Ciao, darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad blogger, Emma, bringing you the latest from Milan! The sun’s shining, the cobblestones are glistening, and the air is thick with the sweet aroma of espresso and anticipation…it’s ballet day! 🩰
Today marks a rather momentous occasion in my Milan adventure - it’s the day I finally get to see La Scala's stunning production of "The Sleeping Beauty." I’ve been eagerly anticipating this performance since the moment I booked my flights, and the excitement has been bubbling like a pot of creamy tiramisu.
You might be thinking, "Emma, you already went to see Swan Lake and Giselle in your last post. Are you only here to watch ballet?" Well, let's be honest, it's pretty darn high up there on my list of priorities, but, naturally, this is Milan we're talking about. It’s not just about ballet. It's about the fabulous outfits, the decadent cappuccinos, the vibrant street art, and the delightful journey of it all. And let me tell you, a bit of Milan goes a long way, whether you're sporting a full pink tutu or not. (Though, obviously, a pink tutu always enhances the experience. I'm just sayin'). 😉
So, before we venture into the world of swirling tutus and romantic choreography, let's catch up on what this lovely week in Milan has been like…
From Derbyshire to the Heart of Milan
It wouldn't be a proper Emma's blog post without a little bit of train journey chatter, would it? This week, I journeyed to Milan with my dear friend Olivia, a fellow ballet enthusiast who is also the owner of the most divine fuchsia-pink handbag you've ever seen! Olivia, of course, looked fabulous in her pink-tinged outfit (not a tutu, but I’m working on her…) as we boarded the train from Derbyshire with our carefully packed ballet shoes and dreams of twirling. We took a quick snooze under the flickering glow of the carriage light, a quick caffeine break for some cappuccinos in Bologna (did I mention that Bologna was the home of the best pasta I've ever had? Don't worry, there'll be a post about my gastronomic adventures soon), and soon enough, we found ourselves rolling into the heart of Milano Centrale.
Now, Milan is a bit of a chameleon. It changes with each blink of the eye - a mix of ancient architecture and sleek, modern design, whispering tales of both Renaissance glory and modern fashion. One minute you're wandering down cobbled lanes lined with charming shops, the next, you're standing before a towering, sleek building showcasing the latest fashion trends. You simply can't help but be swept away by the intoxicating blend of history, fashion, and artistic passion that courses through Milan's veins.
Finding my Ballet Groove
We haven't even mentioned the ballet yet! Of course, before "Sleeping Beauty," I had to sneak in some extra practice sessions. Thankfully, Milan offers an incredible range of ballet classes, from the most traditional of studios to the most modern of studios, which has me absolutely spoilt for choice.
I found a fantastic little studio tucked away in a quiet alley near my Airbnb. It had gorgeous wood floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors that made me feel like a princess in a fairy tale, and even a cute little dressing room where I could freshen up my face and do my final twirl check.
My class was full of passionate dancers from all over the world. It's amazing to witness such diverse styles and interpretations of ballet; I even got to see a couple of students dancing with absolutely breathtaking skill! The camaraderie in the class was so beautiful - there were smiles, helpful tips, and gentle encouragement exchanged freely amongst us dancers. It truly feels like being part of a large, warm, welcoming ballet family.
After class, the owner of the studio - a petite but powerhouse lady called Francesca - gave me a peek into her dance archives. Turns out she had a box filled with gorgeous costumes from various Milanese productions – tutus of all colours (of course, I was particularly fond of the pink ones!) and shimmering, sparkling headpieces that seemed to have been plucked straight from a fairytale. It was a dancer's dream come true!
The Magic of "La Scala"
Now, I promised to tell you all about my trip to La Scala - it wouldn't be a "Pink Tutu Milan" post without a good old ballet review!
La Scala... oh La Scala! There’s just an aura, a magic, an almost otherworldly vibe when you’re stepping into the Teatro alla Scala. This iconic theatre is not just a stage, it's an experience, a gateway to artistic excellence, a breathtaking marvel that whisks you away into another dimension.
Stepping inside felt like a transformation – it's so much grander than you can possibly imagine, an extravagant concoction of ornate gold-gilded decor, breathtaking frescoes, and a magnificent stage adorned with intricate sets. My jaw dropped the moment I walked in.
Then, the curtain rose, and the magic began. The orchestra launched into the haunting melody of Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" score, and I felt a thrill course through my veins. I swear the notes filled the whole theatre, creating a magical symphony of sound that left me entranced.
The performance itself was breathtaking! The choreography, as intricate as the decorations around me, showcased the dancers’ athleticism, grace, and technical mastery. It's something you can’t experience just from watching it on a screen – it’s pure magic when you are in the audience of a live show. It’s such an exciting, emotional experience.
What’s more, "Sleeping Beauty" brought so much warmth, laughter, and joyful spectacle, perfect for a post-theatre stroll with Olivia through the bustling streets. We found a delightful café for a steaming hot chocolate – there’s no better feeling than snuggling up with a delicious warm beverage in a bustling city. We people-watched from our corner table, the laughter echoing through the cobbled lanes – that’s another thing about Milan, even if the streets are bustling, it’s still quite a tranquil city to walk around.
The Pink Tutu Journey
You might be wondering why I am so obsessed with the colour pink. Pink is much more than just a colour for me. It represents confidence, strength, creativity, and above all, a beautiful defiance of any societal pressure to be subdued. Wearing my pink tutu is my way of saying, "Look at me! I'm embracing who I am, and I'm unafraid to make a statement." In this busy world, a splash of colour - in my case, a lot of pink! - adds joy, breaks up monotony and just reminds us that life can be a beautiful dance.
It’s not about me making you want to wear a pink tutu (although, please, do try it if you’re reading this, it's an empowering feeling!), it’s more about inspiring people to do the things they are passionate about. If your dream is to travel the world and experience a different culture, then do it. If your passion is to learn new dance styles or read endless novels, then go for it! Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
And so, until next week, my darlings, let's dance on! Stay tuned for more from the colourful streets of Milan!
Ciao for now!
P.S. – don’t forget to follow my blog at www.pink-tutu.com for weekly updates and more from my pink tutu travels! I’d also love to see your outfits in the comments, so feel free to share them with me. It would be a joy to see your colourful creations!
