Hey darlings! 👋 It's Emma here, your #PinkTutu girl, and I'm back from another whirlwind week in Milano, the fashion capital of the world! (But, as I always say, there's a pink tutu for every capital!) This week, it was all about grace, grit, and gorgeous Italian architecture - not to mention some seriously fabulous shopping, of course! 🛍️💖
I started the week bright and early, like a prima ballerina who's about to grace the stage! ☀️ I love a good dose of Vitamin D in the morning and with the weather being so glorious in Milano, I was feeling absolutely energised and ready to explore!
Tram to Teatro alla Scala
You know me - I love my public transport! Especially when it comes in the form of those fabulous red and white trams that zip around Milano like they own the place! (And in many ways, they do!) 🚊 This time, I headed for the heart of Milano, the majestic Teatro alla Scala.
Can you imagine a more breathtaking setting? I love walking into those majestic opera houses, the history literally swirling around you. Even if you're not into opera, the sheer spectacle is worth every single euro.
The Scala had some beautiful dance performances this week. On Thursday, there was a fantastic show by the Teatro alla Scala's Ballet with a mixture of modern and classical ballet pieces, some showcasing incredible talent, including this amazing young man, I believe his name was Marco - I simply had to take a picture of him because his performance was captivating and you know I’m a sucker for a handsome, talented dancer!
Duomo Delight
But you know I can't resist a little shopping, right? So, after the performance, I couldn't resist the call of Milan's magnificent Duomo. Now, the Duomo isn't just famous for its incredible architecture - although it really is magnificent - it's also surrounded by shops that are absolute treasure troves.
I am talking designer stores, people! A million sparkly handbags that begged to be touched. Shoes that sang siren songs to my fashion heart. And I couldn't resist adding a touch of pink to my own #PinkTutuMilan look with a stunning new belt, perfect for accessorizing my ever-growing tutu collection. 🎀
But hold up! You can't mention Milan and not mention the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II! Oh my goodness! That beautiful glass arcade - with the iconic mosaic of the bull (don’t forget to stand on its testicles for good luck – I don't believe in superstitions but hey, if a bit of luck is on offer why not?!) …it really does make the Duomo almost a mere sideshow (almost!). 😉
The atmosphere, the people, the architecture, it’s like a fairytale! Even a bit of window-shopping in this incredible place has me swooning. And of course, there are amazing restaurants there, serving delicious traditional Italian food. 🇮🇹 I have to say, Milano truly knows how to treat its visitors and I, for one, am completely enchanted!
Pizza Time!
After all that walking and window shopping, a girl's gotta eat! What is better than pizza in a warm Italian night? 🍕 This was where my darling sister Anna came in, joining me on my #PinkTutuMilan adventure! Anna had travelled all the way from Derbyshire and had a wonderful time visiting her sister in the ‘big city’ of Milan, but more importantly, the trip gave me a chance to see her perform as well.
This weekend was also a highlight of my Milan adventure. On Saturday night, my beautiful sister, Anna, performed as a soloist in the Milan Youth Ballet Company’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. She absolutely mesmerized the audience with her performance. As the proud sister, I couldn’t help but beam with pride. And her final performance in her magnificent white tulle tutu with a little sparkle – so perfect. We went to one of our favourite places to eat a pizza - a little family-run pizza joint hidden in one of Milan’s alleyways - it's called Il Cortile – it’s always buzzing but they always make space for Anna and me and we are like part of the family now, the pizza is the best, as good as my Grandma’s. 😋
But Anna’s performance is not what made me proudest…
That comes next!
Milan Street Ballet
Because, darling, Anna's passion for dance wasn’t confined to the stage this week. We both went down to one of Milan’s parks where they have a ‘street ballet’ once a month! Imagine - a beautiful park in the heart of Milano, and people come together to dance under the stars.
You have people from all walks of life dancing – some professional ballerinas who work during the week and enjoy street dancing on the weekends; kids having their first taste of ballet with the encouragement of parents and a whole crowd cheering; the most inspiring thing was a group of women in their sixties and seventies (they actually were quite beautiful, a lot like my gran) doing ballet exercises, looking utterly glamorous.
Honestly, it was truly breathtaking - people moving with such joy, a love of the art form bursting through them, completely uniting everyone in the park. The whole atmosphere was magical. And I knew right there and then - this is what my #PinkTutu mission is all about. To share the magic of ballet with everyone, no matter where they come from or who they are. To bring together that same sense of joy and shared passion, just like at that street ballet, everywhere in the world.
We ended our amazing time in Milan with a truly Italian farewell at my favourite, small trattoria right near our apartment, and with some delicious fresh bread, Italian pasta and lots of glasses of Lambrusco. It felt bittersweet as always - but I know I’ll be back! This city just calls me!
As always, I hope this week’s #PinkTutuMilan post inspired you all. Let's keep dancing and shining!
And remember, the world is your stage.
Until next time, darlings!
Love, Emma 💕🩰 www.pink-tutu.com
