#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2019-05-15 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bellas! Emma here, reporting live from the dazzling, dynamic, delightful city of Milan, Italy! I've always loved Italy. From the majestic marble buildings to the glorious pasta, every inch of this country seems to be steeped in romanticism and beauty. I truly believe it’s one of those places that can instantly lift your mood. And, let's face it, we all need a little dose of magic sometimes, especially when you're a tutu-wearing ballet devotee like yours truly.

But let's get down to business, shall we? This week, my love affair with Milan has reached new heights. It’s safe to say this trip has been all about indulging my passion for the beautiful, the theatrical, and the elegant – and you know what? You just can’t beat Milan when it comes to a luxurious experience!

So, let's take a peek at what has been filling my diary and captivating my heart during this fabulous trip to the capital of fashion…

My trip to Milan was fuelled by a deep passion for ballet and a thirst for all things theatrical. I’ve long admired the Italian spirit – they’ve always got so much love and energy, and that infectious joy radiates through their beautiful ballet performances. Plus, there's something undeniably glamorous about attending a ballet show in Milan. Picture this: opulent theatres, beautifully adorned ballerinas, and the breathtaking art of movement under a chandelier dripping with crystal – it’s like stepping into a fairytale!

To start, I enjoyed an exceptional ballet performance at Teatro alla Scala. It’s hard to overstate the grandeur of this beautiful historical building - just stepping into the theatre transported me to another time! The atmosphere was absolutely electric. There’s an unspoken feeling of excitement that seems to reverberate through the very walls, leaving you brimming with anticipation for what’s to come. I don’t know about you, but it fills me with a feeling of pure joy and I love knowing that the dancers and musicians in this space are part of an ongoing tradition – and part of history in the making!

After that performance, the streets of Milan felt even more alive! I couldn’t resist hopping aboard a tram and taking in the bustling energy of the city, where fashion is an essential part of life, as much as bread and wine! Every storefront seemed to be filled with designer brands.

Of course, I had to indulge myself with a little retail therapy. Milan is the perfect place to shop, with an endless stream of luxury boutiques bursting with the latest trends. My shopping bag is currently overflowing with silky pinks, gorgeous gowns, and shoes so sparkly that they could rival my beloved tutus. It seems everything here is designed to shimmer and delight, and that’s something that really gets my creative juices flowing.

Speaking of shimmer, have you seen the dazzling new creations from Atelier Versace? I was blown away by the collection they unveiled on Tuesday – talk about making an entrance! They showcased vibrant, bold colours in striking combinations – not just the colour pink of course, but vibrant blues, emerald green, and shimmering metallics, a real celebration of creativity and style. I just knew I had to grab a picture of myself in front of the shop window. If only my pink tutu was a little less bold to wear with a fabulous new Versace dress!

I love how Milan combines its historic heritage with contemporary design. There are grand buildings on every corner – you can almost feel the centuries whispering through their imposing walls. It feels like time stands still, while a wave of creative energy pushes through the streets, leading fashion lovers to discover the latest looks.

My trip wouldn’t be complete without some authentic Milanese dining. I was lucky to find a small, family-run trattoria tucked away in a cobbled street, with twinkling fairy lights. The warmth and charm of the trattoria felt like a real escape from the buzz of the city – although let’s face it, even in those moments of escape, I always seem to have my pink tutu on my mind! I can see why this place has such a great reputation, it feels like something special - every bite of food is a delight. My meal was accompanied by a bottle of sparkling Prosecco, a crisp, citrusy delight that perfectly complimented the aromatic Italian dishes – the best way to unwind and soak up the essence of Italian living, wouldn’t you say?

Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without seeing the legendary Duomo, a truly magnificent piece of architecture that simply took my breath away! I don’t know how they ever managed to build something so exquisite, its towering facade has such intricate detail. Seeing this beautiful sight felt like the perfect way to finish my day.

Milan – it has truly stolen my heart. The city, the culture, the energy - everything here feels special.

But my travels don’t stop here! My next stop will take me a little further afield… where the wind whistles through the Scottish highlands, and the smell of the sea hangs in the air. It's going to be a big adventure for the little tutu-wearing ballerina, and I know you’re all going to love it.

Until next time! Stay fabulous, darling readers! Emma xoxo

There’s always something new to discover in the world of ballet, and during my time in Milan, I was delighted to experience a whole new side of ballet at a rather unique venue! You see, the Teatro alla Scala wasn’t the only ballet performance I experienced in Milan. This time, I discovered a charming little street performance in a quiet corner of the city, not the usual setting for a ballet show but it was truly captivating. The choreography was quite different from the structured and refined style I witnessed in the theatre, but it captured a vibrant energy – like something that felt right at home on the street. Imagine twirling amidst the flower stalls, or leaps amongst the cobblestone - what a magical way to create theatre!

And, in that very same corner, I was mesmerized by the story told in the movements, by the energy that bounced between the dancers and the onlookers, by the way they were able to completely immerse themselves in their art, even on the cobblestone and in front of a group of passersby. These ballerinas moved with a natural elegance that could make even the most seasoned dancer envious. The passion for the performance radiated out from them, and there was a magical stillness in their movements, something I’d never really noticed at the Scala – even though it felt as if we were both at the heart of a performance!

It reminded me of those wonderful summer evenings when I would dance on stage, just me and my tutu. This street performance, I realised, felt just as genuine – there’s something truly empowering about embracing the stage even on the most unexpected of stages. That little street performance left me truly inspired. The fact that it happened in such an ordinary setting felt more meaningful – the ballet they created was truly alive! It’s something I’m still thinking about, a stark contrast to the staged environment I had grown up with, yet every bit as powerful and engaging!

If you ever get the chance, try searching for the unexpected - it's waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to look, you never know where you might discover the magic of a dance, whether in the quiet corner of a street or on the grand stage!

### Tutu-licious Travels: Adventures in Style

While ballet is at the heart of everything I do, there’s no denying my other passion is travel, and my travels through Europe are truly all about embracing the elegance, grace, and history of every destination, and making every step a statement. I am definitely known as the "pink tutu" ballerina on my travels! And here’s where my love of fashion comes into play, I really believe your clothes should help to express your personal style. Whether it’s a vintage Chanel jacket or a beautifully tailored evening gown, my outfits should say something about who I am and where I’ve come from!

Speaking of statement pieces, the “pink tutu” definitely qualifies! So, while this latest journey took me to Italy – Milan to be precise, and this has been a whirlwind of beautiful fashion – I find that I’ve been pairing the "pink tutu" with an entirely different style in this beautiful country! For me, the "pink tutu" transcends cultures and cities! My tutu can look just as sophisticated when worn in Rome as it can when I’m on stage in Derbyshire. It’s simply about choosing the right accompanying items and accessorising them in a way that suits each city’s style and essence. It can work for a glamorous night out in the Theatre, and it also fits right in on the charming cobblestone streets of Italy! It's a look that oozes confidence and fun. And you know, sometimes the "pink tutu" really does steal the show!

I find myself constantly adjusting, mixing and matching my signature pink tutu to compliment each location – think statement belts with chic pinks for the grand streets of Milan, bold metallic shades to complete the look, or an embroidered scarf that speaks to the Italian love of craft and artistry. My "pink tutu" takes on a different identity with every journey – that’s something that I just love. Of course, one thing that never changes is the element of sparkle. For me, sparkle and shimmer are not just aesthetics, they are ways to express joy and make life that bit more exciting. From my sparkling jewellery and sequined footwear, through to the embellishment of my beloved "pink tutu," every element comes together to form a stylish whole. It’s about capturing that beautiful balance between elegance and playfulness that so many ballet performers showcase – the ability to show incredible grace and strength within each elegant movement, a balance that truly shines.

This brings me back to my absolute obsession – it's more than just an outfit, the "pink tutu" is truly my signature – it's what sets me apart, it's my way of leaving my mark on every adventure I experience. It’s about making a bold statement and turning heads! I have realised that, when you own a statement piece, you own it completely, the tutu helps to give my personality a tangible expression, especially in such visually vibrant cities as Milan. It’s something I can wear while on stage, when exploring the cobblestone streets, in those chic boutiques, and even during my lunch breaks. You can never overestimate the power of a perfect outfit, something I feel every time I look in the mirror while my pink tutu twirls !

If you haven't given it a go, I urge you to embrace a style statement – you’ll be surprised by how much confidence it can bring, you just never know how it might bring some joy into your life!

This is what makes the “pink tutu” feel so incredibly versatile, the power of this unique signature. The key, I have learned, is knowing what looks best and finding what works for you. After all, nothing can beat expressing yourself in your own unique style, even if it's on the cobblestones or the stage, whether your a ballerina in a tutu or a businessman in a suit, owning your own style will help to make your travels, and life, that bit more exciting! And this, my friends, is what makes Milan feel so inspiring. It’s a place that seems to encourage self-expression and a city where creative minds feel embraced, it’s a city brimming with an attitude of elegance, passion, and daring style that inspires me every day!

So, the next time you find yourself in Milan, just imagine twirling with your pink tutu amidst the streets. It’s a city waiting to be explored, a city ready to welcome a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina – it truly has the potential to ignite that unique spark within every person who walks its streets! Ciao bellas! Emma xxx