#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2015-06-24 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella!

This week's #PinkTutuMilan blog finds me strutting the cobblestones of Milan, Italy, and oh, what a glorious time it's been! This post is number 1046, and I'm so glad you're joining me for a virtual trip around the vibrant streets of this incredible city!

You can catch my blog every Monday on www.pink-tutu.com - so be sure to pop by each week! It's the best way to stay updated on my tutu-tastic travels, plus you get a sneak peek into all the fabulous outfits and experiences I've been having.

After my incredible adventures in Salzburg last week, I hopped on a comfy, air-conditioned train straight to Milan. The journey was blissfully smooth, and I loved watching the countryside whizz by - vineyards and fields all dusted with golden sunlight. It really puts you in a calm and contemplative mood, perfect for planning outfits and reflecting on all the exciting things to come!

Of course, I couldn't resist snapping some photos of myself in my trusty pink tutu – after all, what's a trip without a little ballet flair? (A real crime, I say!) My bright pink tutu with its flowing layers matched perfectly with the sunny landscape, and it definitely attracted some admiring glances from fellow travellers. After all, there's something truly enchanting about a tutu - they make even a train journey feel like a graceful dance!

When I arrived in Milan, I immediately embraced the city's charm by taking the tram, weaving my way through the historic streets, dodging Vespas, and admiring the impressive architecture - grand old buildings with ornate carvings and window boxes brimming with fragrant blooms. It's amazing how a city with such a rich past can also be so wonderfully vibrant and energetic.

My arrival in Milan wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping therapy, so I headed straight to the fashion district. The shops were crammed with stunning clothes, shoes, and accessories, and I admit, I did a little happy dance right there on the pavement! It’s a true paradise for any fashion enthusiast like myself, but my focus was on finding the perfect ensemble to complement the Teatro alla Scala performance I was going to later.

Milan's reputation for style and elegance is certainly well-deserved! I ended up with a breathtaking silk dress – the colour of a summer sunset - a pair of shimmering stilettos with just a hint of glitter, and a sparkling, emerald-green shawl that just about stole my breath away!

Of course, no outfit is complete without a statement accessory, so I grabbed a dazzling vintage pearl necklace to accentuate my décolletage. After a quick application of some blush and a swipe of coral lipstick, I was ready to set off, radiating confidence and feeling like a real Milanese beauty!

You know me, my heart belongs to ballet! So, this trip was all about the extraordinary ballet experience awaiting me at Teatro alla Scala. The renowned Teatro alla Scala – the temple of Italian opera – has been captivating audiences for centuries. Its history is rich, its architecture stunning, and its atmosphere is almost palpable - a heady cocktail of anticipation, tradition, and art.

Before the performance, I strolled through the opulent lobby, taking in the grandeur of the chandeliers and ornate plasterwork. Everywhere you look, there’s exquisite beauty - paintings, statues, and an abundance of decadent Italian design. I felt like a princess stepping into a fairytale world!

Then, the magic truly began! The theatre was abuzz with excitement, and the anticipation was palpable. The moment the orchestra began, I was transported. The ballet – a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet – was captivating. The choreography was breathtakingly beautiful, telling the tragic love story in a poignant and graceful language. The dancers were exceptional - graceful, powerful, and completely in sync.

And then, there was the music! Italian composer, Vincenzo Bellini, has crafted such a beautiful and evocative score – you could almost taste the passion in every note. As the curtain fell, the applause was thunderous - truly an unforgettable experience!

The entire evening felt like a whirlwind of beauty, drama, and emotion. It reminded me of how deeply connected ballet is to storytelling, to human emotions, and to the timeless language of movement. And how much it enriches my life - filling it with magic, wonder and excitement.

No trip to Milan would be complete without indulging in its delectable cuisine. I couldn't wait to experience the flavours and aromas of this food paradise! My first stop was a bustling, family-run trattoria where I devoured the most delicious pasta dish imaginable. The creamy, pesto-rich sauce danced upon my tongue, mingling with perfectly al dente spaghetti. Each mouthful was a symphony of flavours, an ode to the simple yet magnificent art of Italian cuisine.

My journey of Italian gastronomical discovery continued the next day with a traditional "aperitivo" experience. In a charming, sun-drenched piazza, I enjoyed a refreshing glass of Aperol Spritz, perfectly complimented with a selection of delectable nibbles. From tiny, bite-sized focaccia bread topped with olives and roasted tomatoes to creamy mozzarella balls with fragrant basil - each treat was a little explosion of authentic Italian taste!

One thing I really love about Milan is its public transport system - it’s efficient, convenient and affordable! And what better way to explore the city's treasures than from the window of a stylish tram? The view from my pink tutu seat - yes, my tutu looks fabulous on the tram! - gave me the perfect opportunity to admire the magnificent Duomo with its ornate façade and towering spire. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos - a must for any ballerina's Instagram feed!

My explorations on the tram brought me to the Navigli - a network of picturesque canals that are teeming with vibrant energy and romantic charm. I walked along the canal's banks, relishing the picturesque scenery - boats bobbing gently on the water, lively cafes buzzing with conversation, and couples strolling hand-in-hand. It truly captured the essence of romantic Italy!

Of course, I had to capture the moment - a picture perfect photo op with my pink tutu and the romantic backdrop. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I hopped onto the tram again - feeling inspired by Milan's captivating mix of historical charm, vibrant energy, and timeless beauty.

This trip wasn't just about the renowned Teatro alla Scala! One afternoon, I stumbled upon a fascinating discovery! Wandering through a quiet side street, I heard the captivating sound of music - a mix of violin, cello and piano - that was drawing me closer.

Suddenly, I discovered a hidden gem: a tiny theatre, tucked away in the heart of the city, hosting a local ballet school’s performance. My inner ballerina screamed with delight. It felt so personal, so authentic. The students, aged between six and seventeen, poured their hearts out on stage - their movements, sometimes a little clumsy, sometimes utterly captivating. They were all so enthusiastic and passionate, and it was truly inspiring.

And their tutus! I mean, can you imagine - pink tutus galore - little ballerinas in their dreams - some with slightly wonky turns, some with their smiles just shining! Seeing their joy was truly heartwarming - it reminded me how universal the magic of ballet is - something that can ignite passion and joy at any age, and at any level of skill.

After the performance, I had the pleasure of chatting with their teacher - a vibrant and dedicated woman who shared her passion for teaching. We talked about the importance of instilling a love for ballet, about building confidence and creativity in young hearts, and about how much joy ballet brings to her students’ lives. It was a lovely reminder of how ballet can transcend cultural differences and connect people with the language of art, emotion and movement.

Before I knew it, it was time to say farewell to Milan - a city that left me captivated by its elegance, its culinary delights, its vibrant spirit, and, of course, its extraordinary ballet scene!

But before leaving, I knew what I had to do: to share my love for ballet, my passion for pink tutus, and the joy of dancing with the local children. With a smile on my face, I gifted a bright pink tutu to a little girl, watching her eyes sparkle with excitement as she twirled around in her new ballerina outfit. It’s such a simple thing, but seeing her pure joy, and the little sparkle of dreams that I planted - well, it's why I do what I do!

And what better way to remember this amazing Milanese adventure than to wear my pink tutu and to spread my mission to the world: to inspire everyone, to dance, to embrace their dreams and to discover the joy that ballet can bring - whether they're in the cobbled streets of Milan, or dancing in their living room, everyone can feel the magic of a pink tutu.

Until next week, my lovely readers, I hope you'll continue to join me on my ballet adventures on #PinkTutuMilan!