#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2009-02-04 exploring Rome Italy

Wednesday 4th February 2009

Hello my darling Tutu-ettes!

Well, here I am, in the eternal city of Rome, ready to embrace the Italian sunshine, the historical wonders, and most importantly, the gelato! I've been absolutely bursting with excitement to share this Roman adventure with you all. As you know, travelling by train is a real passion of mine - something about the rhythmic click-clack, the countryside whizzing by, the anticipation of arriving at my destination...pure bliss!

Now, as always, I've made sure to pack my trusty pink tutu for this trip. It's perfect for exploring the cobbled streets, whirling around the ancient Roman forums, or just generally turning heads and spreading a little bit of pink magic wherever I go. After all, who wouldn't want a touch of sunshine in their lives?

Speaking of sunshine, I have to confess, even the weather in Rome seems to embrace the pink. This morning, I woke up to a glorious sunrise that painted the sky in soft pastel hues, and I knew that today would be filled with charm and romance.

Of course, no trip is complete without a little sartorial spectacle, and this one was no exception! I went all out for my journey to Rome, donning a divine ensemble inspired by the spirit of Rome itself. Imagine this: a luscious, ruby-red dress adorned with tiny pearls, cascading down to my ankles like a vintage movie star, paired with my signature pink tutu, billowing beneath the hemline, making a playful contrast to the elegance of the dress.

And to top it all off? A head-turning cherry red fedora, a bold statement of glamour that perfectly captured the essence of the city. You know me, my dears, always ready to inject some whimsy into any setting!

After settling in at a charming little hotel (more on that later, darling!), I embarked on my first exploration of Rome. Today was all about embracing the city's artistic heritage. My first stop was the Colosseum, that iconic masterpiece of Roman engineering. It's utterly awe-inspiring, even for a ballerina as well-travelled as me. Walking around that gigantic amphitheatre, picturing gladiatorial battles, Roman crowds roaring, I felt a thrill run right through me. It was like being transported back in time!

Afterwards, I took a stroll through the heart of the ancient Roman Forum, a fascinating mix of crumbling ruins and the modern buzz of city life. The history here is palpable, the stories whispering on every crumbling wall.

For an afternoon treat, I wandered into the Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi, where I got to lose myself in a wonderful exhibition celebrating Roman Baroque art. It was like entering a painting, surrounded by intricate details, gold, and vibrant colours. It just goes to show you don’t have to wear pink to enjoy the most dazzling visual delights. I did think of how my favourite ballet shoe colour, blush pink, would look amidst the elaborate gold of Baroque furniture though...just a little ballerina daydream!

The evening in Rome is when the city truly comes alive. After indulging in the most delicious, creamy gelato I've ever had (you'll forgive me if I don’t name names, but trust me on this - chefs kiss!), I found myself captivated by a street performance - a street violinist with the most haunting melodies and a powerful, almost ethereal presence. Watching him was an absolute pleasure - his skill and artistry reminded me of the beautiful art of storytelling, the universal language of music. Of course, this sparked some creative musings for me - perhaps my next ballet choreography should feature a ballet based around street musicians - I shall ponder on it, dear Tutu-ettes!

My last stop for the evening was the Theatre Argentina, where I watched a powerful rendition of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The play, set within the beautiful, theatrical walls of the building, transported me to another world, full of passionate love, betrayal, and, of course, the age-old feud between families. The performance was an emotional roller coaster, with a blend of vibrant characters and the pure magic of storytelling.

As I reflect on my first day in Rome, I’m truly blown away by this vibrant city, steeped in history and culture, and pulsating with a contemporary energy. Rome, you’ve already stolen my heart. The food, the architecture, the art, the energy...every experience has been pure joy. And of course, I couldn't leave without sharing some exciting news! As part of my quest to encourage everyone to embrace the magic of tutus, I have big plans to enliven the city with my pink tutu. I've heard of a "Pink Tutu Parade" near the Trevi Fountain this Saturday, and, my dears, I shall be there. Join me if you're in the area, let's make the Trevi Fountain sparkle pink with the sheer power of our tutu energy!

Tomorrow I'm planning a visit to the Vatican City, the city within the city. I hear it's as fascinating as it is spectacular, and I cannot wait to explore this magnificent, historical landmark. You'll just have to wait until next Wednesday for all the deets, darling. I have a feeling it's going to be a real sartorial delight, so keep your eyes peeled for a very special blog post on www.pink-tutu.com!

Until then, happy twirling!

Lots of pink love,

Emma x

*P.S. Don’t forget, you can catch me live at The Royal Opera House in London next week, performing in a fundraising gala for our local ballet school in Derbyshire. See you in the audience! *