Hello my darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-clad ballerina, bringing you a burst of Milanese magic from the fashion capital itself!
It's a beautiful Wednesday here in the city, and the sun is finally peeking through the clouds after a couple of days of drizzle. It's just perfect weather for a lovely long stroll along the streets of Milan. I mean, what's better than wandering around with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a perfectly-paired outfit in the other, with the warm Italian sunshine on my face and the clinking of tram bells filling the air? Life doesn't get much better, honestly.
A Week in Milan!
I arrived in Milan just last Friday, after an exhilarating performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I’ve been spending the last few days exploring all the charming corners of Milan. My trusty pink tutu has been my faithful companion on all my adventures, as always, bringing a touch of magic and cheer to the cobbled streets.
This week, I’ve taken a ride on the iconic Milan tram. What a fun experience, and perfect for seeing the city. I felt like a modern-day princess in my tutu and ballet flats, gliding through the streets. I have to say, Milanese fashion has blown my mind. The outfits here are just next-level! There's an incredible amount of personality and style here, and everyone has a story to tell through their clothing. I spent a fabulous morning at the amazing department store, "La Rinascente", in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Talk about a real treat for the senses. Imagine a palace of pure fashion heaven, and you have a good idea of what La Rinascente is all about.
I simply can't get enough of the incredible display of designer shoes and fabulous clothes, along with beautiful lingerie. And don't get me started on the amazing accessories! I ended up walking out of there with a stunning pink scarf that would make even the most fashionable Parisian swoon with envy. But don't you worry, my darling friends, there's a full review coming on the blog later this week, complete with photos, so you can all admire its delicate beauty.
A Little Fashion Insight – Milan Chic
I have to say, Milan fashion is a world of its own! I find the local women absolutely captivating – they ooze confidence in a way that is both chic and relaxed. They effortlessly manage to pull together effortlessly cool ensembles. Think classic black pants, perfectly-tailored jackets, a splash of color with a scarf, and some killer heels, and you’ve got a Milanese lady on point! It’s so effortlessly stylish, and you know what? You don't have to wear designer brands to achieve the look. It's about a confident, comfortable and curated style, with a playful twist here and there – think bold colors, intricate prints and statement jewellery.
And now for the piece de resistance – the Italian Dance Scene
Tonight is a big night – the main reason for my trip to Milan! The Teatro alla Scala! That's right, my darling, I'm going to see a performance by the prestigious Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company. And guess what? They're performing a world premiere of Giselle - a classic romantic ballet that takes my breath away every time I see it. The entire ballet scene in Milan is absolutely buzzing. It’s such an energetic hub of talent and passion. There are beautiful dance studios everywhere, filled with inspiring ballerinas who work their magic in rehearsals before performing for thousands of passionate viewers.
I've spent the last couple of days visiting these studios, soaking up the energy and meeting the incredible dancers who bring this magical world of dance to life. Let's be honest, the inspiration just flows when I’m amongst these beautiful people. I can't wait to share the experience with you on Thursday, so you can have a virtual taste of all the magical moments, straight from my ballet diary.
Ballet on the Streets
Speaking of inspiration, one thing that always surprises me about the Italians is their incredible passion for the arts – ballet is no exception! Everywhere I walk, I spot young dancers practicing in the parks. Their enthusiasm is so infectious and fills my heart with a renewed love for ballet. I've even caught some of them practicing outside of the Teatro alla Scala, it’s inspiring, absolutely breathtaking. You can just feel the heart and soul pouring out of them with each graceful movement. The entire city feels like one massive dance studio, with each building a beautiful backdrop to the ballet unfolding on the streets!
A Bit of Nostalgia for my Home County
While I'm in love with the Italian way of life, it's also fun to share a little bit of my Derbyshire heritage with the world. Just yesterday, I saw a bunch of cute little cafes that reminded me of the charming, quaint pubs we have in my little corner of Derbyshire. Those cozy, warm little pubs are just so delightful – I could definitely get used to being able to enjoy those kinds of places in Milan, or, well, anywhere! But hey, this pink tutu has a mission! And who knows what kind of surprises and adventures the world holds. Who knows where I might end up next?
What's Happening Today
Anyway, I hope you are all having a fabulous day. I am writing this in a super cosy cafe in the Navigli district. It's a popular part of the city, with beautiful canals, some fabulous local food and tons of shops. I've spent the morning finding a wonderful new spot to write from, with a warm latte to keep my fingers going, and, of course, there's been some serious window shopping involved. The clothes in Milan have a personality – you just know that there’s some serious style going on in this fashion hub.
Later today, I am meeting my ballet teacher here in Milan, Ms. Alessandra - an absolutely inspirational woman who has graced some of the most famous stages in the world, she's a real living legend. You can find her details on her blog – I’ll add the link below so you can get in touch if you'd like. I've been taking lessons from her since I got here and we’re practicing La Bayadère. You can read all about it next week on my blog. I am sure I’ll have loads of stories about how my class went and how my pink tutu looked absolutely glorious with the new step that Ms. Alessandra is teaching me.
This afternoon, I am thinking about maybe grabbing a delicious aperitivo and some Italian cheese with a bunch of my favorite bloggers and fellow dancers – it's time to explore all of those gelaterias too. But first, of course, some serious dancing time.
Now, I need to wrap up my post. This tutu is calling for a good spin! So stay tuned for more exciting adventures coming soon from the fabulous city of Milan, Italy. Ciao bella, and remember, you're all beautiful!
*To all the tutu lovers – Stay gorgeous and dance your heart out, wherever you may be. And remember, every single day is an opportunity to wear a pink tutu and embrace your inner ballerina. Until next week, darling friends! *
- With all the pink love in the world, * Emma
*Pink-tutu.com: A ballet paradise! *
I am going to leave you now with this week's itinerary of what’s on in Milan if you’re looking for some fun and beautiful ballet, fashion, shopping and food!
Milan – what a treasure chest of entertainment.
- Teatro alla Scala: Catch Giselle with the incredible Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company, this weekend (Saturday Feb 26th 2026). It's a chance to witness the power of classic ballet at its best, performed by some of the best dancers in the world! It's going to be an evening to remember! [Link to Teatro alla Scala ticket information]
- Fashion Shows: The Milan Fashion Week was earlier this month (February 16-22 2026), and I am just so envious, but all the excitement is still happening around town. If you love fashion as much as I do, it’s worth coming to Milan anytime for a chance to experience all the energy of this fashion hot spot.
- The Navigli Canals: This picturesque area in Milan is full of character, with charming bridges, trendy shops, and delightful cafes. The aperitivo experience in the Navigli district is amazing! You can pick up a lovely bite to eat at any number of the restaurants and cafes - perfect for getting into the Italian vibe with food, wine and dancing. Make sure you check the weather because there's usually plenty of dancing in the streets here! [Link to information on Navigli].
*Tips to plan a trip to Milan: *
To make your trip easier, I have compiled my Top tips to enjoy a beautiful day in the Fashion capital:
1. Transport – Milan is easy to explore with a Metro or a Tram.
- You can easily navigate Milan using their extensive metro network and their wonderful tram service – which I found so enchanting – and a good chance to do some people watching and window shopping. If you can afford a little bit of extra cost, you can also find excellent taxi service – however it’s worth taking advantage of the Milan Card for your transport needs if you’re staying for a few days. * [link to Milan public transport]*
2. What to see
- Visit Milan Cathedral It’s spectacular with an architectural grandeur and a dazzlingly beautiful interior. You will need a few hours for this gem!
- Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper'’ at Santa Maria delle Grazie You need to book in advance and you are allowed only 15 minutes to view it, but, of course, I would make an exception for one of the world’s most important masterpieces!
3. Accommodation.
- There’s plenty of choice for hotels, villas, B&Bs – something for every budget. However, this is Milan, so be prepared to book in advance if you are travelling in season. You could be here for several weeks, like me, or it could be a quick stopover for the day, just like you would with a concert or ballet performance.
4. Make the most of the shops.
- Don’t just limit your trip to shopping at La Rinascente, the main fashion houses are all here – Versace, Armani, Valentino… If you have time to shop until you drop (just make sure you can carry it all back home!) there's a real shop in Milan for everyone!
* 5. Italian food: The experience is a must-do!*
- There are thousands of restaurants and cafes with an incredible mix of authentic Italian food, fresh local seafood, modern cuisine and fusion style options – take time to indulge in this real taste of Italy.
I’m off now. Have a fantastic week. Don’t forget to wear a pink tutu today!
With all the pink love, Emma
