Wednesday 23rd July 2008
Ciao bella! I'm Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu wearing ballerina, and I'm so excited to be writing to you all from the Eternal City: Rome!
This week's adventures have been filled with the intoxicating scent of jasmine, the delicious buzz of gelato shops, and the majesty of ancient ruins – it's like stepping back in time, but with a very fashionable twist. This trip was made possible thanks to a stellar ballet performance at the Royal Albert Hall last week, the proceeds of which were lovingly donated to my travel fund. There's nothing quite like seeing your hard work in the studio pay off in the form of a new city to explore!
I arrived in Rome on Sunday after a beautiful journey by train from Milan. I simply adore train journeys - they're so civilised and romantic! And my little pink tutu travel bag looked adorable perched on the seat beside me. It really was a picture perfect scene - a touch of whimsy against the backdrop of the Italian countryside.
My Rome Adventures Begin
Once in Rome, the first thing I did was get myself a lovely big scoop of pistachio gelato – you can't go wrong with that flavour. Then, it was straight into a breathtaking stroll through the Colosseum, feeling the history radiate out from every stone. Imagine all the stories that those ancient walls could tell!
The next morning, I found myself in a delightful boutique on Via del Corso, shopping for a gorgeous new dress to wear to the ballet that evening. I picked out a stunning fuchsia silk dress with delicate embellishments - it really made me feel like a princess from a fairytale! The pink tutu made an appearance, naturally, layered underneath, adding a touch of ballerina chic.
The Roman Ballet
Later that evening, it was off to the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma for a delightful production of "Giselle." The stage was bathed in magical lighting, the music was so powerful, and the choreography was truly captivating. The entire performance had me captivated from the very first pirouette. Of course, the entire theatre went wild with applause after the curtain call - I felt a thrill just being part of that shared experience. It's a magical feeling that unites people from all walks of life.
A Little Pink Inspiration
Rome has so many hidden gems to discover, and it's just brimming with inspiration for the ballet. I've been snapping pictures of stunning fountains, intricate sculptures, and incredible architecture, and you can be sure that some of these sights will be translated into exciting new movements and choreography when I get back to the studio. The Roman sense of artistry and passion are so infectious. I even spotted a group of young girls doing their ballet barre stretches in the shadow of the Trevi fountain - imagine what talent Rome will unearth in years to come!
I think Rome has also inspired a new ballet shoe - one that combines the elegant simplicity of a traditional ballet shoe with a subtle touch of Italian flair - imagine a silk ribbon, perhaps, or a delicate embroidery design?
Fashionable Footwear for a Fashionable City
Speaking of shoes, I found myself in shoe heaven at a small shoe boutique tucked away near the Pantheon. The leather was soft and buttery, and the styles were exquisite. It was love at first sight for a pair of delicate pink leather sandals adorned with tiny rose-gold buckles - the perfect shoe to twirl through the streets of Rome! They make a stunning statement when paired with my tutu and a flowing floral skirt, perfect for my planned gelato tour tomorrow.
I love discovering unique details, the little things that add a touch of personality to a look. Today, I picked up a beautifully patterned silk scarf and an intricately crafted hand fan, both inspired by Renaissance art, at a charming market. And, of course, my beloved tutu was the perfect accessory to accentuate the colour of the fan, giving my look an extra dash of colour and whimsy.
My Pink Tutu Mission: World Domination... in Style!
My biggest aim in life is to spread the joy and love of tutus across the globe. From London to Rome and beyond, my tutu travels with me, inspiring people to embrace their inner ballerina, even if they've never stood on pointe in their life. Seeing how much fun and happiness it brings to people - children, especially, light up like little stars! - is so rewarding. The world is a better place when there are more pink tutus out there!
Rome is proving to be a brilliant spot to spread my mission. I've already met a charming gelato vendor who, to my utter delight, told me his wife is a huge ballet fan - he's going to get her a pink tutu next time he's in London! I also convinced a young street artist to add a whimsical ballerina figure to one of his murals, just to add a bit of sparkle to the city streets!
The Future is Pink and Twirly
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in Rome next week, where I'm going to explore the wonders of the Vatican, maybe even try my hand at learning some Italian phrases.
And remember, my fellow pink tutu lovers - the world needs more twirling and joy, and I hope you'll join me on this whimsical adventure. If you see a girl in a pink tutu in Rome, come and say hello!
Until next time, keep dancing!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S - Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at my adventures and more of my fabulous fashion finds!
