a street musician. The whole scene was straight out of a fairy tale! It almost felt like stepping back in time.
Sharing my Love for Ballet
You know, sharing my passion for ballet is not just about dancing and watching performances. It's about that spark, that connection you feel, that sense of magic. It’s the smile on a young girl's face when you dance, the romantic waltz in a park, and the way ballet unites everyone, regardless of age or background.
Here in Milan, it's even more evident. You see couples taking a dance break in cafes, children mimicking their favourite ballerina moves, and adults wearing the latest fashion inspired by classical dance. Ballet is truly in the air, and I'm savouring every moment of it.
A Journey in Pink
Today, I want to challenge everyone reading this, regardless of where you are, to do one thing. Put on a pink tutu! It doesn't have to be real, you can even imagine it, a little pink magic for the soul. After all, life is too short for grey moments when we can sprinkle a touch of pink sparkle everywhere we go!
I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for pink tutus throughout my Milan adventure, sharing those sightings with you in the next blog. I also want to hear from you, dear readers! Tell me what pink tutus inspire you, or even better, share pictures of your pink tutu moments.
Until then, keep it pink and keep it sparkly!
Your loving pink tutu ballerina,
Emma
PS
Keep up with my ballet adventures, fashion discoveries and travel tales each week on www.pink-tutu.com.
(Extra Details to Round out the Blog Post)
Show Highlight - Milan
The highlight of this trip was attending the breathtaking “Giselle" at the Teatro alla Scala. I mean, let's face it - the Scala is like a sacred temple for all things ballet, so standing there in my seat, amidst the opulence and history of this legendary theatre, filled me with a sense of awe.
Giselle, a tragic tale of love and loss, really transported me. The dancers moved with such grace, their expressions spoke volumes, the costumes and music were a perfect harmony. As the dancers gracefully soared through the air, I found myself caught in the intricate ballet story that unfolds, emotionally swept away by the power of dance.
What a Wonderful Day!
The following day, a delicious Italian lunch in a tiny trattoria on the corner was followed by an evening exploring the city centre. With every step, there’s another surprise - a grand cathedral towering above the square, the sounds of laughter and music wafting from street musicians, and even a little opera rehearsal, making it truly magical!
Taking it Easy
Now that I’m enjoying my last evening in Milan, I've decided to embrace the relaxed ambiance and enjoy a little gelato. Nothing screams “Italy” quite like a scoop or two of sweet creamy goodness.
I’m also enjoying the ride on the iconic tram. Every journey on this little trolley offers a new view, new faces, new stories of everyday life. As I ride alongside local commuters, the scene always reminds me to embrace the beauty in the ordinary and the joy of exploring the unexpected.
More than Just Fashion!
I’m often asked about the fascination with Milan’s fashion world. While the fashion scene is undeniably captivating, it’s so much more than just clothes. It’s about expressing oneself through what we choose to wear, and how that informs our perception of the world. It’s a way to make a statement, to showcase confidence, and most importantly, it's an art form that allows us to play with colors and textures, and ultimately tell a visual story about ourselves.
Shopping Memories
As for my shopping, I snagged a beautiful pair of shoes (can't tell you just yet, you'll see soon on my next blog post!) and even bought some adorable accessories for my hair. You know me, my love for pink is well documented, but I’ve also added a little bit of that vibrant Milanese flair to my wardrobe.
The Art of Travel
I’ve also been enjoying some fascinating art exhibitions. Milan is not only known for its fashion but also has a strong artistic history. Today, I explored the Pinacoteca di Brera, a beautiful art gallery housing some of the finest collections of Italian paintings from various eras. And yes, you guessed it - I was in awe of the colours! The artists seemed to capture the vibrancy of Milan’s culture on canvas. It was truly inspiring.
Taking the Tram Again
Tonight, the city lights gleaming like a tapestry of fairy lights are reflected on the river. The air is thick with the smell of roasted chestnuts, a quintessential aroma of autumn in Italy.
I’m back on the tram now, traveling through Milan's streets with the last rays of sunlight setting over the city. The rhythm of the tracks, the quiet murmurs of the other passengers, the bustling atmosphere... it all comes together to form this beautiful melody, an evening serenade just for me.
*(An Extended Milan Shopping Excursion) *
I’ve mentioned my fascination with shoes. Milan is simply a shoe-lovers paradise.
I spent most of yesterday afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets and alleys near my hotel, hopping from boutique to boutique.
My first stop was a small vintage shop tucked away on a quiet street. It was packed full of hidden gems, from elegant brogues to delicate ballerina pumps, all begging to be brought back to life. There was a delightful sense of history hanging in the air, a scent of polished leather, dust, and old secrets whispered from past lives. It felt like I’d stepped onto the set of a romantic film.
Of course, my quest led me to Via Montenapoleone, a haven for luxury labels and designer names. The window displays are masterpieces, meticulously designed with a glamorous yet minimal aesthetic that attracts every fashion-conscious eye.
But the real magic happened when I stepped into one of the stores, a hidden gem of craftsmanship and impeccable service. I found myself enveloped in the world of luxurious leather, surrounded by rows upon rows of beautifully crafted footwear. It was like a symphony of style, each pair telling a story.
There were dainty stilettos perfect for a special occasion, comfortable flats for strolling through city squares, and classic pumps, that timeless symbol of elegance and refinement.
I could spend hours getting lost in the details, admirining the intricate embroidery on a ballet flat, or tracing my finger across the satiny leather of a high heel. The textures, colours and designs, were a visual feast.
A Shopaholic’s Delight
But let’s be honest - it’s the pink ones that always capture my heart! I had to have them! I mean, what’s a pink tutu blogger doing in Milan without adding a little something pink to her wardrobe?
A vibrant fuchsia stiletto, a delightful blush-colored peep-toe pump, and a pair of blush pink flats adorned with a subtle floral design were my acquisitions. They were a delightful combination of glamour and comfort, perfect for both special events and everyday wear.
Now, I just have to decide which pair to wear tomorrow. Which one do you think I should choose? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.
Embracing The Spirit of Milano
As my journey in Milan comes to a close, I find myself filled with a sense of gratitude and inspiration. This city has an undeniable allure - a blend of fashion, art, culture, and history. And it seems that at the heart of it all, there is a celebration of life, a love for beauty, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the arts, including, of course, ballet.
So much love from Milano!
*Your Pink Tutu Ballerina, *
Emma
