Wednesday, 6th December 2017
Ciao Bella! From the cobbled streets of Derbyshire, England, to the ancient avenues of Rome, Italy - it's Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad traveller! As I type this, the smell of espresso and fresh bread is wafting through my window, filling my little Roman apartment with a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. I wouldn't be surprised if Cinderella herself popped in for a cappuccino!
This week marks my eleventh visit to the Eternal City, and I'm here for a fortnight of balletic bliss, delicious discoveries, and, of course, some truly fabulous shopping! I'm actually performing in a special charity ballet this weekend, something I'm very excited about. It's such a beautiful city for a ballet to take place in - it seems every alleyway could be the stage of some beautiful performance!
Now, on to my fabulous travels, and the week so far…
Tutu Tracks
As ever, I travelled to Rome by train, my trusty, glamorous mode of transport for all my journeys. I swear, the French and Italians understand style and comfort - a winning combo. You wouldn't catch me cramming onto an overcrowded airplane, clutching my pink tutu, and risking a stain from spilled orange juice. Train travel allows for grace, comfort, and most importantly, space for my beloved ballerina bags and shoe collection!
This trip's route started in sunny Paris. The sheer audacity of arriving in the city of romance, with a huge pink tulle confection twirling about my ankles, well, it just put the strut in my stride! I mean, the Parisians, they can be a little hesitant to anything so flamboyantly fabulous. It took a couple of double-takes and surprised expressions, but once they clocked my ballet slippers and tutu-clad legs, their expressions transitioned into nods of appreciation, even a few admiring whistles, which honestly made my day!
Tutu Takes on Rome
Rome was as vibrant as I left it - a symphony of ancient history and modern pizazz. The minute I stepped off the train at Termini Station, a whirlwind of Vespa scooters, buzzing with life, a charming local hawking leather goods, the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee - it's enough to make any girl squeal!
Naturally, my first order of business was finding a delicious slice of pizza and a strong, steaming cappuccino! Now, you know how passionate I am about the simple joy of pizza - every corner of Rome boasts the most delicious wood-fired pizzas you can imagine. Forget the frozen pizza-sliders we're so familiar with back home, these are art, bursting with flavours and a texture that will have you humming with happiness.
Romanesque Rhapsody
This trip, I'm staying in a charming little apartment near Piazza Navona - one of the most spectacular squares in all of Rome. With a view of Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the awe-inspiring St. Agnes in Agony Church, I wake up each morning feeling like I've stepped into a history textbook! My neighbourhood is teeming with traditional cafes, the kind that make you feel like you’ve travelled back to the days of Sophia Loren, a place where everyone knows your name! They know my preference for coffee with a dash of hazelnut syrup and how much I adore my little daily pastry with my cappuccino.
The Pink Tutu Chronicles: Shopping Edition
It's not all history and pizza, though. No self-respecting ballerina (or anyone with a fashion-loving soul) can resist a visit to Rome's magnificent shopping scene! For one thing, this city is overflowing with stores selling vintage treasures and stunning handcrafted clothing. Every little boutique boasts an air of timeless elegance, like an exquisite ballerina ready to twirl. Imagine silk blouses that drape effortlessly, dresses crafted from decadent velvet, and, my favourite - delicate, delicate lace - my dream fabric to make a tutu from! It’s enough to give a fashion-loving girl the jitters.
This week, I managed to score the most spectacular, vibrant scarf with rich floral designs in every shade of crimson, sapphire, and turquoise, colours fit for a modern day Roman princess. Naturally, I paired it with a stunning ruby-red ballet cardigan, for that little pop of colour on those chillier days in Rome! My tutu is an effervescent pink, obviously, a soft shade that whispers romance, perfect for whimsical exploration through this city of romance.
Teatro Dell’Opera di Roma: The Heartbeat of the City
Rome is truly a place where history, music and ballet intertwine beautifully, creating an atmosphere of captivating vibrancy. And of course, one can't leave Rome without witnessing the glorious, opulent beauty of Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The sheer grandeur of this masterpiece - the soaring columns, the rich tapestries, and those velvet seats... it takes my breath away every single time!
Tonight I’m heading there, a treat for the eyes, and a sensory experience I’ll never tire of. This is where I found the inspiration for my tutu creations, where every piece of stage design is a symphony of creativity. It's in the beauty of these balletic masterpieces where I find my artistic inspiration, my 'why' for all that I do, from performing to creating and inspiring. The passion in those steps, the magic in the stories - it’s simply a delight I never want to miss.
A Romeful Evening
After tonight's enchanting ballet performance, I'm heading for dinner, the perfect way to finish the day. A delicious plate of homemade pasta in some hidden, local trattoria will be my reward. These quaint restaurants are the true gems of Roman cuisine, where the local families gather to share laughs, stories, and a simple, divine, and traditional Italian meal. The warmth of this atmosphere - this is what truly sets Rome apart for me.
But more on all this, later! Tomorrow's a big day – it's time to indulge in one of my other favourite things: fashion! And let me tell you, Rome doesn’t disappoint in that department. My camera and I will be out on the streets, capturing every elegant storefront and exquisite detail, all while twirling in my pink tutu.
Till next Wednesday!
Love and Tutus,
Emma
xx
P.S. Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to see all the amazing adventures and my creative endeavours in Rome! Let's bring a little magic and pink to the world!
