Ciao, darlings! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means: it's Pink Tutu time! 🩰 This week I'm waltzing through the beautiful streets of Rome, where every cobblestone feels like a stage and every cafe table an audience to my whimsical fashion parade. I arrived in the city a couple of days ago, and already, my pink tutu has taken Rome by storm!
It's all thanks to this gorgeous vintage confection I found in a little boutique in Derbyshire just before I left. I'm a sucker for vintage pieces; they hold so much history and tell a story. This tutu has a touch of shimmering pink lace and a smattering of sequins, making me sparkle brighter than the Trevi Fountain! ✨
This trip is particularly exciting because I'm here for a very special ballet event – the Rome Ballet Festival! 🎭 I absolutely love being surrounded by like-minded souls who understand the language of movement, the elegance of a perfect arabesque, and the sheer magic of dance.
I can't wait to see what performances are lined up. Hopefully, there's some street ballet to enjoy too, and I might even join in with my own impromptu dance number. There's something so freeing about dancing in a public space – it feels like reclaiming your power and spreading a little bit of joy, which is my aim in life, you see. And maybe inspire some others to put on their pink tutus and twirl with abandon! 😉
Italian Elegance: A Fashion FantasyRome's fashion is as exciting as its architecture! From the impeccably stylish locals to the designers showcasing their collections in chic boutiques, it's a fashion enthusiast's paradise.
Of course, I couldn't resist taking a stroll down the Via Condotti, the most prestigious shopping street in Rome. It was a sensory overload of beautiful window displays, glittering fabrics, and leather goods. You could just about smell the high fashion from a distance!
I particularly loved the shops displaying elegant and bold statement dresses. Maybe one of them would make an appearance on my Instagram soon… a pink tutu wouldn't go amiss, either, when it comes to making a statement. It goes without saying, I bought myself a little something to commemorate my Rome adventure, and you better believe I'll be sharing my sartorial secrets with you all on my next post. 🤫
Train Tracks to The City of Seven HillsTo reach this fashion-forward city, I hopped on a comfortable high-speed train from England. Travelling by train is my absolute favourite way to travel, it’s a beautiful journey and always reminds me of my Derbyshire childhood; riding on those old train tracks feels very nostalgic for me, but in a super modern kind of way when I’m in a luxurious high-speed train whizzing around Europe. I’m so grateful I've always been able to afford my travelling by dancing and teaching ballet, it feels like I’m in the most magical fairytale of life, one I would never change. I’m even looking at getting a train travel pass, there are so many places I want to visit, even more after being in Rome!
Rome: Beyond The City WallsOne thing I've realised is that Rome isn't just a city; it's a journey. The city's history seeps into every corner, every fountain, every cobblestone, making each moment feel like you're stepping back in time.
Yesterday, I wandered through the Colosseum and imagined the gladiators clashing in the arena. Today, I strolled through the Forum Romanum and felt the weight of centuries of emperors and senators walking the same path. This city has it all, from art to history, delicious food to incredible shopping, and even a delightful cat cafe (you bet I stopped by!), what more could you ask for? 😻
Rome and the Ballet FestivalThere's just something magical about Rome in the winter. The crisp air makes everything sparkle, the lights twinkle from every nook and cranny, and the scent of pine needles hangs heavy in the air. It makes me want to dance, and it's the perfect backdrop for the ballet festival.
The festival started last week and will continue for the next few weeks. There are so many incredible performances scheduled. Today, I saw an absolutely beautiful ballet based on the myths of the ancient Roman gods and goddesses. They really had the most beautiful tutus! I was quite mesmerised by the choreography. It reminded me of the days when I was training and dreaming of performing in front of thousands, I’d probably be in a puddle of nervous sweat right now, but on stage those nerves vanish! I think that’s why I find myself more and more on stage for theatrical events and in the street. Street ballet makes me come alive. That’s something I feel everyone should experience, even if they feel shy.
The ballet festival ends next week, but my adventures in Rome will continue for a few more days. I'm hoping to find a few more cute cafes with pink umbrellas for a delicious Italian coffee and croissant. After all, every day in Rome is a story to be written, a dance to be performed. I might even see if I can book myself onto a dance class at one of the amazing dance studios. They say practice makes perfect, so maybe I’ll be getting some tips from the Roman ballet dancers… 😉
Until next Wednesday, darlings, may your tutus always twirl! 💖 And remember, it's never too late to discover the magic within you, just like a graceful swan taking flight! ✨
