Ciao, darling! Emma here, reporting live from Milan, Italy, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of espresso, and the cobblestone streets are alive with the sounds of laughter and life. It's January 1st, 2025, the perfect time to start a brand new year and let loose a little sparkle, which I'm doing by (of course!) rocking a fluffy, bright pink tutu that I bought especially for this trip! It’s definitely making heads turn and causing smiles.
You see, Milan is truly a ballerina’s paradise, filled with world-renowned theatres, chic boutiques bursting with the most gorgeous dancewear, and a buzz that's truly electrifying. The air is infused with an appreciation for the arts and a vibrant, stylish energy that makes me want to twirl non-stop. This trip has been a long time coming and a true celebration of everything I hold dear - ballet, fashion, and the beautiful world that lies beyond Derbyshire.
Today's post is all about sharing some of my favourite moments from the first part of my Milan escapade - and you better believe there’s already plenty of excitement! I've been busy soaking up the city, dancing the days away, and feeling incredibly grateful for the life I’ve built, a life filled with graceful pirouettes, stylish outfits, and adventures galore! It's no coincidence that my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, is updated weekly with tales from the road, and the magical journeys I take thanks to the generosity of the people who enjoy my dance performances.
Now, let's dive into this incredible journey:
My Arrival in Milano: Tram Treats and Fashion Frenzy
After a delightful train journey (and a slight detour – always an adventure, right?), I arrived in Milano, my heart thrumming with excitement. It was an incredibly romantic arrival. The Italian sunlight was soft and golden, making the buildings glow with a golden sheen. I immediately took to the tram – such a lovely way to get around the city! The red and white trams are like works of art in themselves! I sat next to a sweet old lady, her face creased with wrinkles but eyes sparkling with joy, who kindly taught me how to buy a ticket and navigate the tram system. My journey was full of laughter, friendly smiles and lots of ‘Grazie’ and ‘Ciao’ exchanged with the locals.
Milan truly is a stylish metropolis! My first stop was a designer boutique - I couldn't resist trying on a pair of shimmery, cherry red ballet shoes, oh so sleek and beautiful - they just had to come home with me! (My excuse? They matched my new pink tutu perfectly!). Next, I discovered this little shop selling handmade, silk floral crowns, just the perfect whimsical addition to my ballet outfits! I decided I needed all three – a deep crimson, a pale pink and a vivid sapphire. They looked stunning with my tutu, reminding me of a magical fairytale.
The Teatro alla Scala - A Night of Dreams
My first night was a true highlight, I saw a performance at the famous Teatro alla Scala. As a ballerina, it was the dream! It was one of those nights I will never forget, the incredible atmosphere inside, the plush seats, the shimmering chandeliers – absolutely breathtaking! I took in the opulence of the entire experience, my imagination running wild! I can't even begin to describe the awe I felt watching the ballerinas glide across the stage with such precision, elegance and raw talent.
Later, I treated myself to an exquisite plate of ravioli, a must-try delicacy in Italy. You simply must get it on your plate, even if it means skipping dessert! As I walked back to my hotel under a night sky twinkling with stars, I couldn't help but dream of dancing on that very same stage one day. I truly felt the magic of the city swirling around me!
Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Now, I understand you may be picturing all this luxurious extravagance, the grand theatre, the designer shops - and it's amazing, truly. But, what I found so refreshing is that beauty isn’t confined to the flashy and famous, even in Milan.
I spent the next day getting to know the city, walking the narrow, winding streets lined with ivy and blooming flowers. The air was so crisp, carrying the delightful scent of jasmine and honeysuckle! The city's beauty, though sometimes disguised behind sleek facades, lay in the cobbled squares bursting with colourful flowers, the old fountains bubbling with cool, clear water, the tiny cafe terraces tucked away on side streets. It’s easy to feel happy and energised in this vibrant and historic city!
One of my favorite experiences was stumbling across a small bakery just off a bustling piazza, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting out onto the cobblestone street. I decided to go in for a closer look, captivated by the golden-crusted loaves and pastries displayed behind the glass counter. I indulged in the most delectable pastry I've ever tasted: a delicate pastry filled with sweet ricotta and sprinkled with sugared citrus peel, a flavour so unexpected but so wonderful, like a bite of pure happiness! It’s been my favourite spot ever since. There’s something utterly satisfying about taking in the simpler pleasures.
My First Ballet Class - Back in the Studio
As much as I love to watch others perform, there's nothing quite like a good ballet class! My search for a local studio was like stepping into a ballet haven! My journey brought me to a ballet studio with gorgeous wood floors, perfectly worn mirrors and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, and of course, with amazing teachers!
We warmed up with barre work, our muscles humming with each stretch and plie. Then, across the room, we were dancing and gliding to the music – each graceful move just made me feel more alive! This particular ballet studio has such a welcoming and warm energy! There are classes in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. It feels as if this community comes together around a shared passion – which is wonderful! It made me so happy to share the passion with others – everyone’s different and I am not in a competition with them, and yet we all come together to appreciate and enjoy the grace, skill, and creativity of ballet.
Pink Tutu Travels: Spreading Ballet Joy
My mission here, as always, is to encourage people to embrace their own sense of style and let their inner ballerina shine, so I’ve been embracing the city in my most spectacular pink tutu, twirling and gliding down every cobbled lane. There’s such a sense of childlike wonder in Italy, which is always a pleasure to embrace!
Each day is filled with exploring hidden streets, stopping by charming shops and market stalls. You simply never know what hidden treasures you'll uncover! Today, for example, I came across the most incredible antique shop, filled with vintage dance costumes, ballet shoes, and even a few antique tutus – I’d never seen anything like it! Of course, I ended up picking up a beautiful vintage pair of ballet slippers and a hand-painted fan, both in exquisite colours, ready for a dazzling photo-op with my pink tutu!
One of the joys of my journey is sharing the wonder with everyone I meet, from fellow dancers to shopkeepers, to the smiling faces on the tram. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing their eyes light up at the sight of a twirling, pink tutu! And the responses are always the same: genuine laughter, wide smiles, and a touch of enchantment. My pink tutu is becoming more than just an outfit, it's a symbol of joy, of expression, and of the transformative power of dance!
This is just the start of my adventures in Milano
With new sights, performances, ballet classes, and a world of stylish discoveries to explore, I'm thrilled for the upcoming days and weeks in Milan. You can join me on this amazing journey by following my blog, www.pink-tutu.com – every Monday I'll be bringing you a new post with updates and anecdotes from my ballet adventures, filled with glamour, beauty, and lots of pink, of course! So grab your pink tutu, and get ready to twirl, darling.
I can't wait to share my next Milan discoveries with you! Ciao!
