Ciao bella! 💋 It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina, writing to you live from the vibrant, fashion-forward city of Milan, Italy!
As always, my darling readers, it feels absolutely heavenly to be back in Milan, a city that embraces colour, creativity, and of course, a dash of fabulous flair. I’m buzzing with excitement, because I’ve packed my very favourite pink tulle tutu, my sparkly pink ballet flats, and even a few new blush pink outfits that are simply divine. Milan is a dream for a pink tutu aficionado, a true haven of fashion and creativity.
It's a Wednesday afternoon, and the sun is beaming down, giving Milan that special kind of golden glow that I adore. A gentle breeze whispers through the palm trees that line the Piazza Duomo, and I’m already smitten with the city's charm. As I sit here in my little cafe sipping my cappuccino and scribbling away, I'm already making plans to explore all that Milan has to offer, from iconic catwalks to breathtaking street art and, of course, plenty of world-class ballet performances.
Milan: My Ballerina WonderlandMilan is an enchanting blend of old and new, a symphony of classic architecture, buzzing city life, and a dash of glamorous je ne sais quoi that I just adore. Whether I'm strolling down the Via Monte Napoleone, ogling the latest designer creations, or wandering through the elegant corridors of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan always has me entranced. It’s the ultimate city for a tutu-wearing, dance-loving, fashion-obsessed ballerina like myself. The fashion here is pure inspiration - it's elegant, vibrant, and infused with a playful energy that I can't help but be swept away by.
Speaking of inspiration, Milan also holds a special place in my heart because it’s the home of Teatro alla Scala, a legendary opera house steeped in history and tradition. It's a breathtaking venue, and the moment I set foot in the grand theatre, I feel the thrill of ballet and opera come alive within me. This week, Teatro alla Scala is showing Verdi’s La Traviata - how exciting is that? This opera holds such powerful emotions that it never fails to take my breath away.
The best part is that I can indulge in my passion for dance and fashion all at once. I always look forward to catching the latest ballet performances in Milan. And let me tell you, they don’t disappoint. I've been watching some amazing ballet companies performing at the Teatro alla Scala, like the renowned Teatro alla Scala Ballet, a company with incredible dancers and stunning choreography. They're simply magical to watch! I’ve got a few shows already on my list this week - a truly exciting week of performances for a ballerina like me!
Of course, it’s not just the professional performances I love; Milan has an incredible energy for dance. It feels as though every cobblestone street has a pulse, and people are expressing themselves with rhythm and movement everywhere. From the street artists in the Navigli canals, whose art is filled with movement and a unique artistic vision, to the ballet students who fill the halls of the famous Accademia Teatro alla Scala, the whole city pulsates with a dance-driven spirit. I love it.
And I simply cannot resist sneaking into ballet classes to learn a few new moves. It feels amazing to stretch and twirl alongside these passionate ballet students, surrounded by beautiful dancers, all dedicated to the art of dance. There’s something deeply invigorating about being surrounded by such a dedicated community of talented dancers, even if it’s just to take in their movements and experience the incredible energy.
And then, of course, there are the fashion shows! Every corner seems to boast a haute couture boutique, and window displays are masterpieces, so tempting I just have to touch them! From sleek boutiques showcasing the latest designer creations to vintage stores filled with treasures from past decades, Milan truly has something to offer every fashionista, from head to toe! It’s a city where my inner ballerina (and fashionista) goes absolutely wild.
I've already indulged in some fantastic shopping excursions, finding some truly breathtaking pieces to add to my ever-growing wardrobe. And I just can't help but smile as I think about wearing some of my new finds while exploring all that Milan has to offer! It’s pure fun.
To tell you the truth, a ballerina can never have too many tutus - they are so utterly delightful, don't you think? And in Milan, with all the fabulous designers and endless array of textiles, I simply couldn’t resist buying a couple more for my collection - one in the softest lilac shade that’s perfect for afternoon strolls, and another with a stunning, fiery red design, for all my evening events! And did you know they have a vintage tutu market in Milan? Honestly, who wouldn’t love a whole day of tutu browsing?
The magic of this city continues to charm me!
The City of Pink: Milan's BlushMilan's beauty truly goes beyond the fashion shows and the ballet studios, although those definitely do leave a ballerina with plenty of inspiration! This city has an atmosphere of vibrant life that shines through, almost as brightly as all those stunning Italian sunsets! The air buzzes with energy and charm. I've even started adding a pop of pink to my Milan experience.
Just this morning, I took a delicious tram ride to the Brera district, and oh my, the buildings were painted in the most beautiful blush shades - soft pinks, pale peaches, and a gentle shade of pink that I can’t describe without using the words “soft” or “delicious.” I was surrounded by gorgeous hues and textures! This city simply embodies colour! It's no surprise that my pink tutu perfectly complements these pastel-tinted buildings and lively plazas! It felt as though I'd wandered onto a beautiful, glamorous film set.
Then, I walked over to the Navigli Canals and, amidst all the colourful shops and eateries, I was surprised to see that one cafe had a sign that said "Tutu Wednesday." Apparently, every Wednesday this lovely cafe has a tutu day where everyone is invited to don their most sparkly, glamorous tutus and dance the afternoon away! Well, you know how much I love my pink tutu! Of course, I’m already looking forward to Tutu Wednesday!
As I walked along the canals, my eye was caught by some street performers putting on an amazing, improvisational performance, dancing freely to a jazz trio - an absolute riot of vibrant energy and a truly fabulous, spontaneous, and creative spectacle.
There’s a kind of free spirit here, a passion for performance and an incredible willingness to dance in the streets. And who am I to disagree?
Milan’s charm also comes from its local cuisine - I mean, can we even discuss Milan without talking about its incredible food? I’m having the most delicious time! It’s a true foodie’s paradise! Every dish has such flavour - the creamy, comforting Risotto alla Milanese (that cheesy rice, a Milanese favourite), a perfectly cooked and crispy osso buco, or just a simple, fresh salad piled high with local ingredients - the flavours explode in your mouth. The city knows how to celebrate good food. I have to admit, I’ve already sampled several portions of delicious panna cotta. It's just heavenly!
And speaking of heavenly… I simply can’t write about my experience in Milan without talking about gelato! From the vibrant colours and heavenly flavours to the perfect scoops - Milan’s gelato is simply out of this world. Every corner offers a tantalising display of mouth-watering flavour combinations. How can one possibly resist a pistachio or a lemon gelato?
My favourite way to experience Milan is on a tram journey, exploring the city at my own pace, admiring the beautiful buildings and street art. I love how these trams carry a little piece of Milan's soul with each trip.
Speaking of transportation, my trip from Derby was also an absolute breeze. I decided to make my trip as comfortable and beautiful as possible, so I chose a journey on the Eurostar - a journey through the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris, followed by a scenic train journey through the countryside of France - such amazing landscapes, such inspiring rolling hills! - to my final destination, the magnificent city of Milan.
Milan: A Ballerina's Haven
As always, my readers, it is the joy of my work as a professional ballerina that has funded this amazing adventure, my incredible tour of Milan! I have performed in the last couple of weeks at various charity events in London, raising enough money to support myself in Milan and give me that perfect dose of dance-related magic. I’m also keeping my eye out for performance opportunities in Milan this week. Perhaps the streets will beckon, and I will set up a pop-up performance with my amazing pink tutu?
There is something about dancing and the stage that fills me with an indescribable amount of joy, a magic that I simply cannot resist, so I am eager to see if I can continue spreading my love of ballet to Milan! It’s a dream, really, to be a ballerina, to work for a living that I love.
And there’s nothing that sparks a new adventure like being surrounded by a city bursting with passion and artistic vision - Milan certainly provides a beautiful backdrop! I know many of you are reading this, wondering how I can manage my travelling ballerina lifestyle and what tips I have for those who are thinking about pursuing similar dance adventures.
To you, my dear readers, I always say this - follow your dreams, believe in your inner ballerina and let your tutu guide you! You can absolutely follow your passions and achieve your goals! If you love dancing, make it happen. There are amazing ballet schools all over the world. Look for opportunities. Find communities of fellow dance lovers. It will open up a world of magic for you! I will also add that in order to create the time for all this dance adventure, I have some amazing, supportive friends and family, without whom my journeys would be far more difficult, and of course, my darling online readers have a special place in my heart - your lovely, kind messages and support mean the world to me!
Now, as I conclude my first blog from this amazing, fashion-filled city of Milan, I want to know what you want to know about it. Have you been to Milan before? Did you find some beautiful, blushing pink places? Have you visited Teatro alla Scala?
This is my space, where I hope to inspire you, to bring some pink magic to your days and to create an inclusive community of love and dancing! So don't be shy. Drop a comment below and let’s chat! I'll be here next week, back at the same time on the www.pink-tutu.com website for my next pink-tutu-tastic Milan blog!
Until then, remember, always, always, wear pink!
Big hugs from Milan, *Emma * xx
P.S What do you think of my new Tutu Wednesday plans? I'm so excited! 💕 And if you want to wear a pink tutu with me, don't be afraid! Embrace the pink, and you’ll feel the fun of it all! Let’s spread the pink!
