Ciao bellas!
Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born ballerina, back from another week of flitting through Milan in my beloved pink tutu. This week has been a whirlwind of pink, pirouettes, and pavement-pounding (in sensible ballet shoes, of course). Let me tell you, Wednesday was extra special, a day that wouldn't look out of place in a ballet storybook!
It all started, as it so often does, with the most divine coffee (yes, you can guess my favourite Milanese cafe: pink coffee cups!) and croissants at the chicest little cafe tucked away on Via Durini. It was the perfect morning ritual to set the stage for a day filled with all things fashionable and fantastical.
The sun was shining, the trams were humming (such a beautiful, musical soundtrack to the city!), and I was feeling very pink-tastic in my newest tutu. This one is a soft, almost dusty rose shade with layers of shimmering tulle – truly the perfect shade for reflecting the soft light filtering through the Milanese trees.
My first stop was Teatro alla Scala, the iconic opera house. Did you know the ballet was the original use of this incredible building? I am so incredibly proud of this legacy of dancing! Even though I was merely standing outside admiring the architecture, a wave of excited energy hit me. This building breathes artistry, and you can feel it in the very air around it!
My Wednesday wasn't about seeing a ballet performance, no, this Wednesday was about creating magic, so I headed straight for a special class at Balletto in Milano, a renowned ballet school tucked away in a quiet courtyard. I love finding hidden gems like this one, places where passion for dance burns bright and every student radiates a contagious joy for the art form.
This particular class was all about ballet street style, a fusion of street dance and classical technique that is rapidly growing in popularity in Italy. The instructor, a young, vibrant woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, took us through a series of choreographed sequences. Imagine: twirling to hip-hop beats, leaping over imaginary barriers, and flowing through the air with a unique blend of classical elegance and urban cool. I could feel the energy of the city pulsating through my movements – the very rhythm of Milan echoing within me.
After a long morning of dancing, my tummy started to grumble, which meant a detour was in order. I adore Milan's street food, and this day was no different. It's a wonderful blend of the classic and the unexpected – a gourmet treat at every turn. My stop of choice this day? A charming little stall tucked away near Piazza Gae Aulenti offering handmade gelato made with fresh, locally-sourced fruit. My choice? Pink, naturally! It was the perfect burst of fruity sweetness, the ideal refreshment for my busy day.
Refreshed and ready for more adventures, I hopped back onto the tram, my pink tutu catching the afternoon sunshine, and headed towards the Brera District. This historic district is a paradise for art, fashion, and all things beautiful! A colourful mosaic of artistic flair, it truly is a treat for the eyes. I wandered past art galleries overflowing with masterpieces, boutiques displaying the latest designer wear, and cobbled lanes filled with artisan shops, the air thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers.
Now, one can't be in Milan without shopping, can we? This is a city of designers and boutiques, with everything you could possibly desire and more. I spent the rest of the afternoon dipping in and out of fashion havens, trying on delicate silk scarves, admiring the intricate detailing of a designer shoe, and letting my inner shopaholic loose amidst the colourful cacophony.
Of course, my pink tutu wouldn't have been complete without some matching accessories. I found a stunning hatbox, brimming with fluffy, feather boas in every shade of pink imaginable, at a tiny boutique tucked away on Via Sant'Andrea. Can you guess what colour I chose? Yes, you're right – a vibrant flamingo pink! The owner, an eccentric older woman with a twinkle in her eye, chuckled and said "You look just like a ballerina!". This was my confirmation that I was on the right path in spreading the pink tutu gospel, one step at a time!
Finally, after a full day of Milanese delights, my feet were ready to rest and the stars were beginning to twinkle above the cityscape. My pink tutu swished as I strolled through the city streets, soaking in the magical ambience of this dynamic metropolis. As always, Milan felt like a second home - full of passion, artistic expression, and a contagious energy that resonated within me.
So, ciao bella! This Wednesday in Milan, with all its dazzling dance routines, shopping adventures, and mouth-watering delights, left my heart and my spirit singing.
Do you love pink? Do you love tutus? Do you love ballet?
Join the #PinkTutuRevolution and tell me what your favourite pink tutu moment was in the comments! I am always looking for new ways to spread the pink tutu love. And who knows, perhaps next week we’ll explore the wonders of Milan together!
Remember to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for more updates, new blog posts every Monday, and sneak peeks into my life on the road.
Until next week, keep dancing, keep sparkling, and wear your pink tutu with pride!
