Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back from a whirlwind week in the fabulous city of Milan! 🇮🇹 This city truly embodies "La Dolce Vita" – every cobbled street feels like a catwalk, and the delicious scent of freshly brewed espresso hangs heavy in the air like an alluring perfume.
This week's adventure took me through cobblestone streets, grand cathedrals, bustling markets, and, of course, breathtaking ballet performances. As always, my trusty pink tutu was in tow, ready to twirl and charm the Italian streets!
This week I'm feeling so grateful, not only for the experiences, but for the joy I've been able to bring others by sharing my love of ballet and everything pink with the world. This week I’ve been travelling, twirling and dancing my way through Milan, showing off the elegance and the fun of a Pink Tutu! Every little girl in Milan stopped to say “Ciao” to me – that was truly delightful. So many compliments for the Pink Tutu from the gorgeous Milanese.
The Journey to Milan
Milan felt a world away from the rolling hills and green meadows of Derbyshire, where I call home. But you know me, I'm always up for an adventure, and the thrill of travelling by train was almost as exciting as arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Milan. I slid on my pink tutu, grabbed a comfy carriage seat, and waved goodbye to my quiet Derbyshire life as the sleek Italian train whizzed me to this fashionable wonderland.
The journey was a visual feast. As I gazed out the window, a landscape of sprawling countryside painted itself into my memories: fields bursting with wildflowers, quaint villages tucked between rolling hills, and sun-drenched vineyards winding their way along the horizon. The whole experience felt like stepping into a romantic movie - or maybe one of those beautiful storybook illustrations we all love! 🩰
The Milan Opera House
The Milan Opera House, La Scala, is one of the most renowned theatres in the world, so it's hardly a surprise that this week, the biggest attraction for this ballet-loving soul was the iconic Milan Opera House. The architecture alone was jaw-dropping: majestic columns, intricate carvings, and grand staircases that led to the hallowed halls where ballet legends danced and history was made. This historical building had a sense of magic, like every single stone was whispering tales of legendary ballets and magnificent music.
It’s no wonder I felt like a ballerina myself as I walked through those legendary doors.
Of course, the real treat was seeing the opera, "La Traviata," a passionate masterpiece that swept me away into a world of forbidden love and tragic beauty. I loved the powerful performances, the opulent costumes, and the exquisite orchestra that wove magic through the theatre. The audience, clad in beautiful couture dresses, sparkling jewels, and their finest attire, felt like I’d been transported to another time, a more romantic age where the theatre reigned. The air itself seemed charged with the energy of the show. Every scene unfolded before me like a beautiful dream. The melodies lifted me on their wings, taking me to distant, romantic shores, and the movements of the dancers seemed to express every emotion.
For a week I could have felt I was transported back to Victorian times. The elegance and refinement in Milan resonated deeply.
I’m glad I was dressed in my signature Pink Tutu! You know I love how it fits in seamlessly, no matter the occasion. It brought an element of youthful exuberance and fun to an occasion that had a sophisticated air. It’s the perfect contrast! And it looked absolutely radiant in the beautifully-lit theatre. I couldn’t resist a little twirl after the curtain call!
The Italian Ballet - The Show Must Go On!
My Pink Tutu, of course, went to see a couple of ballet performances in the historic Milan Opera House, La Scala, this week. It's amazing how I get to experience incredible things like this just for following my dream! Ballet is, for me, an amazing mix of artistry and sport. You can have beautiful dance moves that seem to defy gravity, yet are the product of endless practice. I know that's the thing that attracts me, that perfect balance of beauty and physical excellence. And the performances in Milan showed both at their very best!
As I stepped into La Scala's magnificent foyer, I couldn't help but imagine the legendary performers who have graced its stage, from Pavlova to Nijinsky, and I knew I was treading in the footsteps of greatness.
But for me, the beauty of ballet is that it's universal. We may be sitting in an ornate Opera House but we’re experiencing the same joy from seeing these incredible performers in perfect harmony! And as the dancers effortlessly glided across the stage, I was captivated by their grace, power, and precision.
Even more delightful this week were the "street ballets", organised by talented troupes across Milan. They would spontaneously appear, filling the streets with movement, grace and musical joy!
Each night I'd explore the heart of the city. A tiny street corner turned into a stage, bathed in the glow of the street lamps and, I was right in the thick of it. The dancers were sensational. I know, as a ballerina myself, what a physical and artistic effort goes into each turn, each leap and every perfect, harmonious step! The ballets weren’t necessarily traditional classical ballets. Instead they incorporated elements of modern and contemporary dance, so there was a sense of the unexpected, like you’d expect from street performances. Each little piece had its own energy and beauty and was unique in its own way.
You know how I always try to bring a touch of Pink Tutu magic wherever I go. And it was wonderful to see my Pink Tutu amongst these dancers! The vibrant pink added a lovely splash of colour, a sense of energy, and joy that brightened every performance!
I took a few snaps of these captivating moments in my beloved Pink Tutu. A perfect way to preserve a memory of every street dance!
The Fashionista’s Dream
The fashion scene in Milan is world-famous for its glamorous fashion shows and iconic boutiques that line the chic streets of the city centre.
And of course, with the Fashion Week coming up next month, the whole city is buzzing with anticipation for the big event. There's an energy here that’s really hard to beat. The street style is one of a kind and everywhere I look, I'm spotting interesting outfits, colourful accessories and exciting, eye-catching designs! I can’t resist looking for some new outfits too, for when I’m performing or for the fun of just getting dressed up in gorgeous new things! So I’ve been hopping around the designer stores this week, indulging my inner fashionista and I’m sure it won't be too long until my pink tutu makes a fashion statement of its own! I might even need to find another to showcase all these gorgeous designs in. Who needs a dressing room? I’ll be using Milan for my changing room this week! There’s so much inspiring fashion all around me, from the sophisticated boutiques, to the window displays that spark an inner dream.
One shop was even featuring pink tutu designs! Well, you just know my heart belongs to that shop, so I grabbed one of their gorgeous little ballet-style handbags, a must have, as well as a dress with a pink tutu motif on it! And naturally, a brand new pink tutu in the most beautiful shade of pale, blush pink with a pearl grey shimmer! This beauty is ready for Milan Fashion week. It was meant to be! This city really does hold something for everyone.
The shop assistants gave me some ideas for a glamorous Italian evening outfit, so this evening I'm planning to dine al fresco in the warm Italian sunshine in this magnificent city, wearing my brand new ballet-inspired pink dress, teamed up with my gorgeous new ballet handbag, to take full advantage of this sophisticated vibe. I love Milan!
Food for Thought
No Italian journey would be complete without a celebration of the region’s delectable cuisine! From authentic pasta dishes to fresh, crusty bread and steaming bowls of espresso, Milan is a gourmand’s paradise. Oh, I do love me some Italian cuisine.
And the delicious smells wafting out from the many restaurants make every walk in the city feel like a journey for my senses!
For a quintessential Milanese lunch, I chose a beautiful little Trattoria. With its traditional brick walls, checkered tablecloths and welcoming staff, it just screamed "classic Milan"! They’d got a beautiful array of fresh seafood, succulent meat, fresh seasonal produce – all the classic ingredients of delicious Italian meals.
I went for a salad and then a truly exquisite platter of seafood pasta, fresh fish and a gorgeous vegetable dish all for a reasonable price! The pasta was like silk and the dish was cooked with the freshest ingredients and cooked to absolute perfection! You know I don’t do a bad review – and I really couldn’t fault the food and service in that trattoria. I just felt the joy and love they put into their food and their whole service. It truly added to the wonderful atmosphere of the city!
My lunch companion – who was an Italian blogger – told me about the "Gelaterie", those traditional ice-cream shops! There are so many amazing “Gelaterie” tucked down charming, narrow alleyways that you're just waiting for to burst with incredible aromas! And then there’s the “Sorbetto”! Milan loves its Sorbet! You just have to enjoy it! It’s the Italian “Sorbetto”, the lightest, fruitiest sorbet in the world! I had to have my own bowl of the sweetest peach sorbet with its subtle flavours. Oh, this is the life!
Every time I visit Italy I learn something new and exciting, it’s full of little surprises, not least the beautiful little coffee shops! And, for any coffee lover out there, you’ll love this place! The “Caffe” here has a lovely bitter kick! So rich and strong, and you feel such a rush of pure energy when you sip it.
My favorite coffee place is the traditional “Cafe al Bicerin” tucked away on a small lane, full of historic charm and delicious aromas. The owner makes this incredible hot chocolate drink – full of frothy cocoa, espresso and sweet liqueur! So rich and warming and full of those traditional flavors of the region. I always find some extra special treasures, especially when I have a little time to wander around.
You'll find me there this weekend enjoying this local favourite, the hot chocolate, "Bicerin”! You've got to try it for yourself!
I do love the pace of life in Italy! And after this weekend in the “Capitals of Style” and Food, I’m sure to bring my pink tutu home and start getting ready for my next adventure!
Follow me, darlings, for my next exciting blog.
See you next week for more Pink Tutu fun! 💖🩰
Always in Pink! Emma
