#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 1999-10-13 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao Bella! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina, back from the cobbled streets of Rome and ready to whisk you away on a journey of fashion, fabulousness and of course, ballet!

Today is Wednesday, the 13th of October, 1999. The air is crisp, the Roman sun is shining, and I'm basking in the glory of a city brimming with history, charm and - drum roll - fabulous shopping! Rome, my darlings, is a pink tutu lover's dream.

This trip's a bit of a departure from my usual London haunts. My Derbyshire roots were calling out to me, beckoning me back to Italy. After all, Derbyshire’s peaks are quite dramatic, but Italy's scenery has that "wow" factor in a whole other way. My current favourite spot? A balcony overlooking the Trevi Fountain. That iconic Roman beauty is pretty damn dramatic, and I caught myself muttering “pinch me” while sitting on that balustrade - my pink tutu (you knew that was coming!) gently swaying in the breeze. It was truly a scene straight out of a movie, except with me instead of Audrey Hepburn (though honestly, I think I look rather fab in a pink tutu myself).

But let’s rewind a bit. My adventure began with the magical sound of the train's whistle blowing, that distinct, thrilling whoosh, that always makes my heart jump a bit. It was a long train journey - London to Paris, then a whistle-stop tour across Europe before arriving at Rome's Termini Station. And of course, I made sure to arrive in style. It was an absolute "ballet" moment, as the station echoed with my swishing pink tutu and a whole load of excited gasps and stares. But it's all part of the show, right?

One thing I've learnt in my travels is, embracing that pink tutu, that “anything goes” attitude, opens doors and inspires people in a way you never thought possible. Rome is a city where “fashion” and “flamboyance” are welcomed. It’s a haven for pink tutus! I have witnessed firsthand the magic that occurs when you take a risk and embrace the unexpected - that’s what travel, ballet, and fashion are all about! I think a certain iconic Italian designer – who shall remain nameless for now - agrees, given that I spotted a collection with tutu-inspired layers in one of his most iconic shops, I might even treat myself later to something fab. And wouldn’t that make an excellent entry for next week’s post!

So, back to the magic of Rome. This week I was treated to a magnificent performance at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. “La Traviata,” darling, and what a feast for the eyes and ears. The costumes, the singing - it was as if I’d stumbled onto a scene from my own pink tutu fantasies, and let’s be honest, there is absolutely no greater pleasure than that. The passionate spirit of Verdi’s music, coupled with the sweeping grandeur of the Opera house made this a ballet lover's dream come true.

And when it comes to dreaming big, I can't resist venturing into Rome's bustling markets - they're overflowing with gorgeous fabrics, shimmering silk, a colourful chaos that's irresistible. I even bought some amazing materials – silk and tulle, yes, tulle, to use for future ballet performances, for it wouldn't be a trip to Rome without bringing some inspiration home with me, wouldn't it? My London audience are in for a treat!

Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without visiting the iconic Colosseum. Its presence is truly imposing and evocative. I felt a certain emotional weight on the stone steps of the amphitheater – like a time portal back to when gladiators and emperors were a part of everyday life. It was then, looking at those vast stones and imagining the cheers of the Roman crowd, that I found a deeper meaning within my own pursuit of performing in my pink tutu. It’s not just a playful act of whimsy – it's about expressing myself, challenging conventions, and yes, even about embracing history. And what a delightful connection to find between my ballet-loving self and the ghosts of Roman history!

This brings us to the food. I'm pretty certain it’s an Olympic sport on its own. Pizza. Pasta. Gelato! I’m absolutely indulging in every flavour imaginable, every texture and creamy delight. This is how you embrace Roman life! You live, you love, you eat your way through it! My personal favourite? A lemon gelato - it’s bright, it’s tantalising, and it is quite possibly the best flavour imaginable. It’s like a bite of sunshine on your tongue. I must say, I’m becoming quite the expert on Italian cuisine!

It's funny, though. As I dance through Rome, this glorious pink tutu becomes my talisman, reminding me to stay true to myself, embrace the whimsy and keep chasing my dreams. If you want a good laugh, just watch how some Italians react to a girl wearing a tutu. But guess what? I embrace it all! Their wide-eyed wonder at seeing this pink-clad dancer swirling down the streets, it's the best kind of interaction. It brings joy to my heart and makes it clear - I am not just a ballet dancer; I am a woman who chooses happiness and spreads that joy with a pink tutu wherever I go. You see, the beauty of a pink tutu? It says “I am bold, I am strong, and I am absolutely unapologetically me. Join me on this journey. It's a pink tutu revolution - one dance at a time!

Now, I must go. Rome’s magic has called my attention to a fabulous little store on the Via Condotti that has a beautiful pink hat just calling my name. Until next week, keep dancing your dreams.

Bisous from Emma!

Don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com and check out my weekly post every Wednesday. Next week - I'll tell you about my shopping spree in Rome!