Wednesday 24th May 2006
Buongiorno, darlings!
It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, reporting live from the heart of the Eternal City! Yes, my dears, I’m in Rome, and believe me, it’s every bit as fabulous as you’ve imagined. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the streets are buzzing with life, just like my fabulous pink tutu.
I'm so excited to share this week's journey with you all!
As you know, my passion for ballet transcends borders. Every week, I find myself exploring a new city, experiencing a different culture, and sharing the wonder of the dance with you. This week, my dancing feet landed in the magical city of Rome. Now, I know what you're thinking: Pink tutu and Rome? That's a match made in fashion heaven!
My journey started, as usual, with a lovely train journey from Derbyshire. Let me tell you, a tutu makes travelling by train infinitely more glamorous. It’s all about adding a dash of magic to even the most mundane of commutes, don't you think? I love seeing people’s reactions – it never fails to make me smile. The little girl who screamed with delight when she saw my twirling tutu on the platform will forever be etched in my memory! It’s these moments, you see, that remind me why I do this.
Now, the real reason for this week's Rome escapade is the incredible ballet festival happening here. This is an annual event I wouldn't miss for the world, bringing together the very best in classical ballet, with renowned dancers and choreographers from all over the globe.
My first night in Rome, I couldn't resist visiting the Trevi Fountain, the ultimate symbol of Roman magic. Standing beneath the cascading water, tossing a coin for a wish, I couldn’t help but feel the undeniable power of this ancient city. As the sun dipped behind the historic buildings, bathing the fountain in a warm glow, I couldn't help but think, "Emma, you're living your dream, darling."
And what would a Rome adventure be without some delicious gelato, am I right? The sweet taste of that first scoop on a warm Italian evening - heaven! It’s a sensory experience that leaves me feeling utterly charmed.
On Thursday evening, it’s finally time for the festival! My excitement is bubbling like a champagne fountain. It’s The Nutcracker with a whole new spin on it – imagine that! The iconic score by Tchaikovsky meets modern Italian flair; I can barely contain my anticipation!
The opening night is simply enchanting. The Italian flair in this production is mesmerising - so dramatic, so full of passion! The dance is beyond breathtaking, leaving me breathless and feeling a profound sense of awe. You know how much I love a little showmanship, and tonight was certainly a treat! The costumes were stunning and so vibrant. It felt like an entire fashion parade unfolding on stage – fabulous is an understatement!
Rome, I’m already smitten. It’s an intoxicating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and utterly delicious food. What more could a ballerina ask for?
Of course, no trip is complete without some indulgence in the world of fashion. Today, I'm discovering the chic boutiques and ateliers of Rome. Let's just say that I might be returning home with more than a few delightful souvenirs... maybe some little ballet-inspired pieces to adorn my tutu wardrobe. A pink tutu with a Roman flair? Now that's an idea I'm positively thrilled about!
This weekend is all about soaking in the city, its incredible atmosphere, and all the delectable Italian delights. It wouldn’t be a Rome adventure without a walk through the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, and perhaps a delicious plate of pasta at a charming trattoria tucked away in a quiet alleyway. This city whispers history in every cobblestone, every fountain, and every piece of art, making it impossible not to be swept away.
Next week, I'm returning to Derbyshire. Back to the world of ballet classes, rehearsals, and the excitement of the upcoming ballet performances that fund these wonderful journeys. But even though I'll be far from the beautiful Roman sunshine, a piece of this magic will always remain with me. The stories, the memories, the laughter, and most importantly, the ballet - they all enrich my heart and soul. And I can’t wait to share more stories of my adventures, more magical moments, more pink tutus with you, my lovely readers.
Until then, remember – you can dance anywhere, and there's always a place for a little pink tutu in the world!
Ciao for now!
Emma xx
