#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2024-12-18 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's Wednesday, the 18th of December, and Emma's back with another dose of pink-tinted adventures straight from the heart of Milan! This week has been a whirlwind of fashion, ballet, and delicious gelato (you can never have too much gelato, right?).

Let's just say, my fellow twirlers, this city has officially stolen my heart, and I'm not sure I'm ever going to be able to leave. Every cobbled street feels like a stage, every cafe window display a masterpiece. And that's not even mentioning the glorious ballet scene, oh my, the ballet scene! It's truly inspiring to be amongst so much artistry and passion, I swear the very air is buzzing with it!

So, where to begin? How about a little walk down memory lane, back to my humble beginnings in Derbyshire...

You know me, my darlings! My obsession with all things pink and frilly started early - a tiny girl twirling in a borrowed tutu at a village fete. Back then, my wildest dream was to perform at the Royal Opera House, even if it meant a long journey by train from Matlock Bath to London. Who would have known then that Milan would be my next big stage?

This week, Milan has embraced me with open arms (or should I say open shopping bags!). I’ve been devouring the fashion scene with my usual appetite, my eyes widening with every stylish storefront, each outfit more whimsical than the next. Imagine: the most decadent window displays in the world, showcasing haute couture like art pieces, shimmering with delicate tulle and the most vibrant pinks you can imagine! I could spend a week here just watching the world go by from a cafe table, sipping espresso and making notes in my trusty pink Moleskine notebook, the notebook that contains all the ideas for my pink tutu revolution (it’s a big dream!).

This city is all about fashion, but I've been soaking it up with a ballerina’s sense of artistry, appreciating not just the clothes, but the cut, the flow, the drama! This trip's definitely fuelled my imagination. It's made me think about my own choreographies, how to tell a story with my movement and create captivating, visual imagery with the very fabric I wear.

Speaking of imagery, my heart almost burst with joy last Tuesday, when I had the most wonderful journey by tram through the heart of Milano. Picture it: The sun setting behind the iconic Duomo, the golden glow reflected in the tram’s windows. And I? Well, naturally I was in a pale pink tulle tutu, perfectly matching the pastel sunset! There I was, surrounded by ordinary commuters - some bemused, some curious, others with outright smiles. You see, my aim is to get everyone, everywhere, to wear pink tutus!

It’s a challenge, but an important one. We need more pink in this world, more whimsy, more fun, and I believe tutus are the answer! If you want to change the world, change your outfit!

I saw so much beauty on my tram journey. Street performers with guitars and acrobatic stunts, their movements like beautiful ballets, their stories woven through song and gestures. Each one, a little dance in the symphony of Milan! I think the city’s residents are slowly getting the message - a few people looked at me with surprise, but also admiration! I might even have sparked a smile on one weary businessman, just a little. Perhaps it’s a good thing I had the perfect pair of matching pink ballet flats to go with my tutu!

Of course, my visit wouldn’t be complete without a ballet performance at Teatro alla Scala. My love for ballet is, after all, my life's blood. This incredible theater is the envy of the world, and it truly lived up to the hype! The craftsmanship and history within those walls was awe-inspiring! Just picturing the giants of opera and dance who walked those stages gave me goosebumps!

We saw "Giselle", and oh, the artistry was incredible. I don't even want to try and describe it - you need to see it yourself. Let's just say the music was so powerful that I found myself getting lost in the emotions. The ballerina’s grace, her heartbreak, her ultimate sacrifice - it made me cry (I always cry at ballet!), it moved my soul in ways I never imagined possible!

I came back from the theater buzzing with energy and inspiration! The experience of seeing such skilled ballet, right here in the heart of Milan, made me think: maybe, just maybe, this pink tutu-loving blogger from Derbyshire could be part of this magnificent ballet scene, not as a performer, but as a chronicler.

And it just got better - guess who I saw walking out of La Scala?! You guessed it, the iconic Italian ballerina Francesca Pepe, herself wearing the most delicate pink feather boa! You can't deny the magic in this place - everyone here feels the allure of the dance! It’s a connection I’m eternally grateful for.

To my eternal surprise, the city was brimming with an air of romantic magic this week. It’s probably the Christmas spirit taking hold, and that adds another dimension of enchantment to the atmosphere! The snow falling earlier this week (I’m talking about real snow, not the kind from the Alps that turns into hail before it touches the ground!) adds to the allure, like the set for a fairytale. Of course, I just had to capture these moments on my vintage Polaroid camera – after all, memories made of vintage Polaroid snapshots are priceless, don't you agree?

Milan is also home to some of the best espresso you’ll find. Now, if you know me well, you know I’m always on the lookout for an exceptional cup of espresso! My love of Italy (and all its delicious foods!) runs deeper than the Grand Canal! So of course, I stopped at an atmospheric cafe in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There's a reason they say you can eat the good life here in Milan, isn't there?! The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sounds of the city, creating an enchanting ambiance. The whole experience was like a tiny little stage play in itself!

And just like that, a few moments later I was sipping my creamy latte, tucked away in the corner of a cozy little boutique, trying on clothes as though I were Cinderella being fitted for a ballgown! The shopkeeper, a woman named Elena who clearly shares my appreciation for vibrant hues, offered me a pink lace scarf, a touch of pink magic! I just had to buy it.

As the week draws to a close, my pink heart overflows with inspiration. This city, it seems, is as unpredictable as a ballet performance - full of drama, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments!

But one thing's for sure - Milan has definitely confirmed one truth in my heart: Pink tutus truly belong in every corner of the world. My quest to bring a little more whimsy to the world continues!

I've already planned some more explorations for next week: I’m on the hunt for the most fabulous vintage fashion boutiques, a journey for a true ballet enthusiast and vintage shopper like myself! Plus, I’ve got a very exciting ballet performance lined up! Oh, I simply can’t wait to share the experience with you, my darlings! It’s guaranteed to make you swoon.

In the meantime, don’t forget to share your pink tutu adventures with me! Tweet me @PinkTutuEmma, or leave a comment on my website www.pink-tutu.com - let's spread some tutu-inspired joy together!

Ciao for now, my dears, and keep on twirling!