Ciao bella! Emma here, back from the glorious city of Milan and bursting to share the week’s adventures. You’ve no idea how long I’ve dreamt of visiting Milan. It's practically a ballet devotee’s dream destination, the heart of fashion, with the most beautiful buildings and a vibrant cultural scene. So, you can imagine my excitement when my travel funds (yes, the ones I collect from my ballet performances – that's my secret!) stretched to encompass this Italian adventure. This week’s Pink Tutu blog takes you with me, from ballet classes to theatre performances, from vintage fashion shops to stunning art galleries, all with the signature pink tutu touch, of course. Let’s begin!
Monday: The Perfect Milanese Start
My trip began on Monday morning with a familiarly reassuring chug and rattle of the train – Derbyshire to London, then London to Milan, all within the same day. The first sight of Milan Central Station sent shivers of excitement through me – just looking at the magnificent architecture I could tell this was going to be a trip I'd never forget. A short walk from the station led me to my apartment, which I’d managed to snag with the help of my Italian penpal Giulia, who promised to keep me entertained with her inside knowledge of the best things to see and do.
First on the agenda, though, was finding a delicious lunchtime trattoria – no self-respecting ballerina can dance on an empty stomach, and Italian food is, of course, the ultimate performance fuel. We settled on a little trattoria just down the road, where I ordered the most delectable, light, pasta dish with tomatoes and basil. After all, it’s crucial to eat healthily to maintain your grace and balance. The afternoon was spent in the breathtaking Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, built back in the 4th century and adorned with intricate mosaics, ancient artwork and some of the finest medieval architecture you’ll ever see. Giulia, ever the local expert, had suggested I come here for its beautiful peaceful atmosphere – and she wasn’t wrong. The calm was restorative and it was exactly what I needed to recover from my journey and ready myself for an evening of high culture!
I took a little detour from my routine this evening - no tutu, just a glamorous pink dress, to take advantage of one of Milan’s world-renowned theatres. We made our way to the Teatro alla Scala, where I had booked tickets to see a stunning performance of the Nutcracker. My fellow ballet lovers will understand why I consider it an absolute honour to see this masterpiece in such a renowned venue – every twirl and arabesque seemed to vibrate with magic in the historic Teatro. This experience had me beaming right up until I drifted off to sleep that evening.
Tuesday: A Day for Style and Ballet
I've got a little confession – Milan truly is a sartorial wonderland for any ballerina (or just fashion lover, for that matter). On Tuesday morning I was itching to get my hands on some stunning finds. With my trusty pink tutu in my bag (yes, a full tutu – just in case), we spent the day exploring Milan’s iconic fashion scene, from its grand department stores to independent boutiques brimming with treasures. It wasn’t hard to justify treating myself to a new pair of ballerina pumps and a gorgeous silky scarf, with its vibrant floral print echoing the vibrant colours of my tutu. This was, after all, the perfect city for indulging in some fashionable flair.
Feeling fresh and inspired after my fashion spree, I felt a renewed sense of creative energy. It was time for ballet! Luckily, Milan offers a wide range of dance schools. My ballet classes have become a real necessity in recent years - with so much travelling, they’re vital for staying limber and fit. After my classes, feeling a rush of exhilaration, I caught a ride on one of Milan’s famous trams – an efficient and economical way to get around, especially after the treat of buying those divine shoes. The tram was an interesting experience too – full of vibrant personalities, some wearing beautiful, elegant outfits, and others with casual but chic style.
We found ourselves wandering to the lovely Teatro Nazionale, a venue where history seemed to seep from every brick and mortar. We spent the evening enjoying a beautiful contemporary ballet production that left me spellbound with its beautiful and fluid movements and imaginative storyline. Even better, my trusty pink tutu and I got a spot backstage! My tutu was, as always, a talking point and quickly became the star of the backstage selfies with the dancers. The evening’s final treat was to try a traditional Italian gelato, served up in a classic cone.
Wednesday: The Taste of Milan and Vintage Flair
It was a glorious morning when I woke up on Wednesday, filled with the sound of Milan humming with life around me. There’s something so wonderful about waking up in a city that truly buzzes – you can just feel the vibrancy. After breakfast, a stroll around the city centre took me to a market teeming with local life. This was truly a chance to sample the essence of Milan, not just for its delicious cheese, honey, and olive oil (I could happily eat cheese all day!) but for the buzzing atmosphere of community. This market, with its chaotic beauty and abundance of delightful things to try and buy, became the heart of the day’s discoveries. It reminded me, too, of how important it is to savour all the sensory experiences in your life – to appreciate every taste, every scent, every colour, and truly let it all sink in.
On my walk, I stumbled upon a real vintage gem. A tiny, charming shop called ‘Le Sacche Antiche’ with clothes dating back to the 1920s. My heart was instantly set ablaze. What’s not to love about clothes with history, about clothes with character? I had to dig through its beautiful selection, of course, and came away with a stunningly intricate vintage dress with a pink floral design (who needs more of an excuse than that?!) - a lovely reminder of a day full of captivating sights, textures, and aromas. It’s just what I needed to spice up my evening, a gala performance at the beautiful Teatro Strehler – the elegance of the venue and the skill of the dancers was, again, just the tonic I needed to complete another unforgettable Milanese day.
Thursday: Dancing Through the Galleria
Every ballet lover, every artist, everyone with an ounce of creativity has probably felt the thrill of being in Milan's magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. And on Thursday morning, I couldn’t resist letting the grandeur of this glorious space, all stained glass, arches, and dazzling shops, wash over me. As I twirled around its centre, in my pink tutu, I couldn't help feeling inspired, thinking of all the ballerinas who’d graced the streets of this very city, dancing on the cobbled streets, making the most of every possible stage, no matter how large or small.
After lunch at the most delightful café – the afternoon sun bathing its terracotta rooftops in a golden glow – Giulia led me through the cobbled lanes of the Brera district. We browsed its art galleries and found ourselves fascinated by a stunning collection of Milanese paintings from the early 1900s. Their vibrant use of colour reminded me of the striking hues of my tutu and how beautiful art and fashion truly can be when they come together.
With a feeling of invigorated artistry, I went for a spin in the lovely Piazza Mercanti, where the grand architecture echoed the scale of dreams and possibilities. Then, onward to Teatro Elfo Puccini for a captivating, fast-paced, contemporary piece of ballet. Every element of it was just as stunningly alive and exciting as Milan itself. What a perfect way to round off my week – experiencing another style of performance that truly reflected Milan's creative dynamism!
Friday: A City of Style and a Day for Dreams
Friday saw me continue my Milanese odyssey of discovery, travelling across the city by train (which for a lover of train travel like me is always a delight, I love the rhythmic clatter of the tracks!). My first stop was a magnificent villa filled with breathtaking art - I could feel the power and creativity radiating from the collection and I can already feel myself working on my dance routine to express these new found creative influences. The journey, a whirlwind of sights and emotions, had made my heart ache with wonder at the beauty of this unique city.
I decided to wander through some of the hidden backstreets to soak up some local atmosphere. There is so much energy in this place, so much vitality, it’s utterly contagious – like stepping into a living, breathing artistic tapestry. It’s here in Milan that you can truly understand what it means to be inspired, where your dreams become tangible.
It was an incredibly beautiful journey. And every bit as unforgettable as that pink tutu that’s become a constant in my life – it brings joy to so many people, from the locals here in Milan, to those who get a glimpse of it online, and even back at home in Derbyshire. It’s that simple act of wearing a pink tutu, a whimsical touch of a ballerina’s essence that truly has the power to connect us all – the love of dancing, the thrill of creative expression, the beautiful and powerful way art can make us feel.
Until Next Time:
So, from one ballet-loving pink tutu enthusiast to another – do have fun, be bold, find your passion, let yourself go, and maybe wear a pink tutu to bring a touch of light and joy to the world. Don't forget to stay tuned for my blog next Monday, when I'll be back, hopefully, with more adventures, more discoveries and of course, the Pink Tutu spirit that’s made my little corner of the internet such a happy place!
Ciao bella!
