#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2015-10-14 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Oh, darling, hold onto your hats, because today's blog is all about Milan! It's my first time in this amazing city and, let's just say, I'm utterly smitten.

As a #PinkTutu aficionado who loves to be in a whirlwind of pink tutus, glitter, and sparkles, Milan has absolutely exceeded my wildest dreams. There's a buzz here, a vibrant energy that radiates through the streets. Just this morning I watched a glamorous woman in an immaculate white ensemble hailing a cab whilst juggling her designer bag with the confidence of a ballerina performing a perfect pirouette. That's the beauty of Milan – you never know what fashion feast might appear on any given street corner.

But let's talk tutus, darling! This city practically worships them! The Milanese seem to take their fashion cues from the stage; it's almost like they live their lives in a continuous performance! Every woman has an air of sophistication, whether it's the designer handbags, those stunning coats or the effortlessly cool dresses they pair with ballet flats. It's absolutely inspiring!

Now, before I tell you about my favourite new Pink Tutu find - it’s glorious, and let me assure you, it has everything to do with pink and tutus! – let's catch up on this #PinkTutuMilan Wednesday’s adventures.

I arrived yesterday evening, after a long but magical train journey. It seems there's something incredibly romantic about train travel. You see so many different faces, watch the scenery unfold and almost feel transported to another era. The journey is always part of the adventure for me! Once in Milan, I checked into my darling little hotel near the Duomo, just a hop, skip and a jump from a fabulously delicious gelateria, and promptly sank into a delightful tub before taking a little wander.

Milan is a city made for walking

The atmosphere here is truly intoxicating, and the air itself feels infused with creativity. It was after midnight, but the streets were buzzing. The pavements are dotted with restaurants, charming cafés and the most enticing shops – it's practically impossible not to be captivated by the buzz! And, oh my, did I mention the shoes?!

As you know, darling, a Pink Tutu can transform an everyday outfit. So imagine my glee at finding my way to Milan's fashion district, a playground of designer names, where the atmosphere positively sizzles. I confess, I went a little bit mad. It's just too tempting to see all those incredible designs and not take a piece of the action. I was like a girl in a sweetie shop with endless pounds in my purse! The dresses are exquisite, and the accessories – sigh, pure sartorial heaven! Oh, darling, there’s no place like it in the entire world! Let's just say my luggage is definitely heavier now.

Let me take a moment, though, to talk about shoes, my weakness! They say, "You can never have too many shoes", and darling, Milan agrees. They seem to think shoes should be works of art - a testament to femininity and flair! It’s enough to make a tutu-wearing ballerina go completely bonkers. Seriously.

Now, I promised you a Pink Tutu highlight. Well, darling, get this - while browsing the shops in this haven of fashionistas, I came across this incredible tutu boutique. It's pink! (Don't tell you haven't heard it from me first!). They had a pink tutu to satisfy every ballerina’s dreams! The colours are a symphony of pale pink, baby pink, and blush pink, and all adorned with ribbons, pearls, and glitter.

As if that wasn't enough, the boutique is a feast for the senses! They also sell the most beautiful ballet-inspired clothing, dresses with delicate layers of tulle, elegant jumpsuits and sweaters made of the most exquisite materials, and, of course, more shoes than you can possibly imagine. I even spotted a couple of fabulous outfits suitable for the stage! This is pure pink tutu bliss, darling!

Speaking of bliss, today’s ballet class, darling, was pure heaven. I was utterly charmed by the small, quaint studio I found nestled amongst the narrow back streets. As I arrived, I could almost smell the scent of sawdust, the scent of tradition and grace that always seems to follow ballet schools. It’s an amazing sensation.

I entered the classroom feeling just a tad overwhelmed at all the amazing ballerinas gracefully warming up. The beauty of the moves, the silent precision, and the quiet elegance that was swirling through the studio… it’s hard not to feel totally humbled in their presence.

But as soon as the class started, all my worries melted away. I felt at home instantly; the music, the steps, the energy – it was the most beautiful expression of ballet you can imagine! The dance floor felt alive underneath our ballet slippers.

We moved like a whirlwind, the room spinning with twirls and leaps. I always find that when I am dancing, time melts away. All I can focus on are the emotions, the movements, and the beauty of my own body.

But the best part? It felt like we all knew how to dance in our #PinkTutudesigned for performance! (And yes, darling, it's true! After being in the #PinkTutu Milan mode for a couple of days, even the most classical dance movements start to have a bit of a #PinkTutuflair to them, if you get what I mean.)

After my class, I treated myself to an espresso in a delightful café - they seem to pop up around every corner - and now I'm writing to you from a pretty café with a fabulous terrace looking over the cobblestone streets, and surrounded by beautiful flowers. The air is alive with birdsong and laughter. You truly couldn’t ask for a prettier place!

But of course, no visit to Milan would be complete without seeing the local ballet. Later tonight I’m heading to La Scala, darling. Can you believe it?! This legendary theatre. The pinnacle of art and culture, in the heart of the city, with all the opulence and charm it conjures up! The very thought makes my heart skip a beat.

You see, I think tutus are meant to be on stage. I simply can't help it; I live for the thrill of seeing them twirl and shimmer under the stage lights!

If I’m honest, though, even my #PinkTutublog can’t fully capture the magnificence that this place emanates. Just the anticipation makes me feel as if I’m twirling in my own performance!

And what's going to make this visit extra-special? This evening, darling, I'm going to be dancing on the same stage. I am in one of their student ballet companies and am excited to be able to give my tutus their stage debut. Well, my ballet performance won't last that long (a student performance, remember! ), but a few seconds of being onstage at the Scala is definitely a #PinkTutuMilan memory I'm going to be cherishing forever!

But before the dance begins, I am, of course, planning a fantastic lunch – because when you are on a pink tutu mission, your inner diva craves nothing less than the perfect Italian treat! The aroma of the freshly made pizza, the flavourful pasta dishes, the delectable seafood… everything here tastes just as beautiful as it looks! A perfect compliment to my ballet adventures, wouldn't you say, darling?

So, as I take a little afternoon pause, it's time to let you all know what's on at the La Scala today! I hope this isn’t too much of a ‘ballet bore’! But I think, when it comes to Milan’s ballet, it deserves its own spotlight.

Tonight at the La Scala the show is “Carmen”.

Yes, darling, a flamenco masterpiece full of passionate movements, dramatic emotions and a truly thrilling stage presence! Think dramatic dances, powerful voices, and costumes that ooze pure style. This opera is everything Milan is about - elegance, emotion, a symphony of passion and a little tinge of #PinkTutuladydrama. I'm going to take my new pink tutu with me! I can't imagine how the stage presence will make my little ballet heart feel when Carmen appears in all her fiery beauty.

Now, I really need to dash and prepare myself for my own performance, but I'll be sure to update you all on my #PinkTutuMilan blog on Monday, when I'll share some fab photographs! If you are heading to Milan in the near future, do let me know. It’d be wonderful to catch up on our #PinkTututrips and adventures, don't you think?

For now, stay fabulous, darling, and always, always embrace your own inner pink tutu!

Lots of love,

Emma