#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2014-01-22 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the beautiful city of Milan, where the cobbled streets are practically begging to be twirled on! It feels utterly surreal, actually. Imagine, me, your little Derbyshire lass, dancing through the streets of one of the fashion capitals of the world, in my beloved pink tutu! It's the ultimate fairytale come true, just like one of those delightful ballet scenes with shimmering silks and charming duets – but in this case, the "prince" is just a very large and grumpy pigeon who decided to "fly" over my head just now. No wonder everyone looks so glamorous here; even the pigeons are strutting their stuff!

This week, I've been practically floating on cloud nine, fuelled by all the excitement Milan has to offer. It's been one ballet class, one stylish shopping spree, and one glorious opera performance after another. Each day feels like a brand new adventure, a symphony of colour, elegance, and graceful movements, with a sprinkle of Italian sunshine and gelato for good measure! I'm practically living the ballerina dream – and, as always, I'm taking you along for the ride!

You know, one thing I've noticed about Milan is how effortlessly elegant everyone is. It's not just about the designer labels, though those certainly play a part. There's a certain Parisian charm in the air, a timeless style that blends classic pieces with an understated confidence that just sings! I particularly love watching Milanese ladies on the trams. They navigate their daily journeys with the same graceful poise they might bring to a grand ballroom – and you can't tell me that doesn't inspire a ballet dancer to twirl even faster!

But, of course, Milan wouldn't be Milan without its own unique flair. Think vibrant colours, exquisite patterns, and an undeniable sense of personality woven into every single outfit. You can see the love for fashion in every corner of the city. It’s contagious!

Milan truly is a ballet paradise! Imagine having access to some of the finest ballet companies in the world, all right there at your fingertips! Just this week alone, I’ve watched Teatro alla Scala, the majestic opera house, take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster with its powerful performance of “Swan Lake”. The entire performance was breathtaking, the sheer talent on display, the hauntingly beautiful score – a true feast for the senses. And I, of course, had to do it up for the occasion! My beautiful fuchsia tutu with its delicate satin overlay? Naturally. I wouldn’t be caught dead in a drab old frock! I even popped in my sparkling tiara just for that extra touch of regal elegance. You know me, darling! Never one to miss an opportunity to make an entrance!

As if one dazzling performance wasn't enough, I then got to experience a completely different style at the Teatro dell'Arte, with a modern contemporary dance piece called “The Human Form.” Now, I have to say, it was a far cry from the traditional ballets I usually watch! But don't think for a moment that made it any less captivating. There was such power, such emotion, such a sheer physicality in every move, every leap, every gesture!

And it goes without saying that both experiences have fuelled my own passion for ballet, inspiring me to practice with renewed vigour and a dash of Milanese flair. The energy here is truly electric!

Oh, but my travels aren’t all about ballet shows! How could I forget about Milan’s other love, fashion? Last week, I had a rather successful foray into the hallowed halls of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s famous shopping arcade, and let me tell you, I was in my element. The intricate stained-glass ceiling, the dazzling lights reflecting on polished marble floors – it was a dream! Imagine yourself strolling along those glorious arcades, the air buzzing with the excitement of fashion-conscious souls, the shops displaying some of the most exquisite designs the world has ever seen! I’ve never seen so many stunning creations in one place. I admit I got a tad carried away, ahem, indulging in a few (read: many) designer accessories to complete my outfits. But what’s a ballerina on a pilgrimage to fashion heaven without a few extra pink delights to carry along?

One particular treat I found that just has to be shared is the Pink Tutu Milan Shop. This treasure trove of feminine fashion and ballet essentials practically sings out my name! My darling friends, they have literally everything you could ever want! Gorgeous pink tutus in every style and length imaginable, sparkling headbands to elevate any look, shimmering leotards that would make any ballerina envious, and even dainty tutus for tiny tots (a pink tutu revolution, I tell you!)

They're not just about pink, either, though let's be honest, the pink collection is quite exquisite! They have a beautiful range of pastels, glittery finishes, and oh, so many choices! And of course, it’s practically a fashion rule to indulge in some pink accessories whenever you’re in Milan, right? This little shop made me completely lose my mind; I ended up getting myself a pair of fluffy, pink bunny ear headphones for listening to ballet music (of course!), some sparkly, shimmering tights in pink hues that'd make a disco ball blush, and a few fluffy, adorable ballerina slippers because who could resist?! My darling, a ballerina's gotta have options!

So, you might think with all these exciting shows and shopping trips, I wouldn’t have any time left for ballet class. Think again, darling! Even the most fashionable, show-loving ballerina needs a regular dose of technique to keep those leaps high and those pirouettes perfectly balanced.

This week, I’ve been fortunate enough to find a lovely little studio just off Piazza della Scala, just a short tram ride from my temporary apartment (it's not actually a full apartment but a lovely one-bedroom loft just off the street). A quick stop in my “temporary palace,” a quick costume change (one can’t forget about one's ballerina attire, my darling!), and I'm back out the door, headed to my ballet class.

There’s nothing quite like the Milanese tram for getting into the ballerina mood. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks feels just like a percussion solo, the melodic sounds of Italian chatter, a lyrical composition. The scenery, too, unfolds like a painting, full of vivid colours, fascinating people, and an undeniable touch of charm.

Sometimes, I even catch myself daydreaming about my dance steps – I might be surrounded by other travellers, their eyes fixed on their smartphones, but my mind is busy perfecting my bourrées, tendus, and fouettés. I even do some ballet moves when there's enough space, just a small lift of my toes, a graceful flick of my wrists - I have to bring my ballet practice with me whenever I can! And then there’s the added bonus of being able to wear a pink tutu! The stares, the whispers - who could ask for a more dazzling journey?!

Milan, with its charming tram system, makes the city feel incredibly intimate and connected. Each journey is an adventure in its own right, a story waiting to be told, and of course, danced!

So, there you have it, darlings! Another whirlwind week in the glorious city of Milan!

Between the beautiful ballet performances, the fantastic shopping opportunities, and the elegant, whimsical tram rides, I've been living the ultimate ballerina life – and all the while, spreading the pink tutu love wherever I go! Every step I take in this enchanting city is filled with the joy of movement, the passion for fashion, and a genuine love for sharing these moments with you. The world feels just a little bit more glamorous, a little bit more whimsical, a little bit more pink when you have a pink tutu in your life, my darling. Don't believe me? Try it! You won’t regret it!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a city to twirl through! It's the perfect way to end another magical week in Milan, filled with music, fashion, and oh so much pink. Until next week, my loves, keep those dreams bright and keep those tutus twirling!

Arrivederci!

About Emma and her pink tutu blog

Emma is a 20-something ballerina who is obsessed with tutus - in particular pink ones! She is on a mission to spread the joy of tutus by sharing her experiences with her loyal readers all over the world. Emma combines her passion for ballet with her love of travelling, fashion and music, which gives her endless stories for her weekly blogs.

Emma funds her travels by performing at charity events and gala performances, using her impressive dancing talents to inspire her audience. Her ballet performances range from traditional classical works to exciting modern pieces, often including the use of the iconic pink tutu! She believes there's nothing quite like a good old-fashioned pink tutu to bring out the inner ballerina in everyone.

You can find Emma on her website www.pink-tutu.com, which is updated each Monday with her adventures in ballet and fashion. She uses the hashtags #PinkTutuBlog #PinkTutuMilan #PinkTutuAdventures on social media and in her posts.

Coming Up Next Week in Emma's Milan Diary!

The glamorous life of a ballerina on the move isn't just about performing in theatres or shopping for shoes! Tune in next week for my adventures in exploring Milan’s hidden parks, where I'll share my experiences of dancing outdoors, picnicking with Parisian-inspired food, and yes, you guessed it, some truly amazing fashion finds. I promise you won't want to miss a single pink-tastic moment!

Stay tuned, my darlings, stay tuned!