#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2023-06-07 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao, darlings! 🩰 It's Emma, your pink tutu-wearing ballerina, reporting live from the fabulous city of Milan, Italy. As always, my week has been a whirlwind of tutus, trams, and tonnes of amazing experiences, and I'm so excited to share it all with you!

You know I love my adventures! This week's journey started with a bright and early train ride from Derbyshire. I'm always so thrilled when I hop onto those crimson trains and get that familiar sense of adventure brewing inside. It's an escape from the everyday, don't you think? This week, I felt particularly inspired by the landscape passing by. Green hills, picturesque villages - a beautiful reminder that there's always so much beauty in the world to explore!

I love catching up with other travellers and chatting with fellow dancers, especially the charming conductor who seems to remember me every time I board! We had a little chat about ballet shoes (apparently, he thinks my pink ones are the cutest!). It’s these little moments that make travelling by train so magical, you know?

I made a pit stop in Paris on my way to Milan. It's almost impossible for me to pass through the city of lights without indulging in some of the stunning fashion boutiques and patisseries! And, of course, the iconic Parisian cafés have such charm - with their striped awnings and vintage chairs, it’s a slice of elegance and romance, just like in a storybook.

But I couldn't resist a quick jaunt to the Opera Garnier. To see the famous house from so many ballet movies was truly captivating. The stunning architecture and rich history of the place was just magical! It got me thinking, you know, about the amazing world of ballet and how it inspires us all.

Arriving in Milan felt like stepping into a scene from a glamorous fashion film. Everything here is so sleek, modern and stylish. I took a wander down the Corso Buenos Aires and soaked in the atmosphere. From the designer boutiques to the vintage clothing stalls, this is definitely the place to find the most fabulous outfits, whether you’re looking for a pink tutu or a chic dress for a special evening!

It's been on my "to do" list for ages, and I finally did it - a visit to the iconic Teatro alla Scala! It's one of the most renowned opera houses in the world and known for its architectural magnificence and breathtaking performances. I took a guided tour, which allowed me to wander through the corridors and glimpse backstage - it was amazing to learn about its fascinating history and witness the energy behind this iconic theatre.

Just imagining all the performances, the artists and the excitement - I could barely contain my own inner ballerina! 🩰

This week was about experiencing the beauty of ballet from multiple perspectives.

Ballet at the Teatro alla Scala: The experience was utterly divine! The atmosphere, the exquisite dancers, the music - everything was a breathtaking feast for the senses. The sheer passion of the artists poured into the performance, and it was simply enthralling. I particularly loved the choreography – so fluid and captivating! Watching their movements filled me with a joy and sense of connection.

Ballet on the Street: I discovered this incredible street dance group in the Piazza Duomo, and I had to stay and watch them perform! The energy and athleticism of these dancers were just incredible, and they had everyone cheering. It’s fascinating how they make use of such unexpected spaces and inject an amazing dose of artistic spirit into everyday life. This is what I love most about ballet, you know - it transcends walls and connects everyone, even through a single, powerful leap!

A Dance Workshop in the Parco Sempione: Nothing beats a ballet class in the sunshine, especially in a park as beautiful as Parco Sempione! This class focused on grace, technique and movement. I love how ballet always reminds me of my body's potential for grace and power. And, to share this experience with others is truly heartwarming.

Discovering a Hidden Gem - A Secret Tutu Shop in Milan: Now, I know what you’re thinking: Where could you find a hidden gem, especially a secret tutu shop in Milan, one of the most fashionable cities in the world? But I can’t tell you - it’s a secret! What I can tell you, is that I found it on the outskirts of the city - you know, just outside the bustling tourist trails! Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this amazing shop, full of the most fabulous, dazzling, pink tutus! I was in heaven! They had all sorts - fluffy, sparkly, long, short, every shade of pink imaginable – even a tutu-and-feather boa combo that I simply had to purchase. I felt like a princess (or at least, a very stylish ballerina!). I will tell you more when I am ready to reveal its location in a future post! 😉

Milan is a real treat for the taste buds too! I indulged in the most exquisite pasta dish at a traditional Trattoria (where I almost broke the “no pink-tutu-wearing” rule when I almost spilled spaghetti alla carbonara on my beautiful, soft pink tutu!) – delicious! And it was just perfect to sip a Latte Macchiato and observe the busy, beautiful city life in a charming little cafe. I'm definitely planning a return visit to Milan, so I can taste some of the traditional sweet pastries like the Panettone and Panforte.

When I'm not enjoying the local food and drink, I'm usually caught up in Milan's world-class fashion scene. It's been an incredible experience wandering through the flagship stores of my favourite Italian designers – and trying on so many dresses, blouses and of course, the new sparkly, shimmering pink tutus I purchased! It’s inspiring to see the craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry that goes into Italian fashion.

Some of the things I purchased, or just wish I had!

• A gorgeous, classic, pink tulle tutu, complete with shimmering silver sequins, from that fabulous secret tutu shop I told you about.
• A pair of silk gloves for the perfect finishing touch for a special evening event.
• Some stunning shoes - classic ballerina pumps and even a pair of pointy heels, perfect for those elegant dinner dates, you know what I mean?

It’s incredible to see how Milan’s style influences the world of ballet. From the fabrics to the shapes and the use of colour, there’s a certain flair and passion here that's simply irresistible.

So, my friends, as I head off back to England and Derbyshire (and already planning my next pink-tutu escapade!), I leave you with these inspiring words. Never be afraid to wear your pink tutu, embrace your dreams and make the world a little bit more colourful. And remember - the greatest adventure always starts with just one step…in a pink tutu, of course!

Until next Monday, when we'll be catching up on a fabulous weekend from Derbyshire - be sure to keep up with all my pink tutu adventures!

Much Love and Sparkly Kisses! 💖🩰

Emma www.pink-tutu.com