Ciao Bella!
Welcome back to Pink Tutu Milan, your weekly dose of all things twirly and wonderful from the fashion capital of the world, Milano! I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and this week I'm buzzing with excitement after an utterly magical couple of days exploring Milan's vibrant cultural scene.
It's Wednesday, 12th October, and the sun is shining - perfect weather for a tutu-tastic stroll through the city. As usual, I'm wearing my favourite pale pink tutu, a sparkly crop top, and some comfortable ballet shoes – my trusty travel uniform. You know me, I love to travel by tram and train - there's just something romantic and exciting about zipping past buildings, the sun on your face, the air whizzing by… and it's so much cheaper than flying! Plus, I can indulge in my secret love affair with window shopping on the way to my destination. Milan is a fashion lover's paradise, every corner boasting designer boutiques and glittering shop fronts.
This week, my mission is to soak up as much culture as I can in a short time. It’s a delicate dance – keeping a balance between ballet classes and performances, squeezing in time for shopping (can a girl really call herself a ballet blogger if she doesn't keep an eye on the latest trends?!) and exploring this fantastic city. It's been a busy couple of days, but definitely worth it.
Dancing in the Spotlight - Milan’s Ballet Gems
My week kicked off with a truly remarkable ballet performance at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan's prestigious opera house. It's been a dream of mine to see a show here ever since I was a little girl – there’s just an incredible aura surrounding the theatre, a real sense of history and glamour.
Tonight, it was “Giselle” on the bill, a ballet that’s near and dear to my heart. The first act with its ethereal charm, delicate steps, and heartfelt story had me mesmerized. The second act then exploded with power and emotion, the corps de ballet moving as one in a stunning display of synchronised dance. It was breathtaking! I don’t think I’ve ever been so inspired. The way they carried themselves, their strength, the sheer artistry and athleticism of the performance… it really left me speechless. And the costumes, oh my! I was practically drooling over the elegant, delicate dresses, especially the pink tulle tutu worn by Giselle in the first act – oh, how I dreamt of swirling on that stage!
A World of Inspiration - Milan's Artistic Gems
My Milan trip wouldn't be complete without exploring some of its cultural wonders, and that means visiting its fantastic art museums.
First stop was the Pinacoteca di Brera, which housed an incredible collection of paintings, with the star of the show being the "Last Supper" by Andrea Mantegna, a masterpiece that stole my breath away. I spent a good hour in front of this awe-inspiring work of art, just staring in wonder at the sheer power of his brushstrokes. It felt as if time itself had been frozen, capturing the emotion and intensity of this pivotal moment in Christian history.
Later on, I ventured to the Castello Sforzesco, the imposing castle right in the heart of Milan. This imposing castle has seen it all! It was filled with galleries showcasing everything from ancient sculptures to exquisite tapestries, a breathtaking glimpse into Milan's rich history and artistic evolution. It really did transport me back to a time of knights and ladies, of intrigue and grand court life. I felt a pang of nostalgia, like I was walking through history itself!
Fashion Inspiration - Shopping for the Ballerina's Dream Wardrobe
Milan isn't just about history and culture. This city is absolutely dripping with fashion – from the high-end boutiques lining the Via Montenapoleone to the charming little shops tucked away on cobbled streets, this city is truly a shopping haven.
Naturally, a tutu-clad ballerina simply can’t resist a good shopping spree! My hunt for the perfect pink outfit was truly exhilarating. This time, I treated myself to a delicate chiffon top and a stylish pair of pink ballet shoes. Both will be perfect for upcoming performances and, of course, for my Instagram photos. (Don’t worry, my dearest readers, I will be posting some behind the scenes pictures later this week!).
Of course, I couldn’t just shop for myself, I had to pick up some ballet goodies for my loyal followers on Pink Tutu.com. So I indulged in a shopping spree, and came away with some pretty delightful pink ballet bags and matching headbands. Now I need to decide which lucky reader I’ll be gifting them to…
Sharing the Pink Tutu Magic
So, as always, my week in Milan has been a whirlwind of activity and excitement. And even if it's just for a couple of days, I have been able to explore its incredible museums, see a fabulous performance, indulge in a spot of shopping, and take in the stunning beauty of Milan. It is indeed a city of dreams.
But one thing I can't wait to do on my return to Derbyshire, England is to share all my wonderful experiences with my family and friends. We are having a ‘Pink Tutu Tea Party’ next weekend, complete with all the pink, sparkly accessories you can think of! There will be pink cupcakes, pink lemonade and of course, lots and lots of dancing – hopefully in pink tutus.
If you haven't donned your own pink tutu and danced in the streets lately, then it’s time you did! Let’s spread some pink-tutu magic, one twirl at a time!
Until next week, keep your dreams twirling!
Lots of love,
Emma xoxo
P.S. If you haven’t yet, head over to my Instagram @pinktutublog and join the Pink Tutu revolution!
P.P.S. This blog post is dedicated to my Grandma Peggy who always taught me that “Pink is the perfect colour for anything and everything! – especially ballet!” 💖 I miss you Grandma, and always remember your love for ballet and your incredible kindness and sense of humour! 💖
