Buongiorno from Milano, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, back from the streets of Milan, where the sunshine is practically shimmering off the marble and the gelato is as creamy as a ballerina's pointe shoes!
It's a Wednesday, which means another thrilling week has gone by, filled to the brim with twirling, travelling, and of course, plenty of pink!
A Fashionista's Paradise
This week, Milano has been a whirlwind of colours and textures! As a firm believer that fashion and dance go hand in hand, I couldn't resist diving headfirst into the fashion haven that is this glorious city. Let's be honest, a pink tutu always pairs perfectly with Italian style, wouldn't you agree?
I started my day with a trip to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Have you ever been, my lovelies? It’s a masterpiece – glass and steel arches stretching skyward, filled with boutiques and cafes, where you can spot everything from the latest Dior to bespoke leather shoes handcrafted by local artisans. I picked up the most divine coral scarf (you know my obsession with coral!) – perfect for adding a pop of colour to my classic white ballet leotard, wouldn't you say?
Taking a Trip to Teatro alla Scala
Speaking of dance, this evening was all about experiencing the magical atmosphere of the legendary Teatro alla Scala. Just a hop and a skip away from the Duomo (I even rode the tram, so chic!), the theatre is a real treasure trove of culture and history. It’s been around since the 1700s – think Mozart, think Rossini! The architecture is simply stunning – ornate frescoes, velvet seating, gilded statues…it's like stepping back in time, especially when you hear the soaring strings and thunderous drums of the orchestra!
I savoured every moment, and even dreamt up my own ballet performance on that glorious stage, one where my pink tutu would be the star, of course! The energy in that theatre was electric, and I felt a tangible sense of excitement knowing that generations of dancers, singers, and musicians had graced that same stage before me. I’ll be sure to add the Opera Ballet to my "Places I Want To See Perform" list. What do you think about them?
Tutu Time
Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff – the reason you all know me! The pink tutu!
It’s an unspoken rule for me - no matter what I'm doing, I always have a tutu on hand. Whether it’s my delicate lace-trimmed classic or a bold, sequined masterpiece, I have one for every occasion.
Milan is definitely the perfect place to rock your pink tutu, especially in the historic squares like Piazza della Scala and Piazza Duomo, with their captivating fountains, elegant buildings and friendly, open-minded locals. Even amongst all that incredible fashion, a splash of pink is sure to turn heads and leave everyone in awe! It's the best conversation starter. Who wouldn't want to talk about a pink tutu?
I had so much fun wandering through the streets today, enjoying the people watching, sipping cappuccino at an outdoor cafe (delicious!) and of course, twirling with a smile on my face! As the day wore on, my trusty pink tutu accompanied me to a traditional Italian market filled with colourful produce and spices. It’s not every day that you find yourself surrounded by fresh peaches and fragrant basil, a stunning fresco adorning the side of a nearby building, and all the while, gracefully dancing through the aisles in your beloved tutu – an unforgettable experience indeed!
Travel Like a Ballerina
One of my favourite things about exploring a new city is taking to the local transportation, like a true ballet aficionado on tour. This week I've been riding Milan's extensive tramway network - such a stylish and practical way to navigate the city! The elegant, sleek design, with its pastel blue carriages, complements the architecture so beautifully. It feels almost like a graceful waltz through the city. Of course, there's something magical about train journeys, too. I'm already thinking about my next train adventure – maybe to Venice for the carnival next month?!
Speaking of travelling, my friends! My ballet performances help fund my journeys. Do you ever have those moments, while touring and exploring, where you feel deeply grateful to be able to experience all these magical destinations? I often find myself overwhelmed with thankfulness as I gaze upon a vibrant, bustling market or marvel at the historical grandeur of an ancient building. Each new location presents a chance to create cherished memories and discover unique beauty.
Dance Inspiration
For a dancer like me, there is always inspiration to be found. Today, my muse was a group of young ballerinas, their laughter and rhythmic movements drawing me into a joyous dance at a picturesque park near the canal. Their energy was infectious, and their passion reminded me of why I love dance so much. The pure joy in their movements, the dedication to every pirouette and arabesque, made me feel so happy! I spent a little time with them, and let’s just say, they're all getting a pink tutu delivered pronto!
What’s On in Milano
This weekend, there are plenty of dance and theatre performances to check out. For starters, check out the “Giselle” by the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – a ballet that’s sure to capture your heart with its ethereal choreography and dramatic storytelling! The Aterballetto dancers are also presenting "The Seventh Symphony," a breathtaking interpretation of a musical masterpiece that I’ve heard is truly immersive and thought-provoking. For an evening of light-hearted fun, try “Cinderella” - a classic fairy tale brought to life with a whimsical charm that will leave you smiling. If it weren't for a prior performance of my own in the quaint little town of Bassano del Grappa (I'm dancing “Giselle,” of course!) – I’d be hopping between these performances, but I have a feeling, that like a graceful ballerina, I’ll be back in Milan very soon to experience the rest of these!
Staying Inspired
Now, if you're in need of a little artistic inspiration, you’ll be glad to know that the “Biennale di Venezia”, the international arts festival in Venice, is running through the end of November, and offers a unique opportunity to discover cutting-edge contemporary art. Venice isn't too far a train ride from Milan. I think I may be squeezing a day trip in to capture some more tutu-inspired images and, perhaps, do some research on my next travel destinations…
Speaking of inspiring art, there's nothing more elegant than a vintage film! Tonight, I'm indulging in some classic dance cinema - "The Red Shoes" is on the schedule for some captivating inspiration. I'll be pouring a glass of something sparkling pink and dreaming of twirling with Moira Shearer in that iconic red tutu. You see, there's just something so magical about the old films, isn't there?
Looking Forward
You know how much I love to inspire you with my outfits. Next week, I'm planning to show you how to create a show-stopping pink tutu look with a vintage flair. This weekend, I’m experimenting with a few ideas. Stay tuned, and don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments. What's your favourite pink tutu combo?
Until next week, my dearest lovelies!
With twirling love,
Emma
P.S. If you're still not sure about wearing a pink tutu, just imagine the joy it brings to everyone's day. Trust me, it's a power move – a symbol of happiness, individuality and pure delight! Join me on my mission to make the world a pink tutu haven – one twirl at a time!
