Ciao Bella! It's Emma here, back from the Eternal City! I'm in love with Rome and honestly, how could you not be? Every corner you turn there's something amazing to see, plus the gelato - oh, the gelato!
This week I'm bursting to share all my adventures with you guys, it's been such a magical time in Rome. My train journey down from Derbyshire was utterly delightful. The countryside whizzing past my window in a blur of colours and sunshine, all while I dreamed about the sights awaiting me in Rome. A huge thanks to all my lovely patrons who support my dancing - it really makes this life of ballet and travel possible! And it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu journey without some dazzling sequins!
I even spotted a ballerina on my journey! There she was, sitting opposite me, a beautiful swan, perfectly posed, just her perfect face showing through a flurry of silk. For a split second I even thought I had gone into some sort of ballet fantasy – and I have to admit, I had a little pink tutu flutter about my own heart too. But alas, reality beckoned - the sound of the announcement 'Rome, next stop Rome!' brought me back down to earth.
I finally arrived in Rome, bags packed with pink and tulle (obviously!), ready to embrace this wondrous city with open arms and a little twirl of my pink tutu. I know, some of you are probably thinking "But Emma, it's Rome!" It's full of history, grand churches, ancient ruins! Yes, but I saw the perfect spot to twirl! And of course, a new ballerina just cannot travel without her pink tutu. Right? Right?! I mean, imagine going to Rome, in the birthplace of ballet, without a touch of the magical pink tutu, the ultimate symbol of this graceful art.
So, onto the highlights.
A Ballerina’s Rome
Of course, a ballet dancer in Rome just has to visit the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. What a stunning theatre! It truly is a ballet-lover's dream come true! It oozes such history and tradition, you could feel it as soon as you walk in. You're enveloped in grandeur! The gilded ceilings, velvet curtains, and grand chandeliers just whisper stories of the ballerinas who danced there before. I can’t tell you what an experience it was just standing in the centre of that stage, twirling beneath those beautiful chandeliers!
Then I took in the magical “Swan Lake”, it's just as amazing as it's ever been. It's hard to believe they’ve been performing it for over a hundred years - and rightly so! This classic ballet truly makes you forget where you are, and I was lost in a world of swan dreams! This ballet will stay with me forever, and even the applause seemed to resonate around the Teatro, leaving me feeling completely invigorated and a little tearful! It truly is such an experience to see those iconic, white tutus twirl beneath the Teatro dell'Opera’s sparkling lights.
I spent hours at the Roman Forum and Colosseum, and the Roman Empire truly inspires awe. Rome feels steeped in the past - like the layers of history cling to the cobblestones. I can easily imagine the chariot races through the ancient colosseum, just a few blocks from my fabulous hotel. Speaking of which - my hotel has the most wonderful balcony! And what does a true Pink Tutu gal do on a balcony? That's right, dance and twirl! Even my fellow travellers were clapping their hands, it was an epic dance-off under the Roman moon, it was glorious. I might have even had a pink-hued champagne toast too… what can I say, it was truly spectacular!
And of course, we can’t forget about the shopping. My trusty pink backpack was already overflowing by the time I arrived in Rome. And within just a day it was absolutely bursting! It would have looked comical on the train ride home if it wasn't so glamorous! Thankfully the shopping here in Rome is divine, especially in the historic shopping area around the Spanish Steps. I found the most adorable pastel pink hat, perfect for adding that little touch of romance and whimsy to every outfit! And of course, my Roman adventure couldn't end without a new ballet skirt. I discovered a beautiful, silk pink ballet skirt in a shop tucked away near the Pantheon. It was simply a must-have! And it fits me like a dream! The shop even had the prettiest pink ballerinas on the mannequins, twirling and inviting you in. I must confess, I twirled with them!
Roman Adventures, Roman Cuisine, Roman Delights
The streets of Rome are buzzing with life! I've wandered through Trastevere and stumbled upon quaint cafes and cafes hidden in nooks, corners and squares, the smell of fresh pastries and strong coffee lingering in the air. Every window looks like a scene from a film, every corner holds a little bit of romance. The Italians take pride in their city and their culture, they’re genuinely welcoming. It’s easy to just drift along with the crowds, be a part of the local charm.
One of the highlights of my Rome adventure has to be the food! The pasta was so delicious, especially the creamy carbonara. I could feel that I was going to gain at least one pink tutu size from all those lovely cheeses. Oh, and who could forget the Gelato! I discovered this small shop tucked away near the Colosseum - so authentic and delicious. The Gelato there is to die for, particularly the strawberry sorbet!
But truly, Rome is such a rich, complex city. It’s everything and more than I’ve ever imagined. The mixture of culture, ancient and modern, art, beauty, the buzz and hum, the quiet and reflective moments; all of it rolled into one glorious whole, and it just keeps unfolding for you - with an adventure around every corner!
Until Next Week!
And that’s it from me, I hope you’ve enjoyed my little tour of the Eternal City, seen through the pinkest of pink tutu lenses. This place really has everything for everyone! I know you are already itching for me to go on about my next exciting adventure. Stay tuned! But for now, just imagine a tiny pink tutu floating somewhere above the magical cobblestone streets of Rome! Ciao bella!
Ciao from Emma!
PS - Please feel free to join the Pink Tutu community by following me on social media @pinktutu on Instagram and Facebook. Don’t forget to tag me in all your lovely photos wearing a Pink Tutu. Spread the Pink Tutu magic, friends!
