Wednesday 2001-03-28
Ciao bella! This week I'm writing to you from Rome, the heart of Italy, the city of love, where the aroma of coffee hangs heavy in the air and the laughter of children spills out into the streets. I've just hopped off the train from Florence – those Italian trains, let me tell you, are something else! Comfy leather seats, fantastic views, and a touch of old-school glamour. They make travelling a pure joy.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Rome, you say? And pink tutu you ask? Well, darlings, this is Emma in pink-tutu land, remember? And the only rule in this pink paradise is: wear what makes you happy! That’s right! Today, I’m channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn – imagine her with a dash of ballerina flair, a touch of Rome’s dramatic architecture, and a whole lot of pink, naturally!
Rome has just the right balance of modern vibrancy and timeless charm. The cobbled streets lead you to hidden trattorias serving the most delectable pasta, each fountain whispers its own unique story, and the piazzas? Oh my goodness! They are simply brimming with life!
A Dance with the Roman Gods
Today was all about exploring Rome’s breathtaking beauty and, of course, the Roman ballet scene! And you wouldn’t believe what I stumbled upon. It seems the ancient Romans had their own version of ballet, you see. Not with the delicate moves we’re used to, mind you. It involved athletic leaps, strong formations, and expressive storytelling through rhythmic movements.
A real stroke of luck led me to the "Teatro dell'Opera di Roma" - this beautiful venue housed a fascinating exhibit on the history of ancient Roman dance. There were ancient marble sculptures of dancers, a showcase of restored costumes and a recreation of what Roman theatres looked like back then. You’d think the ancient Romans invented tutus, just seeing the costumes on display. My head was swirling with inspiration and I quickly jotted down some ideas for my next ballet choreography – a touch of Ancient Rome in the contemporary setting. Watch out for that in my next performance!
A Pink Paradise in Rome
My quest to find the most glorious pink in Rome took me on an afternoon of blissful shopping. There’s something about Italian fashion – it’s just so elegant and sophisticated! And I tell you what, the ladies here really know how to accessorise. The perfect touch of bold pink lipstick and delicate pearls – swoon! I bought myself the most charming pair of blush pink suede ballet pumps, perfectly matched to a gorgeous lavender silk scarf and some blush-toned make-up that just makes my cheeks sing!
Ciao Bella: A Romantic Stroll and Italian Opera
Later, as the sun set and the air grew soft and gentle, I strolled along the banks of the River Tiber. The golden light painted everything in a soft glow. It truly is the most beautiful city! The sound of live music floated across the air from a nearby piazza. This romantic, open-air performance gave me chills.
Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Roman Opera House for an evening of glorious opera. I've always been captivated by the intensity and passion of Italian opera and I wasn’t disappointed! The grandeur of the theatre itself was mesmerizing. Just as you enter, a breathtaking, soaring ceiling filled with chandeliers that seem to stretch towards infinity catches your eye. The vibrant red velvet seating is perfect for a diva with an appetite for luxurious drama. As for the opera itself – it was a breathtaking blend of soaring voices, dramatic costumes, and heartfelt emotions. I loved seeing a new perspective on ballet through the grand, bold and storytelling medium of opera. It opened up a whole new world of dance for me!
From Rome to Derbyshire
It’s funny how this city whispers stories of history and art in every nook and cranny. I find myself thinking of how all the elements that contribute to this artistic heritage in Italy were also present in the UK too. The influence of Rome is evident across Britain, but even within my small Derbyshire village. There’s always been a dedication to artistry and a fascination with movement. I recall watching the church dancers from the sidelines in Derbyshire. My earliest memories involve pirouette and pliés. We danced on village greens in the summer, in community centres and churches, for family birthdays and fundraisers. It was an instinctive part of my upbringing. To see this echoed in another country feels wonderful.
I leave you with a tip: when in Rome, do as the Romans do - which in my book means: don’t be afraid to embrace your own unique style, whether you’re donning a pink tutu, exploring ancient ruins or dancing in a cobbled piazza. And always remember: a little pink can go a long way!
Until next week, ciao bella!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
