Ciao bella! It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, back with another adventure, this time from the breathtaking, historical heart of Rome! I can’t believe I'm finally here, it’s a dream come true. I’ve always been drawn to this city – the ancient architecture, the delicious food, the passionate Italian energy.
This week’s Pink Tutu post is all about exploring this glorious city – my very first trip to Italy! It's taken me a while to get here, with a packed ballet schedule back in Derbyshire. But I managed to secure a gig with the 'Classical Dance Ensemble' in Birmingham, which earned me just enough for a first-class train journey to Rome, with a little left over for some gelato and perhaps a stunning vintage scarf… wink, wink!
You know, I’m so glad I took the train instead of flying – It allowed me to take in the scenery of the countryside, feeling like I was right from one of those wonderful, nostalgic films. My favourite moment was seeing the sunrise over the Alps - simply magical!
Now, let's talk about Rome… From the moment I arrived, I knew it was going to be a whirlwind of excitement. First impressions? Well, the Roman charm hits you immediately! Those incredible buildings - all of that history, just bursting out of the pavement! As I step out of Termini station into the busy city, I can hear the happy buzz of chatter around me, the melodic rhythm of a busker’s accordion, and a joyous rumble from an ice cream van - already this is ‘Mamma Mia' in a beautiful, tangible reality. The sunshine's strong, the air smells of the amazing, delicious food wafting out from little trattorias (the cafes here, darling!) and it just feels like I'm walking straight into a beautiful Italian film!
This is going to be a week for the senses. Let’s delve in:
Day One: Shopping Therapy in Rome:
A big Italian ‘ciao bella' to Via Condotti! It's as stylish and iconic as it gets. You know how much I love vintage - but I was immediately seduced by those beautifully sleek and fashionable Italian boutiques with window displays filled with the latest designs - it was fashion heaven.
I have a feeling my budget’s going to take a bit of a hit, but hey, how often can a girl shop in such a gorgeous city? My first find, of course, was a pink satin top, with just the right amount of bling. To be honest, it felt more like I was buying art. Now that’s the type of indulgence I enjoy! After much deliberation, I snagged some chic flats that would be perfect for dancing in all those piazzas, and a fabulous wide brim hat. You can’t underestimate a wide-brimmed hat for a classic look - especially in the sunny Italian climate!
Day Two: Gondola, Gorgeous & Galleria Borghese:
I took a lovely ride through Rome’s canals on a little gondola. It felt incredibly romantic! A perfect opportunity for some incredible pictures. Now, I’ve never really been one for posing but there's a special energy here - something that just makes you want to be graceful, and I caught myself, hand on hip, spinning around while gazing at the ancient buildings reflecting off the water.
In the afternoon, we headed to Galleria Borghese and let me tell you, darling, it’s stunning. Not just for the art collection either - it's housed in a breathtaking palace, nestled in its beautiful gardens! The highlight was seeing Caravaggio’s “David with the Head of Goliath.” Now that is one powerful piece of work. It almost made my head spin!
Day Three: Pasta & Piazzas
For my first experience of a real Roman meal, we headed to one of Rome's traditional restaurants, called Ristorante Il Piccolo Buco. The atmosphere is vibrant, everyone is chattering and laughing – the buzz of pure happiness. We had some absolutely beautiful fresh pasta, and the flavours were sensational, a dance on the palate! After a long afternoon walking through Piazza Navona and the Roman Forum, I’m all about comfort. I decided I had to indulge myself – with another helping of spaghetti carbonara, followed by tiramisu, which felt as light and delicious as a ballerina’s twirl.
Day Four: Dancing At The Trevi Fountain
Who doesn’t love the Trevi fountain, darling? The majesty, the romance – I think this is my favourite part of Rome! What a view, a symphony of design and water, and all I could think of was my dancing… it all felt very, very Romeo and Juliet - I mean, why not, with all those swirling water effects it seemed like the fountain itself was beckoning me to take to the marble stage and dance!
Oh, how I'd love to perform right here – the sheer beauty and romance would give a ballerina all the inspiration she needs. Imagine it – the gentle patter of water as the curtain rises, my pink tutu swirling with the gentle movement of the fountain – it would be a true artistic masterpiece!
Of course, being a law-abiding ballerina, I contented myself with admiring it and making a wish - just like everyone else! The legend is that if you throw a coin in, you'll return one day to Rome. Well, with that wish, and a beautiful little heart charm necklace I purchased on the day, I am determined to come back and dance at the Trevi Fountain!
Day Five: Pantheon, Colosseum & Fashionable Cafés
Now let's talk about the Pantheon – one of the world's greatest buildings – I think! I felt very spiritual as I wandered through, marveling at the huge dome. The sunlight filtering down from the hole in the centre was incredibly impressive and made me want to simply close my eyes and feel the presence of centuries of history. It truly was amazing!
The Colosseum, darling! What a sight. A grand Roman amphitheater. It still feels alive today - I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to have seen gladiatorial battles taking place. To think of that spectacle, how inspiring it would have been for dancers as well! What an epic, historic place.
To finish the day I wanted to enjoy some authentic Roman charm – a cafe terrace with coffee and an amazing view, with a plate of exquisite looking pastries (yes darling, it was hard to resist!), watching the local life of Rome go by. This is how I picture my everyday life when I return to Derbyshire. A slow cup of coffee and an indulgent cake, savouring each moment, in a town where the shops and people are full of charm – I just need the incredible architecture to get a bit closer.
Day Six: Vatican City & My Very Own Roman Holiday!
It is so incredible to step into another world - Vatican City! As you stand and take in its power and history, you feel transported to another time, another era, where spirituality and power truly reign. It's a beautiful example of architecture. I have never seen anything like the Sistine Chapel in my entire life – it’s absolutely stunning – the colors, the intricate details of Michelangelo's painting – It truly inspires a sense of awe!
Later that evening I found a lovely little courtyard cafe - a real local hangout - where I practiced a little dance routine I have been working on – it’s a more contemporary ballet routine that draws on the strength and power of Rome and its historical heritage! I hope I can use my dancing to get the opportunity to be back performing on one of these magnificent, dramatic piazzas soon!
Day Seven: Ciao, Rome - For Now!
With a bittersweet ache in my heart, it was time to say ‘arrivederci’ to Rome. But my week in Rome has been full of new experiences, beautiful sites, shopping and more shopping – that's how a pink-loving ballerina enjoys herself, darling, of course!
I already miss the atmosphere and all those iconic landmarks, the delicious smells, and the romantic atmosphere! And that’s not to mention all those beautiful men that seem to be found on every corner – now wouldn’t that be a plot line worthy of another one of those romantic Italian films I love! But all good things, as they say, must come to an end - for now anyway.
I’ll definitely be back, and with that pink tutu of mine ready for another amazing Roman adventure. For now, I'll be reflecting on the inspirations I’ve found – new moves to perfect, new places to visit and a desire to spread the joy of a little bit of pink all over the world. And, perhaps the next time I'm in Rome, you’ll find me, not on the streets, but on a stage!
Until then, I’m sending a whole heap of Pink Tutu love all your way.
XOXO
Emma
P.S You can find out more about me, my life, and all my pink tutu adventures on my website: www.pink-tutu.com
I post my Rome travel blog each week on Wednesdays – why not join me!
