Buongiorno, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad, ballet-loving blogger, reporting live from the dazzling city of Milan! I’m just back from a day filled with the most incredible sights, sounds, and shopping sprees that even my well-worn pink tutu couldn’t contain! 😉
This week, I’m all about embracing the energia of Milano – it’s the perfect blend of artistic elegance and edgy urban cool, all sprinkled with the irresistible allure of Italian fashion. As a fashion enthusiast myself (who can resist a killer shoe sale!), I’ve been soaking up the style vibes here, taking inspiration from every corner, from the sleekly dressed locals to the stunning window displays in the designer boutiques.
Ballet in Milano - The Beauty is EverywhereBefore I delve into my Milan adventures, let's talk ballet. Today, I've been catching up on the ballet scene in this buzzing metropolis, and oh my, the magic is undeniable! While my heart will always be in the beautiful Royal Opera House in London, Milan certainly knows how to put on a show.
The Teatro alla Scala, or La Scala for short, is just breathtaking. Its historical grandeur, coupled with its dedication to pushing boundaries and showcasing incredible talent, make it an essential stop for any ballet aficionado. The sheer amount of performances happening here is astounding. From contemporary dance masterpieces to ballets from the golden era of classic ballet, the Teatro alla Scala is a feast for the senses. It is not hard to see why so many top ballet dancers flock to this legendary venue.
Trams, Tutues & Take Away Gelato!Milano, however, is not all about formal performances and grand theatres. I’ve been loving exploring its vibrant street scene – ballet is absolutely thriving here. The sheer amount of ballet studios, and street dance crews just astounds me. You might catch me trying my hand at some new moves in a nearby park soon, after all, a ballet dancer always needs to stay nimble, and practice is a must. I’ve even managed to squeeze in a few private classes, which, naturally, I wore a sparkly pink tutu to - you never know who you might inspire to embrace their inner tutu queen! (And yes, the other dancers were a little intrigued! 😂 )
And what’s a trip to Milano without taking in the iconic Duomo? Its intricately crafted façade is a symphony of marble and intricate detail – it truly has to be seen to be believed. My best tip for enjoying this marvel? Catch a tram – the tram rides in Milano are really affordable and are a great way to experience the city from a different angle. You get a real feel for the buzz, and it's perfect for soaking up all the delicious sights. The best bit? Tram stop for a creamy, delectable scoop of gelato to fuel up before you continue exploring.
*Top Tip: Don’t miss the stunning panoramic views from the Duomo’s rooftop – the views are simply magnificent! *
Pink Tutu Shopping: A Fashion Fairy's ParadiseWhat's a trip to Milan without a little retail therapy, right? This city is a paradise for shopaholics (and let's be honest, I might just be one myself!). As someone who loves wearing tutus, I've found an abundance of pretty frills, embellishments, and, of course, tutus. My pink wardrobe is positively exploding with new treasures thanks to all of Milan's lovely boutique shops. Who knew you could find such incredible fabrics and handmade details on every corner?
From classic silk fabrics for my ballet shoes and tutus to chic accessories that add a touch of magic to my everyday style, Milano has been a treasure trove of inspiration. I've already imagined how I'll style these new additions to my ballet class wardrobe. I think the lilac-coloured, sequinned cape from that darling shop tucked away near the Duomo would look absolutely divine with a classic black tutu for my next show!
My top fashion picks in Milano:
- The Quadrilatero d'Oro: Home to the most exclusive fashion houses, from Armani to Versace, a true paradise for fashion enthusiasts (and window shoppers like me!)
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The world's oldest shopping mall - a feast for the eyes and an essential stop for an architectural delight and some stunning high-end boutiques. I’m a huge fan of the beautifully ornate, glass vaulted ceiling – just heavenly!
- Brera: This trendy district is overflowing with quirky independent boutiques and charming vintage shops - the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind treasures that scream “pink tutu glam”.
Of course, a fashionista can never be complete without an afternoon tea experience, especially when you’re in a city like Milano! I’m a huge fan of traditional afternoon teas - there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a delicate pastry and a perfectly brewed cuppa - especially with a generous amount of sugar (I know, I know - the ballet teacher always says, “ Emma, take it easy on the treats!” 😉 ).
However, the Milanese afternoon tea experience takes the tradition to the next level - the pastries are like miniature pieces of art! Imagine miniature choux buns with an exquisitely delicate floral frosting, delicate raspberry and white chocolate macarons, the sweetest little madeleines and melt-in-your-mouth meringue pies! It is almost impossible to choose your favourites (and my taste buds don’t have to! I sample each one - it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! ).
My must-visit spot for afternoon tea? I adore “Pasticceria Marchesi” - it's not just a patisserie, it's a sensory experience. Imagine perfectly formed pistachio, lemon and raspberry croissants with fluffy fillings and the tastiest whipped cream, accompanied by perfectly brewed tea (they serve their own custom-made tea blends - delicious!) all set amongst a gloriously decorated space, a symphony of pastels and intricate wallpaper details. It truly is like stepping back in time and savouring an exquisite sweet treat that embodies the grace and elegance of Milano itself!
Milan Diary Dates - A Must-See Calendar!
Of course, every day is a must-see experience in Milano. I can already feel myself wanting to extend my trip here. It truly is an unforgettable destination! But here are a few calendar dates that really caught my eye, perfect for all you pink tutu fans:
- Fashion Week (20th - 24th September, 2025): For all you fashionistas – this is a fashion lover’s dream come true. Milan Fashion Week showcases the most daring and exciting collections by the most sought-after designers in the world - so expect all the fashion extravaganzas. It’s where fashion trends are born and where I am planning on picking up the latest style inspiration.
- Opera season at Teatro alla Scala (2nd September to 30th June, 2026): A must for anyone with a passion for opera - there’s just a certain elegance about a good opera night - especially at La Scala!
- Milano Art Week (November 2025): An exciting mix of galleries, museum exhibits and performances dedicated to art, all across the city. There is a vibrant art scene in Milano, and Art Week is where to experience the very best of it. I’ll be hunting down a few unique sculptures to take back to Derbyshire, where I live - it would look fabulous in my living room!
As I close this week’s blog, I'm leaving with the taste of Italian sweets on my tongue, the image of stunning sculptures on my mind and the sounds of the city ringing in my ears! Milan is a place that embraces your creativity and encourages you to explore your inner passions. It's a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that celebrates beauty in all its forms.
Don't forget - stay tuned for my next blog from this magical city! And if you’re reading this, darling, don’t be shy – let me know what you think.
*XOXO, * *Emma 💋 *
PS. If you’re dreaming of pink tutus, remember: they are the gateway to your inner dancer. There is something magical about them, and who knows - maybe a pink tutu might even inspire you to learn ballet (hint hint, wink wink)! So, keep those dreams alive, darlings, and keep twirling. Until next time, ciao! 💖
