#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2023-09-27 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad ballerina, reporting live from the dazzling city of Milan, the very heart of Italy! I can practically smell the pizza and hear the laughter ringing from bustling cafes.

This week, I’m living a ballerina’s dream, with Milan serving as my perfect stage. This city practically radiates with the energy of creativity and fashion. It's no wonder Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world. Just strolling down the cobblestone streets is an eye-opening experience, every building seems to be a masterpiece, every corner a photo-op begging to be captured!

Today, I'm sharing all the pink-tastic adventures I’ve been up to, the fashion highlights, and, of course, all the balletic wonder that's taken my breath away. Grab your favourite cuppa, sit back, and get ready to twirl into this week's Pink Tutu Milan diary!

It was a crisp September morning in Milan, the air infused with the promise of exciting discoveries. Today's agenda was a full day of exploring and, of course, ballet! But first, breakfast. After a delectable pastry and strong espresso at a charming cafe on the corner of my charming little apartment building (Milan's hidden gems are truly something to behold), I took a hop on the famous Milan trams – the vibrant orange and cream carriages, which I always feel are a fashion statement themselves! I loved weaving through the city, gazing at the architecture, taking in the buzzing atmosphere, feeling like I was in a fairytale, as only Milan can do.

The tram rattled along to a quaint little shopping street where the sun was dappling through the leaves on a canopy of trees overhead, and I swear I saw a glimpse of a cheeky pink-hued sparrow hopping from shop window to shop window! Maybe it was the pink tutu magic! My mission for this afternoon was a little indulgence – some pre-ballet treat shopping. Now, I know, we ballerinas have to be mindful of those diets, but one must acknowledge a fabulously sparkly accessory for a glamorous evening performance, right? The shops here are just divine, with unique items galore that bring joy to my ballerina heart. A bejeweled, rose gold bracelet, sparkling enough to catch the stage lights, and a pair of exquisitely embroidered shoes (perfect for my favourite ballet flat outfit) were today’s treats. Shopping is a form of ballet in itself – a dance of anticipation, finding the perfect piece, the exhilaration of the hunt! And trust me, you can feel that excitement pulsating through the cobblestone streets here in Milan!

Speaking of exhilarating, later this afternoon, I had a special treat – ballet class at the renowned Teatro Dal Verme. You might know it better as Milan’s historical and artistic treasure, a majestic, neoclassical theatre that has been gracing the city for centuries.

It's easy to see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stepping into the grand hall felt like stepping back in time, into the very soul of classical ballet, with ornate chandeliers glittering from above. It truly felt magical. The class, run by a former star of the Bolshoi Ballet, was like dancing through a dream. We started with a traditional barre, those graceful movements stretching my body, bringing focus and a calmness to my soul. We then took on the grand movements of centre work, elegant extensions reaching towards the frescoed ceiling.

What’s even more special, was meeting some incredible young ballerinas from all over the world! A few were actually from England – my home, Derbyshire, specifically, just like me! Chatting with them and hearing their passion and ambition for the world of ballet ignited a special spark in me, reminding me why I’ve come all this way.

We had so much fun at class, all of us in our beautiful dance leotards (pink, of course!) and little bun-like chignons, each one radiating the pure joy of being a ballerina. In fact, when I asked some of the girls why they loved ballet so much, they all answered in unison – because of the sheer freedom of movement! I completely agree.

And the best bit? Every week at the Teatro Dal Verme, they have a ballet performance - it's my little dream come true!

The excitement for this evening's ballet performance had reached fever pitch by the time the tram pulled into the station near Teatro alla Scala – Milan’s iconic opera house, renowned for its opulent elegance and history. To call it breathtaking would be a colossal understatement. Walking into the foyer, adorned with marble, mosaics, and stunning paintings, the beauty simply takes your breath away. And what makes it even more special? I had scored a ticket for the star show – the ballet “Giselle”.

Oh my goodness! “Giselle” is an unforgettable love story, one that blends romantic beauty with the eerie enchantment of the supernatural. It tells the story of a young, innocent peasant girl who falls deeply in love with a handsome nobleman. He is secretly in disguise, however. A nobleman’s disguise doesn't bode well! She finds out the truth in a tragic twist of fate, resulting in an electrifying performance that transports the audience to another realm of emotion.

The dancing was sublime! It felt as though the stage was a window, showcasing raw emotion and delicate grace. You could sense every beat of the performers' hearts. I loved how the performance combined passion and drama, beauty and intrigue. It felt as if each performance was meticulously crafted with every nuance meticulously chosen. The ethereal, dreamy world of the ballet, alongside the magnificent costumes and sets, really brought “Giselle” to life. The costumes are a beautiful ode to 19th-century romantic ballet! They're flowing, light, and delicately adorned with lace and beads, a true feast for the eyes! My eyes particularly focused on the iconic tulle skirt (in every shade of white, of course!), which dances as the story unfolds, giving it a mystical quality.

This was the performance of a lifetime! As I drifted back into the cobbled streets, after the curtain fell on the show, the magical glow of the city still felt as enchanting as a beautiful fairy tale.

Now, who doesn't love a good Aperitivo? Milan is a city that revels in its aperitivo traditions! That's where I made a pitstop, with its buzzing energy, before heading back to my little abode for the evening! This is where you can find a lovely relaxed evening spot, a little hideaway for me to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while munching on the incredible assortment of complimentary snacks and tapas they serve with your drinks – I mean, how fantastic is that? I went for my favourite – “Pink Prosecco” – bubbly, light, and pink - what could be more perfect for my “pinktastic” week! I had a plate brimming with prosciutto, mozzarella, focaccia bread with olive oil, and even the sweetest cherries! My aperitivo was the ideal place to debrief about the ballet, make my list of things to see and do next week (spoiler: a delicious "pizza night" in an underground pizza den!) and reminisce about all the new inspiration that I've gained here.

There is such a vibrant spirit in this city! Milan is more than a destination – it is an experience, a melting pot of style and art. You can feel the city’s pulsating energy at every corner. Whether it's shopping on the Corso Buenos Aires, a morning espresso with my latest Vogue magazine, or enjoying an aperitivo overlooking the rooftops of Milan’s historic Duomo Cathedral, I love immersing myself in all of it. I believe that this city holds a certain magical allure for those of us who dream of creative expression and finding our unique voices.

The ballet performance at Teatro alla Scala was the icing on the cake – it's an unforgettable memory I will treasure for life. Milan’s artistic grandeur just inspires me, especially on a Monday evening, just like the grand dame of opera houses, the La Scala itself, inspires her performers! I can just see a tutu or two flitting through the backstage corridors – those dancers need their own tutus too, of course!

This week has just begun my pink-tutu Milan adventures and already it has made my heart swell! There’s so much more in store for me: I've already lined up my ballet classes, museum visits, a performance at a legendary theatre - Teatro Strehler – (it has that vintage, rustic charm, reminding me of the Derbyshire country theatre) and many more delightful discoveries.

Remember darlings, keep dancing, keep dreaming, keep reaching for your own personal version of Milan's enchanting allure.

Until next Monday, keep twirling and spreading the pink tutu magic wherever you are in the world!

Love, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com