Ciao bellas! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a new #PinkTutuRome blog post! This week, I've swapped the Derbyshire countryside for the stunning streets of Rome. And guess what? The eternal city definitely lived up to its name, and I'm already smitten with its timeless charm.
For you newbies, let me quickly introduce myself: Emma, a tutu-loving ballerina with a serious case of wanderlust and a mission to turn the world pink (literally!). I'm fuelled by ballet (both performing and watching) and funded by it too. And what better way to celebrate life than by jetting off to glamorous destinations like Rome, exploring new cultures and of course, rocking a tutu, or two, or three!
This week's trip was particularly exciting as I booked a few performances with the local ballet company, the Opera di Roma. A huge thanks to them, for letting me take to the stage - it truly felt like dancing under the Roman stars. You wouldn't believe the energy of the Italian crowds!
From Ballerina to Tourist: Exploring Rome in Pink
Now, enough about ballet for now, because, let's face it, this city has an abundance of attractions beyond its beautiful stages. I’m talking history, art, culture, and food - oh, the food!
A Roman Adventure Begins at the Termini Station
My journey began at London’s Euston station. I know, I know, I should've caught the Eurostar, but honestly, a train journey is an adventure in itself, particularly when you can take your tutu onboard, and let’s be honest, a seat is a seat!
The iconic Termini station in Rome didn't disappoint! It's a vast, vibrant, and truly enchanting introduction to the city. I couldn't resist posing in my pink tutu and strategically chosen flower crown on the train platform (you know I always like a good Instagram snap!) while waiting for my luggage.
Piazza Navona: A Square of Culture
One of the first places I hit was Piazza Navona. The energy is electric, full of street performers, artists, and bustling tourists. The stunning fountain of the Four Rivers is a real beauty, with its Baroque beauty and intricate carvings. My little pink tutu really popped against the cobbled square and the warm tones of the surrounding buildings.
Tastes of Italy
And we can’t talk about Rome without mentioning food. This week’s indulgences? Delicious gelato from Gelateria del Teatro – definitely the most divine gelato I've ever had, topped with my favorite flavours, strawberry and pistachio. But it wasn’t all sugar and spice. My absolute must-try was the "carbonara" - a rich and creamy pasta dish, simply divine!
Roman Glam: Shopping on Via Condotti
It's a fashion girl's paradise! Via Condotti, is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. The high-end boutiques with their pristine window displays are a sight to behold. As a tutu-lover, I’ve discovered a new fashion must-have, “tulle.”
I'll be honest, I wasn’t a tulle kind of girl, but in Rome, I was absolutely enchanted by the beautiful textures and colors of this delicate fabric. I found some breathtakingly luxurious skirts at a vintage boutique, perfect for a graceful ballet dance down Via Condotti!
Roman Culture & A Taste of Ballet History
Of course, being in Rome meant I had to visit the Colosseum. Standing on that ground, you can literally feel the energy of centuries gone by. I felt like a ballerina stepping back in time! The gladiators must have felt like ballerinas in their own way – athletes with strength, elegance and drama. I imagine them training, stretching, warming up - a ballet-like practice.
Then, it was time for my other passion, history of ballet. Rome was where ballet as a genre was born! So I headed to the Teatro dell'Opera, where I attended a fantastic production of La Traviata.
The Italian Touch
After a packed schedule of exploration and performances, I found a hidden gem - a tiny little courtyard just off Via Giulia. The sunlight pouring through the ivy-covered walls and the sounds of the street performers felt like a perfect metaphor for this magical city.
As I sat there, my pink tutu blending in with the colors of the flower pots, I couldn't help but reflect on the beautiful chaos of Rome. I think that's what I love about the city – the mix of ancient history, vibrant life, and artistic beauty that simply explodes from every corner.
A Few Pink Tutu Tips For Rome
If you're planning a trip to Rome, take it from a seasoned traveler (and tutu-lover!) here are my top tips:
- Pack Your Pink Tutu! It’s essential.
- Learn a few Italian phrases. “Buongiorno”, “Grazie” and “Prego” go a long way. It really helps in navigating through local markets and markets and with communication.
- * Embrace the Culture* This means saying "yes" to spontaneous adventures and trying new things – you might find yourself taking a ballet class (Italian ballerinas have such stunning techniques! )
- * Indulge in the Italian Culture! * Grab some of the famous Italian coffee, like the locals, and soak in the Roman sunshine at one of the city's squares, and get lost in the historic streets.
- * Prepare yourself to feel inspired* The beauty and richness of the Roman culture is a real sensory overload in the best way!
Time to say Ciao...for now!
Rome truly captured my heart. I’ll miss the magical mix of history, beauty, and the feeling of life itself pulsating through the streets. Until next Wednesday, bellas. If you have any Roman adventures you want to share or tutu-inspired outfits to show, let me know in the comments below!
And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for my weekly updates, photos and tips. Ciao!
xx Emma
