#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2024-05-22 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bellas! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, ready to whisk you away to the glamorous and fashionable streets of Milan, Italia! It's Wednesday, 2024-05-22, and the sun is shining brightly on my lovely pink tutu as I write this, from the cosy little cafe just around the corner from the Teatro alla Scala. Every Wednesday, I bring you my #PinkTutuMilan adventures from this enchanting city, sharing all the ballet, fashion, and joie de vivre I can find.

As a reminder, my travels are fuelled by my passion for ballet – performing in grand theatres and intimate studios keeps my tutus twirling and my pockets filled! This week I'm in the beautiful city of Milan, the centre of fashion, culture, and design. My pink tutu has already become quite a sensation – it seems Italians are all about the fabulous and embracing a touch of playful pink! And for a girl who dreams of the day everyone twirls in pink, Milan is proving to be a fantastic adventure.

Let me tell you, dear readers, the past few days have been filled with delights – from incredible performances that have left me breathless to exploring the hidden gems of Milan's shopping scene.

Let's begin with my passion: Ballet. Milan has a long and storied history with dance, and you can practically feel it in the air! This week I was blessed to see the magnificent Teatro alla Scala's production of Giselle – an ethereal tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

As the curtain rose, I was captivated by the artistry and emotion that the dancers conveyed. Every twirl, every leap, every whispered emotion – all crafted with exquisite precision. There's something truly magical about being enveloped by the music and the energy of such a prestigious ballet company. Even with the language barrier, the story danced across the stage so effortlessly, drawing everyone in.

But the experience wasn't just limited to the main stage. Just a short walk away is the Teatro degli Arcimboldi – a spectacular venue known for hosting both world-renowned ballet companies and smaller, innovative productions. And there I was, lucky to catch a modern ballet interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

This was a fresh take on a classic, bringing modern movement to a familiar story. I love these modern ballet performances; they challenge you to think differently and often incorporate a more contemporary soundscape.

But, as you all know, my love for ballet goes beyond just the theatre! One afternoon, I decided to explore Milan on a delightful adventure of my own – a dance-fueled exploration.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, the warmth of the sun making everything feel more colourful and magical. I wandered by chic shops showcasing Italian designers and the most decadent gelato I've ever tasted – just pure magic!

It felt natural to turn up the music in my earbuds, twirling through cobblestone squares with the Duomo towering above me. The street performers and buskers around the Duomo were amazing - everything from acoustic singers to street artists. I found myself adding a few little pink touches – a simple headband, a few glittery clips – making every moment even more joyful.

The tram ride back to my hotel was even an experience - the locals, with their sophisticated flair, were perfectly paired with the graceful rhythm of the tram rolling through the city. It made me realize how easily you can find inspiration, beauty, and art in even the simplest of things.

It's no secret that Milan is the fashion capital of the world – the name is synonymous with high-end boutiques, sophisticated style, and trendsetting designers. Of course, as a ballerina, I simply have to find those perfect pieces that combine fashion and grace!

Milan has streets bursting with beautiful boutiques – from the high-end designers of Via Monte Napoleone to the chic and quirky stores of the Navigli district. And I have to say, every corner holds some amazing pieces. The beautiful fabrics, intricate detail – a real joy to explore. I felt a little bit like a kid in a candy shop - the excitement bubbling over!

My search, naturally, was for those pieces that could enhance my ballet life – things with that bit of sparkle, a splash of pink, or the perfect shape to accentuate my moves. But you know me, I was on a quest to find those pieces that everyone could embrace, making the whole world a little bit more pink and joyful.

I fell head over heels for this amazing pink scarf at a small, family-run shop tucked away in a little alleyway in the Navigli district. It felt perfectly me – the colour, the intricate pattern, the lightness it had. But there was another piece I fell in love with... I found a pair of ballet shoes, made by a local craftsman who painstakingly constructs each pair, creating footwear fit for a princess. They were pink, of course! But not just any pink, a gorgeous dusty rose with elegant detailing that truly captures the essence of Italian design.

As much as I love high fashion, I also adore the treasures you find in vintage shops and antique markets. There's a magic in unearthing something unique, something with a story. This week I found the most incredible vintage jacket, the fabric was light and delicate but with bold detail – a perfect match for my twirls and twirls!

The magic of Milan lies in its dedication to craft and beauty, the attention to detail in every facet of life – that was evident in every shop I visited. Milan truly is a haven for lovers of beautiful things, whether you're searching for high fashion or vintage treasures.

Milan wouldn’t be complete without the food! The Italian cuisine is a symphony of taste – simple, fresh ingredients treated with the utmost respect, transforming every meal into a work of art.

From authentic Italian cafes, to bustling street markets bursting with colours and scents, to the elegant dining experiences offered by Milan’s top restaurants – this city has truly captured my heart through my stomach!

Every morning I had a steaming cup of espresso - the kind that truly wakes your senses! The aroma, the bold taste... perfection! My afternoons are filled with pastries and gelato – there's an art form to the gelato here. Flavours bursting with real fruit, rich, smooth textures, creamy and decadent!

But the real highlight for me? Pizza. Milan's pizza is truly something else - light and airy crust, a delicate balance of cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh ingredients. And my personal favorite? A simple Margherita pizza with a hint of truffle oil. Delicious!

My heart is filled with joy and memories as I share my experiences from this wonderful city with you. The vibrant energy of the city, the warmth of the people, the amazing art, food and fashion – it all weaves together into an experience that’s hard to put into words.

And the magic? It continues! Tomorrow I'll be stepping into a new ballet studio for a workshop, exploring different styles of dance and meeting fellow dance enthusiasts. It's the perfect way to immerse myself in Milan's artistic heart.

And for you, dear readers, keep your eyes on www.pink-tutu.com. I'll be sharing photos from my Milan journey on my blog – showing you all the glitz, the glam, the beauty of the city – and how even in Milan, pink always shines. And don't forget, join the conversation! Tag me with #PinkTutuMilan and tell me about your love for pink tutus and ballet!

Until next week, when I’ll be back from the amazing, fashion-filled world of Milan, keep those pink tutus twirling!

Ciao bella! 💖

Emma.