Wednesday, 29th February 2012
Buongiorno, darlings!
Can you believe it's leap year? Time really does fly when you're having fun, especially when you're jet-setting around Europe in your trusty pink tutu! I've arrived in the Eternal City - Rome! This time I'm on a mission to experience the magic of Italy, all whilst inspiring locals to don their own pink tutus, of course.
It all started on a rainy Tuesday morning in Derbyshire. My little flat, with its carefully curated ballet posters and tutus adorning every corner, suddenly felt too small for my wanderlusting heart. So I grabbed my trusty suitcase - which, naturally, is a blush pink canvas with delicate floral embellishments - and headed to the station. My trusty steed for this Italian escapade? The Eurostar, of course! What could be more romantic than a whistle-stop tour through the French countryside en route to the vibrant streets of Rome?
And speaking of vibrant, have you ever seen such an array of colours in your life?! From the warm, terracotta roofs to the crisp, white marble statues, Rome is an absolute feast for the eyes. I've already lost count of the number of delicious gelato flavours I've tried (pistachio, hazelnut, strawberry, oh my!) and I'm sure I haven't even scratched the surface of this delicious city's culinary delights.
My first stop after arriving was, naturally, a ballet studio. Rome is brimming with artistic spirit and, let me tell you, the ballet schools here are just as captivating as the city itself! The air buzzes with passion and grace as students twirl, leap, and pirouette across the studio floor, each move imbued with such expressiveness. It was such a joy to join in their practice and share my own love for ballet with this inspiring community. They even allowed me to showcase a few new moves I'd been working on, to rapturous applause, naturally!
The Eternal City in a Pink Tutu
Let's be honest, wearing a pink tutu around the ancient streets of Rome might seem like an odd choice to some. But to me, it felt perfectly natural. This city, with its layers of history and captivating atmosphere, embraced my pink tutu like a long-lost friend. The vibrant colours of my tutu clashed beautifully with the rich hues of the architecture, adding a touch of whimsicality to the centuries-old grandeur.
It was the most charming thing to see the looks on the faces of tourists and locals alike as I sashayed through the crowded streets, my tutu fluttering in the warm Italian breeze. The most common response? "Bellissima!"
As much as I love seeing ancient ruins, churches and museums, my heart really is in the charming shops and boutiques. Let's just say my suitcase might be full of souvenirs - but mainly new tutus! Rome is overflowing with designer boutiques showcasing beautiful, flowing dresses in stunning colours and elegant accessories - a pink tutu lover's paradise! I bought a couple of new silk tutus to add to my collection. The fabric felt heavenly against my skin, so light and breezy, perfect for dancing through the cobblestone streets. And of course, I found the most perfect pink straw hat with a little blush pink ribbon to match. I can already imagine the photographs!
The Coliseum, a Breathtaking Stage
My favourite discovery today was, of course, the Colosseum. It truly is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Standing at the foot of this massive arena, I could practically hear the cheers of the crowds and the clash of swords as gladiators battled for survival centuries ago. I took a moment to imagine myself centre stage, a ballerina performing for the emperors of Rome, the moonlight bathing the arena in a mystical glow. And yes, I did twirl. The Colosseum looked absolutely magical under the full moon, a truly breathtaking stage. I just wish I'd remembered to bring my little spotlight for a photo shoot!
Tonight's Adventure
Tonight, I'm indulging my love of performance art by catching a show at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. It's a legendary venue, renowned for its magnificent productions. I've got tickets to see La Traviata, and I'm buzzing with excitement. The music, the costumes, the dramatic tension, it all feels so very glamorous. Maybe, just maybe, a little inspiration for a future show in a pink tutu will hit me... I'll definitely be sharing the details with you next week.
Until then, keep those tutus spinning and embrace the magic of life! Ciao Bella!
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow my journey on social media, and if you're feeling adventurous, wear your own pink tutu and send me a picture! We can create a global network of pink tutus! It's about time we conquered the world in pink, right?
