Bonjour from sunny Milan! Can you believe it's already the middle of January? It feels like just yesterday I was sipping mulled wine at the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the Christmas market and watching the ice skaters whirl across the ice rink. But Milan is a different kind of magical - a whirlwind of fashion, food, and fabulous architecture, and, of course, it’s just teeming with beautiful dance spaces. I’ve been here for just over a week now and I already feel like I’m getting into the swing of things.
This week, I've been feeling utterly inspired by Milan's dedication to style, not just in fashion but also in dance. It’s truly a city that takes ballet to heart - and where better to explore the connection between fashion and dance than here?
Pink Tutu Milan - Taking a Stroll Around Town
This morning, I took a walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that beautiful glass-covered shopping arcade. My trusty pink tutu was, of course, in tow - the perfect attire for a city this vibrant! It always makes me feel a little bit more confident and extra twirly! Honestly, Milan’s streets are just the perfect backdrop for some Instagram-worthy snaps!
I saw a couple of delightful, brightly dressed little girls twirling in their pink tutus on a carousel in a park. Honestly, I’m making progress - it looks like pink tutus are becoming a fashionable staple for girls across the globe, and for this, my heart is doing pirouettes!
As I sauntered down the Via Montenapoleone, one of the world's most fashionable streets, I stopped at the Armani store, marvelling at the sleek displays and beautifully tailored suits. I can imagine a gorgeous, pink tulle dress on one of their mannequins would make an unforgettable statement. It would certainly give that classic “Italian Chic” look a twist - with a little sprinkle of Pink Tutu Magic!
The Italian Ballet Scene
The Milan ballet scene has completely captivated me! My week in Milan started with a visit to Teatro alla Scala, the city’s iconic opera house. There I witnessed a show-stopping performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake - pure balletic genius! Watching the dancers glide effortlessly across the stage, their bodies telling stories through movement, had me feeling as though I could float right alongside them.
The other evening, I wandered around the trendy Porta Ticinese district, enjoying the colourful street art and vibrant energy. This neighbourhood is full of creativity - and that's exactly what drew me to this small, intimate dance studio I discovered down a quiet side street. There I found myself learning a beautiful choreography piece set to the music of Puccini, a composer I have been falling more in love with the more I explore Italy!
This dance studio felt so welcoming and full of warmth. You could feel the passion and commitment that the students brought to each class, a reminder that the power of dance is a universal language that resonates across all cultures.
Pink Tutu Travel - Taking a Ride on a Milan Tram
Another highlight of the week was exploring Milan via tram. There’s nothing quite like watching the world go by, feeling the rhythm of the city, and having the chance to soak in the local flavour. Milan's tram system is super easy to use, and the prices are very affordable - a real bargain!
While I've been in Italy, I've been observing how people dress, particularly their incredible shoes. Milanese fashion has so much character, there are always unexpected pops of colour, and a timeless elegance about them. A sense of flair that, to me, has a lot of synergy with a twirl in a pink tutu!
Today, I even saw a group of ballet students getting off a tram - their pointe shoes, with all their soft, satiny loveliness, were almost outshined by their fantastic outfits. One student was wearing a gorgeous shade of pink - almost the same colour as my favourite tutu - a fabulous choice, don’t you think?
Fashion Inspiration from Milan
My trip to Milan wouldn't be complete without some amazing shopping. So today I’m venturing to the Duomo - its magnificent gothic architecture just takes my breath away. The iconic Duomo always feels as inspiring and grandiose as the dancing in La Scala - what a wonderful day it's going to be!
From there, I'm headed to the famous Quadrilatero della Moda district, one of the fashion capitals of the world - so you can bet I’m coming home with some fabulous souvenirs! But most importantly, it’s all about finding a few new treasures to add to my Pink Tutu wardrobe - I love finding inspiration everywhere I go. And for that, a little dose of Milanese glamour is absolutely the perfect antidote.
The Art of Ballet
In the evenings, Milan offers a vast array of art galleries and performance spaces. The other day, I watched a wonderful contemporary dance performance at Teatro Dal Verme - it made my soul dance!
This weekend, I'm really excited to see a new production of ‘Giselle’ at Teatro Arcimboldi, a grand auditorium that’s renowned for its excellent acoustics. It’s always fascinating to me to see how different directors interpret the same ballet, making it fresh and captivating for a new generation of audiences.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Milan, do make sure ballet is part of your itinerary. There are so many brilliant shows and opportunities to get involved in classes - from traditional ballet to modern styles - you are bound to find your ideal dance experience!
Back Home Next Week
So, that's all from me for this week, darlings! But you know what they say: life in a pink tutu is all about adventure and excitement, and, well, I just can’t resist taking you with me along on the journey!
Keep an eye on the Pink Tutu website next Monday for my weekly post on www.pink-tutu.com where I’ll be giving you an update on my time in Milan - because it wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu Adventure without some incredible Italian ballet magic to sprinkle into the mix.
And, of course, we’ll have plenty of time to explore a fashionista’s favourite finds! So, for now, keep twirling, darlings!
Until next time,
Your ever-optimistic Pink Tutu Ballerina,
Emma
xx
