Ciao bella! It's Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu aficionado, ready to take you on a whirlwind tour of my adventures in Milano, the fashion capital of the world. As you know, I always like to kick off the week with a fabulous Milan Monday blog post, but as it’s Boxing Day today, I’ve got a super-duper treat for you - I’ve swapped my Monday schedule for a Wednesday post, so you don't miss any of the festive fun!
I just know you’ll love this one, my darling readers, because let's be honest, Milan just knows how to do Christmas. The festive spirit here is simply electric, with shimmering decorations everywhere, twinkling lights reflecting in the snowy cobblestones (yes, it's actually snowing!), and a delicious scent of roasted chestnuts and vin brulé filling the air. You simply cannot help but get caught up in the magical atmosphere.
Speaking of magic, what could be more magical than a trip to Milano for Boxing Day, right? After spending a blissful Christmas with my family back in Derbyshire, England, I've jumped on a comfy train and arrived in style. Nothing beats a scenic train journey - watching the world go by from a big comfy window with a cup of tea. Especially with all the Christmas cheer surrounding me!
Of course, I couldn’t arrive in Milan without packing my favourite tutu - you can’t take the ballerina out of the girl, no matter how festive the occasion! 🩰 This time I’ve chosen a bright and sparkly pink tutu, a perfect match for the glittering lights of the city. Don’t worry, I won't let my pink tutu get lost in the chaos of Christmas – it’s definitely made for a city like Milan.
First things first - shopping!
Let’s face it, Milano is the perfect city for a little bit of retail therapy! There are so many fabulous boutiques, department stores, and, of course, independent designer shops brimming with amazing pieces just begging to be scooped up! I found a little independent shoe shop right in the centre of Milan, near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I snagged a pair of gorgeous bright red stilettos – the kind of shoe that turns heads and makes a statement. It was definitely a Boxing Day treat for myself!
But there’s more to Milan than just the shopping - though it's hard to resist a peek at the latest designs! We must also talk about the FOOD! The smell of fresh pasta and freshly baked panettone drifting through the streets is almost enough to make me dance a jig - maybe I will later, right in the middle of the Duomo Square! It wouldn't be the most surprising thing I've seen in Milan, that’s for sure.
Oh, the Food!
Let’s face it - Milan knows how to cater to my foodie desires! 🇮🇹 For lunch today, I wandered through the beautiful Christmas markets, and tucked into some traditional “Panettone” and hot “Vin Brulè”, the classic hot spiced wine. It was pure heaven on a plate, especially after a long train ride!
Then it was on to a delicious dinner of pasta, with truffles, mushrooms and creamy pesto! I know - you're probably thinking: how much deliciousness can one person possibly take! But let's be real, the Italian way of life just means a whole lot of indulging!
Back to the Ballet
However, my love for shopping and food is, of course, always intertwined with my first love, BALLET! It's practically in my DNA! And what better way to celebrate Boxing Day than to catch a spectacular ballet performance? After my fabulous Christmas lunch, I made my way to the Teatro alla Scala, the legendary opera house in Milan.
My dear readers, I’m going to say it, the Scala is truly an icon of Milan. It's an architectural marvel that has welcomed some of the world's greatest performers - from Verdi to Puccini and Pavarotti - throughout history. And stepping into the majestic interior is nothing short of awe-inspiring, you’re basically transported into a timeless world of artistry. I've never seen so many velvet seats, ornate chandeliers and intricate carvings in all my life! It felt so grand, and truly regal, a worthy stage for such wonderful performers.
Today, I’ve booked tickets to watch a stunning performance of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker”. 🎄 It is such a lovely ballet - I love the whimsical costumes, the delightful story, the magic, and of course, the exquisite dancing! It really put me in a truly festive mood - definitely my favourite Christmas ballet!
Of course, being the Pink Tutu Princess that I am, I had to get all dressed up! My gorgeous tutu made for the perfect blend of sophistication and playfulness. This time, I wore it with a long, luxurious velvet coat – a little more glamorous than a Christmas jumper, wouldn't you agree? Plus, it was so cosy on those chilly winter evenings!
Street performances - Magic in Motion
What’s really special about Milan is the incredible energy in the city. Everywhere I go, there are incredible street performers bringing magic and delight to every corner. There was this incredible violinist playing classical music in the Piazza della Scala, surrounded by a crowd of mesmerized onlookers. It was truly inspiring - there was something so powerful in the raw talent that poured from the tips of his fingers. Then there was this group of amazing break-dancers right by the Duomo. It's clear that dance is everywhere, in all its forms.
These spontaneous performances, it's all just part of the magic of Milano - there's so much passion and art pulsating through this vibrant city. You just have to look around and open your heart to the incredible possibilities!
Pink Tutu Goals: My Dream for Milan
You know me and my tutu - it’s a force of pure love and happiness! And Milan seems to be the perfect city to bring this force of light to life! My goal for the new year, is to share the magic of my pink tutu with the world, right here in Milan, where creativity flows!
I have a brilliant idea! Maybe we can have a flash mob performance on New Year’s Eve, where a group of pink tutu wearing ballerinas will burst into a magical dance routine. It'll be such an amazing spectacle to watch! And don't worry, I've been working on a very special routine, with just the right amount of playful charm and graceful movements. I know you all can't wait to see what I have planned!
Who knows, maybe my little tutu-clad flash mob will inspire others to join in, creating a beautiful wave of happiness and dance across Milan. My heart beats to make this happen, because that's my dream - a city where everyone dances like nobody's watching! After all, there's nothing better than making others smile and feel beautiful!
That’s what this week’s Pink Tutu Milan blog post is all about - making dreams a reality with every twirl! I know this year has been a whirlwind for you all, just as it has for me. I hope this Boxing Day adventure has been full of joy and that your holiday season has been everything you wanted. I can’t wait for all the amazing adventures that lie ahead in this new year. But remember my dearest readers, keep spreading that pink tutu love everywhere you go!
See you next Monday!
All my love, Emma.
xx
PS If you want to keep up to date on all my fabulous travels, check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com I post my blog every Monday, sharing all my latest adventures from around the globe, including my most recent pink tutu outfits. 🩰 You can also find my photos, videos, and more about me there!
PPS Did you know, my tutu-ful adventures are entirely self-funded by my performances? Yes, I travel the world dancing my heart out at theatres and festivals. 💃 So please come and support my work! You can book my show by clicking the "Booking" link on my website! It would mean the world to me!
