Buongiorno from Rome, my darlings! This week I'm twirling my way through the Eternal City, the perfect backdrop for a ballerina like me. It's the most amazing city to get lost in! I feel like a character straight out of Fellini, all those glorious fountains, historic piazzas and vibrant gelato carts – even the Vespa drivers look like they're part of a cinematic masterpiece!
Travelling in Style:
Rome was the first stop on my Italian train adventure – the glorious, sleek Italo trains whisk you away through stunning Italian landscapes, and there's no better way to see the country than through its train windows. It was such a fabulous start to the trip!
My Pink Paradise in Rome
Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without a visit to the fashion capital, Milan, and I found myself indulging in a little retail therapy. Shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda was pure bliss!
As much as I loved the luxurious boutiques and the chance to discover some hidden treasures (the gorgeous silk scarf in the most vibrant shade of pink just had to come home with me!), my favourite fashion finds were all found on my delightful wanderings around the city. The independent boutiques in Trastevere were my favourite, tucked away in cobblestone alleyways filled with charming artisan crafts and quirky vintage pieces. It’s here that I snagged my new favourite pair of ruby-red heels, perfectly pointy and ready to step onto the Roman stage!
The Perfect Pink Tutu for Rome
Of course, I couldn’t forget my pink tutu, and a Rome-worthy ensemble just wouldn't be complete without the most stunning hand-painted fabric I found on a quaint market stall in Trastevere. I bought several metres of this whimsical cotton with vibrant floral designs that I envision incorporating into my next pink tutu masterpiece! The delicate pinks and oranges of the fabric will be a stunning compliment to my blush-pink tulle for my performance later this week at a fabulous outdoor stage in Trastevere.
Rome's Ballet Secrets
Being in Rome, surrounded by such a rich cultural history, meant one thing - it was time for some opera! My friends, you haven’t truly experienced the magic of opera until you’ve seen it in a historical Italian theatre! I fell in love with the vibrant energy and dramatic spectacle of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. I’m so grateful for these cultural experiences - it truly reminds me that dance and opera are intertwined, and what we do as performers comes from a rich lineage. I am but one tiny part of this history!
I'm also getting ready to dance alongside local students from the Accademia Nazionale di Danza. Their passion and energy are contagious, and they’re all eagerly awaiting my arrival in a brand new, Rome-inspired pink tutu I created especially for this performance. Just wait until you see it!
Dancing My Way Through The Roman Nights:
There are so many things that make Rome the perfect city for a ballet lover. The romantic piazzas bathed in the soft glow of street lights, the cobblestone alleys and narrow streets begging to be explored on pointe – oh, the possibilities!
Roman Feast for the Senses
Of course, a trip to Italy wouldn't be complete without a trip through the bustling, colourful markets! You could spend hours here browsing through the stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and vibrant blooms. I loved exploring the stalls at the Testaccio market and buying an armful of roses in all shades of pink for a romantic walk across Ponte Sisto Bridge, looking down at the river, as the setting sun bathed Rome in golden hues.
But let’s talk about the food! My heart skipped a beat as I walked into Trattoria da Enzo – this is the spot for a taste of real, authentic Roman cooking. The atmosphere is lively and charming, and the pasta, well, let’s just say, my stomach did a little dance of delight with every delicious mouthful!
La Dolce Vita and a Pink Tutu Dream
After all my exploration, I like to relax in the warmth of the evening sun in the Campo de' Fiori, nestled between the locals, sipping coffee, surrounded by laughter and the joyful chatter of families enjoying each other's company. It’s a testament to the spirit of Rome that everyone is out, enjoying life, celebrating the beautiful evening, just like they do in the movies!
In Rome, I have discovered a sense of joie de vivre I didn’t realise I was missing. A certain ‘la dolce vita’, or “the sweet life,” if you will. My hope is that this will be a trip I always remember – the delicious food, the captivating sights, the fascinating museums, the friendly people… and of course, all those wonderful pink tutus I plan to bring home with me!
My friends, remember that every day is a chance to twirl, to embrace your dreams and spread a little bit of pink happiness wherever you go!
Yours in pink,
Emma
PS: You can follow my journey in Rome on Instagram - @PinkTutuTravel. Join me on the #PinkTutuRome adventure!
