Wednesday, 2015-09-16
Buongiorno from Milan, darlings! This week, my pink tutu and I have touched down in the Italian fashion capital, and let me tell you, it's a sartorial feast for the senses. This week's Pink Tutu blog comes from the beautiful, bustling streets of Milan, and I am SO excited to share it with you all.
First off, the journey! The train from Derbyshire, a scenic jaunt, felt like stepping back in time – the landscape rolling past my window as I sat in a charming carriage with locals who had stories that filled the air like the scent of fresh pastry. The best bit? My tulle tutus fit perfectly into the overhead compartments, and yes, I did get several approving smiles and the odd “bella!” yelled across the aisle. What’s a girl to do when everyone admires your pink?
As the sleek silver train pulled into Milano Centrale station, my heart skipped a beat. This is where I’m supposed to be. A bustling, vibrant, beautiful city pulsing with energy, fashion and a deep love of the arts, particularly ballet. This was always on my "must visit" list, and I already feel like I'm at home! I can't wait to tell you all about my Milanese adventures, so settle in and let me share my tales from the city of style.
Day 1: Trams and Tutus
Now, it may seem a bit bonkers, but my first adventure was on Milan’s tram network! Think classic, red double-decker trams, all bright yellow lines and ringing bells, zipping along the cobbled streets. It's something straight out of a picture book and utterly charming. The locals gave me curious glances as I sat at the window, admiring the passing scenery, but who could blame them when I was a whirlwind of pink and tulle?
But why a tram, you ask? Well, darlings, the Teatro alla Scala is a stone’s throw away from the Duomo and I was keen to catch a sneak peek! The grandeur of this magnificent opera house left me speechless – the intricately carved exterior, the massive, ornate doorways, the sheer history oozing from every single brick.
After admiring the Scala from the outside, I took a detour down Via Torino. Imagine quaint boutiques selling exquisite silk scarves, charming antique stores brimming with hidden treasures, and delectable cafes that smell of coffee, sugar, and secrets. Oh, and of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without finding the perfect pink outfit, and darling, trust me, Milan delivers. My suitcase is already bursting! I snagged a beautiful, flowing, cerulean blue dress, a soft, flowing peach cardigan, and yes, a new pink tutu, all trimmed with a smattering of pearls.
Day 2: The Power of Dance and Pizza
I woke up on my second day in Milan ready for some dance exploration. Ballet is my passion, and Milan certainly lives up to its reputation as a global centre for this art form. I found the perfect class in a studio near the bustling Navigli canals. A small, beautiful space with light streaming through the window.
Oh, my darling! It was a class of a lifetime! With its vaulted ceilings and the beautiful scent of fresh sawdust in the air, I had my feet swirling across the polished wooden floor feeling as graceful as a swan in a ballet school straight out of a classic movie. I had to chuckle – with the occasional bump and wobble from my clumsy feet, it was more graceful gazelle with a bit of a sprain, but nonetheless, so much fun!
My tutor was a vision – long flowing black hair, emerald green eyes that twinkled with a spark of creativity, a lithe, long body perfect for a graceful ballerina. Her instruction was clear, her moves flawless. She explained the intricate details of the dance sequence, guiding our feet, teaching us to channel our energy with controlled movements.
Now, a ballet class makes you crave energy, and to say my belly was rumbling like a hungry hippopotamus would be an understatement. We'd been practising some classic poses for almost two hours and my muscles were getting tight, my concentration faltering and my tummy letting out a chorus of rumbles, and to tell you the truth, all I could think about was pizza.
The "La Scala" restaurant close to the studio, I felt like I had stepped into a film. My heart did a little twirl when I spied a table just waiting for me. This cosy and dimly lit spot with soft piano melodies playing softly in the background felt magical. My slice of pizza? The freshest I’ve ever had.
Day 3: La Scala Magic & The Street Dancer's Tale
On a chilly Wednesday morning, I had booked a backstage tour of the Teatro alla Scala. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I love to go backstage to understand what goes into making those magic shows come alive. And darling, let me tell you, this was an absolute treasure trove of history, beauty and talent! We were lead through corridors, climbed spiral staircases, saw the hidden workshop where intricate costumes are meticulously created, and peered into the opulent dressing rooms, feeling a bit like Cinderella in the fairy godmother's magic wardrobe. My eyes drank in all the wonder and detail, from the antique opera glasses lining the walls, to the breathtaking velvet seats that adorned the theatre itself. I almost choked on the incredible detail of the chandeliers, with their dangling crystal lights that seemed to hold the weight of time itself.
From backstage to street side, my day was a ballet adventure. Later that afternoon, the streets were alive with the rhythm of the world, the energy electrifying as people went about their day.
A street performer with fiery orange hair caught my eye. He stood tall and elegant, moving to the beat of a flamenco melody played on a worn-out guitar. His movements were as fluid as liquid, powerful as the waves of the ocean, his steps captivating as the street around him faded to nothingness, all focus directed on the art he presented to the watching world.
He caught my gaze, and, a grin like a sunrise broke across his face as he tipped his hat in salute. It felt like a silent invitation. I smiled back, charmed by the joy of this unexpected dance in a Milanese piazza.
The street artist was a true force of nature, sharing the beauty of dance with every soul passing by.
Day 4: Pink Tutu in the Galleria
As I headed into the city centre, I felt like Alice down the rabbit hole, overwhelmed by Milan’s wonders, and I wasn't quite sure which way to turn! As a Pink Tutu enthusiast, the one place I had to go was the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's magnificent glass-covered arcade. It was like a giant fairytale palace in the centre of the city, adorned with beautiful, arched, iron and glass structures filled with boutiques and cafes that overflowed with elegance. The sheer beauty of this glass and steel masterpiece left me breathless.
With a touch of Pink Tutu magic, my shopping adventure was filled with finds like an array of hand-painted, silky, pink silk scarves with a pattern of little butterflies and a pair of pearl pink kitten heels that I will proudly be wearing to my next ballet performance. I couldn't resist grabbing a tiny, pink pearl necklace that I’ll pair with a bright, fuchsia pink evening dress to add that touch of class that screams “I’m going out dancing”!
This beautiful building also has a secret to it. It holds a mosaic depicting a bull and, I couldn't resist spinning around three times on the bulls' testicles for luck, a little tradition I love doing to make a wish whenever I come across a mosaic like this! (It is said if you make a wish and spin around it three times, you'll be granted luck). The arcade is a visual masterpiece, a treat for every eye, and with all that indulgence, my belly had started rumbling once again!
Day 5: Indulging in Pastries & The Last Night in Milan
Let me tell you, one of my favourite things about travelling is finding those charming, local bakeries with windows showcasing their edible delights! Oh, how the delicate, pink meringue with raspberry filling looked inviting and tasted absolutely divine! You can tell it was made with a good, solid love for good ingredients, and I swear the air itself hummed with joy, from the fresh coffee to the happy chirping of the friendly barista. I could get used to waking up in Milan every morning with a croissant like this! It was the perfect start to my final day exploring Milan.
And speaking of last nights, I couldn't leave Milan without an extra splash of ballet.
Milan is a city filled with so much beauty and so many artistic expressions. My last night in this lovely Italian city ended with a beautifully moving performance by the Teatro alla Scala’s ballet company. You wouldn’t believe the sheer skill of these artists as they flew across the stage, their costumes shimmering with jewels, their faces filled with emotion as they delivered stories through their movements. Every move, every expression was flawless, a display of pure artistic mastery that had me clapping with gusto at the end of the performance.
My heart overflowed with love for the art of ballet. It was a true performance fit for the queens and kings of art.
Back to Derbyshire, a Tutu Heart Full
The next morning, as the morning sun broke, casting a soft light through the train windows, I said farewell to my Milan adventures, clutching my treasured finds and carrying a ballet-loving heart. My journey from Derbyshire to Milan and back had taken a week but it felt like I’d lived a lifetime of adventures, each a perfect harmony of beauty, fashion, dance, and delightful Italian flair.
The city’s streets echo with the vibrant energy of creativity, the streets of fashion houses buzzing with designs for the next big trend, the dance studios vibrating with the excitement of passion. If you want a whirlwind of glamour and artistry, if your heart desires elegance and beauty, Milan has a very special space waiting for you. It’s where dreams are born and made real. And it’s certainly where Pink Tutu hearts beat a little bit faster!
And what of my aim to spread the Tutu love around the world? I’m convinced that with my adventures across Italy, it has gained a lot of new fans. I had quite a few people ask what this "pink tutu" was about and many even asked for tips on buying one. Now that's what I call spreading the joy!
As I’ve discovered so many inspiring moments here, my trip was not just about tutus. It's about following your dreams, cherishing your passion, embracing the adventure, and living every day to the fullest. That’s why my motto is “Life’s a dance, and you’ve gotta dance with joy, in pink, if you want to”. See you next week, darlings!
And if you love pink tutus, why not head on over to www.pink-tutu.com and check out some of our latest blog posts!
Until next time!
Ciao from Emma!
P.S. What are you waiting for? Make it your mission today to wear a pink tutu. You won’t regret it. Tell me about it!
