#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2007-05-16 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao bella! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means... a new Pink Tutu Rome blog post, straight from the heart of Italy! The sun is shining, the gelato is flowing, and my pink tutu is swirling in the streets of this magnificent city. I’m feeling utterly fantastic and full of inspiration, especially since yesterday I watched the most incredible ballet performance at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. I’m absolutely buzzing and I think you can sense it in this week’s blog post…

Rome. A city brimming with history, culture, and delicious food. How could I possibly resist? This week has been all about taking in the beauty, enjoying the flavours and, of course, spotting all the opportunities to add a touch of pink tutu magic.

Remember how I told you I'd be funding my Italian adventures with a couple of performances? Well, on Friday night I dazzled audiences in Derbyshire, showcasing some of my latest choreography in a benefit gala. The turnout was fantastic, and the energy in the theatre was truly electrifying. You should see me – I’m pretty much a sparkling ballerina powerhouse! I was absolutely on fire, leaving the crowd cheering for more. That kind of passion and dedication fuelled my excitement for my Italian escapade. Now I'm here in Rome, ready to soak up all that the city has to offer.

Let’s get right to it…

The sheer size of this historical wonder truly takes your breath away. It felt like standing right there with the gladiators as they fought under the watchful eye of the emperors. The echoes of history hung in the air.

Speaking of history, did you know that the Colosseum actually started as a public arena designed by the Emperor Vespasian for entertaining the Roman masses? It's thought to have held over 50,000 people. Can you imagine the excitement and spectacle that must have been present back then?

Standing amidst those ancient stone walls, my imagination soared. I felt the rhythm of gladiatorial battles, the roar of the crowds, and even imagined a tiny pink tutu dancing in the dust amongst the roars of the lions.

My second stop was the Pantheon – one of the most stunning architectural wonders of Rome. That magnificent dome with the oculus that allows the sunshine to stream through the building in such a magical way is simply awe-inspiring. Did you know that the Pantheon is still considered one of the largest unreinforced concrete domes in the world? I was blown away! I mean, imagine constructing a structure like that without any modern technology – remarkable!

I wandered around its cool marble halls, marveling at its elegance, simplicity and perfection. This place truly transports you back in time, and it's so beautifully preserved! It's easy to see why the Pantheon has been a source of inspiration for artists and architects throughout history, even inspiring our very own St. Paul's Cathedral!

Speaking of inspiring...

Of course, I can't resist a trip to Rome without taking in some ballet! It was quite by chance that I spotted the opera house in my sightseeing walkabout. My little pink heart beat a little faster, I have to say, and I just knew I had to see what was happening inside! It turned out to be an intimate performance of La Bohème with a breathtaking score. The dancers, their skill, grace and strength moved me. You could feel the power of their passion radiating out, capturing the essence of life, love and tragedy on the stage.

I’m now a big fan of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma! This majestic structure was beautifully ornate, full of gilded details, intricate paintings, and sparkling chandeliers. Even the air seemed to be perfumed with the scent of centuries past. I definitely recommend a visit. I'll be heading back myself for sure!

Shopping in Rome has been pure delight, let me tell you! Of course, I had to go all out in a luxurious Italian department store. The window displays are just a glimpse of the extravagance that lies within. It’s pure decadence and glamour galore! I even managed to grab myself some stunning new silk scarves for the journey home. Can you believe the colours? Just imagine – these vibrant hues with the backdrop of a magnificent, rolling Tuscan landscape - pure pink tutu perfection!

But the fun doesn’t stop there. I even indulged in some fabulous fashion finds in some vintage stores. From retro sunnies to funky handbags, I’m always on the hunt for a touch of whimsy.

You know I can't leave Italy without a bit of designer indulgence. It's so much more fun when I have something new to add to my ever-growing Pink Tutu wardrobe! I was captivated by an absolutely stunning pink tutu dress, made from the finest silk with beautiful pearl detailing. I think you’ll have to see it for yourselves when I wear it to the Derbyshire gala in a couple of weeks - you just know I'll look a sight!

Every single day, there’s been gelato. It’s a ritual, a passion. This glorious, sweet treat is an experience in itself, and each flavour is like a delicious, dreamy adventure.

And talking of adventures… I found a quaint cafe tucked away in one of the narrow alleyways. Just a few tables spilling onto the cobblestone street and filled with laughter and the aroma of coffee, the sound of people chattering and giggling – truly, it captures the essence of Rome's charm and its soul.

So, as I sit here in my Pink Tutu, surrounded by the buzzing life of this incredible city, I can’t help but feel grateful for all the magic I've found in this beautiful country. Rome has a certain energy that pulsates with life, a richness that I want to soak up until the last drop.

And with a smile as wide as the Colosseum, I can’t help but feel like I've only scratched the surface. But, just like with every great story, there's always a next chapter, and mine is just starting to unfold…

Arrivederci from Rome, and see you all next week!

Emma

P.S. Be sure to check back next Wednesday for another adventure in Rome. Maybe I'll be exploring ancient ruins, visiting hidden gardens, or sharing some tips on how to perfect your pink tutu spin for all those photo ops! You can even follow me on Instagram at @PinkTutuAdventures for more snaps of my escapades. Don’t forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com, too, so you don’t miss any of the fun!