Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, back from the magical metropolis of Milan, Italy, where the cobblestones sing opera, the gelato flows like champagne, and, yes, pink tutus are definitely welcome! This week has been a whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and a whole lot of pink (naturally!), and I'm buzzing to share it all with you.
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, Milan is a city I've been dreaming of exploring for ages. It's the ultimate combination of glamorous style and captivating history - not to mention, it's home to the world-famous Teatro alla Scala, which simply had to be on my itinerary!
My journey began bright and early with a scenic train ride from the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where I had been performing a beautiful Swan Lake for a local charity event. (Yes, I'm still trying to make "dancing for charity" my full-time job!) It’s truly amazing how you can get lost in the scenery, watch the countryside slip by, and in that moment, everything feels calm, tranquil, even as your mind is buzzing with anticipation of a new city.
And let me tell you, stepping onto the Milan train platform felt like entering another world! The station itself was an architectural marvel – sleek lines, beautiful marble, and that classic Italian air of elegant sophistication. Even the ticket man was stylish – in a very sharp black suit! This was going to be a good week.
I'd pre-booked an apartment through one of those online booking platforms (you know the ones!) and, to my absolute delight, it was right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of all the main attractions. Even better, it was adorned in soft, powdery pinks! It may not be everyone's dream colour, but trust me, pink is so calming. I couldn't wait to get settled in and explore!
Of course, my first order of business was to treat myself to a delicious cappuccino and pastry in a quaint cafe tucked away on a cobbled side street. There’s something so satisfying about people-watching over a milky, sweet caffeine hit while feeling the energy of the city pulse around you. Milan’s got that laidback vibe - everyone is out and about, soaking up the sunshine, going about their day in style!
And speaking of style... oh my goodness! This city is an absolute fashion haven! Every corner is teeming with designers, boutiques, and fabulous street style. Milan is a city that just radiates confidence, where style is as much about personality as it is about labels. People walk with an air of self-assurance, even as they're rocking the most avant-garde ensembles. Honestly, it makes me want to twirl even faster, my pink tutu swirling with every turn!
I had to hit the shops, of course. First stop - a vintage boutique I'd read about in a magazine. Imagine: velvet gowns, elegant jackets, delicate gloves, hats galore, shoes and handbags galore. All the colours and textures imaginable - it felt like walking into the wardrobe of a stylish vintage fairy godmother! I found myself the most incredible pink silk scarf – a vibrant fuchsia with delicate floral motifs. I imagine it’ll make the perfect addition to my ballet outfits, but I may just wear it to breakfast too!
That evening, I wanted to immerse myself in the city’s culture. There was just one place on my mind – the glorious Teatro alla Scala. Its reputation for unparalleled opera and ballet performances precedes it. It’s simply iconic!
Even just seeing the exterior made me breathless - the stunning neoclassical architecture, the intricate details – everything about it screamed ‘opera and ballet grandeur!’ I felt an immediate connection to this historical jewel – after all, there's nothing I love more than the theatre and the power of live performances! The air crackled with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to feel it all, the magic of the music, the drama of the story unfold on that world-renowned stage.
I was attending a ballet performance – Swan Lake, of course! No matter where I go, a little Swan Lake is always welcome! It felt fitting too, given the incredible work by Italian choreographers such as Rudolf Nureyev, whose innovative vision was showcased beautifully at this legendary theatre.
And what a performance it was! The dancers moved with such grace and precision, the costumes were stunningly elaborate, and the music was simply captivating. I found myself transported into the story, lost in the emotional depths of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. It was an absolute feast for the senses and, I’m pretty sure I teared up a bit! I felt truly inspired and motivated after seeing those graceful movements, the elegance of their dancing!
Leaving the theatre that evening, Milan truly felt like it had embraced me, its spirit shining through in the twinkle of the streetlights, in the melody of the street music and the laughter spilling from the bars and restaurants. This was more than just a trip; it felt like stepping into a new chapter of my life - one fuelled by ballet, fashion, and, of course, pink tutus.
My adventures continued throughout the week, a beautiful whirlwind of culture, exploration, and even a few impromptu ballet performances (okay, more like ‘fun dance-offs’ in the middle of piazzas!). One of my favourite things was simply getting lost in the winding, cobbled streets, soaking in the vibrant energy of this historical city.
Milan is known for its beautiful architecture. I found myself standing before the impressive Duomo, marvelling at its intricately detailed facade. It's so vast, so breathtaking – and so undeniably Italian.
I found myself spending time at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural masterpiece with glass ceilings and shops of every conceivable description. It truly felt like an indoor piazza. There I wandered through, the world's fashion labels glittering at me – Valentino, Armani, Prada - you name it, it was there! And of course, I treated myself to a gelato! The Italians know their gelato - it's a work of art! I opted for a raspberry sorbet - sweet, tart, and refreshingly light. Perfect for an Italian afternoon stroll!
And I simply had to experience the famous Navigli canals, a series of waterways crisscrossing Milan, buzzing with life, and lined with picturesque cafes and restaurants. The atmosphere felt like a secret Italian world – romantic and charming, the ideal spot to spend a languid afternoon enjoying coffee or a leisurely aperitivo .
But you know me, my dear ballet-loving readers, my heart never wanders far from the world of ballet. While in Milan, I took a masterclass at one of the local ballet schools. The students were incredibly talented – with all the passion and artistry that makes ballet such a breathtaking form. And it was such an amazing experience, from the incredible energy of the class, the dedication of the students, to the warm hospitality of the instructors!
While exploring, I spotted this delightful street ballet performance - a group of street artists had transformed a quiet courtyard into an intimate theatre space. The ballerina in a swirling tutu captured my attention instantly - her grace and passion were simply enchanting. I ended up talking to the group afterwards. It was wonderful to connect with other passionate souls and hear about their journeys - they told me about their work as part of Milan’s vibrant ballet community! It just shows you how amazing it is to find inspiration anywhere. Even amidst a city known for high fashion, art, and creativity, there is still so much space for those who want to share their stories through dance!
Every moment in Milan was a journey for the senses. The taste of creamy gelato, the scent of freshly brewed espresso in the morning, the melody of an accordion in a bustling street - I am sure the sights and sounds will be with me for a long time to come.
However, as all my darling ballet enthusiasts know, my greatest joy comes from the magical world of dance! In Milan, I had the pleasure of attending another ballet performance - this time, at the renowned Teatro dell’Opera. I was blown away by the dancers' breathtaking skills, and the energy of the crowd. The venue itself was enchanting, its rich history palpable. Even more exciting, I was also lucky enough to watch a contemporary dance piece - a fresh and experimental take on the traditional form, leaving me buzzing with creativity.
And the perfect way to end my Milan trip? Of course, it was by spending a blissful afternoon at the enchanting Galleria degli Uffizi. Standing in front of Michelangelo’s "David" (although in fact a replica!) I felt truly mesmerized by his breathtaking artistic vision. It made me want to channel my own artistry and energy in all my ballet performances!
However, all good things must come to an end, and with a tinge of sadness, it was time to leave Milan. Stepping onto the train, the sights of the city slipped past – its grand buildings, the charm of its cobblestone streets, its captivating atmosphere - all the magic captured within a moving frame. But that’s the beauty of travelling – every experience makes us grow, learn, and brings us closer to ourselves.
As I travelled home, my heart was full. The pink tutus made the trip even more unforgettable, spreading their joy and vibrance wherever I went! I can't wait to bring a bit of that Milan magic back to Derbyshire – and of course, share it all with you, my wonderful ballet fam.
So, until next time, remember to keep twirling, keep dreaming big, and keep those pink tutus swirling!
A little bit about Emma: As many of you know, I grew up in Derbyshire, England. That quaint village feels a world away now from this glamorous city! It feels as though it's always been my dream to share the joy of dance and fashion with the world. There's something about ballet that transforms us – making us dream bigger, live bolder, and embrace all that life throws our way. It's a transformative art form, and one that can help you become your best self. The power of pink tutus really is amazing, and it all started from my small town, where my passion for dancing started when I was little. My favourite thing in the world? Watching a live ballet performance! It's just breathtaking. And there is truly nothing more captivating than watching a talented ballerina effortlessly leap, spin, and soar! It really does make your heart sing. The best way to stay motivated is to surround yourself with a community that lifts you up, makes you want to dance, to express yourself through motion. If you've never danced in a tutu - why not give it a try? And as a little tip - a pink tutu really does work magic!
About the blog:
If you love ballet, travel, and pink tutus, then this blog is for you! I share stories and adventures about ballet and travel, aiming to inspire other dance lovers around the world. Every Monday, I write a new post on my blog - www.pink-tutu.com - filled with inspiration and my favourite ballet experiences! So subscribe today - and remember to keep twirling!
