#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2022-11-02 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with you again from the heart of fashion, Milan! This week, I’m brimming with excitement about all the magic this amazing city has in store. Remember how I said in last week’s blog post (#1429) that I was heading to the beautiful city of Milan, Italy? Well, I’m finally here, and let me tell you, it's every bit as fabulous as I imagined. I'm already obsessed with the architecture, the people, and most importantly, the fashion! Oh, and let’s not forget the delicious food, shall we? wink

You see, darling, I truly believe in the power of pink tutus, that they can brighten up anyone’s day. And what better place to spread that magic than Milan, where fashion is a religion? You’d think my pink tutu might be a bit much in this stylish city, but everyone has been absolutely delightful. In fact, a few even asked if I'd let them try on my tutu for a picture. I’m thinking of starting a pink tutu loan program… hmm, what do you think?

Of course, you already know I'm here for the ballet, but Milan is more than just a ballet paradise. It’s a playground for all things fabulous! My first day here involved a glorious trip to the breath-taking Lago di Como. Oh, how I love this magical lake! The colours were simply mesmerizing - the deep blues and greens of the lake, the vibrant yellows and oranges of the blooming wildflowers, all nestled against the backdrop of the towering mountains. It was absolutely picture-perfect, and you just had to be there. I did take plenty of photos for you though, so make sure you head over to my Instagram @pinktutuballerina to see all the gorgeous views!

Today was a whirlwind tour of Milan’s fabulous hidden gems. We’re talking hidden alleyways, quaint shops brimming with local crafts, and stunningly beautiful churches with such rich history, you could feel the past breathing down your neck! Oh, and the shopping, my darlings! From luxury fashion houses to cute boutiques and bustling street markets, you’d think my credit card would be having a meltdown! But, alas, my pocketbook will have to wait because …

Tonight, the big event: the show I’ve been working on with the Milanese ballet company, finally takes the stage at the Teatro alla Scala! For anyone who’s never been here, you just have to see it – it’s a stunningly grand building, both inside and out. I mean, it's the most famous opera house in all of Italy! My tutu will certainly be the centre of attention in this glamorous location. It's going to be a magical evening, and you just know there will be lots of pictures to share, so make sure to keep your eyes glued to my socials tonight!

But before I twirl into the theatre, let's talk about transportation in Milan. What a joy! I am a total tram fanatic – there’s something about gliding through the bustling city, the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks, seeing all the locals rushing about… It's pure city symphony! And it’s an excellent way to experience Milan at a pace that lets you absorb all the little details, and maybe even snag a seat next to a friendly local! (My Italian, I must confess, is pretty basic – "Buongiorno!" and "Grazie mille" are my go-to phrases, but with a good smile and a little sign language, we’ve been communicating just fine!) And just like everything else here, the trams are quite beautiful! They've even got these little vintage trams that are truly a sight to behold.

Okay, let’s take a moment for a slightly different topic… coughs nervously I simply cannot help myself! Did I mention that my favourite colour is pink? (Just a little obsession, you see… winks). Oh, and tutus, oh, darling, my obsession with them is truly bordering on the comical! It's become this hilarious ongoing project to get the whole world wearing a pink tutu. It's my personal quest – to fill every city with a splash of pink tulle, you know, spreading the message of happiness and playful freedom! I’m not just talking about the dance world; I want every corner of the globe to be a celebration of … well… PINK TUTUS!!

So, it makes sense that I spend a significant amount of time exploring shops in search of the perfect pink tutu. (I do tend to go overboard… it’s not my fault! There’s such a wide selection here, all beautifully made. What a lovely dilemma to have! ) Oh, and Milan? Well, this city makes my inner tutu enthusiast go crazy. There’s a shop called "Casa delle Tulle" that’s practically a dreamland! The whole store is devoted to tulles and nets. It’s just what any good pink tutu aficionado needs in her life.

Oh, darling, I have to show you this!

[Emma inserts a photo of her wearing a dazzling pink tutu outside a shop in Milan.]

Here's my newest acquisition! Isn’t it simply divine? (Just try to stop yourself from smiling, it's practically impossible, I tell you! This tutu makes even me smile, and I see the biggest smiles on everyone else who walks past!). Now, I'm not saying the pink tutu will make every shop I enter suddenly resemble a dream, but it sure has gotten me noticed in a good way! And when a little extra "oomph" is needed, the pink tutu is the only tool for the job, right?

I hope to meet you out there one day in a pink tutu too! (Now wouldn’t that be a lovely way to travel?)

The pace of life here in Milan is fantastic. Everything is a little bit faster, but it’s not chaotic. There’s still a rhythm, a way of life here. Milanese people love their coffee and even take a good hour-long lunch break. Life seems so much more relaxed, dare I say... stylish! I can see why everyone dreams of coming to live here… But then again, Derbyshire’s lovely too… and maybe my little Derbyshire home will become a Pink Tutu Mecca for all of us to enjoy! It would certainly add a little pizzazz to those Derbyshire hills, wouldn't it? winks

As always, I’m excited for the week ahead! I’ve got a little treat lined up for you next week: I'm planning to head to the magnificent Teatro alla Scala museum for a backstage tour to see if it's even more spectacular from behind the scenes. And who knows, maybe even meet some real opera stars? (Fingers crossed, darling, fingers crossed!) So, make sure you stay tuned to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com. There's just so much more magic waiting to unfold…

Until next Monday,

Ciao Bella!

Yours truly,

Emma

Remember, lovelies, life is a dance, and a little bit of pink tulle goes a long way! Embrace your inner ballerina, spread joy, and keep dancing! (P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @pinktutuballerina - it’s where all the pink tutu fun unfolds! )