Wednesday, 5th October 2005
Hello lovelies! This week's Pink Tutu adventure takes us to the heart of Rome, a city bursting with history, charm, and gelato! I mean, what's not to love? It's just pure magic. As you know, I've been in a little bit of a travelling mood lately. Last month it was Edinburgh, then a whirlwind tour of France, and now, here I am, Italy's finest.
And guess what? My trusty pink tutu has, naturally, travelled with me! It's been a bit of a whirlwind since arriving in Rome – you see, my Italian journey is fuelled by an intense passion for ballet, both the grand, classical performances and the street-style bursts of dance that erupt across the city's squares. (Remember, lovelies, the power of a tutu transcends any language barrier!)
Let's get to the real stuff, though. It's time for a Pink Tutu tour of Rome, shall we?
Day One: La Dolce Vita, in a Tutu
This week's outfit was a glorious explosion of pinks and peaches. I decided on a delicate tulle tutu in a vibrant flamingo pink, paired with a creamy silk blouse that flowed like a dream, and of course, my ballet flats, perfect for dancing the day away. My favourite new accessory was a charming Italian straw hat adorned with a delicate pink bow, bringing the perfect touch of whimsy.
Our first stop: The Colosseum! Honestly, it’s even more magnificent in person, an awe-inspiring piece of Roman history. As I twirled around, imagining the gladiators battling below, a wave of pink-tutu-infused inspiration hit me! I saw myself in a ballet based on this ancient arena, a spectacle of dance and history colliding, a visual masterpiece that would captivate audiences globally. It’s definitely something I'll be musing on for a while…
The Food: It wouldn’t be Italy without indulging in delicious pizza and pasta. I savoured every bite of a heavenly thin-crust pizza topped with gooey mozzarella and a tangy tomato sauce. Then, on to a hearty plate of pasta carbonara – the richness of the cream and pancetta just melts in your mouth. And of course, I couldn't resist an ice-cream (gelato, in Italian) – a double scoop of strawberry and pistachio, pure heaven in a cone!
Evening Delight: Opera and Ballet
I knew Rome would have an abundance of ballet performances and operas, but even I wasn’t prepared for the sheer spectacle of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma! My breath was taken away by the sheer size and elegance of the theatre, with intricate carvings, plush velvet seats and ornate chandeliers that made it feel like a scene from a fairytale. I watched the legendary ballerina Maria Tallchief in a performance of "La Bayadere," her movements a breathtaking combination of power and grace, so mesmerising I felt as if I was transported to another world. I truly felt the magical, emotional power of ballet, making it a highlight of my Italian adventures.
Day Two: Trevi Fountain and Roman Streets
Today’s outfit was an adorable baby pink skater dress with a ruffled hem. It was so breezy and fun to wear as I wandered around, and paired beautifully with a wide-brimmed sun hat and pink-and-white striped flats, keeping things on-brand with a chic Italian flair.
The Trevi Fountain was every bit as magnificent as I'd dreamt! The elaborate marble structure was breathtaking, its details exquisite. I felt a surge of romanticism as I tossed in a coin for good luck (you just have to, don't you?) – who knows, maybe I'll be back in Rome next year, who knows! The energy in the area was electric, filled with street artists, performers, and locals going about their day, so lively and welcoming.
In the evening, I ventured into the heart of the city, wandering through narrow cobbled streets, discovering tiny cafes overflowing with local charm, and exploring hidden gems only locals knew about. Rome truly is a city to explore by foot. I found a little park where a group of street dancers were performing, with energetic music, creative steps and expressive body language, the essence of storytelling through dance.
A Touch of Magic: Shopping on the Via Condotti
It’s no surprise that Rome is a haven for fashion lovers! And let's be honest, a Pink Tutu enthusiast like me has to indulge in a little bit of luxury shopping.
The Via Condotti is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, and as I strolled down this avenue lined with designer boutiques, my heart raced! I love the chic, elegant aesthetic, with everything from leather goods and exquisite jewellery to some of the world’s most coveted designers. The Italian style is so captivating and effortlessly chic, it’s inspiring me to bring back new ideas and pieces for my wardrobe back home.
I did pick up some truly fabulous accessories to complement my trusty pink tutu, - think sparkling silver earrings that glistened like tiny diamonds, a blush-pink scarf with delicate floral embroidery, and a stunning silver belt, perfect for adding that final touch of sparkle. These beauties will bring a bit of Roman charm back to my own wardrobe, and I can't wait to showcase them in my upcoming dance performances!
My Pink Tutu Travels:
You see, dear lovelies, Rome isn't just a city. It's an experience. An intoxicating mix of ancient history and vibrant life. But also, as with everywhere I travel, a beautiful opportunity to explore different dance styles, to be inspired and to grow as a ballerina. It's not just about the tutus, though I do believe in their universal power to spread joy. It's about seeing the world through pink-tinted, tutu-tinged spectacles.
You’ll never know what amazing memories and adventures await until you go explore the world with a pink tutu! And who knows, maybe this inspiring trip will even spark some new ideas for my ballet performance in Derby next month. I’ll keep you posted.
For now, though, it's back to enjoying the sun, the pasta, the beautiful streets and the magic of Italy. Ciao bella!
Until next week!
Emma xx
