#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2022-09-07 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing traveller, Emma, back from the fashion capital of the world, Milan! As always, the city has captivated my heart with its beautiful architecture, delicious food (I mean, just the smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakeries!), and, of course, its vibrant fashion scene.

Today, it’s Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, and this week's Pink Tutu Milan blog is bursting with all the pink-tinted adventures that Milan has to offer.

Now, you all know my dream is to spread the pink tutu gospel far and wide, to inspire everyone to embrace their inner ballerina, regardless of their age or experience. And, honestly, I can't think of a more stylish and inspiring city to start my mission than Milan. This city breathes fashion, it drips in luxury, it pulsates with creativity! And I'm here, darling, ready to add a splash of pink and a swirl of tutu magic to it all.

This week's trip was funded by a beautiful performance of Giselle at the Derby Theatre back home. Oh, I adore dancing for the audience. It’s like they’re living through you! Every little clap, every gasp, it’s all a wonderful bonus to the performance itself. Plus it helps to fund my travels - a little bit of sacrifice and hardship for a wonderful dream, I always say!

My week has been an absolute whirlwind of glamorous ballet performances, inspiring dance classes, delicious dinners, and shopping, of course, a quintessential part of any Italian experience.

First up, let me tell you about the most magical ballet experience I had this week – a truly captivating performance at the Teatro alla Scala. Oh my! It's just magical there. Walking in to be met by the plush, velvety seats, the rich golden chandeliers illuminating the room, and the air filled with a buzz of anticipation - it was absolutely magical! This time, I saw La Bayadère.

My heart practically leaped into my tutu! The stage was alive with color and emotion, and the dancers were simply breathtaking. The principal dancers moved with such elegance and fluidity. Their grace was just astounding! The costumes - so magnificent and detailed! They were shimmering, sparkling, and perfectly tailored to enhance every graceful movement.

Every element, from the soaring music to the vibrant choreography, simply blended together into a magical symphony of grace. And that finale… It was truly heart-stopping, full of energy and passion. The air felt electric, and I just knew everyone in the audience, including yours truly, had been swept up in the magic. It was truly one of those nights that you treasure forever.

Now, I can't travel anywhere without getting my feet (or should I say, pointe shoes!) moving, so naturally, I ventured into a ballet class. But instead of my usual classes back home in Derby, I had the most incredible time at the Teatro alla Scala's renowned ballet school! It was a bit of a challenge to communicate, especially as the class was in Italian (thank goodness for google translate!), but I embraced the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. I felt completely energized after the class.

We worked on elegant turns, fluid leaps, and graceful stretches, the room buzzing with energy. You can just feel the passion in that room. There's nothing more invigorating than joining a group of like-minded souls for an hour of shared passion. And let me tell you, Italian dancers are seriously skilled!

You can bet your ballet slippers I even managed to find a ballet studio adorned with pink and tutu touches! My dream of spreading the pink tutu message around the world definitely got a little closer, thanks to the amazing people at Ballet Milano. The teachers were absolutely lovely - and yes, the studio was definitely as pink and fluffy as you can imagine! It was just delightful, and definitely a new must-visit spot for any Pink Tutu fans travelling to Milan.

The vibrant street style scene of Milan, where fashion isn't just about dressing up but a lifestyle, completely captivates me. Everywhere you look, there’s a fashion statement being made! But this week I decided to focus on what makes my own style: the pink! Milan's fashion district, where my wallet does get quite a workout, never fails to disappoint.

My main objective was finding a pair of perfectly pink opera gloves that would look incredible with a tutu dress. Oh, it's all about the detail! Now, if you're a pink enthusiast like myself, then trust me, Milan's fashion districts are simply divine. From the chic boutiques of Via Montenapoleone to the bustling markets of Navigli, every corner seemed to be showcasing a new colour combination, a new trend, or a unique piece of statement jewelry. I must admit I was completely enraptured. I found my gloves too!

This time, however, I decided to forgo the stiletto heels and wear my pink sneakers. It's all about the little things and, as we all know, a pink tutu always goes well with comfy sneakers.

Milan is all about that effortless elegance, darling, and my trusty pink sneakers are perfect for scooting about the city, soaking in the atmosphere, and snapping those adorable Instagram-worthy photos of tutus and fashion. Oh, did I tell you how many gorgeous tutus I’ve seen on the street? I love seeing people with a passion for ballet! The street scene here is pure artistic inspiration - even for someone like me, obsessed with pink tutus and a splash of whimsy! And if you are, you simply MUST visit Milan!

Naturally, with so much to see, Milan’s tram network came in really handy! That rumbling hum of the trams - it's music to my ears, it’s a part of the rhythm of Milan! Plus, trams and trains are a great opportunity to observe people's outfits, and sometimes, it is even a little ballet stage! It’s wonderful to see so many different people from all walks of life using the same mode of transportation and to think of the places they might be going! But let’s be honest, what’s better than admiring Milan's architectural beauty from the comfort of a tram with a fantastic view of the city, sipping a cappuccino and enjoying the breeze?

Milan, you are a city of incredible art and history, so I made sure to get in some of the main sights: the Duomo! The sight of the cathedral just takes your breath away. It is absolutely magnificent and worth the wait, the queue and the trip itself. It’s beautiful and so ornate! The history behind its construction is just amazing. I’m glad it’s in good shape and lovingly cared for. I would love to go back for an afternoon in this space to just think and reflect - maybe write some blog posts or plan future tutu tours! I definitely think I would have to wear a tutu, though - you can’t have an afternoon without a little bit of ballet inspiration!

One of my favorite things about travelling is connecting with others who share the same passions. In Milan, I discovered a stunning art exhibition dedicated to female artists, all of whom were dressed in stunning ballet-inspired attire. And they weren’t shy about showing it off! They danced through the exhibition and even offered lessons. Their passion and love for ballet were so contagious! It definitely inspired me to keep going with my own tutu dreams. If those talented women can express themselves and achieve their artistic goals, then there is nothing I can't achieve!

There’s something about seeing other people dressed up and owning their looks. In the words of the fabulous Dolly Parton: ‘Put your lipstick on and face the world!’ Go for it! And never forget that pink tutus are your ultimate statement accessory!

Until next week! My time in Milan this week was packed full of fabulous pink tutu fun and, more than anything else, reminded me of my passion for exploring the world, and of course, the power of the pink tutu! Now, it’s time to head back to Derby and begin work on a new blog! Who knows, maybe I’ll even inspire some fellow ballet enthusiasts to don a pink tutu themselves. Oh, the possibilities are endless!

See you next Monday on Pink-Tutu.com! And remember, darlings, never let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams.

Yours in pink and twirls,

Emma