Ciao bellas!
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s Pink Tutu Rome time! Grab your pink tutu and your prosecco, darlings, as I take you on a whirlwind tour of this incredible city.
You’ve already heard me squeal about the glorious Colosseum – an absolute masterpiece of Roman engineering, and honestly, I think it looked even better in real life than in pictures! Did I mention the majestic Spanish Steps, too? And, let’s not forget the Trevi Fountain - the legendary wish fountain which we tossed our coins into, fingers crossed for (whisper it) a pink tutu collaboration with a certain designer cough cough *Christian Dior *cough cough.
It's hard to believe this is only my second day in Rome, but we've packed in more excitement than my pink tutu could fit! Yesterday was a right hoot, we even popped over to the Vatican City for a paparazzi-esque photoshoot at the Basilica di San Pietro – with a few dramatic twirls of course, after all, my motto is "Tutu always". You can check out the photo in my stories on Instagram – hashtag #PinkTutuVatican for maximum #TutuGlam.
Today, however, we are talking real history - getting our culture on, with a trip to the Galleria Borghese – one of the most famous museums in Rome and home to some of the finest sculptures and paintings of the Renaissance era. Let's just say, my pink tutu got the full royal treatment and fit right in among the Berninis, the Caravaggios, and the Raphaels – which just shows, really, that pink tutu can really bring a touch of the avant garde to any historical setting!
My love of the classics, and my fascination with European ballet, have been going hand in hand on this trip. We even booked a private performance of Swan Lake at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma – Oh my word! The costumes! The choreography! The dancers! This experience really ticked all the boxes. Did I mention my tutu got a standing ovation? I think my twirls really brought out the emotion of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, don't you?
As we make our way around Rome, one thing is absolutely clear: Rome really is a city that thrives on beauty and a love for all things artistic – from the incredible architecture and history to the incredible street performers. I must confess, Rome has totally captivated my attention and sparked some serious tutu inspiration - I am feeling very creative right now. My vision is a ballet performance at the Trevi fountain, where the dancers use the flowing water and the architecture as a stage. Picture a swirling vortex of dancers, tutus catching the sunlight – and then tell me if that isn’t just a bit dazzling?
Oh, I’m off to explore the fashion shops now, my lovely fashionistas. Did I mention I just discovered the most divine boutique with the most amazing array of vintage, couture gowns? I think I've found my new favourite place to get my ballerina essentials!
Oh, and speaking of essentials – we need to talk about food! The best Italian food! Spaghetti carbonara that makes you weep with joy. Pasta al ragu, that's rich, flavorful and soul-warming! Pizza so fresh, and with toppings to die for, and the wine, oh the wine! They serve it in these quaint little jugs, it's all so incredibly romantic!
If there’s one thing that's certain in Rome – and I know we’re just scratching the surface – it's that this city embraces life with such exuberance. They’ve even given me the courage to explore my creative passions in ways I never would have thought possible.
And to think I nearly ditched my trip to Rome, after missing a ballet audition in London for a last-minute, dream, lead role - in a major touring company! But you see, I realized it wasn't meant to be. The London audition had nothing to offer me that this Roman adventure hasn't. It is Rome which has truly allowed me to grow – as a performer, as a writer, as a Tutu Warrior!
It's given me this insatiable need to dance like no one’s watching – even if that means making my own stage, or performing for a tiny, unsuspecting audience at the side of the road. It's been a glorious trip so far and, oh darlings, the story of Pink Tutu Rome is just beginning!
Join me next week for more fashion, fun, and Italian shenanigans - because darling, when it comes to my Rome adventures, this is just beginning.
Until next time, don't forget to twirl!
**Ciao bella,
Emma**
www.pink-tutu.com
