Ciao bella! Emma here, your Pink Tutu aficionado, and it’s Wednesday again! Can you believe it’s already the 23rd of June? Where does the time go? My pink tutu and I are currently living the dream in fabulous Milan!
As always, my week in the City of Fashion has been a dizzying mix of ballet, shopping, and delicious Italian food. Honestly, it’s hard to choose a favourite part of Milan because it all feels so wonderful! From the moment I stepped off the train at Milano Centrale, I was swept up in a whirlwind of beauty.
Speaking of trains, you wouldn’t believe the charming little tram I took to my hotel this time! It was bright yellow with floral motifs – so very Italian, don’t you think? The journey was quite the spectacle, winding through narrow cobbled streets and past ancient buildings, buzzing with life. You can imagine me, of course, standing in my Pink Tutu amidst all the Milanese, with my head held high and my pink feather boa swirling around me! I must confess, it was a bit of a challenge navigating the crowds on a bustling Monday morning, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.
But enough about my journey, let’s get to the good stuff – ballet! As a reminder, my Pink Tutu Milan blog drops every Monday on www.pink-tutu.com so you can follow along on my adventures.
Ballet Bliss: La Scala’s Magic
The highlight of my week has been a truly magical performance at La Scala Theatre. It’s one of the most famous opera houses in the world, you know, with its opulent interiors and incredible acoustics. The ballet performance was simply divine, with ballerinas pirouetting effortlessly, dancers leaping through the air, and an orchestra playing a score so beautiful it made my heart soar.
I’m no professional, but even I could see that the level of talent and precision was absolutely breathtaking. It was the kind of performance that leaves you utterly captivated and yearning for more. Of course, my trusty pink tutu added a splash of vibrancy to the theatre and it definitely got a few curious stares! It was amazing watching how everyone responded to my pink tulle masterpiece!
But let's get back to the show. The piece, "The Sleeping Beauty", told the tale of the enchanting princess who pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by a handsome prince. The choreography was so elegant and intricate, and the dancers performed it with such passion and grace that I felt like I was floating alongside them.
After the performance, I treated myself to a lovely slice of ricotta cake at a charming cafe just across from La Scala. I couldn’t help but share the sweet indulgence with some fellow ballet lovers who I struck up a conversation with. There was nothing better than dissecting the ballet with fellow dance enthusiasts, our laughter and shared admiration for the performance resonating in the beautiful Italian night.
A Fashionable Ballet Boutique Bonanza
But a ballerina's life is not just about ballet shows and beautiful pastries, no, there’s another crucial aspect – shopping! Oh, how I adore those beautiful Milanese boutiques! It seems that each one is more glamorous than the next.
My favourite find this week has to be a tiny shop nestled in a quiet side street called “La Ballerina Rosa”. As the name suggests, it is a ballerina's dream come true. Rows upon rows of beautiful dancewear in the most glorious pink imaginable, with shimmering embellishments, frills, and bows aplenty. I knew instantly that it had to be my Pink Tutu Milan find.
Of course, I couldn't resist buying a few pieces! It's been ages since I’ve found some new ribbons and I decided on two perfect ones in pale pink satin, complete with dainty bows. The other treasure I snagged was a beautiful ballet shoe bag with lace trims. Imagine, you guys, a lace-trimmed bag specifically for my sparkly pointe shoes - pure luxury!
But it wasn’t just the ballerina-specific items that caught my eye. Every shop in Milan seemed to have some pink piece in its display window. There were rose-hued dresses, vibrant scarves, shoes in every shade of blush, and even pink patterned jackets! Oh, I have to say, the colours and fabrics here are just breathtakingly elegant. I’m almost convinced that Milan is the city of pink, or at least the most pink-obsessed city I’ve encountered!
A Day In The Life: My Ballet Bootcamp
A life as vibrant as mine can’t exist on performances and fashion alone. The physical demands of my pink-hued life require constant training! Yes, a ballerina’s schedule involves ballet class as well as performing. This week I went back to the ballet school where I started learning all those years ago - the Studio Danza. A truly special place, the kind that is steeped in the spirit of ballet, it is a ballet haven for seasoned dancers and beginners alike. It feels like stepping back in time! It also serves as a welcome reminder that every journey starts with a single step (or should I say plies!).
The class started with a warm-up at the barre, each move executed with the kind of precision and grace that comes with years of dedicated practice. My body might not be as young as it once was, but my love of ballet shines bright and strong. My fellow dancers, all of them inspiring and skilled, helped me stay motivated, and we all moved through the routine with laughter and encouragement.
Then we moved on to centre work, the intricate choreography weaving a story that seemed to flow like a graceful river. By the end of the class, my muscles were screaming, but I felt exhilaratingly alive!
There is something incredibly grounding about ballet. It brings a certain order to my often chaotic life, helping me focus my mind and spirit while connecting with my physical self in a way nothing else can.
The Milanese Food Festival – Food For Thought
Did you know it’s Festa della Cucina Italiana (the Italian Food Festival) in Milan right now? So, naturally, this week has been all about delicious food, both for my enjoyment and to refuel my body after all my energetic activities! I love all things Italian: pasta, pizzas, antipasti - you name it, and I am devouring it with my pink-tutu wearing heart.
On Saturday, I joined in the celebration with the rest of Milan by visiting a huge street food market right next to the Duomo Cathedral. The air was thick with the aroma of fresh pastries, juicy sausages, and spicy cheeses.
And who could resist a scoop or two of creamy gelato? To celebrate my time here, I opted for the gelato with a swirl of bright pink strawberry sorbet. I don’t think I’ll be returning to England without a little extra padding, ha!
The Pink Tutu Message of Empowerment and Love
But of course, I wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu Milan blogger if I didn’t take a moment to share my thoughts on the message behind this very special sartorial choice. The Pink Tutu represents so much to me – creativity, passion, beauty, strength.
This journey, with my tutu always in tow, is about embracing who you are and celebrating that uniqueness. It's about breaking down barriers, stepping out of comfort zones, and showing the world that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, all colours, and with all levels of talent and experience. It’s about living life with passion, vibrancy, and a touch of whimsy.
And as my travels across the globe continue, my hope is that the Pink Tutu will become a symbol of these values, inspiring everyone who sees it. And if, along the way, I can even convince just one person to try on a pink tutu and step out into the world, then that, to me, will be the greatest success.
Ciao, and see you next week,
Emma.
PS: What is your favourite pink tutu moment?
Let me know in the comments section below and maybe, just maybe, we can share them together! xx.
