Buongiorno, darlings! ☀️ Emma here, fresh off the train from Derbyshire and buzzing with Milanese energy! It's Wednesday 26th March 2025 and the pinkest, twirliest, most fabulous time to be in Italy. I've finally reached Milan, my Italian haven, and I'm already feeling the magic of this vibrant city. You just can't beat the cobbled streets, the beautiful buildings, the sunshine and… well, you get the picture!
This week I’m on a mission. My pink tutu has, of course, accompanied me to Italy – I mean, how could it not? But this week's quest? Get everyone wearing a pink tutu, naturally! 😉 I'm not saying you need to hop onto the train to Milan (although you should, trust me) but we're going to start a pink tutu movement! I’ll be taking pictures at every stop, and with every lovely local I meet.
As I sit here at my favourite little café in the heart of Milan, I’m feeling inspired already! I love that Milan blends a deep respect for heritage and tradition with an unapologetic embracing of cutting-edge style. It’s the perfect place for a tutu-loving traveller! This week, I’ve planned a whirlwind of adventures, with a heavy dose of dance and some seriously delicious food in between!
Tuesday’s Train Journey: A Ballet-tastic Ride Through Europe
My journey from Derbyshire to Milan was anything but dull! As soon as I stepped onto the train, the energy just clicked. My bright pink tutu became the perfect conversation starter (as it always does). Everyone was charmed, from the sweet elderly lady in the compartment next to me to the businessman clutching his briefcase. We chatted about travel, about ballet, and about how the most important accessory in life is always a little sprinkle of joy!
The ride itself was magical. Watching the countryside whizz by, I could picture myself twirling in a meadow, ballet music filling the air. The train chugged on, taking me closer and closer to my beloved Milan, and I swear I saw a ballerina in a window as we went past, perhaps just a reflection of my own dreaming!
The Heart of Milan: Exploring Via Dante
Stepping onto the platform in Milan felt like entering a dream. I grabbed a coffee and a croissant, then embarked on a beautiful wander around Via Dante, a charming street bursting with charm, history and – dare I say it? – even more pink than my tutu! Imagine if all our cities were this lovely, imagine if we all felt like twirling, even in the most bustling of environments. I'm going to try and see if we can make a little "twirl" section for a quick spin in our busy streets back home.
I found the most delightful bookstore nestled amongst the vintage shops, with an entire corner dedicated to art and dance! The kind owner, a delightful elderly lady who seemed to radiate warmth, even handed me a complimentary book on the history of ballet in Italy. It's the perfect souvenir.
My Ballet Home: Teatro alla Scala
Of course, I couldn't visit Milan without heading to the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, the grand opera house that is as much an architectural marvel as a place of incredible art and passion! Even from the outside, its elegance is palpable, and the air crackles with anticipation. Imagine being inside, taking in the grandeur of this iconic venue, listening to the music, experiencing the sheer power of human emotion conveyed through dance!
My heart was pounding, my tutu fluttered, I could already smell the stage lights, the perfume of the crowd… sigh
Sadly, it was a closed night, no performance to enjoy!
So I had to settle for admiring it from outside (sigh again), with its classic Romanesque style blending perfectly with modern architectural details! A few steps away, I found the Scala museum, where I got lost in beautiful sketches, costumes, and history that reminded me that passion for ballet knows no time and no place, it's timeless and global, just like pink tutus.
Tonight’s Performance: My Favoured Street Performance
Tonight, the magic of the dance continues as I make my way to a very different venue: La Scala – Dance on the Streets! Now, this is something you can experience every Wednesday. Imagine! Ballet for everyone!
You’ll find La Scala – Dance on the Streets right by the Teatro alla Scala (my favourite spot in the whole world, after all). Local dance groups perform amazing pieces in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, just by the incredible Duomo itself!
It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the passion and artistry of ballet, with the enchanting city backdrop, creating a real spectacle, reminding you why Milan is an irresistible combination of classic elegance and modern spirit!
It’s a chance for me to immerse myself in the beauty and movement of ballet under the stars, and I know I'll be lost in the music, the emotions, the storytelling…and of course, the breathtaking costumes!
You can follow my adventure with these incredible street performances live, at www.pink-tutu.com from 7.30 pm CET and share your comments on the performance with my blog. I'm going to be posting a story too. I'll share everything with you – the beauty of the setting, the passion of the dancers, and my very own thoughts as I get lost in this amazing evening.
Foodie Find of the Day
It wouldn't be a Milan trip without indulging in some of the incredible food! Today, I stumbled upon the most adorable bakery, just a few steps away from Teatro alla Scala! It had the most tempting display of sweets and pastries, with so much to choose from. And guess what I ordered?
drumroll
A Pink Panna Cotta! Okay, maybe it wasn't entirely pink, but it had a delicate touch of pink fruit topping. The combination of sweet and smooth panna cotta and a touch of vibrant pink made my day even more colourful, a perfect Milanese experience.
Tomorrow's Tutu Travels
So what’s next in my ballet journey? I'm already on my way to a fabulous ballet class at the most elegant ballet studio in Milan – think gorgeous mirrors, chandeliers, and a fantastic group of dancers! You’ll find my blog posts, Instagram posts, stories, and even reels every day.
Oh, and, squee! I am meeting the fabulous Milanese ballerina Chiara (with the coolest pink tutu) on Thursday morning. We are meeting for coffee (probably cappuccino… squee! I just love cappuccinos!) and to catch up on each other’s dance experiences.
This week is filled with adventures. But for now, it’s time for another croissant, an Italian cappuccino and a ballet show – that is what living your best ballet life is all about.
So, be sure to come along on my adventures. Don't forget to check in tomorrow, when I'll be sharing all about my ballet class, Chiara, and maybe even some other secret adventures! I'm also going to put up a photo album of all of the beautiful buildings, parks, and statues I’ve been discovering.
Until then, my dears! And remember, never stop believing in the magic of ballet, the wonder of a pink tutu, and the beauty of travel. Keep your eyes open for pink and get twirling, darlings! 💖🩰
Yours in pink and pirouettes,
Emma
P.S. Did you know there are loads of ballet performances across Milan, this week? Look at that! If you want to experience some of that magic, I’ve linked some of my favourite performances here, so you can buy tickets (go, go, go, book a ticket!) and join me in embracing the ballet experience. Remember, it’s always a good time for a good tutu!
P.P.S Remember you can follow me on all my travels, for the most up to the minute dance, fashion, food and travel stories at www.pink-tutu.com. See you tomorrow!
