Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another instalment of my Pink Tutu Rome adventures! This week has been absolutely bursting with excitement – think Roman sunshine, gelato melting on my tongue, and enough historical marvels to make my head spin! (Oh, and let's not forget the Aperol Spritzes – quelle refreshment!).
Remember that lovely trip I did a few weeks ago to Paris? Well, that was all fuelled by my most recent performance with the Derbyshire Dance Ensemble. Turns out, our production of 'The Nutcracker' was a smash hit! We raised enough to fund this little Italian jaunt, so a huge thank you to everyone who came along, it's all down to you! Speaking of smashing, did I mention that I had an absolute blast in Paris?! If you haven't already, be sure to check out my posts #566- #571, all about Parisian fashion and culture. You won't want to miss out!
This week, though, we’re firmly in the Roman heart. I arrived on Monday, a whirl of pink tulle and excitement as I stepped off the train. I love the journey by train – something about it all feels so grand and romantic, especially with my big, bright pink suitcase that I call 'Rosalind'. She's the envy of everyone on the platform! You should see the expressions people make! "Are you… are you a ballerina?" they often whisper with wide-eyed curiosity. It’s a great opportunity to tell them all about Pink Tutu and my mission to spread the joy of dance and a love of pink to everyone! It’s surprising how many people get on board (pun intended!), they're just so intrigued! The Italian language makes everything sound even more lovely, I must say!
Of course, Rome wasn't just about trains. Oh no! It's all about food, history, and beautiful, beautiful things! I've been feasting on pasta, gelato, and fresh fruit – it’s amazing how well Italian food goes with a vibrant pink tutu, don't you think?
Right, so, let's talk fashion! This week's outfit? Well, let’s just say it’s very Italian. A beautiful cream, floral print maxi dress – light and floaty – perfect for the Roman heat. I topped it off with a stunning blush pink belt with a gold buckle – a delicate hint of bling, you see! Of course, no outfit is complete without the perfect pink tutu, right? And for the grand finale, a straw sunhat with a pink ribbon. Let’s just say, my inner fashionista is singing with joy! You wouldn't believe the amount of compliments I’ve received - I must say, the Italians definitely have a good eye for fashion. I've also found some wonderful little vintage shops tucked away in the cobblestone streets. Let’s just say that a certain vintage brocade handbag has made its way back to England with me… just wait till you see it on my Instagram!
And the shows! Oh, the shows! I saw an incredible ballet performance at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma on Tuesday evening. Imagine the grandeur of the building – all grand staircases, sweeping ceilings, and ornate décor. It’s truly breath-taking, just like the show itself! The dancers were fantastic – so powerful and full of grace. I even saw some of their tutus – it was just dreamy. I bought some lovely, pastel-hued, handmade ballet slippers as a souvenir – something to keep the memories alive back in Derbyshire.
Speaking of dancing, it’s just so easy to dance around in Rome. You can just lose yourself in the music, be it classical tunes at a historic square, street performers busking their hearts out, or even the sounds of people laughing as they gather in cafes, surrounded by chattering pigeons. The air here feels so vibrant and full of life! It’s impossible not to smile.
Did I mention the gelato? It's divine! I tried a scoop of pistachio yesterday. I must say, nothing compares to Italian gelato!
As we approach the end of my trip, I already feel nostalgic about returning to the familiar routine back in Derbyshire. The early mornings in the studio, the energy of our dance classes, and, of course, the warm smiles of the lovely locals I know. There's just nothing quite like home, even if I'll cherish my time in Rome for years to come.
One last tip for anyone travelling here - the best place to experience the real Roman vibe is to grab a gelato cone and find yourself a comfy spot at the edge of the Trevi Fountain. People-watching is an art form here. I made some friends on the fountain steps – just the cutest little girl and her father. We talked about dancing (she's learning!), ballet, and what I’d rather have, the Strawberry or the Chocolate gelato. It turned out we were both after the chocolate, naturally!
Stay tuned for my next adventure on Pink Tutu. Until then, don't forget – embrace life, dance your heart out, and wear pink! You never know, your very own pink tutu journey might just be around the corner…
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
P.S: Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for more pictures and updates from my Italian adventures!
