#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2023-12-06 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bella! 🩰 It's Emma here, reporting live from Milan, the fashion capital of Italy (and possibly the world!). My pink tutu is twirling with excitement because this week, my travels have taken me on a whirlwind adventure that blended ballet, beautiful clothes, and a sprinkle of Italian magic. And let's be honest, who could resist?

This is a special week, you know? Christmas is just around the corner and Milan's Christmas markets are starting to pop up, their lights twinkling and tempting with scents of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts. It's the perfect time to find some unique Christmas gifts, perhaps even a pink tutu for a loved one – what's more festive than that? 🎁

But before we get caught up in the Christmas spirit, let's rewind the tape back to the beginning of the week, to a Monday morning in the heart of Milano…

I love Mondays in Milan. There's something magical about stepping out into the morning sunshine, the air crisp and clean. Today was even more special because I had a ballet class at the prestigious Scuola di Danza. It's tucked away in a charming courtyard, its windows reflecting the vibrant city life outside. Stepping inside, it feels like you're stepping into another world, a sanctuary of grace and artistry.

My teacher today, a wonderfully inspiring woman named Isabella, is a true gem. She exudes a contagious passion for dance that simply radiates. Her corrections are precise, encouraging me to move with more fluidity, more expressiveness. It's exhilarating to push my limits, to discover new possibilities within the elegant art of ballet.

The class concluded with a delicate pas de deux – something I haven't performed in a while – but with Isabella's patient guidance, it came back to me like a forgotten dream. Afterward, I treated myself to a decadent cappucchino at a little cafe just around the corner, soaking in the Milanese ambiance and savouring every sip.

Later, my adventure took me on a journey on the iconic Milanese trams. Now, if you haven't experienced the magic of travelling through the city on these iconic yellow carriages, I highly recommend it! The clanging of the bell, the bustling scenes outside the window, it's an experience that embodies the energy and life of this city.

Tuesday was a day for culture and artistic exploration. I ventured to the Teatro alla Scala, Milan's magnificent opera house. Now, if you're looking for a symphony of architectural wonder, this is it! From its grand entrance to its plush interiors, every detail is a masterpiece. This is the kind of place that makes you want to burst into song and dance.

To mark this cultural journey, I wore my most extravagant pink tutu, one that caught the light with every movement and glimmered under the opulent chandelier in the foyer. I felt like I was stepping into a fairy tale, every room a new chapter in a magnificent story.

Tonight was all about the music and the performance. A thrilling rendition of 'Rigoletto' left me completely enthralled. The power of music and dance resonated through the grand theatre, the voices of the singers echoing with an emotion that touched my soul.

Milan, as we all know, is a haven for fashionistas! Wednesday, therefore, was a day for indulgence in the delights of the city's fashion scene. I spent the afternoon wandering through the charming boutiques along Via Montenapoleone, the street where every shop window whispers secrets of high fashion.

My mission for the day? To find a beautiful outfit that would complement my favourite pink tutu! And let me tell you, there were some real contenders. I spent a delightful time browsing exquisite silk scarves and luxurious cashmere coats, trying on hats that whispered old-world glamour, and giggling at playful sequined dresses.

After much deliberation (and a slight battle with my credit card!), I landed on a stunning velvet blazer in a rich crimson shade. Paired with my favourite pink tutu, it's going to make an unforgettable entrance at the ballet performance I'm going to this weekend.

But what's a fashion exploration without a delicious dinner at a charming local restaurant? My Wednesday evening was spent in the heart of Brera, a district teeming with art galleries and buzzing cafes, the streets alive with the melody of conversation and laughter. And of course, there was no shortage of gelato - that's a given in Italy!

Thursdays are for fresh air and a change of pace. So, today, I swapped my heels for comfy sneakers and my tulle for something a little more casual (though my tutu is always a part of my outfit, you see!)

Milan, for all its bustling city life, has a network of green spaces that are perfect for a peaceful stroll. My favourite? The Parco Sempione, a sprawling oasis in the heart of the city. As I walked among the vibrant gardens, the sound of birdsong replaced the rumble of traffic.

This was a perfect day to explore the art within the park, with the beautiful Palazzo Sforzesco and its impressive art collections, a reminder of the city's rich artistic history.

My Thursday ended with a steaming cup of cioccolata calda, the sweet aroma filling my senses as I contemplated the beauty of this vibrant city.

Fridays in Milan are electrifying. It's as though the entire city steps into a new rhythm, the air crackling with energy. The cafes are brimming with laughter, the restaurants with lively conversations, and the theatres come alive with music and drama.

My evening was spent in the pulsating energy of a cabaret performance. The lights were dim, the stage filled with dancing figures and sparkling costumes. As I watched the performers move with such grace and confidence, my own inner ballerina couldn't help but feel a wave of inspiration.

A glass of prosecco later, I joined a crowd of smiling faces in the streets of Milan, soaking in the music that spilled from the doorways of clubs and bars. This was truly a Friday night to remember!

Saturdays are for slowing down and savouring the simple things. It was time for another ballet class at the Scuola di Danza. It felt so good to be back, feeling my muscles waking up as I stretched and warmed up. Isabella pushed me to find new levels of strength and elegance, her teaching an incredible blend of precision and inspiration.

The afternoon was for shopping for treats and finding beautiful Christmas decorations for my little flat in Derbyshire, I always try to take a piece of Milan back with me, whether it's a beautiful artisan ceramic plate or a tiny silver ornament that catches the light in just the right way.

My evening, though, was dedicated to a delicious pasta meal and a leisurely stroll around the enchanting city. Sometimes, the most memorable evenings are those spent simply observing the city around you. It's easy to be distracted by the glitz and glamour, but it's moments like this that reveal the real magic of Milan.

Sunday morning found me waking up to the sun streaming through my window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stepped out onto my balcony, took a deep breath of fresh air, and stretched my limbs, preparing for my last full day in Milan.

What's better than a Sunday than spending it sharing the joy of dance with other enthusiasts? This afternoon was all about a masterclass hosted by a world-renowned ballet instructor. We delved into the techniques of pointe work, exploring how to find strength and grace in each delicate movement. It's a discipline that takes years to master, but even for an experienced ballerina like me, there's always something new to discover, some hidden layer of artistry to unlock.

But no adventure in Milan is complete without a final slice of pizza. The aroma of freshly baked dough filled the air as I strolled through the charming streets of the city, searching for the perfect final meal.

I find myself reflecting on this journey – on the dazzling performances, the elegant fashion, the enchanting architecture, and most importantly, the kind smiles and the welcoming warmth of the Milanese people. This week in Milan has been a tapestry of memories, stitched together by the thread of creativity and beauty.

So until next time, Milan, I bid you a fond farewell!

*Until then, my darling ballet enthusiasts, let your tutus twirl and keep on dancing! And if you have the chance to visit Milan, don't forget your pink tutu! *

Remember to find my blog at www.pink-tutu.com every Monday, and come join me on this journey through the magical world of pink tutus and ballet!

Ciao for now,

Emma xx