Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, writing to you live from Milan, Italy. I can't believe it's already Wednesday! Where does the time go? I know, I know, I am the Queen of Tardy so don't judge me too harshly! I do my best to be prompt. However, if I'm honest, the moment I step off the train from Derbyshire, I become mesmerised by this glorious city - fashion capital, my sweet sweet Milano.
Last Monday, I hit the streets like a runaway gazelle with my suitcase wheels flying and a spring in my step! Yes, it was my week off from dancing in The Swan Lake and the world of Ballet felt a little further away as I immersed myself in this wondrous city, Milan. This week's been absolutely incredible! Think stylish cafes, vintage finds, designer handbags, divine Italian food (seriously, what IS their secret?), and of course, the breathtakingly beautiful architecture - everything just shouts glamour. The streets feel alive with creativity and the energy here is electric, darling. You literally feel it in the air.
A Touch of Magic, a Touch of Pink
After settling into my charming hotel - just a stone's throw away from the Duomo, can you even believe it?! - I couldn't resist heading out to see the city twinkling at night. Let me tell you, the lights just make it come alive even more. It feels like you're stepping onto the set of a glamorous Italian movie. This city knows how to work its magic.
You already know my absolute favourite way to explore any city? It's getting on the tram, right? And even in Milan, the trams have a distinct personality and energy about them. So, naturally, I hopped on board a pink one - did I tell you I have a penchant for everything pink? Well, let me assure you - I haven't lost my passion. This trip wouldn't be complete without my pink tutu making a cameo. It wouldn't even be called the Pink Tutu Milan Blog, would it? You can bet that it was perched by the window as we cruised along the cobbled streets! My fellow passengers had the joy of being treated to a vision in pink!
Where Food Meets Art
Wednesday brought me face-to-face with Milan’s most famous market, the Mercato Centrale. It was literally food paradise. I have never seen so much colour and freshness! You know, when the colours of the fresh fruits and vegetables seem to have a sheen all of their own and every kind of olive you can imagine are gleaming at you, then that is good sign! I am never shy when it comes to trying different things when travelling - so this trip is no different! There was a seafood stall with mountains of glistening mussels and plump prawns. My inner mermaid let out a joyous squeal and promptly had to resist the call to plunge in. For lunch, it was pasta! Did I mention my absolute adoration for pasta? I simply cannot get enough of the magic that happens when a delicious combination of sauce and flour and some added herbs comes together. Don't even get me started on the olive oil! They add a certain je ne sais quoi, right?
Fashion Paradise
I spent Thursday doing something my soul truly adores - window shopping. And not just any window shopping - we’re talking luxury boutique windows here in Milan! The boutiques were absolutely divine - each one more incredible than the last. This was the real heart of Milan for me! Seeing all these incredible garments and displays makes me feel that anything is possible, that anything I imagine, I can achieve with a dash of creativity and passion and dedication. There were outfits on display that felt as though they’d just walked off the runway. And of course, no shopping spree in Milan is complete without a glimpse of the beautiful boutiques on Via Montenapoleone. They truly don't call it the "Quadrilatero della Moda" (the Fashion Quadrilateral) for nothing!
Teatro alla Scala - An Ode to the Ballet
On Friday, my ballet soul was set ablaze - It was performance night at Teatro alla Scala, and oh my goodness. Let me tell you - the exquisite architecture of this magnificent building, which is over two hundred years old! It took my breath away. Stepping inside is like travelling back in time. Imagine plush velvet seating and hand-painted ceilings! They are a symphony of beauty in themselves and the place buzzes with excitement, I mean, this is Italy after all - drama is an art here. The show itself, Giselle - Oh, the magic and beauty and story within each and every scene - this one went straight to the top of my favourite performances! Even a self-confessed hopeless romantic like myself has to admit there are moments when this ballet really hits home - oh the poignancy! Every dancer in the ensemble was absolutely captivating, each movement a masterclass. Even though I was watching with awe from my velvet seat in the theatre, I had a tingling sensation right down to my fingertips - it's those ballet feelings, I love them, I can't help it, darling! The passion and the strength in every move was incredibly inspiring. I mean - the stories told through movement, are captivating aren't they? It's what keeps me coming back. I know there's a lot of people who are unsure about going to see a ballet - they think that they won't enjoy it as much. But let me tell you - you really won't know until you've given it a go! It really is so much more than what you would think.
Dancing in the Streets
Now Saturday - the time for the city to reveal its magic - I put on my pinkest pink shoes, my pinkest tutu and my most fabulous pink floral dress. I couldn't have felt more in my element. The cobblestone streets were full of people, enjoying the balmy evening, and what could I do? I had to put my most whimsical foot forward! Of course, you all know I am always looking for any chance to practice my moves. I took to the streets and had the most incredible dance off - think twirling in front of some pretty fountains, pirouetting by some beautiful Italian architecture, leaping into the air by some colourful and romantic streetlamps! Everyone on the street was smiling. A little bit of pink is certainly enough to put a spring in anyone's step. It was pure bliss. That evening, the city transformed for the weekend! Restaurants overflowed with chatter and laughter, families strolled down the promenades - and me? I was on my balcony, mesmerized by the vibrant energy and atmosphere.
A Symphony of Culture
So, Sunday is coming to a close. Milan was just what I needed. The chance to soak in all the cultural richness. It really makes you realize the sheer magic of our beautiful planet! The culture here, it’s something to be truly experienced, to truly relish. And let's be honest, with all this beauty and fashion around me, what's not to love? The museums are a wonder, showcasing art and history from ages past - you know, sometimes you just have to stop and marvel at how incredible our history and culture truly is! The churches, a dazzling mix of artistic design, history and architecture that literally leave you in awe - did you see that beautiful stained glass I showed you on Insta?! It's breathtaking isn't it?!
From Milan to My Next Adventure
Now as I get back on that magical pink train to head back to the beautiful world of ballet, it's clear to me: Milan has worked its charm. I am absolutely feeling re-energized, inspired, and even a little bit sparkly. Don't even get me started on the food-induced dream state that I find myself in after all those delicious and indulgent pastries. Every single trip here I become more and more obsessed with Milan, that is no lie, darling!
So, I’m back, back to England, back to dancing, back to life!
I want to hear from you though, have you visited Milan? Do you have a favourite memory or spot that you could share with us all here on my blog, I'd love to hear about it.
As always, don’t forget to check out our pink tutu posts on the www.pink-tutu.com blog every Monday and, as always, sending love from my little corner of Derbyshire to you, all of you! Until next time, lovelies, may your week be filled with pirouettes and pink perfection!
