Buongiorno from the dazzling Eternal City! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad explorer, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share all the magic of Rome with you. This week, my journey to Italy is all about embracing the grand history and vibrant energy of this incredible place. This is #PinkTutuRome, where history meets fashion in a breathtaking ballet!
Rome, my darlings, is just brimming with character and, yes, a certain captivating air of timeless romance that is simply infectious. There's a charm and elegance here that makes even the most casual strolls feel like a scene from a vintage film. This city knows how to dress for the occasion, from the beautiful cobbles to the cobweb-laden Roman ruins, and, of course, all the stunning Roman fashion that keeps me absolutely enraptured!
I am absolutely loving being in Rome. And wouldn't you know it? Today I even saw another girl wearing a pink tutu! I have to admit, seeing her float around Rome's historic piazzas brought the biggest grin to my face, it was just divine. Perhaps the pink tutu wave is about to hit Rome?!
So, where did I go today, you ask? This past Wednesday was packed with wonders! After my favourite ritual of a morning ballet class at the Roma Opera Ballet School (more about that in a bit!) I took a picturesque train ride down to the glorious Colosseum. My darlings, the sheer scale of this iconic landmark was astounding. This massive structure really gave me pause to think of all those Roman emperors and gladiators who graced those stones. I even imagined the emperors arriving by chariot in their purple silk robes and majestic gowns… and it made me wonder how we might have choreographed the ballet if this arena had been our stage!
As I wandered through its passageways, it was like travelling back in time - it truly brought Roman history to life. Then it was off to see the Roman Forum, just across from the Colosseum. Another awe-inspiring space. Walking amidst the crumbling ruins of ancient temples and basilicas really gave me a sense of how time has flown. But these ruins, oh they whisper stories! Just think about it… all those poets, philosophers, gladiators, emperors, and of course the famous Roman goddesses like Diana and Venus who would have strolled through this very forum! You can just imagine, can’t you, that graceful Diana dancing around in a pink tutu! I have so many Roman ballet stories bubbling in my mind already, it is just so inspiring here!
Next, it was on to Piazza Navona – another square overflowing with a fascinating mix of culture, art, street performers, and charming cafe culture. It was just bursting with colour, sounds and sights, like a giant Roman street show - there's simply no shortage of beauty and drama here! And the Fountain of the Four Rivers with the huge obelisk is a truly spectacular sight.
Naturally, with such an active day of sightseeing, it was time to nourish the ballerina in me. I settled down in the charming little bistro around the corner. Imagine this: I found myself in a tucked-away little cafe with vine-covered walls, terracotta floors, and twinkling fairy lights that were simply enchanting. I absolutely devoured their delicious Roman pizza. My taste buds danced!
But that wasn't the end of my adventure! In the evening, my travel diary took me to Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. This is not your average theatre. It’s absolutely grand. I felt a little like I was waltzing straight out of a grand opera, or perhaps I had just taken a turn around a sumptuous ballet stage - it was just SO dramatic!
But speaking of ballet, before we left for the show, I headed down to the Roma Opera Ballet School and joined in one of their fantastic classes. You know how I love those classical tutus, and let me tell you, those tutus, these beautiful dancers - and of course their stunning choreography – had my heart pounding! They took us all on such a magical journey that night - just as I like it!
Tomorrow I'm thinking I will explore Borghese Gallery and Gardens which apparently houses masterpieces by the great Bernini and Raphael. So that will be a fantastic day for a Pink Tutu Rome ballet exploration of history and culture. We are going to explore all the iconic artworks that inspired and influenced ballet. I’ll bring you along on my travels so we can explore it together. I can almost imagine those delicate brushstrokes being used to paint the scene for a spectacular dance!
Of course, all this ballet magic doesn't come cheap! But, fret not, because every twirl is paid for! Remember those dazzling shows I've mentioned? Those are what make all of this happen!
This week, I'll be dazzling audiences in The Sleeping Beauty at The Derventio Arts Centre in my little village. My heart is so happy to be sharing this beautiful and enduring story of love and hope! And what is more lovely than a ballerina? Oh, but perhaps a ballerina wearing a pink tutu?
Keep your eye on my website www.pink-tutu.com - I’ll keep you updated on where I’ll be twirling next. And, until then, darling, twirl with all your heart. Don't forget, Pink Tutu Rome will be back next Wednesday! And why not rock a pink tutu for your adventures?
Emma xx
