Buongiorno, darling tutu lovers! It's Emma from Derbyshire, reporting live from Milan, Italy, where the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked pastries and the sound of laughter spills from every cafe. I'm wearing my favourite pink tulle tutu, naturally - what else would I be sporting in the fashion capital of the world?!
As usual, my journey here was a whimsical adventure, a ballet in itself! I took a comfortable train journey from Paris, enjoying the charming views of the French countryside. And you know what, dear reader? It was the perfect excuse to twirl. Even the gruff old conductor couldn't help but smile at my infectious enthusiasm. I am, after all, on a mission to bring a touch of ballet magic to every corner of the world!
My trip to Milan was, of course, fuelled by an exciting line-up of ballet performances. I've been particularly eager to see the "Sleeping Beauty" at the Teatro alla Scala, the renowned opera house with a history as grand as its chandeliers. The anticipation was intoxicating! I wandered through the vibrant streets of the city, soaking in the atmosphere, before arriving at the iconic theatre. It felt like stepping into another world - one where the impossible is possible.
Tutu Shopping, Because Every Day is a Ballet!
A ballerina can't survive solely on ballet! I've had a glorious time exploring the fashion boutiques and designer stores in Milan. My pink tutu became the envy of every shop assistant I encountered - and who could blame them? The Italian love affair with style and sophistication was undeniable! It was pure joy trying on the most beautiful gowns, flowing silk dresses and elegant shoes, even if my favourite shopping spot remains the tutu boutique on via Montenapoleone!
I also ventured into the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a breathtaking glass-vaulted arcade that could be straight out of a fairytale. The shopping experience was unparalleled! From designer purses and shoes to handcrafted Italian leather goods, the artistry and craftsmanship were astounding. And you bet I found some fabulous treasures to adorn my pink tutu - a delicate pearl necklace, some delicate earrings and a chic, pink silk scarf, of course. A tutu ensemble can never have too many additions!
Street Style, and How Ballet Brought Me Here
There is nothing like observing the fashion on the streets of Milan, with its chic ensembles, fabulous shoes, and beautiful hair! Every day felt like a fashion show. However, my real passion was exploring the street performers, and it just so happens that Milan has an extraordinary vibrant scene of buskers, acrobats, and yes, ballerinas! They perform in every corner of the city, from the majestic Duomo to the bustling Piazza del Duomo. The music was vibrant, the energy infectious, and it was pure joy to see the sheer artistry displayed. And I couldn't help myself but join in, adding my own twirls and leaps to the impromptu street performance!
There is such a richness to this beautiful city! I saw "Giselle" at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and let me tell you, it was the perfect blend of artistry and athleticism! You could feel the power of the dancers as they glided across the stage, and I felt inspired by the performance to step out of my comfort zone and into a whole new dimension. My travels were funded by a ballet performance at The Lowry theatre in Salford, a real coup in my world! The performance of "The Nutcracker" was magical, and, of course, the stage felt so magical under the lights and amidst the audience that I couldn’t help but let my tutu add a little more festive magic. I find it truly special that ballet brings people from all walks of life together to create moments of joy and enchantment. And after a day of touring the city, it was such a wonderful feeling to see ballet come alive under the Italian sunshine!
A Little Inspiration, for the Love of Ballet
Milan is an inspiration! The city itself is like a breathtaking performance! From the stunning architecture to the colourful, buzzing streets and the delicious aromas that tantalize your senses, Milan is an orchestra of delights. But even with all of this, Milan is still a reminder to be fearless. A little tip: if you're visiting the Teatro alla Scala, try to catch one of the open rehearsals. They're a wonderful peek into the rehearsal process. They show the incredible effort and talent that go into each ballet performance!
To every budding ballerina, from my heart to yours: don't be afraid to twirl! Milan is an inspirational playground. Every day is an opportunity to twirl in style, and wear your favourite pink tutu proudly. Even if you don't aspire to be a professional dancer, bring the joy and grace of ballet into your life, one pink tutu-clad step at a time. Because even if we're not on the stage, life is our biggest, most fabulous stage of all!
This city was filled with so many magical experiences, I have had an unbelievable time!
Stay fabulous! Until next time, keep twirling!
Yours in Tutu,
Emma.
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at @PinkTutu for all the latest adventures in the tutu world. You'll get glimpses into all the pretty little ballet performances and special things happening all across Europe. I love to connect with all the twirling fans out there!
Blog posts and comments: A Little Bit About Me and This Blog:
This is post number 1304 of my weekly pink tutu adventures, you can catch it every Monday over on my website www.pink-tutu.com . As some of you know, my obsession with the tutu has always been about more than the garment, it's been about inspiring people to find their own beauty and light up the world with their own little slice of magic! So, for you, if you'd like to learn more about my journey of self-discovery and find out how I keep things interesting, then leave a comment below, I’d love to chat.
Here is some information for your reading pleasure, I hope you find it of interest:
Travel Tips for Pink Tutu Milan:
- Public transport: Milan's tram and metro systems are easy to navigate, but do your research on route maps and times to make sure you are never stuck. My best tip - be prepared for long waits, and carry a book and comfy shoes, just in case!
- Foodie Adventures: Don't miss out on trying the amazing pizzas and pastas. From the trattorias to the chic restaurants, there's something for every taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the panettone (sweetbread) or the “aperitivo” - the Italian happy hour, it is so special.
- Where to find a tutu: The best tutu shops are on via Montenapoleone and in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There is also a fantastic online retailer for your tutus called www.TutuTime.com and it has lots of fabulous tutus, and great for any budding ballerinas, too.
- Shopping Deals: Remember, you can always find amazing deals at the outdoor markets in Milan, especially if you are looking for local crafts or unique vintage finds.
Next Stop: Paris!
The above is about 1450 words - It can be cut down further to make it under 2900, I also thought it might be useful to add in some snippets from Emma's life to make her even more relatable. Do you need anything adding in?
