Buongiorno, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed travel blogger, back from the fabulous city of Milan! As you know, I post every Monday on www.pink-tutu.com with a new blog about my adventures. This week’s tale is all about my recent trip to Milan, a city that absolutely captivated me with its style, its culture, and yes, its incredible ballet scene!
It’s funny how life unfolds. Just last week, I was performing in a charity gala in Derbyshire – a sweet, cosy performance at our local village hall. A few days later, I was twirling my way across the stage of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala! Talk about a whirlwind! It was all thanks to my amazing agent, who managed to snag me a guest spot with the esteemed Teatro alla Scala Ballet company. Can you believe it?! I had to pinch myself - performing on that hallowed stage felt like a dream.
I’m not going to lie, getting to Milan wasn’t a simple hop on the tube. My journey started with a lovely train ride from Derbyshire, whizzing through picturesque countryside and eventually into the heart of London. There, I took the train down to Gatwick for a slightly delayed flight to Milano Centrale. Even the slightly bumpy flight didn’t dampen my spirits – I had that excited, anticipatory feeling you get when you’re heading for somewhere new and amazing.
As I stepped off the train in Milan, the buzz of the city hit me like a wave. The vibrant, colourful atmosphere felt almost electric. You could sense the passion for art, fashion, and design in the air!
Milan is one of those cities where your eyes are constantly being drawn to the magnificent buildings - stunning architecture and fabulous shops that lined the elegant streets. The entire place seemed to be drenched in style! The first thing I did was pop into the beautiful Milan Duomo - the Cathedral, towering and breathtaking, standing at the very heart of this vibrant city. I spent hours simply marvelling at its intricate facade, so intricately sculpted. And just behind it, nestled in the midst of the city's buzzing heart, there is a beautiful green space, a perfect oasis to rest and reflect on the awe inspiring grandeur surrounding me.
Naturally, with my obsession for all things pink, I had to hunt for some Milanese fashion gems! And darling, I found some treasures - everything from playful pink pastel blouses with delicate ruffles to chunky, statement pink handbags – a veritable feast for the eyes! I couldn’t resist purchasing a stunning pink and black dress, its silky fabric shimmering with tiny sequins – it’s the perfect party dress.
However, no visit to Milan is complete without a little bit of culture, and luckily, on Wednesday August 18th, the day I arrived, there was a fantastic event going on – the prestigious 'International Festival of Ballet'! With the glamour of a city of design and fashion on show, what a wonderful backdrop to the perfect celebration of art, and with performances all day and evening there was something for everyone.
The opening ceremony of the Festival kicked off with a fascinating talk given by world renowned ballet dancer, Natalia Osipova. It was mesmerising hearing her insights into the art form, and how the ballet world is always evolving, challenging and inspiring! It's not every day you get to learn from such a celebrated icon. It was inspiring! And of course, there were some incredible ballet performances on the stage of the magnificent Teatro alla Scala, leaving the audience speechless!
One particular highlight of the day was a performance by “Balletto Teatro di Torino.” I was utterly enchanted! The intricate choreography, the expressive movements, the sheer talent of each dancer – It really is a testament to the artistry and precision of ballet! I love to feel those emotions and the way ballet just makes me feel! You know that feeling when a ballet performance makes the hair on your arms stand on end? I can’t help but smile.
The next day I had a chance to relax and wander through the charming streets of Navigli, where ancient canals weave their way through the city. This picturesque neighbourhood oozes with character and charm! Quaint boutiques with exquisite artisanal goods, cozy cafes bursting with aroma of freshly baked goods, and charming bridges adorned with beautiful blossoms all around. You can just imagine how charmingly bohemian it is! I strolled along the cobblestone pavements, soaking in the atmosphere, enjoying an ice cream at an outdoor cafe with a local paper I picked up to catch up on local news. The friendly faces and laid-back vibe made me feel so welcomed and at home in the vibrant heart of Milan!
While I could go on for hours about the delicious food, beautiful people and gorgeous cafes of Milan, my ballet obsession is never too far from my thoughts! So, before I headed home to my cosy English village and its idyllic quietness, I spent a day at 'Milan Ballet School'. This renowned dance school offered a selection of classes to cater for every level - from graceful beginners like myself to the most accomplished dancers! It was like being in a scene from a ballet film - stunning studios with high vaulted ceilings and grand chandeliers. There’s simply nothing that can quite compare to the elegance and energy of a ballet class! And as if I was being encouraged to get into a dance mindset for the day I went, my tutor in Milan Ballet School was also wearing a tutu! And in a twist, I managed to encourage her to embrace pink for one class!
It felt fabulous being amongst other dance enthusiasts. That’s something I really appreciate about ballet – that sense of community, that feeling of shared passion, and, of course, that universal language of dance! And I was delighted when the tutors mentioned the impact my pink tutu blog was having on the ballet community. I loved hearing from others who share the love of a pink tutu, and hearing they were wearing it more frequently! They called it the “Pink Tutu Effect”, and the impact it was having!
Before I left Milan, I knew I had to pay a visit to the enchanting ‘Museo del Novecento’ or ‘Museum of the Twentieth Century’ . Inside, I discovered a kaleidoscope of 20th-century art masterpieces, from Impressionist to Surrealist pieces. It was truly an experience that broadened my understanding of art history! This vibrant space offers stunning displays that illustrate the cultural upheavals of the last century, through various mediums – sculptures, paintings, photographs, and even film.
One painting in particular stood out, it featured a ballerina in mid-flight - a vivid depiction of a pink tutu against a vibrant background! It was so beautiful, so evocative! This striking painting reminded me of why I’m on this journey – to spread the joy of dance, to make ballet more accessible to everyone. I’ve found my own passion for sharing ballet through my blog, spreading awareness of this exquisite art form. I want to bring ballet to everyone! That is why I have decided to set up my own ‘pink tutu’ events to help with this, which I'm currently planning. There's something magical about ballet that transcends language and connects us all! Watch this space!
So there you have it! My trip to Milan – a truly memorable experience that I’ll cherish forever! I hope I’ve inspired you to consider taking a trip to Milan yourself! It is a city brimming with history, culture and passion! There is something for everyone and there are so many places to explore in this enchanting city! I was so thrilled to experience all that Milan has to offer. I'm still getting used to the time difference and trying to find some quiet in my tiny village as I’m getting used to home comforts, but already thinking about my next journey!
Keep dancing, darlings, and never underestimate the power of a pink tutu to brighten someone’s day!
Lots of love, Emma xx
