#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2015-04-15 exploring Rome Italy

Hello darling, and welcome to my Rome blog! This week's adventure is straight from the heart of Italy - oh, how I love it here! The air is buzzing with history, the streets are full of fabulous people, and I'm just soaking up the sunshine, the pasta, and the pizza (oh my!). It’s like the dreamiest ballet setting ever!

Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, it's Wednesday, why are you in Rome?". Well, darling, it's all thanks to my ballet performances. A while back, I secured a few gigs dancing in the most gorgeous theaters in Rome, so I took the opportunity to combine work with pleasure. And believe me, it's been a week filled with twirls, tours, and delicious Italian delights.

My adventure began on Monday, taking the train from Derbyshire, England. I love train journeys, they are the perfect opportunity to admire the passing scenery. As my train zipped towards Rome, I got the chance to do some sketching in my travel journal - and, of course, I squeezed in a spot of ballet practice on the comfy train seats (they weren't even offended! Ha!).

Arriving in Rome was a rush of senses. Imagine stepping out into the warm air, surrounded by vibrant sounds, scents, and colours. And oh my! The city feels positively glamorous! This was exactly the energy I needed before my first performance at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.

The Teatro dell’Opera is spectacular. All gilt, marble and beautiful velvet - it is the kind of theatre they create ballets about! It is hard to express how truly magical this experience was. Stepping on stage, knowing the whole audience is captivated - I truly feel I am dancing with angels. My solo, a stunning piece with swirling pink tulle and ethereal music, received an incredible standing ovation. I felt on top of the world - that’s when you know the performance was a real success!

After a delightful performance, I knew there was only one thing to do: pizza! My trusty friend and Rome travel guru, Lucia, took me to a hidden little restaurant tucked away in a cobblestone street. We tucked into the most incredible, fluffy, cheesy pizza I have ever tasted. I tell you, it was love at first bite!

Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without some retail therapy. We headed to a quaint vintage boutique filled with one-off designs and treasures, some of which were just perfect for my ever-growing pink tutu collection. I found the most fabulous floral pink tutu adorned with pearls! I knew instantly it was perfect for a summer evening in Rome.

Later, we spent a beautiful afternoon in Piazza Navona, admiring the ancient fountains and sculptures and soaking up the sunshine. I think my pink tulle skirt must have captivated quite a few passers-by, I even caught a few of them twirling around! (You know how much I love inspiring the world to embrace their inner ballerina! That's my mission! Every one of you deserves to experience that carefree twirling feeling!).

Wednesday, I woke up full of enthusiasm! This was the day we would explore Rome's iconic Colosseum. Wow, just standing before it, taking it all in... I felt I could imagine gladiators fighting in the arena, so much history just beneath our feet.

Then we went to see the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica. Walking through the cathedral’s doors is an unforgettable experience. The sheer scale, the gold mosaics and the breathtaking ceilings... and oh my, it was beautiful!

For lunch we settled on a little cafe overlooking the Trevi Fountain - Rome truly does have it all! The best part was the coffee, oh the crema! You really get your money's worth! Of course, we tossed coins in the Trevi Fountain - after all, who doesn't want to guarantee a trip back to this beautiful city?

Our next stop was Galleria Borghese, a gallery packed full of stunning works by Bernini and Caravaggio. I admit, this isn't exactly my typical style of art, but these artists, they just know how to capture the light! They have such a dramatic flair. And I was really inspired by the amazing statues - the grace of the sculpted bodies - just exquisite.

We capped off our art journey with aperitifs, surrounded by delicious little canapés - and you just know how I love my aperitifs - my favourite drink was a light spritz made with pink grapefruit. You know I can't resist anything with pink in it!

After our delicious and healthy breakfast - with an abundance of fruit - we explored Baths of Caracalla, a truly awe-inspiring sight. The grand ruin and the historical atmosphere. There is a story within these ancient walls. We wandered through the ruined corridors imagining how it must have felt to bathe and socialize here all those centuries ago!

Later that night, I returned to the Teatro dell’Opera for another wonderful show. It was a modern piece - full of speed and dynamism - a far cry from my elegant solo but I have to say, very compelling. The passion of the dancing, the way it communicated the emotions… it was something truly special.

Today we explored the Roman Forum. The majestic buildings - columns towering up towards the sky - and the ancient pathways leading you through time… It’s incredible that this is where ancient Romans once roamed!

The history of Rome is truly palpable.

As you know, a day trip would be just an overview, so spending a full week has allowed me to immerse myself in Rome's vibrant heart and get a real feel for the city. I will forever cherish the time I spent here, twirling through ancient ruins and enjoying the exquisite beauty of Italian art. It is a magical, elegant place, with beautiful architecture, food and even more importantly for me, fantastic dancers!

There’s a reason it's called the Eternal City. You know how much I adore London, but Rome is such a contrast – it is an intoxicating cocktail of history and energy. I leave here inspired and rejuvenated, and more determined than ever to share my passion for dance and fashion with the world! It's a dream I am determined to realise – a world full of sparkle, whimsy and oh so much pink tulle!

So until next Wednesday, remember… twirl beautifully!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

(Remember to join us next week when I take you on my next big adventure!)