#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2015-07-15 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao, darlings!

Welcome back to another Pink Tutu Wednesday! This week I'm absolutely bursting with excitement because I'm writing from the magical city of Milan! As I sit here, bathed in the sunshine pouring through the window of my quaint little hotel, the melodic buzz of the city flows in from the street below. My trusty pink tutu is packed, ready to twirl its way through the cobblestone streets, taking in the stunning architecture, and soaking up the unique vibe of this fashionista haven.

You might be wondering how I'm able to jet off to glamorous destinations like Milan on a regular basis, when I'm just a regular girl with a love of ballet. Well, the secret lies in my tutu! I've discovered a very special little way to fund my ballet-inspired travels, which is fuelled by... wait for it... ballet performances! Yep, that's right, I dance for my travel expenses, sharing my love of ballet with the world and indulging in the glorious feeling of being a professional ballerina. It's all part of my mission to make everyone wear a pink tutu, one dance performance at a time!

Speaking of dance performances, this week I'm here in Milan for the incredible “Sacre du Printemps” at the Teatro alla Scala, and I cannot wait to be mesmerised by the power and passion of Stravinsky’s legendary masterpiece. I just know I'll be transported by the artistry of the ballet dancers and be inspired to twirl all night long! But, before the theatre's curtain rises, let me share a glimpse into my day, a day filled with ballet, shopping, and that undeniable Italian charm!

Today, I started my day like any good ballerina: with a beautiful ballet class at the prestigious La Scala Ballet School! I squeezed my way into a cute little class with a fantastic group of talented young dancers, and we worked up a sweat under the watchful eye of the formidable, but kind, ballerina instructor. We worked on elegant arabesques, powerful pliés, and effortless turns. I felt my own tutu twirling with each graceful move!

From the elegant halls of the La Scala Ballet School, it was straight onto the Tram Number 1! I love the Parisian chic feel of riding a tram through a city! Soaring past iconic buildings, buzzing with life and local colour. The warm sunlight filtering through the tram window was perfect for contemplating all the shops I planned to visit and the delicacies I intended to devour at some quaint little Milanese café.

My first stop, of course, was a little Pink Tutu detour to La Rinascente, the chicest department store in all of Milan. It's a veritable palace of high-end fashion, where you can find everything from the latest designer labels to vintage treasures! I was practically in a trance, flitting from one gorgeous boutique to another, all with that delicate tutu-tastic grace that you guys have come to expect. And let's be honest, the selection of tulle in the fabric shops was beyond dreamy! I couldn't resist picking up a gorgeous new spool, a shade of pink so bright it makes the Italian sun seem dull!

But, no matter how lovely the clothes were, nothing beats a good vintage tutu hunt! The Milanese ladies have a fantastic knack for spotting a real gem, and there's an incredible vintage market happening in the Navigli district this week. This is my favourite place to unearth unique treasures, and it's guaranteed to bring a twinkle to any ballerina's eye. And, of course, it would be unthinkable to leave Milan without picking up some new ballet shoes! There's nothing quite like a fresh pair of satin ballet shoes for adding a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.

And, after all this fabulous shopping, nothing beats indulging in the wonderful flavours of Milanese cuisine! A leisurely lunch of delicious risotto was the perfect fuel for an afternoon of more wandering and taking in the charm of this historic city. The warm Italian air and delicious food set the stage perfectly for some truly memorable experiences.

But the true magic of my time in Milan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the majestic Teatro alla Scala, a place that truly lives up to its reputation for breathtaking beauty and unparalleled artistic grandeur. It's an institution revered around the world, steeped in history and culture, and is home to some of the most gifted musicians and dancers on the planet.

Before stepping into the theatre itself, I allowed myself a little time to explore its historical exterior. With its imposing façade adorned with elegant carvings and ornate details, it’s a true architectural masterpiece. I imagined the countless artists and patrons who have graced its steps through the years.

Then came the moment I had been waiting for all day – finally entering the theatre. Walking through the grand doors, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The intricate chandeliers, the ornate gilded details, and the plush red velvet seating, it’s truly a spectacle in itself. My heart was pounding with anticipation! The excitement, the grandeur, and the reverence surrounding Teatro alla Scala are truly magical, making the entire experience unforgettable.

I settled into my seat with a delicate, almost giddy feeling, waiting for the curtain to rise. As the house lights dimmed, I could see a thousand sparkling stars reflecting from the chandeliers – the very ones that had caught the gaze of countless dignitaries, opera singers, and ballerinas in their history.

As the opening chords of "Sacre du Printemps" boomed from the orchestra, my heart pounded in rhythm with the music. This powerful ballet, so evocative and thrilling, perfectly captures the beauty of raw emotion. Each step, each twirl, and each lift, every move, was precise, yet wild. Each performance by the magnificent dancers felt incredibly powerful and passionate. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the stage!

I was drawn into the captivating world of Stravinsky's genius and the breathtaking performances of these skilled ballerinas. The way they moved, their strength and elegance, truly captivated me. My inner ballerina practically danced along with the performers, my toes tapping along to the infectious music, and my heart soaring with the energy of the dance! The energy, the passion, the raw emotion! It was breathtaking! This is ballet in its most authentic form – raw and primal. The sheer physicality and emotional depth were simply unforgettable! And for this little pink tutu wearing ballerina, nothing could be more beautiful.

My heart, just as filled with energy as a grand pirouette, vibrated with awe, I let out a happy sigh – and I realised that nothing beats being surrounded by this magnificent energy!

The final curtain came and, in that quiet space after the powerful emotions that had consumed the audience, I allowed myself to think about my love of ballet. That simple joy, that primal satisfaction of dancing. It's so much more than a passion; it's a life force, it’s a journey of self-discovery. It’s the joy of self-expression, the challenge of mastering a complex art form, and the immense thrill of being part of a global community united by love of this elegant form of art!

From the elegant stage of the Teatro alla Scala to the cobbled streets of Milan, this city continues to amaze me. After my magnificent evening at the ballet, I was captivated by the nighttime magic of the city. With my tutu wrapped around my arm (it needs to be air-dried after all that twirling!) I wandered through the beautifully lit streets of the Navigli district, enjoying a cool gelato and listening to the enchanting melodies from street performers.

My visit to Milan is certainly more than just a glimpse into a beautiful city, it's a testament to the captivating world of ballet! From the incredible performances of the La Scala Ballet to the enchanting architecture of this vibrant metropolis, Milan truly is a place where my dreams and passions have come to life.

But you know me, there's always a bit more exploring to be done. My journey continues, and my pink tutu is ready for the next adventure! So stay tuned next Wednesday for another fabulous Pink Tutu blog post. See you there!

And don’t forget, if you're feeling inspired to wear a pink tutu and embrace your inner ballerina, share your experiences with me!