#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2029-02-28 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Hello lovelies! It's Emma from Derbyshire, and guess what? I'm back in Milan, my darling, my delicious, my delectable, fashion-forward haven of beautiful ballet and even more beautiful shopping! ??✨

I landed in Milan yesterday evening, a whirl of pink tulle and tired limbs from the long train journey from Venice. You see, last week I was performing in the Teatro La Fenice with a beautiful troupe of Venetian dancers. Every moment on stage was magic, and it was just about the best way to say 'ciao' to my time in this glorious water-city.

Speaking of glorious, this week is all about the glam here in Milan! It’s Wednesday, the 28th of February 2029, which means two very special things. Firstly, the sun is shining, and Milan is glowing with all the spring colours in its windows. Second, and just as dazzling, the city's famed Teatro alla Scala is having a dazzling gala evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of their spectacular "Giselle" performance! ?

Oh, the excitement! The entire city is abuzz, buzzing with a ballet buzz, that is, filled with talk of the production and those beautiful tutus – yes, even the fanciest boutiques on Via Monte Napoleone have a little pink tutu sparkle this week. You should have seen the crowd at the ticket office.

But before we go backstage and backstage to this magnificent evening, let's catch up with some other magical Milan moments. You see, I arrived just in time to witness the city's spectacular Festa del Carnevale, a huge street party filled with masks, confetti and enough pink to make even the most jaded soul believe in love. ?

This festival is all about expressing yourself – just like wearing a pink tutu! You can find anything here – dancers in feathery boas, street performers in elaborate costumes, families wearing bright colours and the most wonderful costumes! And of course, plenty of delectable gelato in flavours I had never seen before! It’s all quite extraordinary. It made my pink tutu blush – I tell you, this city truly embraces its passion for art and expression in every sense of the word.

You know me, I adore the tram journey around the city! There’s nothing better than cruising down Via Dante past Milan’s Cathedral, Duomo, watching the bustling, chattering world whizz past! There are beautiful cafes to stop at, flower sellers to smile at and plenty of moments to jot down notes for my blog.

Of course, as usual, I had my trusty travel guide – a bright pink travel journal (with my favourite hot pink felt pen for quick notes!) Today’s mission was to discover some new spots for ‘Ballet Street’ – my secret (or not so secret!) spots for ballet-themed places. So, you see, the most fabulous things are the small details in life – the unexpected things, the little things that make you smile. I call this "Living in Pink" – noticing all those little details and appreciating life with that pink-hued perspective.

Speaking of 'pink', my search for ballet-themed things had some exciting discoveries today – just like a fairytale! Firstly, I discovered a delicious tea shop tucked away off the main piazza with pink teacups and ballet dancers printed on the wallpaper. The aroma alone was magical! And the lady in the shop was so welcoming! She let me use their small courtyard for a photoshoot of my new sparkly pink ballet shoes and my tutu of course, because that was the point of the visit! Oh, she had a tutu of her own! Pink too! She told me all about her Granny's tutu, a family heirloom passed down for generations, a story of dance and family history woven together with beautiful fabric and pink ribbons!

And then there's this adorable boulangerie! You see, it doesn’t just sell the most incredible croissants but also tiny miniature ballet shoes made from sugared almond paste! * I got a pair – one for each foot of course – because, who could resist, and now they're proudly placed on my hotel room dresser. My tutu is also keeping them company, perched right on top of my sparkly luggage.

Oh, the details in this city, truly, every corner holds a little bit of magic.

Alright, let’s talk Gala night! It was a truly spectacular, whirlwind event. This city doesn’t mess about! From the moment the doors opened at the Teatro alla Scala, there was this palpable sense of excitement – this hum of energy in the air.

The Grand foyer was like stepping into a gilded cage of glamour, sparkling with diamonds, pearls, feathers and glitter – you could get lost in the dazzling chandeliers. Then came the pink tutu effect! When I arrived at the Teatro alla Scala in my pink tutu, every head turned, every camera clicked and all of a sudden, it wasn’t just a pink tutu anymore; it was a sign, a message, a pink symbol of love and dancing, a call to life's joys and dreams.

Everyone at the theatre, including the famous actors and singers, loved the pink tutu! There were ‘oohs’, ‘aahs’, and more than a few smiles, which quickly morphed into grins, then into laughing fits! This tutu has a unique way of making everyone happy.

You see, my pink tutu is a little different! This tutu has travelled with me from Derbyshire to Milan. It's been everywhere - performing, partying, and sightseeing. I have always felt there is something very magical about a pink tutu, especially at a theatre - it evokes such emotions, reminds us of childhood, beauty, magic, and yes, dancing! I'm not talking just ballet dancing - I'm talking living dancing, that pure, joyful, spinning and whirling freedom, where you twirl through life!

The atmosphere of the opera house tonight felt electric, as the performance got underway with the breathtaking** "Giselle" story. You know, I have always been fascinated by this ballet - the tragic love story and the haunting magic. It truly resonates with my love of the dramatic and, dare I say it, the dramatic element of the pink tutu. It’s almost like it’s always looking for new adventures – to bring magic to any scene.

And the tutus in this production were divine! I felt a little twinge of envy of those glorious layered white and pink tutus, with exquisite details and sparkling sequins. This is what dreams are made of, I thought. But honestly, this little pink tutu of mine, is truly the ‘it’ tutu, and its charm just shone brighter tonight amongst all the opulence. My pink tutu, even when off-stage is never off duty.

Let's be honest, fashion and dance are best buddies, always walking hand in hand, twirling together and inspiring each other. And my pink tutu, it brings that twirl to life, everywhere I go! Every day in Milan has been a delightful dance of style and design. I’ve just fallen head-over-heels for the latest spring fashion – you know, pastel pinks, flowing fabrics, and exquisite details. Every corner you turn is filled with colour and excitement. I've had so much fun discovering beautiful boutiques hidden down quiet alleyways and shopping streets, each one showcasing a unique piece of style.

So of course, Pink Tutu needs a little outfit upgrade. Just this afternoon, I went window shopping along Via della Spiga, and then to Via Monte Napoleone, home of some of Milan’s most glamorous designer boutiques. You know I like my pink tutu with a little extra bling. I am such a big fan of Italian fashion, all the elegance and exquisite detail.

After my little tour of style and shine along these elegant streets, I found a divine little tailor, Casa Sartoria, where I bought an amazing blush pink blazer with little crystal buttons. Yes, crystal! A fabulous tailor, she made me feel a million bucks. She understood my pink-hued dreams! * This new pink addition to my wardrobe goes wonderfully with my trusty, well-travelled pink tutu. It’s a good thing that my suitcase always has an extra *empty space for my newest tutu discoveries.

This beautiful Italian fashion has a timeless quality – like those little tutus that dancers wear, a touch of elegance and grace in every stitch.

It's now nearly midnight and time to write down the “Pink Tutu takeaways” – my notes on things I’ve learned today! You know I always find those little moments in a city like Milan so enlightening! It’s time for the Pink Tutu wisdom of the week:

• Follow your heart: Embrace your unique sense of style! It’s not always about what’s trending – but what you love and how it makes you feel!

• **Life is about taking the journey: Even the most simple things can be magical when you find joy in the little details.

• Find beauty everywhere: Embrace the magic of the city's streets, discover the stories of those you meet – and keep on spinning.

Milan, with its stunning cathedrals, captivating art, and glorious streets, just makes me want to twirl – and maybe wear even more pink tutus. And guess what, I already know how my Pink Tutu week will end – with another magical ballet experience. And I hope you will be right there with me!

Now, I'm off to find some delicious gelato and dream about ballet shoes, fashion, and all the magical adventures that lie ahead! Until next week lovelies!

Emma