#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2017-10-18 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao from Milano!

The air here is crisp and the sun is shining, even if there is a slight nip in the air that's making me pull my pink cashmere cardigan a little closer. I love it here in Milan, there's just something magical about this city, with its beautiful buildings and buzzing energy. It makes you feel like you're in a film. Of course, any day spent in Milan is bound to be a good one, but today has been truly spectacular.

I woke up this morning feeling like a million bucks. After all, I was in Milan! What more could a girl ask for? My breakfast was delicious, of course – a perfect cup of cappucino and a croissant with lashings of butter. This city does a mean croissant, and I know a lot about croissants, you know. After all, a croissant makes a lovely pink tutu-style treat for a little ballet party, wouldn't you agree?

After breakfast, I headed down to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. Can you imagine how absolutely magical this must be at night? But my morning wasn’t for opera – no, today I was off to dance! I found my way to a gorgeous little dance studio just around the corner, tucked away down a cobbled street. The studio was bustling with life, and I was soon swept away by the beautiful movements of the dancers, their pink tutus swirling in the air as they gracefully executed pirouettes. They all seemed to radiate with passion, and it was truly infectious.

Afterwards, I walked around the city centre a bit, popping into shops along the way, you know how I love a good bargain! My aim is to make a perfect pink tutu-style outfit – a lovely shade of pink – for this evening’s ballet show. There were just so many beautiful colours in this glorious city that I felt inspired, from the deepest rich berry tones of the autumn leaves in the park to the pastel pinks of the sugared almonds that lined the counters of local shops. Milan truly is a haven for those who love a little splash of pink in their lives.

Then, just when I thought the day couldn't get any more amazing, I stumbled upon a street performance. A young girl, dressed in a gorgeous crimson velvet dress with the most beautiful hair buns – those classic ballet buns, of course - was performing an excerpt from "Swan Lake" in a small square. I was spellbound, every graceful movement captivating me. There was a passion in her performance that made my heart sing. It reminded me why I am here, why I travel all over the world chasing the joy of ballet.

The perfect way to end this already brilliant day is, of course, with a fabulous ballet performance! Tonight's programme at the Teatro alla Scala promises to be a truly special one, featuring a selection of works by some of the most acclaimed choreographers. It is sure to be an incredible night! I just love these grand Italian theatres, don't you? Everything about them exudes beauty and romance – the intricate chandeliers, the ornate boxes, and the grand stage! It's simply breathtaking.

I will, of course, let you all know what I think of the performance. My pink tutu is at the ready, perfectly polished and poised! I will be joining a very distinguished audience tonight, all beautifully dressed.

My feet are a little tired today, and I know you can all understand the stress and exertion on our feet when you’re dancing, so I'm going to enjoy a long relaxing bath with my new Milan shopping haul.

So much more to tell you from Milan but until then - Happy dancing! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, post number 1167 is here!

Love, Emma x

For today’s walk around Milan I chose a stylish, comfortable, chic pink tutu look.

Let’s get the important bit out of the way, yes, a pink tutu! But not just any tutu, no, a glorious powder pink tutu that danced like a dream in the light Italian breeze! And, it came with a special, hand-stitched ribbon to make my ballerina heart sing. This tutu isn’t just a garment, it’s an expression of joy and passion for the beautiful art form of dance.

Now, every ballerina needs the perfect ballet outfit. It's a secret that my readers know all about - even when I'm not in my dance class or a ballet theatre, it's tutu heaven everywhere for this ballerina!

So what completed this fabulous Milan outfit? Well, to go with my powder pink tutu, I was rocking a pair of gorgeous fitted black leggings – nothing too thick or baggy as they must move freely! They hugged my legs perfectly and were oh-so-comfortable.

My shoes, well they just had to be sparkly, no doubt about it! This little ballerina cannot resist a good sparkle, especially when she is on holiday, can you believe it! So my choice was simple - silver ballet shoes that were perfectly comfortable yet still added a touch of shimmer to the look. You have to bring that dance floor magic with you, wherever you go!

The icing on the cake? A delicious pink cashmere cardigan! Now you can understand that my style is all about subtle pastel pinks with accents of sparkling elegance. But as a dancer who’s always out and about exploring the world’s most beautiful cities, you need something to keep you warm in those chillier moments! This cashmere cardigan had just the right balance of comfort and sophistication to complete the look. And as for those delicate flowers on it, well, those are just the little details that take a look from good to amazing.

Milan is a city that has stolen my heart for so many reasons, including the delicious food! Let me tell you all about this evening’s delicious feast. The most enchanting part about this restaurant, and a favourite spot with most Milanese, is the setting – you dine within a secret garden just around the corner from the Duomo, where it feels like you are far, far away from the busy city, and where all the hustle and bustle melts away into an oasis of delicious delights.

The table settings, elegant but understated, added to the charm. Soft candlelight flickered, the perfect light to highlight the romantic atmosphere, and the laughter of happy diners was a soothing background to my blissful Italian evening. The food is simply mouthwatering, the smell is pure heaven. But first – my wine – a glorious, fruity rosé. This evening's selection perfectly matched the vibrant atmosphere of the city! It was a lovely way to relax after a fabulous day filled with ballet, beauty, and endless possibilities.

This evening I have a special tip for my darling pink tutu fans, some lovely items to look out for!

• A gorgeous pair of sparkly silver ballet shoes are absolutely essential, I wear them everywhere. I always try to look my best!
• It's not all tutus, ballet clothes and glitter, of course! This ballerina likes to pack some fabulous fashion for my travel. Right now, my must-have is a beautifully cut pink cashmere cardigan. There is just something about a good pink cashmere that adds a touch of class and glamour to any outfit, wouldn’t you agree?
• A stunning velvet dress is a must! Imagine a deep red or black, it's the epitome of grace and style. It’s so perfect for evenings spent strolling around the city, perhaps looking for another performance or two. A real showstopper!
• If there is one item you absolutely have to get to enhance your pink tutu look, you must have the most stunning head-buns! Whether you're performing in the theater or just grabbing a croissant in the café, the classic bun is your best friend! So don't be afraid to make a statement with your hair!
• For those special evenings when a glamorous dinner is called for, or for a ballet performance in a stunning theatre, what could be more sophisticated and elegant than a sparkling hairband? It’s just the perfect touch for the occasion and something that adds just a little extra to your elegant style.

Oh, and a secret for all of you wonderful pink tutu lovers! In my quest to get all of you dancing in your very own pink tutus, I am starting my very own Pink Tutu boutique. Just wait and see what I’ve been working on – it will be absolutely fabulous! More about that soon, but for now…let me tell you about how to find my favorite shops for beautiful fashion and accessories in Milan!

There are simply no better shopping havens than Italy. From high-end boutiques to hidden treasures, you just never know what you might stumble upon – like the perfect shade of pink or a truly remarkable pink tutu!

Milan is the ideal destination for those with a passion for the finest fashions, as it's home to some of the biggest names in luxury, like Gucci and Prada, as well as those more high street-styled designers like Zara, Mango and H&M. For me, it's a must-do, exploring every avenue that I can in a search of some hidden gems and wonderful trinkets – of course, always looking for the ideal pink tutu!

For a truly memorable experience, there are several amazing shops around the area where the Teatro alla Scala stands that I like to pop in. One shop is hidden on a cobbled street that offers some very special clothing – for those special occasions – and a wide selection of headbands, so elegant and glitzy. I bought my first ballet shoes from here! It has been my favourite spot for beautiful, glitzy items since.

My second stop for Italian-made, gorgeous footwear, is right next door. I’m not giving away any more of my little secrets – this shop is my go-to spot, the owner, a lady named Serena, is like a dear friend, and her love for ballet shoes rivals mine! I recommend this shop to anyone who wants those glamorous ballerina footwear styles that complete your pink tutu looks. I get my ballet flats, dance slippers and shoes from there – she just has the most exquisite collection. I always know what I'll get from there.

Next time you are in Milan – especially if you want the ideal pink tutu look – be sure to visit. And who knows, perhaps you will even meet this famous ballerina, exploring for that perfect new ballet item, or a pair of silver sparkling ballet shoes.

Now that we have talked about fabulous shops, have you heard of the best restaurant near the Duomo? My absolute favorite restaurant in the whole of Milan!
It is the most stunning location, just perfect for an Italian romantic evening!

And one thing about this restaurant I can say – the chefs love using pink flowers and ribbons on their most popular dishes. Not to mention pink pink pink! My advice - book well in advance! It’s popular and always has a line!

In my world, where ballet reigns supreme, it is just as magical, romantic and spectacular as the Italian food and drink – no wonder these two work so well together! My ballet journey today included two completely contrasting ballet worlds:

One - in the early hours of this morning, I was taking part in a Ballet Barre Class in a very traditional studio in the heart of Milan – this is a ballet staple for any ballerina looking for a little inspiration! A fantastic little studio hidden down a side street! A great place to improve on your ballerina grace – even if that graceful ballerina was completely asleep in her bed just one hour before.

The second - a fantastic performance in a small square! The dancers were performing snippets from a whole host of amazing ballet pieces. It really was fantastic. What makes these performances unique are the costumes – a little bit more daring than you would usually find in a theater performance! And this is exactly why I enjoy Milan so much – you never know what is coming up next. The surprise and unexpected magic make it all the more enchanting!

It was truly breathtaking! My favourite moment in this ballet extravaganza? That would have to be the ‘Nutcracker’ performance, all thanks to one adorable girl, so perfectly elegant! You really must be sure to make it to one of these street performances!

What are my travel wishes this time around? Oh, that’s simple!

• To take a wonderful ballet class with an authentic Milanese instructor – I know that there are so many incredible teachers to choose from.
• I’ve heard tell of this amazing shop in Milan, the home of all the beautiful tutu costumes. Just wait until you see these designs!
• To spend more time soaking up the atmosphere at the Teatro alla Scala – I hope to find my very own, gorgeous ballet costume for that glamorous Milan show.
• And just to soak in the glorious culture, atmosphere and style, oh yes, Milan truly is special!

I have the perfect gift for you before you go, my dears – the gift of ballet!

As a little treat for my beloved Pink Tutu followers, I am offering my exclusive new online dance course! For those who love ballet, have you always wanted to learn a few basic moves? To discover your own ballerina grace, or perhaps take those skills to a new level. To discover a little piece of magic in your life, this course has everything you need to become the very best ballerina. Just click the link at the end of this blog post for your new course today – for a limited time only!

Now – Happy dancing, darlings! Until next time!

x

P.S. Don't forget to check out all the latest fashion finds from Pink Tutu Milan, you won’t believe the fabulous tutu styles that are available right now, right here on the blog and on www.pink-tutu.com

Remember to follow my Instagram @PinkTutuMilan - I'm always sharing new photos and updates! And as always - please share any pink tutu fashion stories with me in the comments section below - and as a very special bonus, there is a discount code for the online dance course available there, too!