#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2018-08-08 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao from Milan! It's Wednesday, the 8th of August 2018, and the Pink Tutu has landed in this glamorous city! I'm practically floating on a cloud of silk and tulle, thanks to my newest pink tulle masterpiece - a floaty, frothy concoction of the most vibrant, blushing shade of pink you've ever seen!

This week's adventure was made possible, as ever, by a beautiful performance last Friday at the Nottingham Playhouse. Dancing "The Nutcracker" was absolutely magical - it's always such a joy to see children's faces light up as the story unfolds.

Milan is an absolute dream for any ballet lover. There's a real sense of passion and excitement in the air for this art form, and the fashion - oh, the fashion! From the iconic Duomo to the bustling streets of Via Monte Napoleone, it's a veritable symphony of colour and style. My pink tutu, of course, blends in perfectly, a delightful splash of feminine energy amidst the sophisticated, luxurious aura of this city.

This trip was all about chasing the ballet dream – seeing the Teatro alla Scala (even if it is sadly closed until November - a bit of a let down), attending a class at the famed Accademia Teatro alla Scala (just imagining the history seeping from the walls! ), and simply soaking up the vibrant ballet scene.

The journey itself was a joy - a quick train from Derby, via St Pancras to Paris and then straight to Milan. My usual journey was a 2 hour train to Manchester then fly, so travelling by train has a certain elegance that is just as beautiful as it is comfortable.

Now, let me paint you a picture of my fabulous week so far...

The moment my feet touched Italian soil, a little ballerina skipped to life in my heart. It wasn't the typical "ooh, I'm on holiday" feeling; it was a thrilling ballet energy!

I arrived at Milano Centrale station late in the afternoon. The tram is, hands down, the best way to navigate the city. So graceful and smooth - think of them like a giant ballet dancer, gently gliding you through the streets. The ticket machine? It's the ultimate ballet-inspired tech - a beautiful example of function blending perfectly with beauty. You even hear little waltz melodies from it.

I was immediately drawn to a street where the sidewalks seemed to be made for tutus - sleek, glossy shops, with names like "Danza" and "Punto Ballo." I managed to snag myself a gorgeous little silver-encrusted headpiece with pink feathers for the grand price of €5 – what a steal!

This was my highlight! To imagine that my tiny tutu toes have walked the same floor as legendary dancers - it gave me the biggest smile. I enrolled in a beginner's class. The instructor was an absolute gem - her posture was exquisite and her instructions, full of graceful, encouraging gestures.

There was a wide variety of students in the class, from eager beginners to experienced professionals – a real testament to the enduring beauty and appeal of ballet. There's something incredibly special about the community within this art form, a sense of mutual admiration and support.

Afterwards, I indulged in a little "ballet lunch" - a delightful sandwich, topped with prosciutto and a side of creamy mozzarella and tomatoes, which I enjoyed sitting by the magnificent, centuries-old fountain outside the academy. All while picturing famous ballerinas dancing around the square!

After all that ballet bliss, it was time to indulge my fashion senses. The streets of Milan were a haven for any fashionista - designer shops lined up in dazzling array, their windows a spectacle of glamour and trend. I’m talking exquisite fabrics, daring cuts, colours that practically sang their praises, shoes I could only dream of.

However, I must confess, my heart truly belongs to vintage. It's a treasure trove of exquisite, sometimes quirky, and always unique clothing and accessories, which has an added benefit - it's kinder to my wallet!

The highlight of my shopping expedition? A breathtakingly beautiful, mint-green lace dress, with delicate embroidery and flowing skirt - perfectly suited to twirling through the elegant streets of Milan. A real "Cinderella meets Ballerina" dream!

Later in the day, I sat in a cute little cafe, sipping on a glass of rose, a delicious panini in hand, sketching designs for my next pink tutu masterpiece.

One of the things I love about Milan is the incredible abundance of things to do! There's always something happening, even on a Tuesday night. Today I treated myself to a opera at the Teatro Dal Verme – Verdi’s La Traviata.

Oh my! The drama of the performance! It was amazing and I must admit a little overwhelming at times - such a passionate, sweeping style!

Afterwards, I rewarded myself with a truly scrumptious Italian dinner at a tiny, family-run restaurant, La Vecchia Lira, nestled in a narrow side street. A generous portion of pasta, seasoned perfectly, followed by the most delicious tiramisu, ever! It was a symphony for my senses - fresh, delicious, and perfectly suited to a happy little ballet blogger. And so affordable too. It cost me 12 euros - that's £10 - so reasonable compared to some of the places in London and I definitely preferred it.

So, it's time to head home. However, before I do, I took a final little trip into the city centre, to admire the stunning architecture of the Teatro alla Scala - sadly, not open yet but so grand! I did my ballet poses outside the Opera house and let's just say my pink tutu became an international hit - even a few tourists wanted to have their photos with me, much to my delight. The more we get people into pink tutus, the better!

I savoured my last tram journey - that wonderful waltz melody from the ticket machine will echo in my heart long after I'm back in England.

The pink tutu is packed and ready to go – I'm sure it'll get plenty of appreciative stares and comments at the airport and, of course, when I get home. It's been an inspiring, fun and truly magical ballet adventure here in Milan. The experience reminds me, as always, how ballet connects us all - it's a universal language that speaks to our hearts and fuels our imaginations.

Stay tuned for next week's Pink Tutu adventure! I'm back in England this weekend but have some ballet inspiration up my sleeve. You'll have to wait and see! Until then, keep those pink tutus twirling and always remember to keep dreaming and chasing your passion - be it ballet, fashion or anything else your heart desires!

Ciao bella! Until next time…