#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2015-12-02 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao Bella!

It's Wednesday again, and guess where I am? Back in the vibrant heart of Milan, the fashion capital of the world! I know what you're thinking - how does a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina afford to travel all the time? Well, my darlings, my dancing pays the bills! And you wouldn't believe the wonderful places I get to see!

This week, I'm embracing the city's electric energy with an abundance of ballet-inspired adventures, dazzling shows, and (of course) a whole lot of shopping.

Milan's tram network, like a giant, artistic spider web, carries you right into the heart of the action. I hopped on a classic red tram to Corso Buenos Aires, where the window displays of Prada, Gucci and Versace dazzled my eyes and got me all giddy with excitement! The shops here were a sartorial feast, each more opulent than the next. My head spun, I’d swear I even caught a glimpse of a glamorous pink feather boa peeking out of a Dolce & Gabbana window – a definite sign that Milan was ready to embrace my Pink Tutu spirit!

And just as the city itself had started to feel familiar, it was time to head towards a new adventure – a train journey into the stunning foothills of the Alps!

The train ride was a thing of beauty, especially from my window seat overlooking vineyards bathed in golden sunshine. It reminded me of the breathtaking scenery from The Sound of Music, which always makes me want to bust out a little “Do-Re-Mi” – perhaps a pink tutu and Alpine views would be an iconic combo!

My final destination: a magical ballet academy tucked away amongst the mountains, offering classes in traditional and modern ballet techniques. I was a little out of my depth amongst these supremely graceful Italian dancers, but as soon as I twirled on the stage in my pink tutu, a smile erupted on everyone's faces. My love for ballet really knows no boundaries!

Back in Milan, the Teatro alla Scala – a historical gem with beautiful baroque interiors - hosted a thrilling performance of Romeo and Juliet. I took my seat in the ornate auditorium, feeling every bit the grand lady in my blush pink tutu, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of ancient velvet. The theatre's stunning ceiling, like a celestial canvas, sparkled as if illuminated by the stars themselves.

Every move, every emotion expressed in the ballet, seemed to ripple throughout the entire space. The story of forbidden love was simply divine! As the tragic ending unfolded, the tears welled up in my eyes – Romeo and Juliet is simply so full of drama!

Milan's dance scene isn't limited to high-brow performance though. I also stumbled across an impromptu ballet show on the bustling streets of Piazza Duomo. A group of street dancers in their beautiful costumes (some of them sporting fabulous pink tutus!) were enchanting the crowds. They spun and twirled to the rhythm of a live musician, and for a moment, everyone on the square seemed to be transported to another world. It’s times like this, surrounded by a vibrant community sharing the passion for the arts, that I just can’t help but feel absolutely exhilarated!

My days were a kaleidoscope of vibrant sights, mouth-watering aromas, and incredible discoveries. One evening, I found myself meandering through the stylish Porta Nuova district, a hub of architectural marvels and high-end fashion houses. Here, I stumbled across an intriguing pop-up art gallery tucked away on a quiet side street. Inside, an avant-garde exhibition of modern art was a feast for my eyes and an inspiring display of human creativity!

I fell in love with the striking artwork of local Milanese artist Amina, a woman whose work blended the elegance of ballet with bold contemporary lines, creating breathtaking masterpieces! Her stunning paintings were like stories brought to life on canvas, each piece conveying a unique emotional message.

Amina, an absolute gem in her pink-streaked hair, warmly welcomed me into her studio. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine artistry touched my heart. She even shared some incredible tips about painting ballet scenes – I have some inspiring new ideas for my own art!

After spending the afternoon immersed in this beautiful artistic world, it felt only natural to end the day by finding a little piece of Italian luxury for myself. This is where Milan truly excels. I fell in love with a gorgeous new pair of Louboutin heels - what could be more elegant than dancing through the cobbled streets of Milan in the dazzling glow of a blush pink tutu and bright red stilettos?! It really is the ultimate Parisian-style mix of sophistication and girly fun!

And what's more, these incredible heels will be the perfect accessories to a new* silk ballerina top* I'll wear in the upcoming ballet show – "Twirling Tales of Derbyshire" – that I'm organising. (More about that in next week's blog, darling!).

No trip to Milan is complete without experiencing its gastronomic delights. On a sun-drenched afternoon, I joined a small group for a cooking class hosted by Nonna Amelia – a lovely Italian grandmother with an infectious laugh and a talent for whipping up delicious culinary creations! We learned the art of making pasta al ragu, tortellini in brodo and a creamy, heavenly tiramisu.

Nonna Amelia told me stories of her family life, their traditions, and the love they have for the food they make. It really is this sense of community that gives Italian food its incredible magic, I think.

Later that evening, I savoured the fruits of our culinary efforts alongside a steaming cup of cappucino – my treat after the hard work of hand-making tortellini! What could be better than sitting on the terrace of a bustling trattoria, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this vibrant city?

Milan, with its dazzling combination of beauty, style, and cultural treasures, is truly a city that captured my heart! I can't wait to see what awaits me here next week. Until then, keep twirling, darlings!

With love and sparkle,

Emma

xx

P.S. Make sure you pop by my website, *www.pink-tutu.com to catch up on all the latest updates from my Milan adventures! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @pinktutuballerina for even more fashion inspiration and a behind-the-scenes peek at my colourful life!*

Now, go on, get that pink tutu on and embrace your inner ballerina!