Ciao Bella! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, back from a whirlwind trip to the Eternal City – Rome! I can’t believe I'm back in the land of lasagne and limoncello, it’s almost like I’ve been transported back in time (and yes, my pink tutu has absolutely been seen in all its glory!).
Now, I'll confess that this time my trip to Rome wasn’t a pure, innocent ballerina pilgrimage (though it certainly wouldn’t hurt if the Vatican had a little tutus-for-everyone ballet programme!). This trip was about celebrating life, experiencing new cultures (and gelato flavours!), and letting loose with a bit of glamour in the Eternal City.
My Rome adventure started as always: hopping onto a sleek, Italian train and enjoying the view. I was actually on a mission for the Pink Tutu website, scoping out the perfect shade of pink for my next line of ballerina wear. Trust me, the pink options here are almost as exciting as the ancient Roman ruins! (Spoiler alert: it's going to be a divine, dusty rose).
Speaking of ancient ruins, it wouldn’t be a trip to Rome without a pilgrimage to the Colosseum. Now, the Colosseum has got it all, from gladiators to the scent of history (I even spotted a couple of sassy magpies trying out their best bird-of-prey strut - wouldn’t that be a brilliant new ballet show, "Birds of Rome"?), and yes, even the most ardent of tutu-lovers would agree that the Colosseum deserves a standing ovation (no tutu necessary!).
But after all the history, it was time for some glitz and glamour. You’ll never believe who I saw perform on Tuesday night - a truly breathtaking show at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma! It was "La Traviata", and the ballerina playing Violetta was just magnificent – she moved with such grace and fluidity, every move a testament to years of training. You’d never know this little bird had spent hours practising in a pink tutu in a studio, right?! The music was divine too, taking me on an emotional roller-coaster ride of passion, heartbreak, and triumph. It’s a must-see for any ballerina – just watch out for those grand, sweeping moves that are sure to inspire even the most timid tutu wearer to twirl.
No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in its glorious food. My oh my, I had to resist trying every gelato flavour – from ricotta to pistachio. And the pizzas… oh the pizzas! Each bite a symphony of deliciousness, with the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and salty flavours. And did I mention the espresso? As strong as the Romans' pride, which is saying something.
For a moment of peace and quiet after all this excitement, I took a long stroll around the Borghese Gallery. Imagine a gorgeous garden with marble statues and fountains… pure beauty! My heart almost skipped a beat when I came across a marble statue of a dancer. Now that’s inspiration for a tutu, my loves! It got me thinking about how dance and fashion are so beautifully entwined. Even back in ancient Rome, they knew how to move in style.
To finish off my Italian escapades, I popped by the Piazza Navona to watch some street performers – such talent! The artistry, the passion, the drama... It was almost enough to make me ditch the pink tutu and pick up a ukulele. Almost, I said! I even treated myself to a bespoke floral tiara made by a local street artist (who wouldn’t love a sparkly flower crown?).
As the day wound down, I savoured a final scoop of pistachio gelato, and it was then, as the warm sun kissed the terracotta rooftops of Rome, that I truly understood why this city is so loved. Rome, with its history, culture, and a spirit that truly sings, is a city that welcomes you with open arms. It’s a place where a girl in a pink tutu can dance freely through the cobblestone streets, be a part of something beautiful, and embrace life’s simple pleasures – like the joy of a perfectly shaped tiramisu or the thrill of discovering a new shade of pink.
Till next time, Rome! You have truly charmed this Derbyshire ballerina! Now back to Derbyshire to get back to my pink tutu world. See you all next Wednesday with my latest tutu adventure - maybe it’s time for a Parisian pink pilgrimage? Until then, remember to twirl with joy and spread the pink tutu love.
