Well, hello there, my gorgeous pink tutu-wearing lovelies! It’s Emma, back from another adventure, and this week, it’s a whirlwind tour of Rome! I finally ticked this incredible city off my travel bucket list, and I’ve got to say, I'm utterly smitten.
This is my 25th blog post on pink-tutu.com (whoop!), so it feels fitting to be sharing the dolce vita from a city known for its history, culture, and, yes, even fashion! 💃
Tutu travels to Rome: A dream come true!
For a girly girl like me, who loves tutus, travelling, and a good show, a trip to Rome was basically destiny. 💫 This is a city that pulses with history, romance, and gorgeous architecture. Think sprawling piazzas, majestic basilicas, and cobbled streets that lead you to secret hidden gems. Honestly, just stepping off the train in Termini station felt like I'd walked into a scene from a glamorous film!
Now, if you know me, you know I love to travel by train. There’s just something so romantic about winding your way through rolling landscapes and waking up to a new destination. It was actually during my last ballet performance in Derby (yes, I still find time to dance in between my globe-trotting adventures!) that I spotted the ticket prices for a Rome return, and snap it was booked.
Pink Tutu goes Roman Style!
Rome is the perfect city for any tutu-loving traveller, because let’s face it, my friends, fashion is basically everything. 👠 👛 I wasted absolutely no time exploring the famous shops along Via Condotti - Valentino, Fendi, Prada...oh my! This is where the style gods reside, and let me tell you, there is no other place on earth that makes you feel like you’re actually walking a high-fashion runway. I may not have bought a full wardrobe worth of designer shoes, but who knows? Perhaps next time… 🤫
But don’t be fooled! This isn't all high-end, and there’s so much more to this amazing city. I also wandered around the vibrant shops in the Trastevere district, a haven for unique independent designers and quirky treasures. It’s the kind of place you get completely lost in for hours – and that’s exactly what I did! I found the most divine hand-painted jewellery from a tiny boutique with the prettiest pink sign (of course!). I mean, can you really expect a girl with a pink tutu addiction to resist a pink storefront?
A Ballerina's Rome: Dancing and dreaming!
Now, for any serious ballet lover (aka me), you'll be thrilled to know that Rome offers some seriously beautiful opportunities to indulge in the art of dance! During my stay, I was so excited to see a world-class ballet performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The ballet dancers were incredible - their movements so graceful and fluid! 🩰 I was particularly struck by the costumes, which felt like they belonged straight out of a magical, shimmering fairytale. I'd already been snapping away at the stunning Opera House itself - what a grand building! 😍 It felt so empowering, so elegant, like I’d truly stepped onto a stage.
But I wasn't just content with watching – I wanted to feel it! 💫 So, I tracked down a gorgeous little studio tucked away in the Trastevere neighbourhood called the 'Accademia del Ballo'. They run a ballet class specifically for tourists, which, frankly, was perfect for this travelling ballerina. With the sound of music swirling around me, it was as though the streets of Rome had become my personal stage. It felt like I’d found a piece of my world here, nestled in this incredible city! It’s moments like these that remind me how ballet connects us to people all over the world – even when we’re separated by miles.
Roman Wonders: History, culture and an impossible amount of pizza!
Ok, let’s talk about those iconic sights! From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the charm of the Trevi Fountain, Rome is simply breathtaking. Every street corner whispered with stories from centuries past, and the history was truly tangible – it felt like I was living among the ancient Roman gods! 🏛️
A highlight, obviously, was tossing my lucky coin in the Trevi Fountain – tradition is important, people! Who wouldn’t wish to return to this city?
Of course, my trip wouldn't have been complete without sampling some delicious Roman food! You all know my massive love affair with pizza! From traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to quirky and innovative toppings I’ve never seen before (mushroom and truffle anyone?), my taste buds went into overdrive! And then there were the creamy, flavourful pasta dishes – every bite a culinary explosion. 🍝 Let's just say that a few kilos might have been gained during my time here. 😬
More than just a Pretty Tutu: Discovering Rome’s heart
Now, Rome isn’t all glitz and glamour. As I got to know the city, I found that beneath the opulent facades, there’s a true warmth and spirit – just like those amazing people who offered us directions in perfect English (although I made a valiant attempt at speaking a few phrases in Italian – ciao, buongiorno, and of course, the vital phrase, “Where is the nearest pastry shop?” 😉 ).
It's those little moments that stay with you. I loved watching locals playing cards in piazzas and families enjoying gelato after dinner. They were just living – it was so beautiful, and honestly, it was pretty inspiring to see. 🍦
And those Romans - oh my, they had so much personality, they were simply infectious.
Leaving a little pink sparkle in Rome:
While I’m sad to be leaving the Eternal City, it definitely feels like a “see you later,” not a “goodbye." Rome has a magic, an aura, that wraps itself around you. The sights, the food, the people, even the sound of Vespa scooters – everything about this city leaves you feeling incredibly alive.
And speaking of feeling alive, I left a little bit of my signature pink sparkle in Rome! You see, one day I was wandering through a tiny little square and stumbled upon a children’s ballet class. Well, what could a ballerina do? 😜 I had to join in. Even for just a few minutes, the joy on their faces was something I’ll never forget. They had so much enthusiasm and the sheer love of dancing radiating from them. It really reminded me of why I love what I do! I guess you could say that I left them inspired!
I'm convinced that a pink tutu can make any adventure feel just a little bit more magical. 💖 So if you're ever in Rome, don’t just be a spectator – wear your tutu and embrace the adventure! It's all about expressing your own style, no matter what form it takes.
Next week, I'm off to a new destination – but I promise you, you'll find me back here next Wednesday, telling you all about my latest travel adventures! Until then, keep twirling, my lovelies!
Love, Emma xx
P.S. Have you got a pink tutu ready for your next adventure? I'd love to see pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #PinkTutuTravel! 😉
