Hello, darlings! It's Emma from Derbyshire, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, reporting live from the fabulous city of Milan! ???
I'm practically skipping with excitement to tell you all about my week here - a whirlwind of beautiful buildings, enchanting ballet performances, and the most incredible shopping! As always, Milan is a feast for the eyes and a wonderland for a tutu-loving girl like me!
The Milanese Tram, A Pink Tutu's Favourite Ride
Arriving in Milan, I made my way straight from the train station to my little Airbnb apartment, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Of course, my arrival wouldn't be complete without a twirl on the platform as I caught the tram! The Milan tram system is something else! The trams are bright red and yellow, they're always on time, and best of all, they’re free! Milan is the perfect city to get around by tram - just imagine, all those elegant Milanese women seeing a little pink tutu skipping alongside them on the morning commute! ?
La Scala, Oh La Scala!
This week was extra special as I was fortunate enough to snag tickets to see "The Nutcracker" at La Scala. It's one of the most renowned opera houses in the world and it was breathtaking! The acoustics are simply magical, and the detail of the performance, from the beautiful costumes to the precise choreography, made me fall completely in love with ballet all over again! Afterwards, I went to the theatre cafe for a glass of prosecco, just a little something to celebrate a truly unforgettable night! ✨ ?
Milan, A Shopper's Paradise!
Now, every pink tutu needs a little retail therapy, and Milan definitely doesn't disappoint. This city is like a fashion wonderland! From the luxurious boutiques of Via Montenapoleone to the vintage treasures hiding in the smaller streets, I couldn't resist getting lost in the vibrant, colorful energy of this fashion capital. Of course, I had to add some sparkly, pink things to my collection – I couldn’t resist a dazzling pair of pink sequin ballet shoes that would look fabulous with my most elegant tutu! ?
The Fashion of Pink!
Speaking of pink! Milan is a perfect place to try out some pink-themed street style! You can see all sorts of pink ensembles, from those dazzling bright bubblegum pink, to the more muted, dusty pinks that are oh so chic! Pink seems to be the perfect colour for any occasion, and seeing Milan's fashion-forward citizens embrace this colour has been pure inspiration for my own pink tutu creations! One of my favourite finds was a beautiful, pink vintage scarf with delicate floral motifs that I will be styling with my tutu collection at my next performance in the UK.
More Than Just Pink!
And whilst we are talking about my favourite colour, remember this - being true to yourself isn’t about choosing just one colour, it's about being the brightest version of yourself, no matter what you wear! It’s about making every outfit feel unique, joyful and special to you. Pink is my go-to, but a true style queen knows that life is too short to be bound by a colour palette!
Delicious Milan
It's not all about dancing and fashion in Milan! Milanese cuisine is another love of mine, especially its famous risotto and pasta dishes. Of course, I couldn't leave the city without a delicious gelato in the Piazza del Duomo - the creamy, rich taste combined with the warm Italian sunshine is truly something else!
The Tram Ride Home!
As I prepare for my journey home, I must confess that I’m feeling a little bit sad to leave this captivating city! It’s one of my absolute favourite cities, it has such a strong and positive energy - especially around fashion and ballet! I can't wait to return. Until then, you can follow me on my daily escapades at www.pink-tutu.com.
In the meantime, make sure you share all of your style tips with me - send a message or leave a comment - I love hearing from all of you! And if you're feeling extra fabulous today, try wearing pink, or a pink tutu! ?
Ciao bella! Emma x ??
Remember to check out my next blog on www.pink-tutu.com! ?
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Upcoming Shows & Performance Schedule
I have some exciting news for all my fellow dance enthusiasts! I’m happy to announce that I will be performing a selection of pieces from my favourite ballet repertoire at the Derbyshire Arts Centre on [insert specific date for performance]! It's a beautiful theatre with incredible acoustics, and I'm really excited to share some of my favourite pieces with the local Derbyshire audience! If you're in the area, I'd love for you to join me - there are tickets still available online. You can book them at [add link to booking site]
A Quick Chat: What to wear to the Ballet
I am also planning some fun ballet classes at the studio, focusing on performance skills and style, so look out for announcements on my blog and social media pages!
Speaking of classes and performance - I've been getting a lot of questions recently from new ballerinas about what to wear to a show. I’ve always believed in creating a style that's comfortable and stylish for every occasion. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a statement tutu. When choosing your outfit for a performance, you want to pick something that celebrates dance! But let’s break down a few more suggestions for creating that perfect ballerina style!
Elegant Classics
A lovely, silk slip dress or skirt paired with a beautiful embellished blouse!
A soft, lace dress or jumpsuit will create that elegant feeling that you'd want for ballet!
Romantic Look
- Try a dress with romantic details such as a sweetheart neckline, lace trims or embroidery, to create that ethereal, fairytale feeling.
Modern Glam
- If you are looking for a more contemporary, but elegant look - consider a chic pantsuit, tailored pants and a silk blouse - a bit of sparkly jewellery or a beautiful silk scarf will add extra glamour.
Ballet Glamour on a Budget!
You can get a fabulous ballet-ready outfit without breaking the bank! There are many places to get inspired for some amazing and affordable finds - don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. You’ll look incredible in no time!
My Top Styling Tips:
- Embrace textures and layers, and use beautiful fabrics to add interest.
- Accessories, like sparkly brooches, belts, jewellery and headbands add a beautiful touch to a ballet outfit.
- A bold lipstick shade, or a well-chosen eyeliner look can complete your overall look!
And of course, for that extra bit of sparkle, you can’t go wrong with a pink tutu!
How to Achieve a Perfect Ballerina Bun!
One of the most essential elements for any aspiring ballerina is to have the perfect bun! It needs to be tight and secure - not too loose or too tight. I will do a full post in the coming weeks to help you achieve the perfect bun at home. In the meantime, practice! There are great videos online showing step by step how to perfect the art of ballerina hair styling!
My favourite places for pink and dance in Milan:
Here is a quick list of places you should definitely visit if you want to experience the magic of pink and dance in Milan:
Via Montenapoleone: The most famous shopping street in Milan, brimming with luxury brands and beautiful window displays. You will find designer boutiques like Prada, Gucci and Valentino, and even though it’s one of the most expensive areas, it’s great for seeing some high-end designs and inspiration!
Palazzo Reale: This historical building, often hosting exhibitions and events - is a beautiful building. If you are lucky you may be able to catch some fabulous dance and ballet events here!
Giardini Pubblici: A beautiful park perfect for walking, jogging, or spending time on a sunny day. It's also close to other historical locations and museums in the city centre. The best way to see these gardens and its hidden pathways is by walking or cycling!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A breathtaking glass-roofed arcade with amazing cafes and stores, offering a unique Milanese shopping experience. If you want a great, traditional Italian cafe, you can stop by Biffi Cafe on the first floor, for great views over Milan.
A Word On Staying Safe While Travelling
Travelling alone, as a woman, can be a little nerve-wracking, and safety should always be our top priority. However, you don't need to be fearful! There are lots of things you can do to make travelling more secure!
Here are my top tips for staying safe as you travel:
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas and crowded streets. Trust your gut instinct if you feel uncomfortable - walk away from situations if you are not happy with them!
- Take advantage of trusted ride-sharing apps, like Uber or taxi services, instead of walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas and during the evening.
- Inform a trusted person about your travel plans and itinerary, in case something goes wrong. Don’t be shy about asking for help. There are so many friendly people who will offer help, in times of need. Remember to smile, speak calmly, and try not to appear worried!
And remember, the world is your oyster - keep exploring, dreaming, and never stop pursuing your passions! The most beautiful things in life are discovered when you allow yourself to dream and be curious about all the things life has to offer. ?
Have a fabulous week everyone!
Ciao!
Emma x
