Ciao, darling readers! Emma here, back from a whirlwind week in the fashion capital of the world, Milan! My feet are sore from dancing, my head is buzzing with ideas, and my suitcase is overflowing with fabulous finds – all in the name of pink, tutus and the magical world of ballet!
As always, this week's Pink Tutu Milan adventure began with a flurry of travel. I boarded a comfy, scarlet-red train at my local station in Derbyshire, a heart full of excitement and a suitcase bursting with vibrant pink tutus (you know, just in case I needed a last minute costume change!). I felt the thrill of the journey; a journey to a city bursting with life, creativity, and, of course, incredible fashion. I swear, the Italian trains even have their own fashion sense - sleek, polished, and always on time!
Upon arriving in Milan, my eyes were dazzled. Imagine a kaleidoscope of colour, but instead of shards of glass, it's shimmering fabrics, dazzling architecture, and impossibly chic Milanese. This city makes me feel like I’m starring in a ballet about fashion, with a soundtrack composed entirely of the city's vibrant energy!
But enough about the journey, let’s talk about my adventure!
First stop, a true Milanese tradition – the "aperitivo"! This wonderful ritual, with its delectable nibbles and delicious Italian wines, perfectly sets the scene for an evening of exploration and glamour. I indulged in a glass of the finest prosecco, savouring the flavours of Italy while soaking in the city’s warm, buzzing energy. My dress was a beautiful rose pink silk, which paired wonderfully with my favourite sparkly ballet flats. I simply had to feel chic!
Next up, a spectacular performance at Teatro alla Scala – the legendary Milan opera house. Oh, my goodness! The performance was magnificent, transporting me into another world through exquisite artistry, powerful emotions, and mesmerising choreography. My heart swelled with inspiration! I realised then that Milan was not just about clothes and couture, but also a sanctuary for artistic expression, a vibrant dance floor for dreams and imagination.
I swear, even the theatre itself felt like it was twirling in a tutu. From its grand, elegant facade to the shimmering crystal chandeliers, the entire atmosphere exuded a sense of dramatic flair. And then there were the costumes! Oh, the costumes! Each dancer, adorned with stunning, hand-crafted garments, brought a sense of beauty and artistry to the performance, a celebration of creativity, precision and pure artistic flair.
Then came a trip to the famous "Quadrilatero della Moda", or “Fashion Quadrilateral” to us mere mortals. This incredible district boasts some of the biggest names in fashion: Gucci, Prada, Armani, Versace - it’s a fashionista’s dream come true. Walking amongst these luxury stores, I felt the buzz of excitement – a real treat for the senses. I’ll be honest, a tiny bit of me wished I could wear my pink tutu amongst the haute couture mannequins, just for the Instagram worthy shots, but I figured I'd leave the “serious” fashion for a special occasion! But the window displays! Divine! Every shade of pink imaginable, glittering like diamonds in the sunlight! I picked up a new silk scarf that perfectly matched my blush-coloured tutu, just so you know!
And, of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without some delicious Italian food. This city is a gourmand's paradise, bursting with tempting flavours and smells that ignite the tastebuds. I found a tiny family-run trattoria, tucked away in a quiet back street, and relished in the authentic Italian fare – freshly-made pasta with fragrant pesto, creamy ricotta gnocchi, and a generous helping of gelato for dessert. The creamy flavours of the ricotta gnocchi and the tangy pesto tasted so delicious, I swear I could have danced my way to my next stop! It's this incredible passion for food and culinary artistry that makes Milan so magical.
But, the most exciting part of this adventure was getting to finally experience ballet in its true Italian spirit.
I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Teatro alla Scala's dance school and take part in an extraordinary workshop with their talented instructors. Now, picture this - a room brimming with the energy of the city, adorned with breathtaking Italian artwork and the rhythmic pulse of classical music. The room pulsed with energy and excitement, filled with dancers from across the globe. The instructors were a powerhouse of passion, energy and precision. They were like mythical, ballet goddesses in training! And I, a simple Derbyshire girl, dancing with them, soaking in the knowledge of a world class ballet institution! My tutus were spinning in excitement and I think I even had a small ballet cry! (Don't judge me - we've all had those!).
We learned classic balletic positions, graceful jumps, and mesmerizing turns, with their focus on fluid movement and refined execution. Every move, from the simplest “plié” to the most elaborate “fouetté”, was a testament to the intricate art of ballet, all delivered with infectious enthusiasm. I felt as if I was on stage in front of the most supportive, adoring audience - even if they were the other students and our incredible instructors!
One thing I’ve learnt over my adventures: You never really understand something until you’ve actually lived it, you’ve really done it. And I certainly haven’t been the same since dancing with the talented teachers at Teatro alla Scala. As I left the school that evening, the streets of Milan had never seemed so bright, my steps seemed lighter, and the rhythm of my heart felt completely in sync with the magical, artistic spirit of this city!
It’s important to always keep growing and learning. Even someone as passionate about ballet as myself can find herself captivated by a new aspect of the craft.
As I boarded my train back to Derbyshire, I felt filled with a new sense of inspiration and determination. I knew, with every fibre of my being, that my mission to spread the joy of pink tutus wouldn't stop!
This experience, this whirlwind of ballet, food, and fashion, made me realise how beautiful it is to share the love of dance with everyone. That’s what Pink Tutu Milan is about - taking those bold leaps of faith, celebrating the magic of ballet, and spreading joy one pink tutu at a time.
And you, darling reader, you can join in too. What colour tutu are you dreaming of? Tell me all about it in the comments!
Until next week, stay sparkly and always remember, dance like nobody's watching...or better yet, dance like everyone’s watching, but only if you’re wearing pink! 🩰
Love,
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
