Wednesday 1999-05-12
Buongiorno from the Eternal City! Rome, oh Rome, how I have longed to twirl my way into your ancient streets!
This week, Iām on a mission to make Rome blush. My little pink tutu has arrived in style (by train, naturally!), and weāre ready to explore every cobblestone, every piazza, every secret corner of this timeless treasure.
For the uninitiated, Iām Emma, a twenty-something ballerina from the heart of Derbyshire. You might call me a tutu enthusiast. Or maybe just a pink-obsessed fashionista who's also got a rather soft spot for all things ballet. Whatever label fits, Iām using my passion for the art of movement and my love of all things girly to inspire you to add a touch of tutus to your own lives. (It's honestly a lot easier than you think, even if you can't pirouette like a professional.)
This blog, www.pink-tutu.com, is where I chronicle my adventures, whether I'm performing on stage, conquering a new city, or simply shopping for the perfect pair of pink shoes (a perpetual quest, I tell you). It's my little slice of pink-tinted joy, and I hope youāll join me on the journey!
A Tutus-ful Arrival in Rome
The train journey from Florence was pure romance, with views of the rolling Tuscan hills like something out of a Monet painting. As we neared Rome, the excitement practically burst from my ballet bag, threatening to send my new rose-coloured feather boa into orbit!
Arriving at Termini Station was a sensory overload. The smells of espresso and warm bread, the cacophony of street vendors, and the sight of people in every imaginable styleāall so perfectly chaotic and charming. Even the train conductor had a sense of stylish abandon, sporting a crisp white shirt with a patterned silk tie (very dashing, wouldnāt you agree?). I couldnāt resist snapping a photo of his outfit, knowing it would make an excellent addition to my āTutus Around the Worldā Instagram album (which is also growing very rapidly, in case you're looking for a visual treat).
First Impressions of the Eternal City
Iām staying in a tiny, but oh-so-charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood. It has an abundance of vintage charmā think worn terra-cotta tiles, hand-painted frescoes, and wrought iron balconies draped in fragrant bougainvillea. My room overlooks a cobbled street where I can almost hear the sound of horse-drawn carriages rattling by. The sound alone could transport you back in timeā itās the perfect place to slip into my pink tutu for a private morning practice!
Stepping out of my haven and into the bustling streets, the energy was palpable. Ancient ruins stood shoulder-to-shoulder with sleek designer boutiques, street performers competed for attention with opera singers, and the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafted from cafes on every corner.
I spent the afternoon strolling through the Piazza Navona, marveling at Bernini's incredible fountain and the sheer beauty of the Baroque architecture. This place pulsated with energyā tourists, locals, artists, and street vendors all swirling together like a graceful ballet of human life.
As evening fell, the cobblestone streets transformed into a romantic wonderland. I found myself lost in the labyrinth of ancient streets, a beautiful old bookstore with the smell of dusty leather and parchment, and discovered a tiny gelato shop hidden away in a quiet alley, its owner sharing the secrets of his perfect vanilla gelato. I can't even express how amazing it was! It would have been utterly sinful not to share it with you. So I shall leave this photo for your pleasure.
(Picture: Emma holding a double scoop of vanilla gelato, wearing a pink tutu, and looking thrilled against a backdrop of ancient roman stonework)
Today's Cultural Ballet
And speaking of artistic inspiration, whatās a trip to Rome without a visit to the Opera?
This evening, Iāll be attending a performance of āLa BohĆØmeā at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. While I do love to dance on stage, thereās nothing like being swept away by the storytelling, drama, and incredible music of a live operatic performance. It's a sensory experience that fills me with both joy and goosebumps. Itās hard to resist the urge to pirouette my way through the theatre as soon as the final note echoes through the auditorium.
(Image: Emma looking elegant in a floor-length pink and silver gown with feather boa outside the Opera house)
Fashion Fix in the Eternal City
For every passionate ballerina like myself, a visit to Rome means shopping! I am on a mission to find a vintage hat adorned with beautiful, bright pink feathers to wear to the Opera. Just imagine: pink tutu, a touch of feathered eleganceāit's pure, sartorial poetry in motion, darling!
Of course, I can't resist exploring the fabulous Italian boutiques too! They just radiate chic styleā think billowing fabrics, daring colour combinations, and impeccable tailoring. I am planning a day trip to Via Condotti, the heart of Romeās high-fashion district, for a little afternoon of indulgence and inspiration. Who knows, maybe Iāll even find a pink-tutu-worthy statement piece for my blog photos (Stay tuned for a surprise)!
Pink-Tinted Dreams of a Future Visit
Before my next stop in magical, medieval Siena, I have so many other things I'd love to do here:
- Visit the Vatican and explore the art and majesty of St. Peter's Basilica
- Climb the Spanish Steps and soak in the breathtaking views
- Take a tour of the Roman Colosseum (Imagine all the dancing gladiators who once walked those very halls)
- Enjoy a delightful Aperol Spritz (because you simply can't be in Italy and not experience an Aperol Spritz)
- Throw a few coins into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. (Perhaps a wish for everyone to wear a pink tutu - Wouldnāt that be absolutely delightful?)
So, until next weekās post, ciao bella! I leave you with the intoxicating smell of fresh espresso, the sound of lively conversation on the street, and the undeniable feeling of romance that Rome whispers to every soul it touches.
(Emma's Instagram handle: @PinkTutuEmma)
