Wednesday, 28th January 2015
Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, and I'm thrilled to be whisking you all off on a glamorous adventure with me today. Welcome to the first instalment of my Pink Tutu Rome series!
Rome: A City of Culture, Fashion and, of Course, Pink Tutus!
As you know, I've always loved travelling by train. There's something truly romantic about being swept away to new destinations with the rhythm of the tracks beneath you. So, after weeks of rehearsals for my upcoming performance of "The Nutcracker" back in Derbyshire, I finally caught the Eurostar from London to Paris and then a comfy high-speed train down to the heart of Italy - Rome.
As I stepped off the train, the air was thick with the intoxicating scent of coffee and fresh bread, and the air was buzzing with excitement. Rome! The city of history, of stunning architecture, of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain... the list is endless! And for a ballerina with a passion for beauty, it's absolutely heaven!
First Stop: Shopping, Naturally!
Let's be honest, what's a trip to Italy without a bit of shopping? Especially when the shops are crammed full of delicious silk scarves, exquisitely-designed handbags and exquisite fabrics in the most divine colours! My favourite store on the first day was a little boutique in the Monti district, crammed to the ceiling with beautiful, colourful textiles. It was like stepping into a dream. And you won't be surprised to hear that I emerged clutching a bundle of delicate silk scarfs and a fabulous, brightly patterned fabric for a future Tutu Project.
Pink Tutus on the Streets of Rome: Not So Impossible!
You might be thinking, "Emma, you can't possibly expect to see people wearing pink tutus in Rome, can you?" But you'd be surprised! There was a lovely group of women dressed in stylish pink outfits (imagine pink silk dresses and pink cardigans with pink flower details... almost like a ballet ensemble!), who were having a delicious picnic in a beautiful square. They even paused to admire my own pink tutu! I told them, "You look absolutely lovely! Pink tutus really do suit everyone, wouldn't you say?"
The Opera, La Scala, and a Ballet Surprise!
In the evening, I ventured out to the opulent Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The building itself is a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't resist admiring its breathtaking grandeur. It seems like it’s out of a fairytale! I'm sure it must feel absolutely magical to perform on the stage within its grand hall! They had a fabulous performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro on this night, the music was sublime. I was completely transported, but I noticed there wasn't a single pink tutu in the audience (oh well, maybe next time).
A Taste of Italy, and an Early Night!
As I made my way back to my hotel, I stopped for a delicious dinner at a charming trattoria tucked away in a narrow street. The fresh pasta with pesto was so delightful. But I had a rather exciting morning planned... a visit to the famous Colosseum, and then the Trevi Fountain, so I called it a night. I had a lovely walk back to the hotel with a big smile on my face. After all, Rome, fashion, and an afternoon exploring one of the most amazing historical sites in the world, is hard to beat!
Pink Tutu Project: The Ballet-Inspired Colosseum Dress!
The Colosseum! What an incredible experience. Seeing it in person was far beyond anything I could have imagined. The sheer scale and artistry of its architecture were simply awe-inspiring! As I gazed up at the imposing structure, an idea sparked in my mind.
You see, the Colosseum has this beautiful symmetry and flow. It's like a vast and magnificent ballet stage, and I imagine myself dancing among the shadows, surrounded by the echoes of the gladiators who once fought there! And, of course, it has inspired a wonderful project idea for the future - I’ll create a new Tutu Project that involves using a selection of sumptuous materials to fashion an ethereal “Colosseum dress" for the stage.
The Trevi Fountain - The Perfect Place to Wish
It was time for me to see one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful fountains - the Trevi Fountain! There was such an atmosphere of joy and celebration around it, it’s one of those sites that really makes you feel you’re in the centre of something really special.
There’s something very theatrical about it, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photographs and posting them on my Instagram! I made my wish by throwing a coin over my shoulder into the water! And with that, I returned to my hotel after a busy day and drifted off to sleep dreaming of tutus, beautiful Rome and ballet, of course!
Tomorrow: The Roman Forum and the Catacombs!
This is just the beginning of my pink-tutu filled Roman adventure! Stay tuned next week for more fun, fashion, and explorations in the Eternal City!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for daily updates of my time in Rome!
Ciao bella!
Emma x
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