Ciao bella! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-loving, Milan-obsessed blogger, and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement about this week's adventures. This week, the sun has been shining, the air is buzzing with life, and I'm surrounded by stunning architecture, delicious food and, of course, beautiful ballet! What more could a girl ask for?
Before I delve into the details of this week's adventures, let me quickly tell you a little bit about myself. I'm Emma, and I hail from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England. My passion for dance started at the tender age of three, when I first stepped onto a ballet stage, twirling my way into the heart of the world of grace and elegance. That's where I discovered my love for the colour pink, the floaty enchantment of a tulle tutu, and the thrill of performing for an audience. It's that passion for dance, a sprinkle of pink and a whole lot of sparkle, that I bring to Pink Tutu, my little corner of the internet dedicated to everything ballet. My dream? To encourage everyone to put on a pink tutu and experience the magic of movement!
I fund my travels, from Derbyshire to exotic lands, with my ballet performances. Yes, I'm a working ballerina, combining my love of dance with my wanderlust. Every performance is a new adventure, every city I visit an inspiration. Each week, I write a blog post about my journeys - from ballet shows and classes to exploring fascinating cities and indulging in shopping sprees. It's my way of sharing my passion with the world, spreading a touch of ballet magic and hopefully inspiring you all to step into your own pink tutu.
A Ballet-filled Monday in Milan
This week, I'm writing to you from the heart of Milan, the fashion capital of the world. From the iconic Duomo to the bustling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city is brimming with energy and a sense of refined glamour. Of course, what I truly appreciate about Milan is its dedication to art, and especially to ballet.
This past Monday was a whirlwind of activity, starting with a wonderful class at the "Studio Danza Eleonora Abbagnato", the very studio owned and run by Eleonora Abbagnato, the elegant and talented Prima Ballerina of the prestigious Opéra National de Paris. The studio itself was a symphony of ballet dreams - mirrors sparkling, the aroma of leather from the dance shoes, and a sense of discipline mixed with excitement filling the air.
The class was fantastic! Eleonora Abbagnato's instruction was clear, yet with such passion that it inspired me to push myself harder, and achieve more. The atmosphere was incredible - with ballet dancers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to share a love of dance. We warmed up, we stretched, we worked on a ballet barre routine, and I felt those happy endorphins flood my body. What could be better than ballet and the joy of movement, I ask you? This class alone makes my week.
After the class, I treated myself to some "caffè" and a slice of decadent "panna cotta", before venturing out into the vibrant heart of Milan to explore the charming neighbourhood of Brera. A haven of artisan shops, galleries, and cobblestone streets, it was a true delight.
Tuesday - Theatre Treasures and Tram Tales
On Tuesday, I finally visited the Teatro alla Scala. What a temple to performance art. This world-renowned opera house was not just about its impressive grandeur but its captivating history, and the knowledge that countless performances had taken place within those grand walls, with ballet taking centre stage as often as opera.
The air within the Teatro alla Scala is thick with history, but also brimming with the energy of so many who have graced the stage. There are memorials to some of the greatest ballet dancers of the past, a real reminder of the dedication, artistry, and beauty of ballet through the centuries.
The highlight of my visit was, of course, the performance of “La Bayadère” by the Teatro alla Scala Ballet company. It was an exquisite, beautifully staged and heart-stopping performance with graceful ballet steps from a world-class cast. The vibrant costumes and powerful music filled me with awe, and as the final act unfolded, I felt swept away to the exotic setting of this classic story.
The performance made me wish that I was a member of the ballet company. Perhaps one day... I was filled with awe.
Of course, every visit to Milan must include a ride on the tram. The Tram system here is so elegant. The trams are clean, comfortable, and most importantly they move swiftly! What's even more wonderful is the view that I get as I travel around Milan - buildings are soaring high and elegant shopfronts are adorned with eye-catching displays.
A Wednesday of Fashion and Flourishing Flowers
It is hard to talk about Milan and not mention its fashion. It is practically a religion here. So, on Wednesday I treated myself to a little retail therapy in the iconic Quadrilatero della Moda, or the Fashion Quadrangle, as it is known to many. The street, lined with elegant boutiques of the biggest names in fashion - Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, and so many more, is a veritable fashion feast for the eyes!
The gorgeous window displays with their exquisite artistry captured my heart. This time around I was drawn to a delicate silk scarf in a colour that would complement a blush pink tutu and a beautiful pair of silk ballet slippers - what is more elegant than pink and a little bit of silk?
And of course, every shopping expedition must end in the most romantic of ways: with a visit to the flower market near the Duomo. This vibrant place has hundreds of fragrant blooms, with their fragrance filling the air with a intoxicating fragrance. The colourful, artistic flower arrangements in bloom on this street - everything from daisies to orchids - are like works of art and so inspiring. I had to buy a bunch of bright roses to brighten my room and a few delicate freesias as a small gift for the hostess at the charming boutique hotel where I staying.
Thursday: An Artful Escape in a Cultural Paradise
Milan is a cultural gem and there’s an incredible amount of art to discover around the city, and I made a visit on Thursday to the Pinacoteca di Brera, a beautiful art museum with one of Italy’s most famous collections of art.
The building itself is a work of art, with stunning frescoes on the ceilings. The collection ranges from masterpieces of Renaissance painting by such names as Raphael and Titian, to a impressive selection of contemporary art from across Italy.
The galleries are light and spacious. Each piece feels carefully curated and carefully positioned to draw the eye into its unique beauty. The atmosphere is quietly respectful and contemplative. It was easy to lose myself for a few hours wandering through these galleries.
Of course, every art journey must include some Italian food. So, after my cultural escapade I treated myself to a classic Italian lunch, with “spaghetti al pomodoro”, a delicate pasta dish with tomato sauce and fresh herbs.
It was so much more than just a meal, it was a taste of the passionate culture and culinary heritage that makes this city so unique.
Friday: A Feast of Flavour, Colour and Style
Milan is not just about ballet, fashion, and art. It's also a city that knows how to entertain! So on Friday, I enjoyed a fabulous experience - a “food tour”. It wasn’t just any food tour though, but an opportunity to experience some authentic Milanese cuisine!
My guide led me to some charming hidden gems - local restaurants with menus that featured traditional Italian flavours that had not changed for generations. Each dish, from the fresh pasta with creamy pesto sauce to a traditional “risotto al milanese” with a delicious saffron-infused sauce was an explosion of flavour, texture, and taste.
It was fascinating to watch how local residents engaged in the rituals of dining with relaxed enthusiasm, and to observe the warmth of Milanese hospitality, that is always extended to visitors like myself.
A Sparkling Saturday Night at the Theatre
Milan offers such an eclectic blend of entertainment, but it always leads back to the world of ballet and theatre.
So on Saturday night, I ventured to a new performance in Milan's thriving theatre scene - an enthralling ballet show by a vibrant young troupe, "La Danza Infinita" at a historic theatre, the Teatro Manzoni, a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture and elegance.
This was the most contemporary and lively ballet production that I had seen so far. The dance was imaginative and exhilarating and was underscored by bold music and innovative use of lighting effects. Each movement of the dancers revealed such a powerful energy, it was mesmerising.
It made me want to run straight out of the theatre and try a new move and maybe try a little bit of contemporary dance myself! Perhaps next week I’ll have time to check out a contemporary dance class...
Sunday's Farewell - and Back to Pink Tutu Blog
On Sunday, after an enriching weekend of art, culture, and ballet I took a moment to look out from my hotel window across the city's skyline - it was a reminder that I was still surrounded by such beauty in one of the most inspiring cities in Europe.
It was time to say “arrivederci” to Milan for now, but this vibrant city will always hold a special place in my heart. As I pack my pink tutu and head back to my next exciting ballet destination, I cannot wait to share all my adventures with you.
Until Next Week
This brings us to the end of this post! It's been another whirlwind week in Milan, but I would love to know: what did you think? Are there any Milan experiences you’d recommend, or have you ever visited and have some tips to share? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this week's post and are looking to stay up-to-date on my ballet-tastic travels, be sure to subscribe to Pink-Tutu for new posts. Next Monday at 9:00 am I will be posting another update about all the fun, adventure and ballet magic. I hope to see you there, my tutu lovers!
Let's Spread the Ballet Magic
Emma xx
#PinkTutuMilan #Ballet #Milan #Fashion #Travel #Dance #Inspiration #Pink #Tutu #Beauty #Culture #Italy
