Buongiorno from Milan, my darlings! This week's Pink Tutu escapade takes us to the dazzling, vibrant city of Milan – a metropolis that perfectly balances the old and the new, with its grand history mingling effortlessly with contemporary fashion and creativity. I’m so thrilled to be here, particularly as it's one of my absolute favourite cities, brimming with fashion, ballet and…you guessed it… pink!
Last week's performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was a real smash! The crowds loved my performance of "The Swan" and I couldn't have been more thrilled with the enthusiastic applause and positive reviews. After a delicious pub dinner of steak and chips, (don't worry, it's still a very Pink Tutu experience, we do love a good English dinner here!) it was back to the train station and a quick hop across to Milan – oh how I love a good Eurostar adventure! I’ve missed those picturesque countryside landscapes and I’ve certainly been dreaming of Italian pasta since the minute I booked the tickets.
My Milan Mission
This week I’m determined to absorb every bit of Milanese magic – from the captivating world of Italian fashion to the grace of its world-renowned ballet scene. I’ll be taking you with me every step of the way, of course, sharing all the sights, sounds, and most importantly…the tutus!
Shopping Spree: A Pink Paradise!
I couldn’t have dreamt of a more beautiful way to begin my Milanese adventures than with a day spent in the ultimate fashion heaven – Via Montenapoleone. Every designer imaginable seemed to be represented in this chic thoroughfare. The window displays were stunningly breathtaking, and the shops themselves? Simply magical!
One of my must-see destinations was a new pink boutique called “Tutu Rosa” - I swear the shop itself was like walking into a fairytale! Everything was pink, even the walls! And the tutu collection was utterly fabulous – feathers, tulle, sequins… it was like a dreamscape of tutus. Of course, I had to treat myself to a little something – I snagged a stunning pale pink tutu, complete with delicate white feather details. I couldn’t wait to try it out, but I knew it had to wait – after all, my first order of business was ballet.
Dancing Dreams: At the Teatro alla Scala
I felt an electricity in the air as I walked into the renowned Teatro alla Scala. The theatre itself was exquisite - beautifully ornate and with such history embedded in its very bricks and mortar. Tonight's performance, Giselle, is said to be a true masterpiece of the ballet world. It’s renowned for its heartbreaking story, exquisitely intricate choreography, and of course, the stunning costumes.
The energy before the performance was captivating! It was wonderful to hear a mixture of languages bubbling around the theatre; Spanish, Italian, Japanese – you could hear excited conversations on ballet technique, the choreographer’s style and, naturally, the gorgeous costumes. I slipped into a seat next to a lovely Italian lady, she had the sweetest accent and she gave me some fantastic tips on which pastries to try later at a little cafe by the cathedral. It is truly amazing to experience the magic of dance in a city like this.
Finding my Italian Pink Power
Of course, I can't talk about a ballet without mentioning the tutus. It wasn’t just the grandeur of the theatre itself that took my breath away – it was the tutus. Giselle’s romantic white dress, adorned with lace and ribbons, seemed to float above the stage like a graceful cloud. Every detail, from the elaborate designs of the peasant women’s costumes to the ethereal delicacy of the ballerinas’ white skirts, just blew me away!
I knew I had to try to recreate this breathtaking effect myself! I mean, you know my motto - a touch of pink and tulle transforms any day into a little piece of magic! But I need more ideas – so it's time to head to the library to learn more about Italian dance styles and get some creative inspiration!
Tram Tracks and Tourist Treks
It wouldn’t be a proper Pink Tutu adventure without some charming travel stories. Today I'm exploring Milan via tram - a charming way to experience the city and the real heart of Italian life. The sights rushing by are incredible! Beautiful buildings adorned with ornate balconies and intricate details - I’m just so inspired! I caught glimpses of buzzing cafes, charming book shops with quaint little benches outside, and some of the most gorgeous, traditional Italian clothes shops. I saw an amazing family with a child dressed in a pink tulle tutu! You could say he looked rather handsome - it just shows - the tutus really are for everyone! They even managed to pull off an impromptu little ballet move while on the tram. It just goes to show - ballet doesn't have to be all about traditional dress - I always try to inspire and encourage everyone to find their own inner ballerinas.
The next stop for my journey of discovery is the iconic Duomo. The sheer scale and elegance of it are breath-taking – it seems to reach out to the heavens. But first, I think it's time for some much-needed afternoon tea! The sweet aroma of Italian pastries beckons, and it wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu experience without a little slice of heaven on a plate, or two.
A Romantic Milan Night: Food, Fashion and More!
As dusk descended on Milan, the city transformed into a truly romantic masterpiece. The warm golden glow of the setting sun illuminated the architecture of this beautiful city, bathing the iconic Duomo in a soft golden light.
For a dinner, I opted for the authentic Trattoria Del Corso - I heard from some friendly locals that it's one of the oldest family-run eateries in Milan - what more could I ask for?! It truly lived up to the hype - my heart (and stomach) were so happy. They have the most delightful menu - everything made with local, fresh ingredients - you really do feel like you are in the heart of the real Italy! And as for dessert? That was an entirely separate experience altogether… a mountain of creamy Tiramisu - pure decadence! I tried to be a lady and keep the frosting off my pretty pink lips but no luck... it was too irresistible.
Later in the evening, after I'd eaten enough pasta and sweets for a week - we ventured into a fashionable bar for a night of cocktails. Now I am talking real luxury. Imagine the perfect concoctions and drinks served with little finger sandwiches on top of little gold serving plates. It felt so much like I had been whisked away to a special party that they have only on Saturdays.
A Touch of Italian Magic
Milan is a place that truly has a heart for ballet and all its loveliness. Whether it's enjoying the spectacle of an opera performance at the Teatro alla Scala or finding that perfect tutu in a small boutique in Via Montenapoleone, Milan never fails to leave a twinkle in my eye. My darling, my Pink Tutu heart is overflowing! But before I pack my pink suitcases for the train back to Derbyshire – tomorrow we’ll visit the beautiful park behind the Duomo and perhaps the fabulous botanical garden nearby. Who knows what sartorial inspiration awaits. And of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Milan without another Pink Tutu moment - perhaps another fashion parade or maybe just a spontaneous tutu twirl.
Toodle-oo from Milano! Stay tuned for next week’s blog from the magical city of Paris.
Until next week, my loves, Emma x
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok, where you’ll see some highlights from my time in Milan - you can always find the latest from the world of Pink Tutu. We also love a good chat – why don’t you send a comment on this blog post, or email me -
To make the most of my trips, and keep them running for longer, I work as a freelance ballet performer - I’ve performed all over the world and love performing at weddings, events and of course theatres and operas! If you need a show-stopping dance act, email me, and maybe you can see the Pink Tutu herself on stage – your friends and family will never forget your day!!
