#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2019-03-13 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, my lovely Tutu Tribe! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, back with a brand new post from the glorious city of Milan. I know it's Wednesday, my usual day for the Derbyshire blog is Monday, but as I'm travelling around Italy, I thought it only fair to give you a sneak peek of my Milan adventures.

This week in Milan has been a whirl of tutus, tiaras, and fabulous fashion! (And, yes, plenty of pink – I never stray too far from my favourite hue). It's been a delight to explore this chic city, filled with exquisite art, stunning architecture, and enough designer boutiques to satisfy even the most dedicated shopaholic. I can already see this becoming a regular destination for my travels, that is, once I've fully conquered the fashion world here!

Before we dive into the fun, I must confess, this week was particularly special because I got to indulge in my greatest passion: ballet! (Can you guess what I wore, even before I tell you? Pink tutu, obviously!).

Wednesday (a very good day, as it turns out) found me at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s world-famous opera house. The iconic building, with its impressive facade, instantly transports you to a world of classical beauty and artistic brilliance. To top it all off, the Opera House was showcasing a stunning performance of “La Bayadère,”, one of my all-time favourite ballets. The intricate choreography, the romantic plot, and the breathtaking sets took my breath away! The sheer talent of the dancers, and the sheer amount of pink tutus - all swirling, leaping and twirling, filled me with utter joy. This was truly a ballet experience to cherish.

But this was just the beginning of the week’s ballet immersion. On Friday, I was fortunate enough to catch a performance at the Teatro dal Verme, another beautiful theatre showcasing "Giselle,". I confess, after witnessing the stunning “La Bayadère”, I was bracing myself for a lesser spectacle - however, it quickly blew me away. The tragedy, the drama, the dance. It felt as if the dancers were pouring out their hearts on the stage.

These performances were both so beautifully presented. Every step was deliberate, and every move seemed to flow seamlessly into the next. I was swept away into worlds of love, betrayal, and tragedy, and for a few precious hours, my anxieties simply melted away.

No ballet pilgrimage is complete without taking a class! So, on Thursday, I grabbed my pink leotard, put on my trusty pink tutu and headed to the studio at Teatro dell’Opera. (I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention, this studio is utterly stunning. Imagine my joy when I found the “Pink tutu, required” on the sign-up sheet for the studio!) With each graceful plié, each elegant développé, and each powerful pirouette, I felt my body responding to the rhythm of the music, every move a beautiful celebration of the elegance of the art of ballet.

I may be all about my tutu-tastic outfits, but a trip to Milan is also an opportunity to embrace the world of Italian fashion. Now, if there’s one thing Milan does exceptionally well, it’s fashion. From the bustling Via Monte Napoleone to the chic boutiques in Brera, this city oozes stylishness from every corner.

So, I simply had to embark on a tutu-tiful shopping spree! I started my journey at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's historic shopping arcade, known for its magnificent architecture and luxurious brands. After wandering through this architectural gem, I indulged my shopping cravings at some of the most famous boutiques in Milan, from the world-renowned Gucci and Prada to smaller designer labels.

Let’s just say I didn’t return empty-handed. My bags were overflowing with the latest fashions! I couldn’t help myself, especially since so much of the high-end fashion seemed heavily influenced by the world of ballet! It felt as though I’d entered some sort of haute couture dreamscape, where grace, elegance and flow ruled.

From the delicately-draped tulle of a Dior dress to the playful pleats of a Balenciaga skirt, every outfit seemed to speak the language of a ballerina - lightness, fluidity and freedom.

And, I even found myself adding a few pink items to my wardrobe - how could I resist, really? It’s simply the “pink-tu-tiful” choice!

For this journey, I embraced a more affordable method of exploring this vibrant city – by train and tram! I discovered it’s actually the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the everyday life of Milan.

The tram ride to the Duomo was especially delightful, offering panoramic views of Milan’s iconic buildings as I chugged through its bustling streets. The historic architecture, with its terracotta-coloured facades and towering bell towers, gave Milan an ethereal beauty, something almost magical about the entire experience.

But then I was transported from the bustle of the city into a realm of serenity on my train journey to Lake Como, a journey I simply had to share! The landscape is as magical as they say. The tranquil water reflected the vibrant foliage that adorned the shoreline. The views from the train were breath-taking. And for a moment, my thoughts simply drifted away. Life was just perfect.

I know that for many, Milan can seem a daunting, almost too expensive destination, but, I’m here to tell you - you’d be surprised what you can discover if you choose a more relaxed style of exploration. It's not just the high-end stores and pricey restaurants – it’s a city full of captivating hidden gems, from ancient cathedrals to artistic gardens, just waiting to be found.

And, most of all, don’t be afraid to dance your way through the streets in your pink tutu. You might just inspire someone to discover their inner ballerina!

Until next week, remember - even the world's greatest cities become magical with the power of the pink tutu! Remember, darling, it's never too late to twirl.

Love & Tutu,

Emma x