#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2025-02-05 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Buongiorno, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad traveller, Emma, reporting live from the enchanting city of Milan! This week, I've traded my Derbyshire dales for the elegant cobblestones and glamorous boutiques of this fashion capital, and let me tell you, it's been a whirlwind of tutus, trams, and twinkling lights. ✨

This week's post is a bit special. It's not just about ballet, though there's plenty of that, it's about the magic of a city that inspires both on and off the stage.

But before we dive into Milan's wonders, let's chat about how I even got here! As you all know, I fund my travels through my performances. This week, I had the pleasure of dancing for a lovely charity in a little village tucked away in the rolling hills of Tuscany. It was an absolutely breathtaking setting, and the people were so kind and warm. Plus, I got to wear my new shimmering lavender tutu! It was the perfect backdrop for a night of twirling under the stars. 🌌

Now, let's whisk ourselves back to Milan. My arrival was quite dramatic (I arrived a little later than planned, naturally) but thanks to my trusty iPhone maps and the sheer charm of a Milanese gentleman who speaks more English than I speak Italian, I was on the right tram to my little haven, a charming apartment in the heart of the city.

Speaking of charming, Milan is bursting with character. It’s truly the capital of fashion, not just for its renowned shows, but also for its charming boutiques and high-street delights. After I unpacked (yes, even I had a pink tutu tucked into my suitcase, just in case) I spent the afternoon wandering the streets, taking in the breathtaking architecture and, of course, hitting up a few shops!

Oh my goodness, darlings, you wouldn't believe the amazing pink pieces I discovered! From delicate lace to bold fuchsia silk, I’m positively bursting with new ideas for outfits. The designers here have such an eye for detail – it’s like they understand the ballerina in me! They definitely know how to make a pink tutu look absolutely phenomenal.

Of course, I also took advantage of the opportunity to get a head-start on some gifts. My family back home is absolutely mad about my little pink-tutu souvenirs. This year, they’re getting beautifully crafted silver bracelets adorned with tiny ballerina charms! My brother is getting a hilarious “I'm not a ballerina, I just look like one” t-shirt – he actually found it at one of the more avant-garde shops and he had to have it! It’s not exactly what I would choose, but if he loves it, it’s a win! 😂

You're probably wondering what's on the Milanese ballet schedule this week, right? And don’t worry, I'm going to spoil you with the details! On Tuesday, I was mesmerised by a production of La Bayadère at Teatro alla Scala. Oh, it was absolutely incredible! The dancers were spectacular, and the costumes and scenery were beyond anything I could imagine. They even had a stunning giant white elephant. Did I mention I love elephants? You might say my love for ballet and elephants run a close second to pink tutus! 🐘💕

Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without visiting a ballet school. Luckily for me, one of the most renowned ones in Italy – Scuola di Ballo Accademia Teatro alla Scala – is right here in the city. This legendary school has been training some of the most gifted dancers in the world for centuries. You can't just pop in for a class though. It requires a referral – I got mine from the director of my former dance school back home. It was like walking into another world – elegant wood floors, breathtakingly lit studios, and of course, students as dedicated and driven as the dancers at Scala. I got to chat with a few of them – they're absolutely determined to reach their full potential and I admire their passion. They made me long to be back in a ballet classroom myself!

Later this week, I'm off to catch the beautiful “Giselle" at Teatro dal Verme. They say this is one of the best interpretations in Italy and it’s completely sold out.

And of course, every visit to Milan has to include a stop at the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of my favorite galleries in the world! If you love beautiful art and even more so, if you love ballerinas in paintings, this gallery will have you dancing with joy.

The atmosphere here is so vibrant and full of life! There are charming cafés overflowing with chatter, and markets bursting with fresh produce and local crafts. Milan is truly a symphony of sights, smells, and sounds. Even the simple act of catching the tram in the morning is an adventure, with street performers and bustling crowds adding a delightful energy to my commute.

But, of course, the magic of Milan doesn't just lie in the shops, shows, or galleries, it’s in the everyday moments that leave a lasting impression. The feeling of the warm sun on my skin, the thrill of stumbling upon a hidden courtyard, the way a little pink bow on my handbag brightens someone’s day! Those are the moments that truly capture my heart. And you know, it always reminds me of my mission, to inspire the world to wear pink tutus, one little sparkle at a time! 🎀

It’s true, when you’re a ballerina, it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, it’s the spirit of creativity and the joy of self-expression that really matters. My dream is to travel the world, inspiring everyone to step out of their comfort zone and embrace a little pink-tutu magic! So remember, if you see a pink tutu fluttering down a Milanese street, it's probably just me. And if you're brave enough to wear one yourself, don’t forget to send me a picture!

Until next Monday, darlings, keep twirling and chasing those ballerina dreams!

With all my love,

Emma 💖 🩰

www.pink-tutu.com