Ciao Bella!
It’s Wednesday, March 15th, and I’m writing this from my cosy hotel room in Milan, a city that’s as vibrant and stylish as a pink feather boa! This week’s been an absolute whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and food (in that order, of course!).
So, let’s rewind the clock to Sunday afternoon. I was bidding farewell to the charming cobblestone streets of Derbyshire, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the familiar lanes and rolling green hills. But excitement outweighed my pangs. It was time for Milan!
I boarded the train at Chesterfield station, armed with a well-worn copy of “The Little Prince” (it's a ballet enthusiast's required reading, you know!), my trusty pink rucksack filled with my latest tutu designs and enough lipstick to rival a theatrical costume warehouse. My fellow passengers were captivated by my flamboyant pink dress, a flowing number from my own collection, inspired by the ballerinas of the Ballets Russes. And as the train rattled on, the scent of lavender from my little pocket-sized sachet calmed my nerves. I love train journeys! They're so peaceful and introspective, especially when you're surrounded by your own kind of magic.
Milan welcomed me with open arms – and even more open boutiques! After checking into my hotel, I immediately embarked on a shopping spree. My motto is: "When in Milan, indulge in a little something sparkly." And sparkly I did! This city’s the perfect place to find a unique, high-quality tutu, and let’s just say my luggage expanded exponentially.
After all that fabulous shopping, what better way to end the day than with a magnificent ballet performance? I headed to the Teatro alla Scala, where I was completely mesmerized by a rendition of "La Bayadère." The sheer artistry of the dancers, the vibrant colours, and the soul-stirring music - it was truly a magical experience. The graceful movements, the captivating storytelling, the beautiful costumes, everything was perfect. I actually did cry, it was so beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful things, you guys wouldn't believe the restaurant I stumbled upon on Monday night! Tucked away in a little cobbled street was this gem, a family-run trattoria where I savored the most exquisite mushroom risotto, followed by a light and fluffy panna cotta. It felt like something out of a film! And all the time I was thinking of how beautiful a pink tutu would look against the backdrop of this cosy trattoria. That's how my mind works. ?
Tuesday morning I decided to start my day with a little ballet class at the prestigious Ballet School of Milan. This school is known for its incredible dancers and even more incredible teachers. I felt like a tiny butterfly amongst the giant fluttering wings of grace and perfection, surrounded by passionate dancers and encouraging instructors. You know I love the beautiful energy of a ballet studio, with its focus and serenity, but it wasn’t just about the dance technique for me. It was also about experiencing the dedication and focus of these dedicated students. There was a lovely energy in the room, and as the class progressed, it just got better. My passion for ballet grew as I stretched and leaped with a new-found appreciation for my own love of the dance.
After the class, feeling rejuvenated and ready to conquer Milan, I joined the city's urban pulse by taking the tram to the Duomo, the magnificent Gothic cathedral.
This city's charm lies in its contrast – ancient and modern, grandeur and elegance, tradition and innovation – just like a tutu!
It's no secret that I’m on a mission to spread the joy of pink tutus across the globe. My travel journal is overflowing with stories of people wearing pink tutus from across the globe, so I’m always excited to share these heartwarming stories. But Milan has definitely made it to my "Favourite Tutu Spots" list, and I'll be back, I just know it.
What’s on my agenda for tomorrow? A walk in the park, of course, but not any old park. This time, it's Parco Sempione, the largest park in the city centre, filled with sprawling lawns, majestic trees, and hidden fountains. A truly magical spot! I plan on sitting on a bench, reflecting on all that I've seen, sketching some new tutu ideas, and possibly creating my next social media reel!
That’s my “pink-tutu-wearing” Milan journey so far. I’ll keep you posted with more pink-filled adventures. Until then, keep dancing and spreading joy!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the "Pink Tutu" website for new tutu designs and exciting events!
