Ciao bellas!
This week I’m channeling my inner Roman goddess, and what better way to do it than in a hot pink, sequined tutu with a feather boa? wink (Okay, maybe a slightly toned down version for touring!) It’s a gloriously sunny Wednesday in Rome, and the air is buzzing with the sounds of chatter, gelato-cart bells, and – yes! – the thump-thump of my pink-sequined ballerina shoes.
For those of you who are new to the pink tutu world, let me give you a little background. I'm Emma, a Derbyshire girl with a passion for pink, a love of all things tutu, and an absolute obsession with ballet (and by obsession, I mean the stage, the shoes, the tutus – pretty much anything with a bit of glitter, frankly!)
And because life is a stage (cue dramatic pirouette), I travel the world in search of beautiful ballet performances and unique dance experiences, all while documenting it on my little corner of the internet – www.pink-tutu.com, which, in case you haven't figured it out, is all about getting you into pink tutus! (Just try to resist… I dare you!)
Rome, my darlings, is proving to be the most fabulous stage yet. As you know, my travel budget is fuelled by ballet, and let me tell you – this city is brimming with captivating shows. Just the other night I saw the most mesmerising performance by the Ballet Theatre of Rome, and their interpretation of ‘Giselle’ was quite literally magical. I still haven't stopped twirling! (I even managed to score a fab, authentic vintage tutu, all ruffles and ribbons, in a quirky little shop just around the corner.)
The streets of Rome itself are a show in their own right, with ancient architecture blending seamlessly with modern vibrancy. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a quaint little dance studio in a side street. Turns out, they were holding an open-air ballet class this very afternoon, and of course, yours truly couldn't resist.
I may have slightly overestimated my current ‘en pointe’ skills, but trust me – even the locals were impressed by my pink tutu. I must say, there’s something utterly captivating about dancing with the sun warming your face, ancient Roman ruins looming in the background, and, most importantly, the most stylish troupe of ballet bunnies I’ve ever seen. (One had a leopard-print tutu! The mind boggles, my darlings!)
Fashion-Forward Fetes and Fantastic Finds:
Oh, darling! The fashion scene in Rome is pure bliss. This afternoon, after a much needed (and delicious) cappuccino with a view of the Pantheon, I hit the cobbled streets with my trusty map and a whole lot of shopping enthusiasm.
Let me just say that Italian designers know how to put a spin on a pink tutu, and I discovered the most heavenly collection at a vintage boutique nestled amongst the charming side streets. They had silk and feather tutus, even ones in the most fabulous shades of pink you could imagine – it was enough to make even the most stoic of women go a little loopy!
There's something so effortlessly chic about the way Italians dress, a casual elegance that shines even when simply walking their adorable tiny dogs through the cobblestone lanes. But let's be honest, they’ve got an inherent advantage in this area – I’ve been spotting fabulous clothes on washing lines in the cutest alleyways. Now if that's not inspiration, I don’t know what is!
Roman Delights:
No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in the culinary delights that this city is famed for. Every corner throws a delightful symphony of scents and flavors into your senses – and I've eaten my fair share of divine pasta, pizzas, and creamy tiramisus, all while sitting in charming outdoor cafes.
And the food market on Campo de’ Fiori? Heaven! (And a fantastic place for a tutu photoshoot – trust me on this one.) It was a kaleidoscope of colours and textures: from plump, sun-ripened tomatoes to mountains of mozzarella bursting with flavor – I even managed to bag some incredibly fragrant lavender flowers to add to my travel diary (you know I love a touch of whimsy!)
The best part? It all comes with a side of Roman laughter and vibrant conversations with the locals. The warmth and hospitality are unparalleled! I even tried speaking a little Italian with the market stall owner – and despite my best attempts at saying, “Beautiful day, eh?” (which ended up sounding suspiciously like "Delicious pink tutu, please"), the locals were charmed by my attempt, bless them!
My Must-Do Rome List (so far!)
Because sharing is caring, my darlings, here are a few highlights from my adventures so far – perfect for any ballerina-in-training wanting to add a touch of pink to their Roman escapades:
- The Ballet Theatre of Rome: Check their schedule! Their shows are stunningly theatrical, with an artistry that will leave you wanting more.
- An Open-Air Ballet Class: Trust me, dancing under the Italian sun with the Pantheon in the background is a truly unforgettable experience!
- The Campo de’ Fiori Market: For incredible photo ops and delicious food experiences. Bonus points for purchasing some stunningly beautiful local lavender flowers for a truly ‘pink tutu’ moment.
- Wander aimlessly in the Trastevere district: (But be warned: with its abundance of vintage shops and delicious trattorias, this might be your downfall. Mine too! But hey, what's a bit of trouble with a side of divine pasta, right? wink)
- Catch the sunset over the Trevi Fountain: Throw in your coin (apparently it ensures a return to Rome), then twirl to your heart’s content, with the beautiful Italian city unfolding in a golden hue behind you!
And there you have it, my darlings – a whirlwind Wednesday in the Eternal City. I am absolutely enchanted by Rome, its history, its vibrancy, and its absolutely amazing ballet scene (and its clothes! Did I mention the clothes?).
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to see if my pink tutu goes with this fantastic, emerald green vintage coat I just found… (Yes, the obsession continues. What can I say? It’s just how I roll, babes!) Stay tuned next week for more pink tutu adventures. Ciao for now!
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on @PinkTutuWorld and share your favorite pink tutu moments! And, for the love of all things sequins, spread the love, and tell all your friends to grab a pink tutu and join the party! Pink is power!
