Buongiorno from Milan! The city that has everything - from glorious gothic cathedrals and fabulous art, to amazing food and enough fashion to make your head spin. Oh, and don't even get me started on the beautiful trams! This week, Pink Tutu is taking you on a whirl through the vibrant energy of Milan and sharing some of the most beautiful ballet experiences this fabulous city has to offer!
A Derbyshire Girl in Milan: My name's Emma, and you're looking at a Derbyshire girl living her absolute best life. Now, if you haven't met me before, a quick intro: I live in pink tutus, love dancing my heart out, and have a seriously unhealthy obsession with shopping - particularly for sparkly ballet shoes and pretty little dresses!
My life motto? Well, it's quite simple: Everyone should wear a pink tutu at least once! Because life is too short to be dull, darling! 😉
Funding My Passion: You might wonder how I get to travel the world, and that, my dear readers, is the magic of ballet! My passion for this beautiful art form allows me to experience incredible places and share them with all of you. I fund my trips through ballet performances, which means I'm constantly twirling my way through life and filling my heart with inspiration.
It's Wednesday in Milan...: Today's the 10th of October, 2018, and the Italian air is filled with a gentle autumn chill. I'm wrapped in my favourite fluffy pink cashmere coat - yes, you can definitely wear pink even in the colder months! - and my trusty Pink Tutu satchel, stuffed full of essentials for a day of exploration. My goal? To find the best, most vibrant pink feather boa to accentuate a fabulous outfit for the ballet later!
A Milanese Morning with Tram Treats: I woke up in my lovely little Milan apartment, sipping hot Italian coffee while the sun poured through my window. After a quick ballet barre session to get those muscles warmed up, I was ready for a little morning exploration.
Milan's trams are like works of art, with their distinctive red carriages, echoing the city's passionate and fiery spirit. Today, I rode the Tram 9 from the Porta Genova district towards Piazza del Duomo, just gazing out the window at the beautiful buildings, the street life, the fashion, oh, everything!
Coffee, Fashion, and A Little Bit of Glam:
For my caffeine fix, I hopped into a tiny, quaint café on a street hidden away near Piazza Cordusio. It was so charming, like a little piece of Parisian chic tucked into the heart of Milan. The hot chocolate was thick and rich, perfect for a chilly morning. And who can resist the allure of a croissant? I admit, I devoured mine before I could even snap a picture.
Now, no trip to Milan would be complete without a little shopping. The streets here are just brimming with amazing boutiques! I wandered through Via Montenapoleone, which felt like stepping onto the pages of Vogue magazine. It's full of luxury designer shops like Prada, Gucci, and Valentino. Let's be honest, my dear readers, you just have to look!
I found a pair of stunning white ballerina flats with pink bows that were too irresistible to leave behind. It's not even a question! 😉 Plus, the perfect outfit calls for the perfect accessories. I picked up a chic black leather handbag, a gorgeous pink feather boa that just screams Milanese glamour, and a little diamond necklace that perfectly catches the light. Let's face it, this pink tutu isn't afraid to be seen!
A Lunchtime Symphony of Flavours: After all that exploring and shopping, it was time to refuel. I'm a firm believer in indulging in delicious local flavours while travelling. I'm still not quite sure how they manage to make pizza taste so amazing here, but trust me, it's something else!
I found a small family-run pizzeria on a side street called "Pizzaioli al Volo" which translated to something like "The Flying Pizza Makers". They had a delicious "Margherita al Prosciutto" which I devoured alongside a refreshing local wine. This little Italian family treated me like family and we chatted, me trying my terrible Italian (which seemed to amuse them a lot) while they taught me some beautiful Italian words and phrases!
Afternoon at the Teatro alla Scala:
Afternoon is for ballet! In Milan, that means heading towards the legendary Teatro alla Scala, the city's iconic opera house, known for its breathtaking grandeur and rich history. As soon as I walked in, my heart filled with anticipation!
The air is alive with history and artistic magic. Every detail in this opulent theatre feels like it was handcrafted to bring magic to life. The ornate gold leaf decoration, the velvety seats, the stunning frescoed ceiling, and the buzzing energy that hums through the air, it all builds towards the ultimate experience of artistic expression.
And today, the experience wasn't about the performance, (although the ballet company was absolutely stunning) it was about the moment of entering the hallowed space of a timeless Italian treasure. Just breathing in the atmosphere was a treat for my senses!
La Scala Behind the Scenes:
But for true ballet lovers, there's nothing quite like seeing a performance.
For those who, like me, can’t resist taking a peek behind the curtain, La Scala also offers fascinating backstage tours. You get to see the rehearsal rooms, workshops, and costume departments. There's even a chance to walk across the legendary stage where generations of renowned dancers have graced the world with their talents. It's almost like walking through time. The atmosphere is electrifying, almost as if the history of La Scala still hums through every backstage room.
A Night of Ballet: "La Sylphide"
As evening descends upon the city, it’s time for the main event! "La Sylphide" by August Bournonville, one of the most exquisite and romantic ballet stories ever told. The stage lights dimmed, and the anticipation hung in the air, heavy and charged with magic.
And the first movement, oh, it took my breath away! With every arabesque and jeté, the dancer soared like a bird in flight, exuding grace, fluidity, and a genuine joy in the art of storytelling. It was ballet at its most elegant and expressive, telling the story of James, a young man whose heart is stolen by a mysterious Sylphide, a mystical creature who embodies the ethereal nature of love.
The drama, the beautiful, ethereal sets and costumes - it all swirled together into a breathtaking whirlwind of emotion. It was magical! And I, wearing my lucky pink tutu, felt like I was right there on the stage with them, sharing the journey!
A Nighttime Stroll with Street Magic:
With the ballet's magic still buzzing in my veins, I wandered through the city, discovering hidden gems illuminated by the moon's soft glow. There was an air of mystery, and a sweet Italian chill in the air. I passed under towering Gothic arches, their silhouette striking against the velvet sky.
It's moments like this that I truly appreciate Milan's hidden character - beyond the grand avenues and luxury boutiques lies a soul deeply connected to art, culture, and the romantic rhythm of its historical heart.
And, for a moment, as the moon bathed the streets in silver light, I found myself twirling in a deserted cobbled square, feeling like the magic of La Sylphide had carried me away!
My Milan Take Away:
Today was more than just a day of beautiful ballet; it was an immersion in the very essence of this magnificent city. A reminder that every corner of Milan, even the ones tucked away in the shadows of grand buildings, pulsates with history, artistic flair, and captivating stories waiting to be discovered.
Back in Derbyshire:
Milan's vibrant energy has fuelled my spirit for days. My head is filled with music and dance, my heart brimming with the stories and emotions from La Sylphide, and my wardrobe is adorned with a gorgeous feather boa that whispers of Milanese glamour.
Next week, I'll be back in my quiet little town in Derbyshire, sharing my stories with my fellow dance-lovers and trying to teach the local cats how to twirl with the grace of a professional ballerina. Who knows, maybe my next Pink Tutu post will feature the very first pink tutu wearing cat in all of Derbyshire! 😉
Keep Dancing, my Darlings: Until next time, don't forget to twirl, wear pink, and follow your dreams. The world awaits, full of magic and amazing adventures, and there's no better way to explore it than with a pink tutu and a joyful heart!
Find more about Pink Tutu's travels on:
- Pink Tutu's blog: www.pink-tutu.com
- Follow Emma's Instagram: @pinktutuadventures
- Follow Emma's Twitter: @PinkTutuWorld
- Email Emma directly:
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See you soon for another dose of Pink Tutu fun!
