#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2025-10-22 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello, lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, and I'm writing to you from the vibrant city of Milan! 🩰💖 This is my first ever visit to this fashion capital of the world, and honestly, I'm already smitten. I have to admit, it’s living up to every glamorous dream I had for it. From the breathtaking architecture to the delectable cuisine (seriously, the gelato is heavenly!), and, of course, the fashion, oh the fashion! This place is a fashionista’s paradise.

But before we dive into the depths of Milanese magnificence, let’s rewind a little.

My journey here began in the picturesque hills of Derbyshire, England, where I’m from. I love how people see my hometown as so “rural”, yet so charming. However, if you know me, you know that I always need an adventure! A ballerina on a mission, if you will! And this adventure, a month-long tour of the Italian ballet scene, was calling my name.

Imagine, dancing on Italian stages under glittering chandeliers! I get to experience the magic of Italian ballet while bringing my own brand of Pink Tutu charm to every city I visit. Who knew a pink tutu could be such a powerful force? I swear, it just makes everyone smile, even grumpy ticket collectors.

Speaking of grumpy ticket collectors, I absolutely LOVE how different travelling is here. Goodbye to frantic traffic and parking struggles. Here, I just grab a croissant and my trusty ballet bag (stuffed with snacks and essentials, obviously!) and hop on the tram or train. It's like a charming ballet journey itself! The windows give the perfect vantage point for people watching – imagine the fashion! I have to admit, the way Milanese people pull off effortlessly chic even while just hopping onto the train is just, wow. They’ve got this natural elegance that I simply adore!

And since we’re talking about elegance, let's discuss the grand Teatro alla Scala. Honestly, it was the biggest ballet dream of my life! I can’t believe it’s actually true. This magnificent building is breathtaking, an actual dream for any ballerina, and let me tell you, the interior? Forget a thousand words, just go and experience it!

My week in Milan started at La Scala, seeing “Giselle.” You all know I have a soft spot for classic romantic ballets, and Giselle really had it all. From the sweeping emotions of the story to the virtuosity of the dancers, I was transported! And seeing it at La Scala, with the ornate décor and vibrant audience, just took the experience to another level. It was magical! You know I have to be honest here though - my favourite part of La Scala was not even the ballet (though it was incredible!). The gorgeous café within the theater is perfect for people-watching while indulging in a coffee (or two…let's be real!)

From a beautiful ballerina in my tutu, to an enthralled theatre audience and now onto the shopping streets of Milan - life is a whirlwind here. There’s always so much to explore and new discoveries to make! But first, let’s talk about the clothes. Did you know I’m secretly a huge fashionista? When I’m not twirling in a pink tutu, I’m on the hunt for vintage finds and anything pink and sparkly.

So, it goes without saying, that I was like a little kid in a candy store when I was shopping around Milan. My go-to places for inspiration are the amazing vintage stores near Corso Como. The city is bursting with trendy boutiques and independent designers. They are the ultimate place to snag one-of-a-kind pieces. This week I spotted the most stunning vintage sequin dress - it was so me - a shade of fuchsia I never knew existed and a full-on, shimmering explosion of joy! It will make the most spectacular post-performance outfit - if I can possibly bear to part with it, that is!

Now, if you’ve been following my Pink Tutu journey, you know that I have a little dream – to make the world a more pink tutu-filled place! So naturally, my little pink tutu journey wouldn't be complete without a ballet street performance here in the heart of Milan. Let me tell you, the Italians love a bit of a show, they've been absolutely loving seeing my little pink tutu strut its stuff.

I set up shop by a fountain at the back of Duomo - who knew, the perfect spot for an impromptu performance! There were people everywhere. They stopped to watch and clapped enthusiastically - some even joining me in a few twirls. They have a great sense of fun! I ended up doing an impromptu, open-air lesson, sharing a few ballet basics with kids from the local school who were completely mesmerized!

But, to be honest, there was one really sweet girl, maybe 10 years old, with the most adorable gap between her front teeth, who just captivated me. She watched the whole time, eyes sparkling with the same kind of ballet love I felt. She seemed a little nervous, and maybe a bit shy, but so eager to learn, so after I'd done a few more spins, I beckoned her towards the front. After a minute, she nervously hopped up on her tippy toes - not in pointe shoes, but still - and twirled with her face beaming.

And, right at that moment, I knew I was doing the right thing - sharing my love of dance, the magic of the tutu, the feeling of joy... It's all worth it to see that smile! And it wasn't just her. All of a sudden, two or three other children, giggling with the shyness and enthusiasm only kids can pull off, were tentatively taking to the ‘stage’. It just turned into the most adorable street-ballet moment and by that point, all the onlookers were smiling. It truly felt like the power of pink tutu magic was working its way into the heart of Milan!

Speaking of magic, my favourite place to spend my evenings here in Milan is one of the most charming little cafes near the Duomo. I have it all planned - a walk around the Duomo and Piazza della Scala for a little pre-coffee fashion inspiration, followed by an almond pastry and a cappuccino, perfect for people-watching. Then I find a park to practice a little ballet - nothing quite like a few arabesques by the light of a Milan sunset!

And that brings us to the end of this Milanese escapade, at least for this week. Oh! It is hard to tear myself away! I've got to keep up my Pink Tutu travel diaries – the adventures just keep coming! My next destination: Florence. The Ponte Vecchio awaits! So stay tuned for more from my world of pink tutus and Italian romance - and remember: there's always room for a bit of twirling in your life! 💖🩰

Yours in pink tulle, Emma.

Pink Tutu Monday Blog - www.pink-tutu.com (You’ll find weekly new blog posts each Monday! And for now, this is your backstage pass into my dance journey – be sure to leave a comment!)