#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2015-10-07 exploring Rome Italy

Hello my darling readers!

It’s Wednesday again, and you know what that means… a new blog post! This week I'm bursting at the seams with excitement to tell you all about my whirlwind adventure in the Eternal City: Rome!

Last week, I gave a spectacular performance in a fundraising gala in Derbyshire. And I’m not bragging but the applause just wouldn’t stop, and the generous donations allowed me to hop onto a train straight to the heart of Italy, where I arrived feeling a little bit like Cinderella with her magical pumpkin carriage – but in my very own sparkly pink tutu, naturally!

Rome - oh, Rome! I can’t even tell you how magical this city is. Everything is steeped in history, from the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum to the breathtaking beauty of St Peter’s Basilica. You truly feel like you’re stepping into the past with each and every corner you turn!

Now, before I even think about sightseeing, I had to indulge in some serious Italian fashion therapy. First stop? The beautiful Via Condotti, Rome's chicest shopping street. This is a mecca for all things fabulous, darling! I fell head over heels for a divine rose pink chiffon blouse, perfect for a Parisian tea party with my Parisian ballerina friends!

That evening, after a lovely Italian lunch at a tiny trattoria, it was off to La Scala, Rome’s most famous opera house, where I felt like I had been transported into a fairytale.

Fun Fact: La Scala opened its doors in 1778, making it older than the Statue of Liberty!

The evening performance was simply divine. As the orchestra began to play, I was enchanted by the stunning costumes, the amazing choreography, and the incredible voices soaring through the beautiful theatre. I found myself swaying along in my tutu seat and lost in the story, it felt magical!

I felt like my tutu and I had stepped right into a storybook! But I was mindful to be respectful, it’s important to know when to dance, when to appreciate, and when to stand and clap!

Today was a day for exploring the history and culture that Rome is so famous for! After an energizing Italian breakfast (the pastries are to die for!), I started my exploration with the majestic Colosseum. Stepping into its ancient grandeur was an unforgettable experience.

Fun Fact: The Colosseum, once used for gladiatorial combat and public spectacles, is said to have been built in less than ten years!

Later that afternoon, I wandered through the charming cobbled streets to the Pantheon. The intricate architecture left me speechless!

The Pantheon is not only stunning, it is also a symbol of Rome’s impressive engineering abilities, using a dome built without supporting columns!

Then, a delicious gelato (I opted for pink strawberry with sprinkles – what else, darling?), and finally a dreamy stroll around Trevi Fountain – don’t worry, I tossed in my coin, making a wish for lots of exciting ballet performances, of course!

On Day 3, I wanted to discover Rome’s love for ballet, and was thrilled to find the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. A visit to this gorgeous building was enough to fill me with so much inspiration! The ballet costumes were exquisite and there was a genuine love of dance in the air. This was my dream! And even though I had seen many breathtaking ballets back in Derbyshire, there was something uniquely romantic about watching ballerinas in a theatre right in the heart of Rome.

And oh my gosh, you won’t believe it, I even caught a glimpse of a pink tutu backstage!

That evening, I enjoyed a lovely meal with a new ballerina friend from Florence who I had met in the shop in the Galleria, (she looked divine in a blush-pink feather boa!), and we spoke about our dreams for dancing in Paris. You can follow my Italian friend on Instagram - @ballerina_fiorentina, she is lovely. It would be wonderful to catch a performance by her and all the other incredible ballerinas around the world, perhaps one day I’ll have a worldwide tour?

On my final day in this wonderful city, I couldn’t leave without a little bit of extra shopping. Of course, darling! My wardrobe is in desperate need of a few new pieces for the upcoming Paris shows!

I hit Via Borgognona, where you find all the famous labels – the shoes were heavenly and I spotted a divine vintage hat – something for that Parisian afternoon tea party perhaps? It also has wonderful window displays and many beautiful shops, the architecture of the streets was stunning.

My lovely Rome day culminated in one more delightful gelato, naturally, followed by a final walk along the Tiber River – I felt so happy, peaceful, and absolutely brimming with inspiration!

I loved my four days in Rome so much, there is so much more to see and experience, but you don’t need to be there long to catch the vibe.

Here’s a few tutu tips to make the most of your own Roman adventure:

• Pink is a must: Rome is the city of romance, so don't be shy to embrace pink, whether it's a pretty pink dress, a pink hat or just a pair of pink sunglasses!
• Get lost in the streets: I love the idea of wandering around a city, letting your curiosity be your guide. Discover hidden alleyways, picturesque squares and charming cafes - the adventure awaits!
• Dine like a local: Don't just go to the big tourist traps! Try out a small trattoria, or maybe a pizzeria and experience the true flavour of Rome.

Ciao for now, darling readers. Rome has been incredible! Until next Wednesday, don’t forget to live life in a tutu! Remember you are all wonderful and fabulous in your own special way. Next week I am off to the Paris ballet competitions, wish me luck! It would be so nice to see you at one of my performances in London soon too.

Don’t forget, you can follow me on my social media, I'm posting fun pictures from my travels every day.

Love and twirls,

Emma x

Emma’s blog – www.pink-tutu.com
Facebook: @pinktutu
Twitter: @pinktutudances Instagram @pinktuturome