#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2023-10-11 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu blogger, writing to you from the bustling, beautiful city of Milan! This week, I’m serving up a steaming cup of fashion, a sprinkle of Italian magic, and, of course, a heaping helping of pink tutus, all neatly wrapped up in post number 1479 of my Milan adventure.

Let me start by confessing: this city has absolutely stolen my heart! The chic boutiques lining the streets, the towering cathedrals, the charming cafes bustling with life – Milan is the perfect blend of history and glamour. And did I mention the food? Heavenly. But enough about my gushing, let's dive into the delicious details of my week!

My week began with a twirl-tastic start. You see, darlings, I always believe in finding magic wherever I go. Even in the city that never sleeps, a ballet class can transport you to a world of graceful pirouettes and soaring leaps. This morning, I was lucky enough to discover a hidden gem, a ballet studio tucked away in a courtyard. After a rigorous but rewarding session (thank goodness for those pink-hued tights!), I popped out into the sun-drenched streets feeling energized and ready for some Milanese exploration.

A quick hop onto a vintage tram (ooh, did I mention I'm obsessed with trams? They're like rolling art galleries!) brought me to the Duomo. You've got to see it, my darlings, a breathtaking monument of beauty that took my breath away! It was even more stunning in the afternoon sun, its delicate spires reaching up towards the heavens.

After a little souvenir browsing in the charming little shops around the Duomo, I ended the day with a fabulous performance of "La Traviata" at the Teatro alla Scala. The music was divine, the costumes, pure artistry! (Don’t even get me started on the floral headpieces worn by the ladies – simply spectacular!) This truly felt like a quintessential Italian evening, with every single sense overwhelmed by beauty.

Okay, so if Monday was all about ballet and history, Tuesday was about fashion, my darlings! It wouldn't be a Milan trip without indulging in a little retail therapy, right? This city is a treasure trove of unique designers and high-end labels, making every window display a masterpiece in its own right.

I found myself wandering down the chic streets, my heart aflutter with every silk scarf and handmade shoe. After trying on a dazzling collection of fuchsia dresses (because pink is ALWAYS a good idea!), I snagged myself a divine velvet tote bag, the perfect shade of raspberry. I know what you're thinking – it's the perfect accessory for my pink tutu! You have to admit, it makes even more sense now that it’s been blessed by the magic of Milan.

In the afternoon, I hopped on another charming tram (oh, those red leather seats and jingling bells!), this time to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a truly architectural marvel. Imagine this, a stunning glass-covered arcade adorned with shops and cafes, its grand interior bustling with a lively mix of locals and tourists.

This day was a whirlwind of style, my darlings, leaving me inspired and filled with that familiar shopping high.

My Wednesday began with a trip to the breathtaking Sforza Castle, a giant reminder of Milan's rich history. The vast courtyard, the soaring towers, and the intricate details were simply spellbinding. This place held a real magical vibe that reminded me of those fantastical storybook castles.

After wandering the castle gardens and taking countless Instagram-worthy photos (of course, in my pink tutu, my dear!), I decided to spend some time exploring the local ballet scene. I discovered a vibrant ballet performance happening right in the heart of the city. The street performers had gathered at a public square, their tutus flowing in the breeze, and the music – oh the music – was exhilarating! There’s nothing like seeing raw passion and talent unfold before your eyes, you know? I watched them pirouette and leap, their grace inspiring me to stretch out my legs and try some pirouettes of my own. Of course, this was done discreetly – wouldn’t want to draw too much attention to myself! 😉

But, unfortunately, a slight mishap befell my afternoon. I had planned a theatre outing to catch a ballet show at a beautiful old theatre in the city. However, a tiny mishap with a rogue gelato (sometimes things happen when you’re lost in a delicious hazelnut cream concoction!), left me feeling a bit wobbly and in desperate need of a nap. (Alas, it seems that Italian gelato holds a hypnotic charm that I find strangely irresistible!)

After a lovely rest, I ended the day with a relaxing dinner in a cozy little bistro – and yes, I had my fill of spaghetti alla carbonara! The rich, creamy sauce was the perfect antidote to my gelato-induced drowsiness.

Now, on Thursday, I decided to embark on a truly enchanting quest – a journey back to the Duomo, this time to explore the breathtaking cathedral in more detail. The sheer scale and artistry were absolutely awe-inspiring. The cathedral's gothic arches, the intricate stained glass windows, and the grand interior, all bathed in soft candlelight – it was truly a masterpiece of beauty.

After immersing myself in the Duomo's spiritual embrace, I took a stroll along the bustling Navigli canals, admiring the charming shops and enjoying a warm cappuccino. The atmosphere was enchanting, especially during sunset, when the canal's reflection painted a beautiful mosaic on the water.

Finally, it was time to board my faithful friend, the tram. You see, the tram in Milan is so much more than transportation; it’s a little piece of my world, taking me through a colourful panorama of the city’s everyday life. On Thursday evening, the tram brought me back to my hotel, filled with stories and inspiration from this beautiful city.

Milan on a Friday night felt like it had come alive! There was an undeniable energy in the air, as if everyone was feeling a touch of that Italian charm. Tonight was all about the opera! The Teatro alla Scala was preparing for a captivating performance of Puccini’s masterpiece, "La Bohème." The opera house, my darlings, was more than just a building; it was a living entity brimming with history, passion, and a sense of grand theatre that simply captivated my senses.

During the interval, I couldn’t help but admire the opulent costumes, each one a work of art in its own right. And you’ll never believe it, darlings – the most captivating design was the gown worn by Mimi, a beautiful piece of layered tulle in a stunning shade of dusky rose. This is when I realised: even in Milan, where fashion is everything, there's still a place for my beloved pink tutus, maybe just in a slightly more glamorous shade!

Later, I made my way to the fashion district for a little more shopping indulgence. There are so many incredible stores here, each boasting a world of chic elegance and daring designs. I could spend hours in these places, gazing at the breathtaking clothing creations.

As I explored the dazzling fashion scene, I knew that my next pink tutu outfit needed to embody Milan's essence. Maybe a touch of sparkle? A bit of luxurious lace? Perhaps a hint of those enchanting, dusky-rose shades from "La Bohème?" I simply must explore more shops before finalising the details, my dears.

Milan’s artistic soul seemed to pulsate through every cobblestone street, every quaint courtyard. It wasn’t just the grand museums that enthralled me; it was the way the city embraced its creativity, a symphony of colours, shapes, and textures blending into a vibrant kaleidoscope of artistry.

Saturday began with a visit to the Museo del Novecento, a museum showcasing the best of 20th century Italian art. I lost myself amidst bold canvases and sculptural wonders, marvelling at the way these artists captured the essence of this magnificent city. The entire experience was breathtaking, transporting me to a world of abstract visions and profound emotions.

After my artistic escapade, I took a leisurely walk along the bustling streets, allowing myself to be swept up in the vibrant energy of the city. It was simply magical – the aromas of freshly baked bread, the melodies of street musicians, and the conversations overheard in Italian, all contributed to the vibrant melody of life in Milan. And, of course, it was all framed against the backdrop of charming Italian architecture and the grandeur of the Duomo. I love how the beauty of Milan finds its way into every corner of this city!

In the evening, I decided to head back to my hotel via the tram. I think you can tell how much I adore these vintage wonders – a true slice of history rolling along the rails! There's a particular line I like to take, winding through the historic district, giving me stunning views of the illuminated city skyline, creating the perfect end to a simply amazing Saturday in Milan!

The Sunday, as usual, felt a bit quieter and calmer, with a bit more of that Milanese “dolce far niente” spirit. (Translation: "sweet doing nothing")

I began the day with a lovely ballet class. It's been quite a while since I had a chance to get my dance shoes on, and after all this travelling, I needed to stretch those muscles! My little morning workout filled me with renewed energy for exploring Milan.

Afterward, I decided to embark on a delectable journey through Milan’s food scene. My exploration started with a visit to the renowned Mercato Centrale, a bustling food market where I indulged in the most delicious fresh pasta (pasta, pasta, it’s just so irresistible in this city!). Every bite was a culinary delight.

Then it was on to an amazing, old-fashioned gelateria in a little cobblestoned alleyway, tucked away between vintage boutiques. The pistachio gelato was, simply put, divine! There is nothing like a generous scoop of that creamy, sweet indulgence in a warm, charming Italian setting.

My day ended with an impromptu ballet performance by some local children, dancing beneath the Duomo. The tiny tutus, the excited giggles, the pure joy of movement – this was the epitome of ballet, the embodiment of grace and pure, unadulterated passion.

This entire Milan adventure, my dear darlings, was nothing short of a whimsical journey through a city that never sleeps, a symphony of culture, fashion, and elegance. Milan is simply a city with a captivating spirit that fills me with that warm, pink-tutu-infused feeling of absolute happiness!

Until next week, darling darlings! Remember to always embrace the pink, wear your tutus proudly, and let your life be a whirlwind of twirling magic, just like Milan! Ciao! 💖🩰🇮🇹

Remember, my Milan adventures are all on www.pink-tutu.com every Monday. Let's dance together!