Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma, back from the Eternal City with a heart overflowing with gelato, gorgeousness and, of course, a healthy dose of tutus. As always, I'm whisking you away on my weekly adventure, this time straight into the heart of Rome, Italy.
Now, let's rewind back to Derbyshire for a sec. Remember last week when I told you about my exciting new venture - a solo performance in "Giselle" at the Peak District Theatre? Well, that performance just happened, and you wouldn't believe the applause! It was magical. Honestly, there's no feeling quite like hearing the crowd erupt after you land that perfect grand jeté.
The encore was something special too. They even had a mini 'pink tutu' section with a couple of little girls from the local ballet school who absolutely stole the show with their enthusiasm and twinkle-toed moves! It was heartwarming to see those little girls, faces lit up with glee, dancing alongside their heroes. Makes me believe in the future of dance!
So, with a suitcase full of beautiful new tutus from my performance fees, I packed my bags, said a heartfelt "Ciao" to Derbyshire and jumped onto a sleek Italian train. There's nothing quite like gazing at the passing countryside with a good book and a little Pink Prosecco in hand. I am a bit obsessed with train travel, it's the perfect excuse to embrace those stylish travelling essentials like a silk scarf, a chic travel hat and, of course, my favourite Pink Tutu (you can’t go anywhere without your lucky tutu, can you?).
Reaching Rome was like stepping into a dream. The warm air felt like a warm hug, and the ancient architecture with its rich history instantly swept me into a world of beauty. Speaking of beauty, let's talk about the outfits! Oh, my darling Tutu Twirlers, Rome is a fashion wonderland! Everywhere I looked, from the elegant street fashion to the breathtaking window displays, it felt like I was browsing the pages of a Vogue magazine!
Rome truly does offer a little bit of everything - from vibrant cobbled squares alive with bustling street performers to enchanting hidden alleyways, bursting with fragrant cafes.
Wednesday, as I write this, I just got back from my very own "Tutu tour" of Rome's grand Piazza Navona. This incredible square, filled with Baroque architecture, was a visual feast and a playground for all things creative. We saw everything from impressive street performers showcasing their talents with the most elaborate costumes and dance routines to traditional street vendors, the air abuzz with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goods and warm espresso.
You just can't miss the exquisite Pantheon! The stunning symmetry, with its massive dome reaching for the sky, almost had me speechless, which is pretty rare, trust me!
Speaking of silence, there's also this incredible sense of peace when you step inside St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. I almost got swept away by the sheer magnificence and intricate artistry.
Now, darling, before I overload you with the splendour, let's rewind back to Wednesday. Let's talk about my new Italian-inspired pink tutu ensemble. This little gem, a vibrant shade of fuschia with intricate silk flowers delicately hand-sewn along the bottom, caught my eye from across the bustling Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II. I knew, instinctively, that it was meant to be!
To create a symphony of Parisian chic, I paired it with a creamy white cashmere sweater, some sparkling pearl earrings, and an exquisite black clutch from one of Rome's most renowned designer shops, complete with delicate gold trim (Oh! how I do adore gold, darlings!) . A subtle shimmer of pearl-hued blush on my cheeks and a dash of deep-red lipstick rounded off my look. Honestly, my love affair with Rome was just as dazzling.
I did manage to squeeze in some time for gelato. My darlings, let me tell you - Rome knows its gelato! A rich, creamy vanilla with a hint of espresso, my mouth is still tingling from its perfect creamy-sweet deliciousness! The sunshine, the Italian charm, the decadent gelato... Honestly, it doesn't get much better than this!
And, to top it all off, I discovered the most enchanting ballet studio in the heart of the city. "L’ École De Ballet" tucked away on a cobbled street, it has such a lovely vintage feel with stunning hardwood floors and soft ballet pink walls. It's the kind of place that transports you to the world of classical dance. The energy just buzzed with the promise of beautiful things to come. I could practically hear the delicate sound of tutus swirling through the air.
Tomorrow, I'm booking a spot at "L’ École De Ballet" to attend a beginner's class, all in a new ballet tutu of course! I'm even thinking of creating my very own "Pink Tutu" ballet inspired street dance! Just imagine a group of dancers gracefully pirouetting to the beat of contemporary Italian music, wouldn’t that be something? (Yes, I already have my new pink tutu all planned out...more details next week, darling Tutu Twirlers!)
The magic of travel is to leave with open arms and a heart overflowing. So until next week, keep those pink tutus swirling, always dance your heart out, and let's keep spreading those positive vibes. I can't wait to share my Rome ballet adventures with you, darlings.
Arrivederci, until next Wednesday!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
