#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2013-03-20 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao Bella!

From the cobbled streets of Derbyshire, I've arrived in the glamorous heart of Milan! This week has been a whirlwind of romance, dazzling fashion, and, of course, a whole lot of pink tutu-wearing! This week's Milan blog will be bursting with stories about elegant shoes, dreamy ballet performances, and a delightful dose of Milanese charm.

As you know, I am a huge fan of travelling by train - it’s so relaxing to sit back and watch the scenery change, a little more eco-friendly than flying, and an experience full of opportunity for spotting fellow stylish souls. After leaving London Euston, I got a little chatty with a wonderful woman sitting opposite me - a budding poet, a passionate artist, and just an incredibly captivating character! It’s amazing how easy it is to connect with strangers on train journeys, even more so if you're rocking a pink tutu, of course! The views were utterly breathtaking too, like something out of a postcard; sweeping green fields, quaint villages, and majestic mountains stretching into the distance. It’s the best way to arrive in Italy; to slowly become enveloped by the charm of the Italian countryside.

Once I got to Milano, it was time to embrace the sartorial magic! First things first - shopping! The heart of the city beat with so much elegance and fashion inspiration. One of my favourite shops is a beautiful little boutique tucked away in a side street near the Duomo. I’ll be giving it a shout-out in my blog post about my latest purchases! There are also stunningly glamorous shoe stores dotted about every corner - this week, I succumbed to an incredible pair of ruby-red shoes from one of Milan's finest cobblers, crafted from the most exquisite leather you can imagine. My pink tutus were so excited for a new, fashionably-matched companion!

It’s not a true Pink Tutu Milan week unless it includes an unforgettable evening at the theatre, and I'm happy to report that Wednesday, March 20th, was a magical evening at the Teatro alla Scala. This iconic venue is a ballet lover’s paradise, with a history so rich and opulent it would take a lifetime to truly explore. This evening’s ballet performance was La Bayadère by Marius Petipa. The music, costumes, and the dancers' graceful movements - pure magic! The story unfolded before us as though painted in colours and light. The costumes were an explosion of gorgeous pinks, vibrant purples, and sparkling emerald greens. The beauty of this night truly transported me into another world, one filled with romance and the most beautiful movements I've ever witnessed. If you find yourself in Milan, make sure you grab a ticket to this incredible venue.

My lovely companion for the evening was the effervescent Silvia. A genuine Milanese with an infectious energy and the kindest heart. After the ballet, she led me down a cobblestone street lined with traditional Italian restaurants and told me some fascinating facts about La Scala, making me want to delve into its history even more!

Did you know? In the 1800s, women in Milan couldn’t enter La Scala on their own. Can you imagine!? Such a wonderful symbol of female power and the evolution of the world since! As Silvia says, La Scala has always been “the stage for Italy’s dreams”, and this is certainly still true today.

We ended the evening on the cobblestone piazza outside a charming cafe, savoring Italian coffee and soaking in the Milanese atmosphere. Sipping on creamy hot chocolate while surrounded by twinkling lights and elegant locals was truly magical!

My time in Milan continues to fill me with inspiration. From the vibrant energy of the streets, to the meticulous craftmanship of the local artisans, the city pulsates with an undeniable creativity. The people here are truly inspiring with their appreciation of life’s simple joys, their passion for art and music, and their dedication to the art of slow living!

This week, the Pink Tutu magic extended even further! A beautiful stranger complimented my outfit as I sat on the train to Milano, asking if I was an actual ballerina. Naturally, I confirmed this was the case (what's the point of a pink tutu if it doesn't also signal ballerina status?). She asked, “But what do you do for a living with all this tulle and glitter?”

Well, I explained my life is filled with magic: I dance! I get to spend my time exploring, sharing my passion, inspiring others, and dressing up! This week, the magical part was a ballet class at a lovely little studio in the heart of Milan. It was amazing!

So, dear readers, let us celebrate the vibrant power of tutus and dance! This little piece of ballet magic continues to inspire my journeys, reminding me that a life filled with beauty and joy is absolutely possible! I encourage you to try on a pink tutu, feel its magic for yourself, and discover the incredible adventures it might bring!

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from Milan, where fashion, ballet, and the thrill of discovery all come together!

Ciao for now!

*P.S. * Don't forget to share your own tutu tales in the comments below! I love hearing your pink tutu experiences!

P.P.S. Check out www.pink-tutu.com for updates on my latest tutu-licious adventures every Monday!

Emma x