Buongiorno, darlings! Emma here, back from the magical city of Milan, Italy, and buzzing with inspiration for post 1014! I just can’t help but think of this trip as one of those dreamy, perfect pink moments. It felt as if I’d stepped right into a ballet with all its swirling beauty, artistic energy, and beautiful people. Of course, it helps that I always travel in my favourite shade of pink and, wouldn't you know it, Milan is a city where pink thrives!
Remember, I’m all about bringing the sparkle to life – spreading joy and beauty everywhere I go. I hope you’re all ready for a whirlwind tour of Milan through the eyes of a pink-tutu wearing ballerina. You know I can’t go anywhere without a tutu! It’s my travelling companion, and it certainly added a splash of joy to the chic, elegant streets of Milan!
I arrived in Milan via the fabulous Eurostar, whizzing across Europe with an enormous grin on my face (and a strategically placed feather boa). The journey was just delightful! A true adventure, like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. It was all sunshine, sprawling landscapes, and beautiful old cities flashing past my window. Every moment felt magical and the scenery was breathtaking. My love affair with trains is something I just cannot express. It's such an elegant and comfortable way to travel and allows you to soak in all that surrounds you. Of course, no travel for a ballerina is complete without the essential, a pink tutu for the journey!
The moment I set foot in Milan, I was whisked into the city’s beautiful rhythm. I could feel it in the air - a vibrancy and excitement. A kaleidoscope of stylish colours, artistic creativity and, naturally, exquisite fashion - Milan has everything in abundance! This is the kind of place that fills a girl’s heart with glee! My love for Milan began with a hop onto the tram, another love affair. Their tram systems are so efficient, clean, and beautifully designed! It’s like travelling through an art exhibition on wheels, particularly if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat in the panoramic carriage at the top. They’re quite an adventure to navigate if you’re on a mission to explore all that this glamorous city has to offer, but that’s all part of the fun, darling!
Oh, Milan…where do I begin? Let’s just say the streets are a visual treat. Shops overflowing with chic accessories, dazzling fashion houses, and a whole load of charming cafes where you can relax with a cappuccino, observe the passing crowds and dream up your own ballet routine! My kind of paradise! It was here in Milan that I discovered the magic of Teatro alla Scala (La Scala).
The grand old theatre with its rich history was so wonderfully enchanting. Just walking past, with its ornate entrance and elegant charm, was almost enough to make me want to curtsey. This legendary theatre, the heart of opera and classical ballet in Italy, is truly something to behold! I must have spent a whole hour just admiring the architecture and envisioning all the wonderful performances that have graced the stage throughout its illustrious history. And, wouldn’t you know it, this grand stage played host to my most anticipated experience during my Milan trip!
Wednesday 12th November was a special night, dear reader. I spent the evening at Teatro alla Scala, watching the most mesmerising ballet I have ever experienced - "Romeo and Juliet." The dancers were incredible, the sets and costumes simply breathtaking, and the music...oh the music was exquisite. I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time, mesmerised by the powerful portrayal of one of the greatest love stories ever told. I almost teared up during the final scenes - so much drama, emotion, and powerful performance. What a way to spend an evening! I know I should probably be taking notes at these prestigious performances to remember the details for my blog but the pure emotional beauty is what touches me most. That’s the true essence of art - touching the soul. I felt like I was swept up in the love, passion and tragedy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Such beautiful art.
I am a strong advocate for street performances. There’s a whole world of artistic talent hiding out on city streets, and you never quite know what amazing gems you’ll discover! And Milan’s streets certainly didn't disappoint! Every corner seemed to offer something new, from skilled buskers and musicians to graceful ballet performances that were truly a joy to watch. You don't know when it will pop up and, trust me, the performers are always happy to share their artistry. There's something really special about watching talented dancers take their inspiration from the city streets around them. There’s so much passion in every performance,
For those who are looking for the real Milan, you’ll find yourself mesmerised by the beauty of the Duomo (Milan Cathedral) . It’s stunning! And the Gothic architecture with intricate details? Heavenly! The whole experience of gazing upon this incredible structure from Piazza del Duomo - simply beautiful! It was almost as if the entire city was dancing, and the Duomo was its stunningly beautiful centre stage. You could really sense the historical energy emanating from the cobblestone streets and grand buildings. It’s truly a feast for the senses!
Of course, I had to squeeze in a little shopping into my itinerary! It's essential for every trip, right? I just adore fashion, and Milan has something special to offer in this department. It’s all about elegant simplicity and bold statement pieces here, but it's not just the clothing that’s so captivating. The shops themselves are a symphony of art, design, and style, each one vying to offer the ultimate in fashion luxury. A trip to a vintage shop always holds the most magic for me. Finding pieces from a previous era allows me to picture a different way of life. Milan’s vintage shops are crammed full of elegant dresses, chic coats, and stunning accessories that whispered stories of glamour from a bygone era.
I picked up some fantastic ballet flats that are now my new favourite shoe and are guaranteed to be making frequent appearances on this blog. I am always a huge fan of finding some amazing new fashion pieces to mix and match with my wardrobe and make a few special statements. That's part of the magic of travelling. And of course, how can I not pick up a few new, oh-so-lovely, tutu variations? It's vital, darling! The tutu collection needs refreshing! I’m talking a pink sparkly tulle creation and a fabulously flowing soft-pink design for my evening routines - just perfect for an exciting Milan evening!
As for my food? Pasta, pasta, pasta! You could say I enjoyed a carb overload while I was in Milan. Every mouthful was divine, and it’s no wonder with such amazing fresh ingredients. I indulged in every Italian delight I could find - pizza, risotto, spaghetti carbonara - and even indulged in some heavenly gelati and coffee! You’ll have to trust me when I say every taste experience is a sensory explosion, a dance of delicious flavours on the palate, and each bite transported me to culinary bliss.
And what is more, every dish was a work of art in itself. The colourful platings were like miniature masterpieces and I’m happy to report every single dish was worthy of an Instagram pic. I do love a great photo, and the beautifully prepared Italian food and all its amazing flavours always inspired my Instagram feed. It’s all about adding colour to your feed! My mission, of course, is to spread as much pink love as possible! It's always inspiring to show just how beautifully pink works within fashion, style, and lifestyle, from tutus to tasty gelato. Every piece I bought had some element of pink, which added to the excitement and inspiration. Pink, of course, makes me happy.
Milan… you were simply fantastic! I feel completely invigorated after my Milan adventure and ready to conquer the world, or at least the world of ballet, one step at a time! I am so incredibly inspired by Milan, which I must admit is one of my new favourite places. The city that pulsates with life and art. With a little sprinkle of magic, I always find a touch of Milan everywhere I go and hope to come back soon for more delicious Italian treats. Until then, keep on twirling and spread the love - remember, the world’s a stage, and it’s your time to shine!
And don't forget… The pink tutu never goes out of style!
Keep a pink tutu close at hand! And check back with www.pink-tutu.com every Monday for more fun fashion and ballet tales from a pink tutu-loving blogger! I promise it's going to be full of pink adventures! Until then, send me your favourite ballet stories and travel inspiration, and we’ll chat all things pink on Instagram: @pinktutuemma!
