#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2019-05-08 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It’s Emma here, reporting live from the vibrant, beautiful city of Milan! I’ve been dreaming of this trip for months and, let me tell you, it’s exceeding all my expectations. It’s like stepping into a fashion magazine come to life – with stunning architecture, sleek boutiques bursting with the latest trends, and oh-so-chic locals flitting about in the most exquisite outfits.

Today, the sun is shining (after a brief but dramatic downpour – you can’t get away from the occasional weather surprise in Italy, can you?), the air is filled with the sound of laughter and chattering, and my pink tutu (a brand-new one from a delightful vintage boutique – I just couldn’t resist!) is twirling with glee at being back on European soil.

It's Wednesday, my dear readers, and that means it's time to dive into all things Milan. Let’s start with...

One of the reasons I had to visit Milan was for the opportunity to experience the renowned Teatro alla Scala, a cultural gem that is absolutely iconic in the world of ballet. Imagine my delight when I discovered there was a special matinee performance of "Giselle" this week! This classic, heartbreaking, romantic masterpiece, choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot with music by Adolphe Adam, is one of the cornerstone works in the repertoire. I couldn't miss this, so I grabbed my trusty travel tutu (always a necessity for any ballerina's wardrobe!) and headed to the Teatro.

Stepping inside the Teatro alla Scala was like stepping back in time. The opulent decor, the hushed reverence of the audience, the incredible sound of the orchestra, and of course, the flawless performances, all transported me into a world of pure artistic bliss. The lead ballerina, with her graceful movements and expressive face, brought the tragic story of Giselle to life in a truly captivating manner.

After the performance, I lingered a while, basking in the post-show energy of the theatre. It was like the entire audience was caught up in the emotion of the final scene. There was a hushed silence in the grand foyer as people shuffled out, looking as if they had just witnessed something truly profound. And you know what? They had. Ballet is a powerful art form that has a way of stirring emotions and touching the soul. It was a real treat for this little pink tutu ballerina!

But of course, Milan isn’t just about ballet – it’s about fashion! I have been itching to hit the streets and discover what all the hype is about. And let me tell you, this city does not disappoint. I’ve already stumbled upon several hidden gem boutiques filled with luxurious silks and shimmering sequins, perfectly crafted shoes that seem to float on air, and some truly out-there designs that would make any fashionista's head spin.

I made a beeline for the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning glass-vaulted shopping arcade brimming with the biggest names in luxury fashion. Here, you’re practically bombarded with all things fashion – a whirlwind of scents, sounds, and the dazzling sheen of the most coveted garments. The whole place was buzzing with stylish shoppers – women with impeccable posture and chic hats, dapper men with flawlessly tailored suits, and even some fashionably-dressed kids – proving that Milan’s fashion flair is truly infectious.

I, of course, couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee (which, by the way, tastes ten times better in Italy – seriously!) at a small cafe with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the square. This place was filled with locals, gossiping and sharing laughs – an authentic snapshot of Milanese life that felt completely immersive.

A real Italian treat I love are the gelatos. I made a beeline for the gelateria just across the street from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – I think it was called "Gelateria dei 100 gusti," a little place known for its vast array of flavours. Of course, I had to go for the most tempting flavour - "Pistacchio" – it was simply divine!

Feeling revitalised after that sweet treat, I decided to indulge in some retail therapy along the legendary Via Monte Napoleone. This is the street where luxury fashion houses vie for attention – a designer’s paradise filled with boutiques like Armani, Gucci, Valentino, and Prada, just to name a few. Walking down this street feels like being inside a dream. And despite not being able to afford the haute couture price tags, I just love soaking up the ambiance – it’s all so effortlessly stylish and alluring. I couldn't resist window shopping for hours, dreaming of a world where a pink tutu could go hand-in-hand with a Chanel dress and a Louis Vuitton handbag!

Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without a peek into some of the lesser-known boutiques that line the quieter side streets. Hidden gems like “Antonia” are tucked away off the main drags, offering unique and beautifully curated selections.

I managed to snag myself a gorgeous silk scarf adorned with a delicate floral print – perfect for adding a touch of Parisian elegance to any outfit, whether it’s a casual weekend look or a more formal evening affair.

I just know this scarf is going to be the star of my summer wardrobe back home in Derbyshire!

As much as I love all things glamorous, I also enjoy experiencing a bit of the everyday life of the city. And what better way to do that than by taking a ride on the Milan Tram? The trams are sleek and modern – a world away from the old fashioned trams you’ll find in Derbyshire. The city looks entirely different from a tram, and I love seeing all the vibrant shops, cafes, and little plazas zoom past – it really captures the dynamic, lively spirit of the place.

Milan has a fabulous public transport system and it's super easy to navigate with a handy Milan transport card that gets you all over the place. Today I was lucky enough to meet a sweet, elderly lady who showed me the ins and outs of the tram network.

She told me that "getting around by tram is the most authentic way to experience the city. You get to see how the locals live their everyday lives.” I couldn't have agreed more.

And to top off the day, I even met some of the city's fabulous street dancers. The whole atmosphere was so electric and vibrant. These young dancers were completely in their element, effortlessly weaving stories through their movements, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos and videos. They are the perfect reminder that every city, no matter how sophisticated, is full of amazing people and talents, making every day a stage for self-expression!

As my day in Milan drew to a close, I felt a warm glow of contentment. I had experienced a smorgasbord of delights – ballet, fashion, culture, street art – and now I was looking forward to savoring a traditional Italian dinner. And as luck would have it, I found the perfect spot just across the road from my hotel. The restaurant, “Il Ghiottone,” had an inviting rustic charm, a warm atmosphere, and an absolutely delightful menu – one that offered a real mix of Italian culinary delights.

I ordered a creamy gnocchi dish that was simply mouthwatering and a classic, traditional tiramisu. Both were pure culinary bliss, each bite reminding me of the wonderful flavours and cultural nuances that make this country so captivating. I truly believe the Italians know how to put together a memorable meal. It's more than just eating food - it’s a celebration of ingredients, flavours, and conviviality – a genuine expression of their warm culture.

And, of course, no Italian meal is complete without a good glass of red wine! So I indulged in a local red wine from the Tuscany region – it had the perfect velvety richness that paired beautifully with the gnocchi. It felt as though I was sharing a quiet, intimate conversation with each sip.

I walked back to my hotel, feeling utterly satisfied with a day filled with the colours, smells, and sounds of this remarkable city. Tomorrow I'll be back, exploring more of Milan's hidden gems – but tonight I’m dreaming of pink tutus, soaring pirouettes, and a city that never fails to inspire.

Ciao for now, my dears!

Emma x

Remember to always wear your pink tutu with confidence, darling.

See you next week for another Pink Tutu adventure!