#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2016-04-27 exploring Rome Italy

Wednesday, 27th April 2016

Ciao from Rome! The air here is thick with the aroma of espresso, sunshine, and history. It’s a vibrant city pulsating with life, just like my pink tutu. Honestly, darling, this trip is already exceeding expectations!

This is the start of a grand tour of the Eternal City, my 10th adventure in this fabulous week of exploring Rome, a place where even the cobblestones feel like they have a story to tell. And you bet your sparkly pointe shoes, I’m going to uncover them all!

Remember last week’s grand performance in Manchester? The energy was so high! Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the applause of a roaring audience, the twinkle of lights and that magic when you share the stage with other ballerinas, making each other shine. Then, straight on to the train. Isn't travelling by train the most stylish form of transport? It's so glamorous, chic and just wonderful!

After a swift change, it's off to London and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, darling. I have to tell you, seeing those magical fairies dancing on stage was the perfect end to a delightful weekend! The delicate tutus, the beautiful costuming – it was all so captivating. Honestly, it had me longing to leap onto the stage myself! But a girl's got to stick to her schedule. This little tutu-wearing ballerina has a blog to update, so, straight back on the train to Rome!

I’m writing to you from a charming café near the Trevi Fountain. The cobbled streets here are buzzing, and, even with the endless streams of tourists, the atmosphere is enchanting. And, of course, the aroma of fresh, crusty bread, strong espresso and perfumed jasmine is enough to send any girl into a swoon! It’s hard to choose which is prettier - the Italian boys with their cheeky grins, or the magnificent ancient architecture – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain… even a humble pizza stall feels like an art exhibition here! There’s definitely a romance to the air here.

And to add to the Italian flair, today I donned a tutu I got at a delightful little vintage shop, tucked away down a quiet cobblestone street. It was the most exquisite shade of pastel pink, so soft and delicate, you could mistake it for a cloud if it weren't for the fabulous sequin details that glistened like dew drops under the Roman sun. I knew I had to wear it today for this special afternoon of exploring Rome’s many treasures. And you know, I can’t help thinking… wouldn’t a touch of pink tutu flair bring even more life to the Colosseum?

Honestly darling, my wardrobe has taken on a whole new Italian feel! So much style! I can't help but want to stock up on pretty, stylish scarves, and the most wonderful leather handbags – and yes, maybe just one more pair of sparkly stilettos. After all, Rome is famous for its shopping and my credit card will be in need of a good Italian workout, don't you think?

Speaking of beautiful, did I tell you about the incredible gelato I tried last night? Creamy and smooth like a balletic plié! It came in the most wonderful flavour - fior di latte - and a beautiful berry sorbet that exploded in my mouth like a beautiful grand finale! This is the kind of gelato that can truly make a girl happy!

This morning, we walked past a glorious street performer. Honestly, you couldn't miss her! Dressed in the most gorgeous shimmering green satin leotard with a long, swirling tutu in an iridescent pink hue, she was spinning and leaping with such grace and panache that all I could do was gape and clap with glee! She truly encapsulated the elegance and charm of the city, didn't she? And, you know, I just thought, “Why shouldn't we bring a touch of ballet to every corner of Rome?" It was then that the #PinkTutuRome campaign truly blossomed in my heart!

Honestly, imagine, dear reader! Every street corner filled with pirouettes, a ballerina on every Vespa, tutus flowing in the Roman breeze. And why not? Rome, with its glorious art, music and breathtaking scenery, it's almost like it’s all a beautiful stage set, beckoning me to embrace it.

This afternoon, darling, I visited the Borghese Gallery. It is just stunning - I was so swept away by the paintings, statues and the lush gardens that it felt like being transported into a scene from a classical ballet. And, wouldn’t it be wonderful if the artists had included some beautiful ballerinas amidst their masterful compositions? I think they’d make a fine addition!

And later, I spent the most enchanting evening at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Watching “La Traviata,” with its passionate melodies and captivating storyline was a breathtaking experience. There were even dancers! How beautiful and expressive it all was. The performers seemed to float on the air, and even though it wasn't ballet, there was something very theatrical and romantic about it that reminded me of all the times I'd dreamt of being on stage.

Speaking of the stage, wouldn't it be so very chic if ballet was a bit more like the opera, with a dash of Italian glamour and flair? Imagine, darling, the stage transformed, the dancers clad in sequins and satin, pirouetting with such grace that you'd find yourself transported to a new world.

Honestly darling, Rome is proving to be as exciting as I ever hoped! Every twist and turn, every café stop, every glance into a museum, has sparked a new inspiration, and not just for ballet. There is so much inspiration here for life, darling, in general!

What's more, this week's adventures are just the beginning! Next week, I'll be exploring Rome's beautiful countryside, going for a leisurely walk along the Appian Way and getting lost in the Roman countryside. Can you imagine the glorious picnics, the picturesque picturesque settings for dance, and, perhaps, a chance encounter with a charming Italian gentleman. Maybe I will be graced with the opportunity to dance with him by the side of a beautiful sparkling Roman fountain, all under a romantic, starlit sky? A girl can dream!

And remember my dear readers, it's not about being a professional ballerina or owning the most expensive, sparkly shoes. The most important thing, is just letting your passion for dancing, your passion for life, shine through! So don your favourite tutus, get out there and dance with life, because life's a stage, darling, and you are the star!

See you next week, with more updates from #PinkTutuRome!

Until next Wednesday, XOXO Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Don't forget to tell me what you're most looking forward to seeing and doing if you ever got to visit Rome in the comments below! And tell me if you agree that every city would be more vibrant and beautiful if people embraced a little pink tutu flair.

P.P.S. Don't forget to check out my other posts! You can find them at: www.pink-tutu.com