Hello darlings! It's Emma from Derbyshire, and welcome back to my weekly slice of Milanese magic! This week's Pink Tutu journey finds me nestled in the heart of this magnificent city, and believe me, it's positively bursting with balletic brilliance and sartorial splendor!
This is my 1290th post, and let me tell you, it's all thanks to my pink tutu – that magical garment that brings so much joy into my life. I wear it to ballet class, to performances, even to tea with my gran! I can't imagine my life without it. My mission is to get everyone twirling in their own pink tutu - so what are you waiting for, dear reader? Step into the tutu world and see for yourself the joy and wonder that awaits!
Today is Wednesday 26th February, and it’s already a whirl of pink perfection!
My week began with a ballet class at the Teatro alla Scala – it’s one of the world's most famous opera houses, you know. The classes here are a true delight. The teachers are just as dedicated to the art of dance as the ballerinas themselves. And even though it's right in the heart of the city, you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle. The sound of the violin warm-up, the soft sighs of our pliés, the sheer energy of a well- executed arabesque – ahhh it's truly sublime!
I'll admit it; a tiny twinge of guilt surfaced when I saw that exquisite "S'mores with a Twist" display at the cafe across the street from the Teatro Alla Scala. But it would've been a grave sin to not buy that s'more.
For lunch, I took the iconic tram line Number 1 from my fabulous boutique hotel in Porta Venezia down to Brera. You know, this famous area is the quintessential Milan - the quaint cobbled lanes that are bursting with chic art galleries and even a few ballets studios – yes, my love affair with ballet knows no bounds!
And guess what?! There's a new “Tutus & Tiaras” exhibit going on at the Pinacoteca di Brera, it’s quite exquisite really – all the outfits in the exhibit are made with tutus and tiara - some even come in pink!
Speaking of which, did you catch that breathtaking exhibition of ballets shoes, in the window of that little vintage shoe shop on Via Moscova? It was more than an exhibition – it was like a mini-ballet in itself! It made me just want to prance on the street in my pink tutu, but that wouldn’t be terribly respectable now, would it?
It's a tough life being a Pink Tutu blogger in Milan, darling, with such wonderful, whimsical shops around every corner. My new tutu must have cost a fortune! This week I’m all about pink satin! My new tutu has this incredible blush colour with sparkling sequins. I picked up some fabulously fluffy pink feather boa and pink tulle - because darling, more is always better. There’s also a delicate pink ribbon running through the tulle which makes me want to swirl and spin like a ballerina doll. But a gentleman with an affable smile did offer to carry my bag and hold my tulle while I paid, and you know I could tell that even his simple kindness made him quite happy!
After a delicious, authentic “Cacciucco” ( delicious Italian seafood stew, darlings, highly recommend) for dinner at Trattoria da Mario, just a short walk from the bustling, magical Brera district, I went to see an exquisite show at the Teatro alla Scala - oh, the beauty and the drama! The performances were sublime. They made me want to put on my pink tutu and take to the stage, just as I do back home at my Derbyshire Dance Academy! I actually thought my favourite dancer looked at me once and smiled - even if I’m probably wrong, the memory is something I’ll cherish all week long!
I also went to this divine little place in the Porta Ticinese district for dessert: you'll love the tiramisu with pistachio ice-cream - it’s a beautiful pink color too! You know I couldn’t resist that pink cotton candy heart that is just a little shop next door. So cute.
There's a vibrant community here in Milan - and it just spills over onto the street! After I'd sampled all the street food goodness - and had a picture with the gorgeous fountain, the perfect place to pose in your pink tutu, don’t you think?
I took my evening stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s central thoroughfare - a long stroll that is, it's said to be Europe's longest street with shopping - that’s something I can totally relate to.
In fact, one thing that I can truly say is that in all of my Milan travels, this city never fails to captivate my senses - its historic, opulent beauty and charm that makes this a city I’ll never tire of exploring. And it is of course, all made a little sweeter knowing that I have my trusty pink tutu to keep my spirit, and my fashion senses, bright!
Here are my highlights for this week’s adventures in Milan:
The Teatro alla Scala: As I’ve mentioned this theatre is simply the most exquisite thing in the entire world. A perfect blend of artistic talent, opulence, history - it's everything you could possibly hope for in a ballet, or even just in an opulent opera. If you have the chance to go to a show - do. I’ll tell you - you'll never forget it. You will not only enjoy a brilliant performance, but also see exquisite costumes – all inspired by classic ballets, of course! But hey! even in these grand, grand venues you still have to make a stand for pink, so don’t forget to make it a point to go in with a touch of pink in your attire – it’ll be the perfect excuse to pull out that little bit of sparkle, which you have buried so far back in your wardrobe.
The Ballet Classes at Teatro alla Scala: Let's talk about those incredible ballet classes. Yes, darlings - there is such a place. If you are a budding ballerina, and in particular, if you have your sights set on the professional world – then don’t you just dare miss it! But of course, it’s open to all, all levels and styles - they really don’t discriminate here at the Teatro alla Scala! (Well, they might if your tutu doesn’t meet the minimum glitter quota - just saying! But it does feel like they don’t want to discriminate – which is fantastic for all you pink tutu wearers. There’s something to be said about being a Pink Tutu Ballerina in Italy, isn’t there? I dare say it’s more likely you will receive some stares, maybe even some applause as well - especially from other fellow pink tutu fans. Now is this not all fabulous! Well, now that I think about it - a lot of the things you get stared at for in Milan tend to be quite luxurious. Maybe it is all a bit glam - perhaps a little bit flashy.
The Tram Line Number 1: This one is actually so very simple - it takes you through all the best spots of Milan, from the glamorous fashion areas like Porta Venezia to the bustling Porta Garibaldi. It goes through the beautiful, serene Brera to the very trendy Navigli area which is the location for the best restaurants and shops in all of Milan - this particular tram line is more than just transport.
The Food in Milan: This is where it is very important for you, darlings, to get all your “s'mores with a twist” on – but even I have a very, very healthy and very sweet, sugary tooth! Of course all these gorgeous dishes from the classic spaghetti dishes to Milanese veal and even the humble “risotto” will delight you - you can even find them with Pink Tutu flavours – pink grapefruit salad with ricotta!
Shopping In Milan: Oh, the joy of buying a new pair of ballet shoes or a gorgeous pink tutu! And Milan really has the best in this area - don’t just expect it. Demand it! From those big fashion house names, with all the iconic styles – right down to little independent stores where you can get a gorgeous tulle skirt with the fluffiest little bows, or a tiny little satin rose to wear with your tutu – you’ll want it all, don’t worry, that’s more than ok!
The Street Fashion In Milan: Forget Paris. Milan has the most vibrant, gorgeous, chic street fashion. If you’re a little fashion-forward – and in need of a few photos for your Instagram, and of course for me – I would recommend heading down to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. All the Italians on the street dress up for their everyday. So that when you do visit, you'll see all sorts of vibrant, fabulous and truly beautiful styles. I saw this stunning woman with this fabulous scarlet handbag and a stunning black tulle skirt - which totally reminded me of the tutus at that exhibit I told you about - it just showed me how important tulle, especially in black, is in this wonderful city!
A Big Old Coffee – There is nothing like a beautifully served cup of coffee in Milan, so much so that, even if you’re a tea drinker, like I am, you are more than likely to indulge. But it is good to get into that Italian cafe culture – in fact, the “Cafe Culture” that the Italians live by - you have to take it up and enjoy the wonderful cafes here, they really are something quite special - they make you feel so welcome. There is really not anything quite like that “Welcome” Feeling, is there?
If you have yet to join me in Milan - what are you waiting for, darling? Book a flight, hop on the train or maybe even on a fabulous Milanese Tram line and let the pink magic commence! Just remember to bring your trusty pink tutu – even the train and plane won't object – just promise me to be ready for those Instagram photos - let’s just say, that we’re definitely going to need to make that #PinkTutuMilan hashtag trend in the next few months, or I’ve missed a real, truly pink-tastic opportunity - now wouldn't that be tragic!
Catch you next week, darlings! Remember to tune in next Monday at 8:00pm, to www.pink-tutu.com – you’ll be greeted by me, with a dazzling pink tutu, in the heart of Milan - oh, there's just so much pink love in this fabulous city, it really is a blessing – even in this little pink Tutu blogger's heart.
Don't forget to keep those twirls tight and to spread the love!
Lots of love and sparkly pink tutus,
Emma
P.S Don’t forget your tutu! It’s important! It’s a fashion must. It’s the one piece that all you budding Pink Tutu fashion bloggers need – if you are serious about spreading the word. The ultimate accessory. You won’t regret it!
