Buongiorno, my darlings! It’s Emma from Pink Tutu, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be writing to you from the vibrant city of Milan, the fashion capital of Italy! This is post #1417 from my Pink Tutu Milan series - every Wednesday I bring you all the dazzling delights of this wonderful city, and let me tell you, I’ve got so much to share this week.
You know how much I love to explore, and this trip to Milan is extra special. My latest performances have been bringing in a little extra dosh, and this week it's all about indulging my fashion-loving self. It's a little early for my Autumn ballet shows, but there’s nothing quite like feeling the energy of Milan. It's inspiring and exhilarating, like dancing on cloud nine with a pair of ruby slippers, just like Dorothy, except my journey takes me to designer boutiques and beautiful architecture instead of a tornado-struck farm!
But first, let's talk about what’s going on in Milan today!
A Day of Culture, Fashion & Foodie Delights
My Wednesday in Milan starts with a tour of the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This incredible glass-vaulted shopping arcade is one of Milan’s most stunning architectural feats, and let’s be honest, I’m a sucker for anything with gorgeous architecture. There’s a touch of Parisian flair, the chicness of New York and the warmth of Italy all rolled into one magnificent space. I can just imagine what it must have been like to witness it back in its grand opening days. Now imagine my excitement when I spotted a pair of ballet shoes in the shop window of a small atelier just by the grand Duomo - my ballet heart practically did a pirouette! They were classic leather, elegant in their simplicity and oh so very Italian. I'll tell you more about the shoes tomorrow, though, let's get back to my cultural exploration of Milan!
Following a very indulgent coffee break at one of Milan’s caffe – my favourite so far has been the one in the courtyard at the Armani store! The little slice of elegance, right next to a boutique, was just perfect. There was nothing better than sipping my cappuccino while admiring the Armani display. If my current pink tutu style were more in line with their collection, I’d buy out the entire store!
This afternoon, it’s a ballet treat! I am absolutely ecstatic to be attending a performance at La Scala, the famed Milan Opera House. La Scala has been at the pinnacle of Italian operatic theatre for centuries and I feel incredibly lucky to be here. The energy of this house is a combination of high drama and beautiful music – my absolute favourites!
This evening, I will be indulging in some delectable Milanese cuisine at a tiny bistro on one of the hidden side streets in the city. If you ever visit, trust me and wander down these alleyways and cobbled paths – you will be amazed. Every corner offers another amazing hidden gem. Today it’s Italian pasta for me – but my darling Derbyshire parents are with me this week and I think I will be bribing them with the prospect of a big slab of their favourite tiramisu to take home to the family in Derbyshire.
Oh, how I miss my family! Being away from home reminds me how special my little Derbyshire village is – all quaint cottages and bustling countryside life. I get quite nostalgic when I think about those long Derbyshire walks through fields dotted with cows. They bring me such happiness, and sometimes it takes being thousands of miles away to appreciate them! But my family comes to see me each year in Milan, and they know how much I adore being able to share this wonderful city with them.
My Italian adventure continues tomorrow and there are so many incredible things to see, eat, explore – you’re just going to have to come back next week to find out what I get up to, but if you are coming to Milan this year, let me give you a little advice.
Here’s the Emma-Approved List of Essential Milan Must-Do's:
Walk! Milan’s a city made for strolling – be sure to take some time to walk down the grand boulevards and smaller alleyways. It’s a delightful experience!
*Find a local shop with beautiful silk scarves. *The Italian craftsmanship is exquisite, and a good quality silk scarf will be a luxurious keepsake that you’ll treasure for years to come.
* Indulge in the world of Italian coffee.* Coffee in Milan is an art form – the espresso is rich, bold, and an experience in itself, so try a ‘caffe’ and be sure to learn a bit about how to order it.
Visit La Scala, The Duomo, and The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I promise, these sites will take your breath away. You'll feel like you are transported back to another era.
Try pasta al ragu. It’s simply delicious, a true Italian classic – this dish always makes me so happy!
Enjoy the vibrant street performances. It's free, lively, and a brilliant way to experience a true taste of Italy! I’m a big fan of buskers, especially those who dance or sing! It adds so much excitement to the energy of the city!
I know what you are thinking – “Emma, you love dancing. Is it hard to find ballet opportunities in a city as busy and fast-paced as Milan?” You might be surprised but this city has an extremely rich ballet scene! From world-class performances at La Scala to vibrant, modern interpretations at the Teatro Strehler, I’m lucky enough to find my own slice of ballet paradise!
As you might know, I get by thanks to my little ‘Pink Tutu’ business. I love taking up performance gigs – all the big stage productions, small private shows, street performance events, weddings – you name it! And my travel expenses for this week’s little Milan adventure were paid for thanks to my work at a fundraising event for a children's charity in Yorkshire last weekend! It’s so great to be able to help others – it’s even better when my passion for ballet and helping out with such a great cause also helps me to see the world! And, you’ll be happy to know that it means I can bring you a fresh Pink Tutu post from another great city each and every week.
And speaking of ‘Pink Tutu,’ – oh my, my! I spotted the most exquisite pink tutu at the designer boutique on via della Spiga, an avenue renowned for luxury shopping, on Monday! I actually let out a little gasp! You can imagine the delight of a pink tutu loving girl like me seeing such a magical item on my travels. It is more a couture creation than just your average tutus, and with it's silk chiffon layers and intricate embellishments. It felt like stepping out of a fairytale into a chic Milanese boudoir! Now you’ll just have to wait and see if I bought it, and I’ll share a sneak peek tomorrow…
And on that sweet note, it's time for me to take a bow and get ready for the show at La Scala this evening. But before I head off, tell me what's on your list for your next trip? Any fashion capitals or cultural wonders you’d love to explore? Share your dream destinations with me! I would love to hear all about it, my lovely dancers!
Love and pirouettes, Emma 🩰💕
*P.S. - Pink Tutu blog posts go up every Monday to www.pink-tutu.com so do make sure to check in for the latest adventures in Milan and the ballet world! *
