#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2017-09-13 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella!

It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and this week I'm bringing you sunshine and sparkle straight from the fashion capital of Italy, Milan! It’s Wednesday 13th September 2017 and I’m already knee deep in la dolce vita, indulging in all the delights of this glorious city.

I've always been drawn to Italy - the language, the food, the passion, and of course, the fashion. Milan just pulls you in like a magnet, and it was about time I indulged in this long-standing yearning. So, packed with enough pink tutus to rival a department store, I boarded the train from Derbyshire and landed myself right here in the heart of Milan's bustling energy.

And let me tell you, it's a whirlwind of excitement! The moment I stepped off the train, I was struck by the vibrant life that thrummed through the city. Stylishly-dressed locals flitted past, buzzing on cappuccinos and chattering about the latest collections, whilst dapper Italian men in beautifully-tailored suits strolled confidently, a touch of nonchalant swagger in their walk. I felt right at home.

The energy of this city is electric, a perfect blend of history and modernity. I love how it seamlessly mixes old-world charm with the cutting edge of fashion and design. Just strolling through the cobblestone streets is a delight, and a great excuse to snap photos with my new pink tutu purchase from a tiny boutique near my little apartment (more on that later!).

The thing is, Italy truly lives up to the hype. It's a land of art, music, food and a love of life that’s truly infectious. It's easy to understand why so many artists, fashionistas and, of course, dancers like myself find themselves falling in love with this place. Even though I’ve only been here for a few days, it already feels like coming home.

This trip is made even sweeter by the fact I was fortunate enough to snag a performance spot with a lovely dance troupe called "Fiori di Milano," and I’m getting to show off my pink tutu to a packed theatre this weekend. It’s exhilarating being surrounded by such talented artists!

Speaking of ballet, it’s a dream to be in a city that celebrates all things dance. The ballet culture here is strong and vibrant. There’s so much inspiration to draw on! I even bumped into a fellow pink tutu enthusiast, Valentina, at the gorgeous La Scala opera house. We spent a delightful afternoon comparing tutus and giggling over ballet memories. This girl even managed to incorporate a pink tutu into her chic vintage style! Now that’s a fashion queen!

I'm planning a trip to the famous Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s renowned opera house, and I can't wait to lose myself in the artistry and spectacle of a real Italian ballet performance. There's an exciting classical ballet on the bill that promises to be spectacular. Can't wait to take notes on the costuming and the moves!

And I couldn't miss the opportunity to join a ballet class at the esteemed “Scuola di Ballo di Milano” - where some of Italy's best dancers get their training. I managed to secure a space in the intermediate level class, and I'm really looking forward to stretching my technique. Just the thought of moving alongside these seasoned dancers gets my pulse racing. Maybe I'll be bold enough to slip on a pink tutu for the class - who knows?

Of course, the ballet is only half of the story in a place like Milan!

Milan is a paradise for a pink-obsessed fashionista like myself. I can’t seem to keep out of the boutiques. From vintage gems hidden on tiny cobbled side streets, to the grandiose fashion houses that line the iconic Via Montenapoleone, there’s something for every budget and style. I am quite literally living the dream, every moment, here.

Yesterday, I fell in love with the most divine dusty rose pink dress, perfect for the coming autumn. It’s one of those vintage treasures that I’ll have to keep tucked away in my wardrobe until the weather gets a little cooler - but the thought of it already fills me with warmth.

Then there's the food! Italy is a food lover's paradise and Milan is no exception. From mouthwatering pizzas topped with fresh, fragrant ingredients to decadent pasta dishes bursting with flavour, my taste buds are singing with delight. The restaurants here are so charming, many with outdoor seating that are perfect for soaking up the evening sunshine and watching the world go by. It's pure joy, especially when you pair it with a chilled glass of white wine.

One thing that truly captures the magic of Milan is the simple beauty of the everyday. From the smell of fresh bread baking in the mornings, to the beautiful floral displays in shop windows, every moment is an explosion of senses that leaves me utterly charmed.

This is Milan's secret, I believe - a beautiful city that exudes warmth, passion and a kind of joyful acceptance.

To capture the Milan spirit, it had to be a tutu made in Milan, by a local craftsman. After weeks of research and several wrong turns, I stumbled upon a hidden workshop tucked away near a grand old cathedral in the city center. It was a bit like stepping back in time – cobwebs, dust, and piles of tulle stacked to the ceiling. I imagined this was exactly the sort of workshop that produced tutus for some of Milan’s most famous dancers, the ballerinas who performed in these glorious old theatres, back in the days of black and white photos and gaslight glamour.

The workshop owner, Signora Lucia, was an elegant lady with a surprisingly youthful energy. She made the most beautiful hand-stitched tutu out of shimmering, soft pink tulle – a masterpiece of classic beauty, made right here in the heart of Italy. The detail was amazing. It was like a tiny piece of couture - a real treasure!

I’m now wearing my new tutu almost every day – its perfect with the flowy maxi-dress I also found in a gorgeous boutique near my apartment. I’m embracing the Milanese style - and letting it take over my own aesthetic. Maybe I’m starting to become a little too fond of pink? It doesn’t seem possible – I mean, how much pink can one woman handle?

But it's all about balance, right?

When I’m not dancing or shopping for the perfect pink item, I’m embracing the local lifestyle, catching a tram through the city center or having a relaxing lunch with a local coffee in hand, just enjoying the sights and the warmth of the sun. I even discovered a magical park - the Giardini Pubblici, tucked away behind one of the grand old cathedrals - which feels like a hidden world of fragrant flowers, beautiful trees and chirping birds.

My current home is an absolutely charming apartment near the station - perfect for exploring the city from, the perfect launchpad for my Italian adventure. It’s tucked away above a delicious bakery, where I wake to the intoxicating scent of warm bread and flaky pastries every morning. Every day I walk out my door and discover something beautiful, from the grand cathedrals to tiny streets bustling with flower sellers and the smell of spices, I’m experiencing the charm and joy of Milan in its purest form.

Of course, this Milan adventure isn’t all glitz and glamour. I'm finding that the Italians are just as grounded as the Derbyshire people I left behind. It’s beautiful to see how they treasure tradition, from the family-owned restaurants and workshops that thrive across the city, to the locals who gather in the piazzas for an evening aperitivo.

Here in Milan, it’s a constant reminder of how pink can transform a look - from the delicately pink hued flowers blooming in the window boxes, to the beautifully designed pink cocktails enjoyed with an aperitivo, and even the fashionista pink lip stains spotted on a sleekly dressed woman enjoying the sunshine outside a café. It all creates this romantic feeling - that even on an average Tuesday, there’s something beautifully extraordinary about this city.

There’s magic in the air here, and I know that you can feel it too, even if you’re not quite ready for the pink tutu just yet.

You can follow me on my Milan adventures with updates on my website www.pink-tutu.com , and I'll be sharing more stories and photos in next week's blog post - and, who knows, I might just encourage a few more people to embrace their inner pink.

Until then, take a little time to find the beauty in your world,

Ciao!

Emma