Ciao Bella! This week, Pink Tutu Rome whisks you away to the magnificent, historic, fashion-forward city of Rome! My travels are once again funded by a string of incredible performances in the lovely Peak District - I was particularly enchanted by a production of āGiselleā last week at Matlockās Victorian theatre - such a charming setting. But it's time to leave the Peak District for the allure of the Colosseum, the magic of Trevi Fountain, and the delicious pizza!
My heart has always had a soft spot for Italy, particularly Rome. There's something about this ancient city, where the past whispers through every cobbled street and ancient ruin, that just sets my creative soul on fire. And of course, as a Pink Tutu girl, I couldn't miss the chance to experience the iconic fashion scene of Rome. Imagine: vintage couture nestled alongside chic boutiques, each window displaying an artistic vision of Italian glamour. My eyes, naturally, were immediately drawn to a pair of dusty rose, tulle-lined stilettos nestled in the corner of an antique shop, whispering a secret only I could understand.
Rome, as every travel brochure boasts, truly is an āEternal Cityā. But what could be more eternal than the magic of dance? Today, Iām exploring the world of Roman ballet! The Rome Opera House, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, has been my destination since I stepped off the Eurostar (yes, travelling by train is truly the only way for a true Pink Tutu girl! Those long journeys allow me to slip into a world of pure inspiration). The magnificent facade, decorated with ornate carvings and shimmering in the autumn sunlight, makes you realise that Rome isn't just about ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces, but also a haven for the performing arts.
And then, thereās the Opera House itself, a beautiful, elegant space where the aroma of fresh flowers blends with the soft murmur of anticipation. The Italian opera has a long and illustrious history, and Iām simply enthralled to be witnessing the legacy firsthand! As I wait with my heart thrumming with excitement for the show to begin, I take a moment to consider what unites me with these graceful, ancient stones. This yearning for the extraordinary, the timeless beauty of art and creation - is this not the essence of being a Pink Tutu girl?
The show, "The Sleeping Beauty," was pure magic. Each movement, each pause, and each whisper of the orchestra - a symphony of emotions conveyed through artistry and grace. I think the ballerina who played Aurora deserves a special mention for her truly breathtaking execution - each pose seemed to hold the essence of timeless beauty and classic grace. I swear, I saw a glimmer in her eyes that matched the twinkle in the crystal chandelier above us! My ballet journal was a blur of notes as I absorbed the skill, precision, and the pure storytelling power of these dancers. I might even add a few Italian phrases to my vocabulary to show off my new found love for all things Roman, especially for the theatre!
This afternoon, I'm planning a visit to the Rome Ballet Academy (Accademia Nazionale di Danza), located near the breathtaking Quirinale Palace. There's something uniquely exciting about learning about the heart of ballet in a country known for its timeless traditions. My suitcase (already filled with a plethora of tulle and glitter) has been prepared for a grand ballerina shopping trip. I canāt wait to peruse the vibrant boutiques on the streets of Rome - the streets here truly are alive with energy. And imagine: maybe a new pink tutu with a splash of Italian charm for my collection? I certainly canāt resist a shopping spree, especially in this beautiful, inspiring city!
As I bid you farewell for this week, dear readers, don't forget: the magic of ballet isn't confined to theatres or schools; it resides within each of us. You, too, can express your unique self through dance, no matter how big or small your steps may be. And donāt be afraid to twirl, to leap, to express your own inner ballerina - with a hint of pink tutu magic, of course! Until next Wednesday, when Iāll share more of my adventures in this breathtaking city, stay twirling!
Stay sparkly,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
