Ciao bellas! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, and I'm finally in Milan, Italy! The home of fashion, the hub of style, the capital of chic - and let me tell you, it's pink-tastic! 💖
This week's post is coming to you live from my cute little hotel room with its big windows looking out onto a charming, cobbled street. The aroma of fresh coffee and croissants is wafting up from the cafe below - absolute heaven! And of course, I've already spotted the pinkest cafe on my afternoon stroll, which I absolutely have to try before I leave!
How I Got Here:
Let me tell you, getting to Milan was an adventure all on its own. I packed my pink suitcase full of all my most sparkly tutus and cutest ballet shoes - you just never know when a performance opportunity might present itself! After a rather comfy (and pink-themed, naturally) train journey from Derbyshire, I finally reached Milan, ready to immerse myself in all the vibrant culture this beautiful city has to offer.
I do have to confess, my travels haven't been solely powered by tutu-fuelled performances. 😉 A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to perform at a charming local theatre in a quaint little town outside of London. I was absolutely thrilled when the manager gave me a generous donation to help with my travel fund. This sort of support makes the world of difference to independent artists like myself, so it meant the absolute world!
Why Milan?
This trip to Milan has been brewing in my mind for months. You see, Milan isn't just known for its fashion, it's also known for its amazing ballet scene. And, to my utter delight, I managed to snag a ticket to see the La Scala Ballet Company perform Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Let me just say, the dancing was absolutely breathtaking, the costumes were to die for, and the whole experience was simply magical. I'm still recovering from the sheer beauty of it all.
Speaking of costumes, I have to talk about my outfit. I wore my favourite tutu, the one with all the beautiful pink sparkles. I just can’t resist an excuse to add some extra pink to an already vibrant occasion, you know?! And as I danced down the streets to meet up with my friend for an aperitivo, I definitely made a statement - it turns out Milan loves pink as much as I do!
Shopping Extravaganza!
Milan is like a dream come true for any fashion-loving ballerina! Every corner boasts stunning designer boutiques showcasing the latest trends. My biggest discovery? A delightful little shop hidden away on a side street, full of adorable pink ballet shoes. You can bet your bottom tutu that I walked out with two new pairs! 🩰👠
I spent hours browsing the shelves of some of Milan's most iconic boutiques - Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, the list goes on! I love the high fashion and creativity of Milan. There's such a sense of passion for everything that's stylish, whether it be for haute couture or quirky street fashion.
The beauty of Milan doesn't end there though! I love the vibe of this city. I spent an afternoon just strolling through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. There are incredible cathedrals, enchanting plazas, and breathtaking gardens to be discovered around every corner. I particularly fell in love with the breathtaking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - a shopping arcade full of breathtaking glass ceilings and impressive shops. It's literally like stepping back in time.
A Ballet Class with a Twist
You all know my obsession with ballet classes, so I simply couldn’t resist visiting the prestigious Teatro alla Scala in Milan. And not just to admire its grand architecture. No, my dear readers, I signed myself up for a real ballet class with some incredible dancers from the La Scala Ballet Company.
This wasn't your average ballet class, you see. This was an incredible experience of learning from the absolute best. The atmosphere was so passionate and inspiring. Even though I struggled a bit with the complicated routines (apparently, I haven’t quite mastered the 'fouette' yet!), I learnt so much. My technique feels leaps and bounds better now, and I even got some amazing tips on my port de bras!
Milan by Tram
One of the things that absolutely blew me away about Milan is their fabulous tram system. You can really see the city from the tram - the winding streets, the gorgeous architecture, the stunning public parks. And for the price of a couple of euros, I felt like I was living out a scene from Roman Holiday - amazing!
Plus, the trams are actually incredibly beautiful! Imagine an elegant, streamlined vehicle in calming colours with plush velvet seats and large, sun-drenched windows. I loved the vintage charm and sleek design, which felt as if I'd stepped back in time but with all the modern comfort you could wish for.
Evening Escapades
One of my absolute favourite moments of the trip happened on an ordinary Tuesday evening. I was feeling a bit peckish and decided to head out to find a quick snack. That’s when I stumbled upon the most incredible sight. In the centre of the piazza, was this beautiful, pink-lit stage and people were gathered around, all ready for an evening performance.
This was balletto in the streets! To be honest, I didn't expect a high quality performance in a park. I thought, it'll just be a few students trying to impress their teachers. But it was incredible - the dancers were stunning, the lighting was theatrical, and the music was mesmerizing. I completely forgot about my tummy and spent the next hour, mesmerized by this unexpected performance. It truly is inspiring that you can find pockets of pure magic everywhere.
The pinkest pasta and my love for gelato!
And speaking of unexpected treasures, have I mentioned the pasta here?! I had the pinkest pasta ever on a balcony overlooking a beautiful fountain. Just picture it - pink pasta, pink wine, the city of Milan in the background... Life just doesn’t get better than that!
Another absolute highlight of my time in Milan was trying the local gelato! Oh, my word. Every flavour I’ve tasted is beyond delicious. One evening I even sampled a pink rose petal flavour and it was divine. (It even reminded me of a fancy tutu from my wardrobe!)
Embracing the "La Dolce Vita"
I absolutely love the whole 'dolce vita' concept - the slow, leisurely approach to life. It feels so incredibly liberating to stop and savor a moment, indulging in delicious food and drinks, chatting with locals, and exploring the beautiful streets with my trusty pink tutu and camera in hand.
As I'm writing this blog post, I'm still basking in the warm, pink-hued glow of Milan. I feel utterly inspired by the passion and style of this wonderful city. I already know I will definitely be coming back!
My Pink Tutu Challenge!
To bring a little bit of that "dolce vita" and some pink magic back to your day, I'm launching a new challenge! Over the next week, I encourage you to embrace the beauty of the little things. Spend an afternoon strolling through a park, grab an ice cream and chat to someone new, listen to the sounds of the city - truly soak in the experience.
And remember, if you really want to make a statement, you can even try wearing a pink tutu while you’re at it. You never know, maybe you'll even inspire someone else to embrace a bit of extra pink!
Remember to share your #PinkTutuMoments with me on social media. And stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll be sharing some of my top tips on how to have the perfect 'pinktastic' day in Milan. Ciao bella! 👋
www.pink-tutu.com
