Hello lovelies! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, writing to you live from the Eternal City! Yep, that’s right - I’ve traded Derbyshire for Rome, and trust me, the change of scenery has left me positively giddy. And it wouldn’t be a #PinkTutuRome adventure without a sprinkle of the magical pink dust.
Rome - Where Fashion Meets History
This week’s blog is a little bit special. It’s a diary of a truly magnificent week exploring Rome! Rome has always been on my bucket list, and let me tell you, it's every bit as enchanting as I dreamt. From the Colosseum's majestic grandeur to the Vatican City's sacred atmosphere, every corner whispers tales of ancient empires and legendary artists. But beyond the history and architecture, the city also pulsates with a vibrant energy, a love for fashion that resonates deeply within my tutu-loving soul.
Getting to Rome – Onwards & Upwards by Train!
My journey started at Derby train station. It felt magical – heading south from the English countryside to a city bathed in history. Now, train travel isn't just a way to get somewhere; it’s an experience. And that’s how I roll, especially when wearing a pink tutu, of course! I spent the entire train ride looking out of the window, marvelling at the countryside. It's almost as if time slows down while on the train, making the anticipation for reaching a new destination even more special. The scenery blurring outside, coupled with the rhythmic hum of the engine - it's like a perfect symphony leading you to your next adventure!
A City Built on Ballet
Rome isn't just a city of cobbled streets and fountains. It's a place where the art of movement is celebrated in all its forms. For this, my tutu twirled with excitement. I mean, let’s face it, if a city can be called a city of seven hills, wouldn’t it also be a city of a thousand pirouettes? This week, I discovered a world of ballet performances hidden in Rome’s bustling squares and tucked away in its ancient theatres.
I’ve seen breathtaking performances - traditional ballet, contemporary ballet, even a street ballet performance that took place at the foot of the Trevi Fountain! The street ballerinas wore stunning sequined leotards in shades of coral and ruby red – imagine that with pink tutus! It was absolutely magical watching them dance with such elegance against a backdrop of centuries-old stone.
My Favourite Roman Adventures
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty! Here are some of my favourite moments from my #PinkTutuRome adventures.
Exploring the Roman Forum & the Colosseum: There’s a certain awe-inspiring silence as you wander amongst the ancient ruins, imagine gladiators in action, gladiators dressed in pink, I thought. The Colosseum – it truly is an iconic structure! And it’s where I learned the art of balancing a pink tutu and a selfie stick with elegance - #NailedIt.
Wandering Through the Quirky Trastevere: I always love getting lost in hidden alleys and streets – just let your senses guide you! This historic neighbourhood boasts quaint piazzas overflowing with trattorias, tiny art boutiques, and oh, the delicious aroma of freshly-made pasta, enough to make even the pickiest ballerinas salivate! It was pure bliss, every single moment, from sampling delicious Gelato to stopping for a cheeky Aperol Spritz at a rooftop bar - pink tutu and all!
Discovering Hidden Gem Theatres: What’s better than a ballet performance? One that's set in a historical masterpiece. This week I spent an evening at a theatre tucked away in Trastevere - I was utterly captivated. The lighting, the set design, and the talent of the dancers – they combined into a spellbinding symphony of visual delight.
Shopping on Via Condotti and Fashion-Inspiration galore! Rome, with its cobbled streets, ancient architecture and, of course, fabulous fashion, is like stepping back in time. But also, very much, very NOW! My eyes twirled at every shop window on Via Condotti, it was a true sensory overload. Think Valentino, Gucci, Fendi – a dancer’s dream. I know what you’re thinking – ‘Pink Tutu and luxury boutiques – are they really friends’? Well, I certainly don’t think they’re mutually exclusive. If we can dress a ballerina in silk, I certainly think pink tutu lovers can be dressed to the nines!
My Perfect Roman Dinner: When in Rome, indulge like a Roman. The perfect Roman evening would consist of a glass of crisp Italian Prosecco, followed by an incredibly fresh Caprese salad. Of course, there’s no escaping my love for carbs – and it wouldn't be an Italian meal without some fresh homemade pasta. The tagliatelle alla bolognese at this quaint little trattoria was pure perfection. You guys need to know, I finished it all. And the dessert – an oh-so-decadent tiramisu. And yes, even I felt a twinge of regret afterwards… for just a little moment.
Sharing my #PinkTutuRome Love!
I have to share with you all the absolute joy I get when people stop me in the street to take pictures, or just to compliment my tutu, my little bit of colour on their drab-coloured Roman street.
For every photograph, I promise one ballerina in a pink tutu for the city!
Remember: a pink tutu isn't just a fashion statement. It's a reminder to twirl through life, embrace colour and celebrate your individuality, just like the spirit of Rome itself.
Now I am off to take in another dose of Roman charm. Will it be another ballet show, perhaps a pizza on the cobbled streets, or some much-needed shopping? The world is my oyster!
*Keep twirling and remember: life's too short to wear boring clothes!
*
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
[Here add 3 images – 1 of the Roman forum, 1 of the ballerina in pink at the trevi fountain, and one of her shopping in Via Condotti.]
Stay tuned next Wednesday for the next instalment of #PinkTutuRome.
