Buongiorno, darling readers! It’s Emma here, writing to you from the heart of Rome! The cobblestones are calling, the gelato is melting, and the pink tutus are ready to twirl! It’s Wednesday, which means another Pink Tutu Rome adventure, and this week, I'm soaking up all the glorious, history-infused Italian sunshine.
This time, my darling readers, I’m taking you on a whirlwind tour through the Eternal City - and let me tell you, Rome’s got that magical sparkle, just like my beloved ballet shoes!
Train Travel Dreams
My journey to Rome started, as usual, in my favourite way – a luxurious, romantic train ride. I love the clickety-clack of the tracks, the cozy, plush carriages, and the chance to admire the scenery whizzing by. And when the train pulled into Rome Termini station, it was like stepping into a movie set - vibrant, full of life, and just bursting with character.
A Pink Tutu in Rome: A Fashion Statement
The cobbled streets, the iconic buildings, the incredible food, the art, the history, it’s all a sensory feast for the senses! Of course, what could be more fabulous than exploring it all wearing my signature pink tutu? Pink, as you know, is my go-to colour, it just radiates such joy and positive energy, and the tutu – well, it just says “let’s dance and have a ball”!
I wore a brand new tutu, I picked it up in Florence (we’re planning a blog post about Florence very soon, darling readers), with gorgeous frills and soft pink feathers. It matched my chic little black top perfectly, adding just a hint of that “Emma” style. Rome really is the city for pink tutus – they simply sparkle under the Italian sun!
Ballet Bonanza!
Before heading out, I indulged in a delicious cappuccino in the square outside the beautiful Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, which looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale. The majestic marble facade just drew me in, promising the excitement of an upcoming ballet performance.
On December 4th, the Teatro dell’Opera had a magical performance of Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece, "Swan Lake". The delicate story of love, betrayal, and swan-like grace captivated me, just as I’m sure it would any tutu-loving ballerina! The talented dancers pirouetted, jetéed and arabesqued with exquisite precision, weaving tales of love, betrayal, and a haunting swan song.
Oh, and the costumes! I just couldn’t help but be entranced by the fluffy white tutus of the swan corps, shimmering under the stage lights like magical, celestial beings.
I can’t wait to see if I can add a little ballet class into my Roman adventures tomorrow, too. My body’s just bursting with inspiration after watching the beauty of “Swan Lake”.
Foodie Adventures: Pastries & Pizzas
I was lucky enough to have my lovely Italian Aunt Rosa as my tour guide – she has been showing me the city's most incredible corners! She knows exactly where to get the most incredible focaccia – which was just divine! And of course, every meal in Rome is just a joy! Fresh pasta, juicy salads, mouth-watering pastries – you name it, the Italian chefs and bakers certainly know how to make their food divine!
The absolute highlight? It’s a little controversial, darling readers – but I can’t resist a good pizza! Even in this land of delicious Italian gastronomy, I’ve discovered a true culinary gem, a small hidden pizzeria that serves up the most authentic pizza – thin-crust, bursting with flavor. A little indulgence here and there won’t hurt, right? I have to admit, sometimes the pink tutu life means eating more than your fair share of pizzas – especially when you find one so delicious, you want to celebrate!
Shopping Spree in Rome:
Speaking of indulgence, I am in shopping heaven! From tiny independent boutiques overflowing with exquisite fashion to sprawling, historic shopping streets like Via Condotti, this city has a store for everyone and everything! It's been an absolute dream browsing for the perfect pieces to complete my Pink Tutu wardrobe.
I discovered a little antique shop overflowing with beautiful brooches and pins. The shop owner told me a fascinating story about the Italian women in the 1940s, who would pin jewels and brooches to their scarves to add sparkle to their simple wartime outfits.
It seems to me that that spirit of fashion flair and finding beauty in even the simplest things is something I can learn from! I can’t wait to add some beautiful Roman jewels and antique pins to my tutus - perfect for my upcoming winter performances back in Derbyshire!
History Whispers in the Eternal City:
You simply can't come to Rome without wandering through the captivating Forum of Caesar and the Palatine Hill, imagining what life was like for emperors and gladiators. It feels as though the city breathes history, with the stories of Roman Emperors, Colosseum battles, and magnificent marble sculptures woven into its very essence. Every corner whispers secrets, just like the whispers in the studio where I practice.
The Colosseum itself is simply breathtaking, I am absolutely in awe. I think it’s going to take many more visits to explore this majestic arena and take it all in.
Rome, A Ballet Inspiration
It seems Rome itself is full of “la dolce vita,” as Italians call it - the good life, full of vibrancy, artistry, and love! I must admit, Rome’s influence is even infiltrating my dancing! The steps feel freer, lighter, filled with a joy I can only get from wandering through these incredible cobblestone streets.
Of course, my pink tutu makes any day a little more special, especially in this city brimming with such rich heritage and breathtaking art. Every step I take, every corner I turn, is a delightful surprise! Rome, you are simply a masterpiece of a city!
Coming Up Soon!
As you know, I love to take you with me on my travel adventures. I’m posting once a week every Wednesday, darling readers, and next week, I’m going to tell you about …wait for it … the exquisite beauty of a ballet performance in Rome's Teatro dell'Opera, with all its magnificent splendor and passionate dancing! See you there, darlings, on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until then, embrace the joy of the "la dolce vita," wear your pink tutus, twirl your way through life, and spread some happy sparkle!
Ciao!
Emma 💕
