Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballet blogger, back from a whirlwind trip to Milan! This vibrant city has been calling to me for months, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be writing this, my 1506th post for the #PinkTutuMilan series (did I mention my weekly Milan blog comes out every Monday at www.pink-tutu.com?!) This is definitely one for the books!
Let's be honest, who can resist the allure of Italian fashion, art, and… ahem… pastries? I know I certainly can’t!
So, let's dive into this week's Milan extravaganza, packed with ballet brilliance, delicious discoveries, and of course, lots and lots of pink!
Trams, Tutus, and Tutto Bene!
I landed in Milan after a magical performance at the Royal Opera House in London, where my pointe shoes danced across the stage like tiny, twinkling stars. From the London hubbub, it was a lovely, relaxing journey, aboard a speedy, comfortable train, a quick change in Milan’s bustling station, and I was ready for a week of Italian excitement. There’s nothing I love more than exploring a new city in my trusty pink tutu, hopping on trams, and watching the world go by – a bit of a ballerina's mobile ballet, if you will!
Ballet Bliss: A Symphony of Style
The Teatro alla Scala was calling! You guys, the grandeur, the history, the incredible acoustics – the perfect setting for an evening of breathtaking ballet.
I saw a performance of La Bayadère, which left me absolutely spellbound. The dancers were ethereal, the costumes breathtaking (some even included pink – just saying!). It was like a dream come true, and the applause at the end reverberated with the magic of the performance.
Speaking of dreams, my little ballerina heart almost exploded when I walked into a store that could only be described as a paradise for pink tulle, sequins, and all things dance! Let’s just say a certain pink tutu might be making its way back to Derbyshire with me. 🤫
A Fashion Fiesta
It's impossible to talk about Milan without mentioning fashion, darling. The streets are a runway! I wandered through the Quadrilatero della Moda (the fashion district, if you didn’t know!) - the air was practically humming with sartorial magic. I found the most gorgeous accessories – think sparkly ballet flats with tiny pink bows, perfect for adding a touch of tutu charm to any outfit – oh, and some ridiculously cute, oversized pink sunglasses to boot!
You know I always say, “More pink, the better!"
From Catwalks to Cathedrals
Of course, it wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour – Milan is a beautiful mix of old and new.
Milan's Duomo, that stunning Gothic cathedral, had to be seen. It’s truly a masterpiece of architectural brilliance – and let me tell you, those intricately carved details would give a ballerina's pliés a run for their money!
Speaking of the past, I got lost in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, which is an absolutely gorgeous historic mansion filled with Italian Renaissance masterpieces. It was like stepping back in time!
Food, Glorious Food
From fancy feasts to simple treats, Milan really knows how to spoil its visitors (especially those who travel in pink tutus! Wink, wink).
Let’s just say the Italian obsession with pasta knows no bounds! I found the most divine restaurant near the cathedral – just outside the bustle of the piazza, and they had the best “Carbonara” I've ever tasted, hands down. But of course, it wouldn't be Milan without the famous “Panna cotta”– the perfect ending to a long day of shopping, sightseeing and tutu-wearing.
Travel Tip
One of my favourite things about Milan is the Tram Network – I travelled like a true local, hopping on and off at my leisure – it’s such a convenient way to get around and super affordable, too. The network stretches right across the city – and it's quite a spectacle, really.
Sharing the Pink Love
You guys know that it's not enough to just wear a pink tutu, it’s all about sharing the joy and the love for all things twirly. While in Milan, I took part in a special dance event - think graceful ballerina movements, energetic routines, and a lot of laughs – with a bunch of lovely ladies (in some serious pink-tutu fashion, of course!). It's the perfect way to celebrate our shared love of ballet!
What’s Happening this Week: April 17, 2024
Tonight's my big night. I've been working so hard – it’s an important evening at a fabulous "theatre under the stars", a beautiful old courtyard. I’m going to be performing a piece I choreographed myself – and you bet, my pink tutu will be the star of the show!
And to end this blog on a high note – I'll be spending tomorrow morning indulging in a spot of delicious Italian coffee while planning a ballet class with a bunch of local girls! Oh, and if anyone sees a pink tutu dancing through the streets of Milan… well, let’s just say, you might just bump into me. 😉
Thank you for reading, my beautiful ballerina buddies! I’m off now, but I'll be back next week, bursting with another amazing story from Milan. 🩰🇮🇹
Much love and pink wishes! 💌 Emma
