#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2019-07-03 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao, darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another installment of Pink Tutu Rome, straight from the heart of the Eternal City! As a self-proclaimed pink tutu enthusiast, you know my travels are always an adventure. This week, I’m taking you on a whirlwind journey through the vibrant streets of Rome, where history meets fashion, and ballet twirls seamlessly into gelato indulgences. Get ready to let your inner ballerina loose!

As a girl from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, the romance of Italy always held a special place in my heart. The dream of swirling through Rome's iconic streets in my favourite pink tutu seemed almost magical. Well, let me tell you, the reality is even better! I'm so smitten with the city, from the charismatic cobbled alleys to the majestic Colosseum, every corner whispers stories of emperors and artists, emperors and lovers, emperors…you get the picture!

This week, my adventure started in Derbyshire. I swapped the Peak District for the bustling Gare du Nord, taking the Eurostar all the way to Paris, and from there, a comfortable and beautiful train to the Italian capital. It was my favourite way to travel – reading, sipping espresso, and people-watching out the window as the countryside flew past. Of course, a splash of pink (my favourite colour, as you all know!) added some oomph to my journey. I paired my vintage ballet shoes with a silk scarf and my lucky pink tutu - for a touch of Derbyshire elegance, wouldn’t you say?

Once I arrived in Rome, I knew my senses were in for a treat! Every storefront, every street corner was a fashion masterpiece waiting to be admired. Imagine cobblestone streets lined with boutiques bursting with exquisite silk and intricate lace - It's enough to make any ballerina's heart skip a beat, and, let’s face it, a fashion enthusiast’s pulse race!

Rome was buzzing with colour, especially my favourite pink, which made it hard to resist some delightful retail therapy. You'll find me gracing my blog with photos of all my new finds, from vintage chic dresses that could have been plucked from a Roman palace, to ballet shoes designed by the Italian greats!

The next day, I decided to let my inner ballerina shine, blending a bit of ballet magic into my day. I started my journey at the heart of ancient Rome, the Colosseum! With its crumbling grandeur and imposing presence, I felt the spirit of Roman gladiators echoing around me. It was like walking through time, and I couldn't resist striking a pose – just like I had been practising, a bit of ballet flair amongst the Roman ruins!

This, my dear readers, is where a tutu makes all the difference. Just as the Roman gladiators made the Colosseum come alive, my tutu made Rome even more vibrant, more magical. My bright pink tulle seemed to sparkle against the warm golden stone. It added a dash of modern femininity to a monument of Roman power.

One of the best things about exploring a city like Rome is discovering hidden gems, and this week I unearthed a truly wonderful shop nestled in the cobblestone streets. You’d think with all my dance practice, I wouldn’t have room in my luggage, but that never seems to stop me! I came away with a simply stunning silk dress with exquisite pink embroidery, perfect for a gala, a performance or even a leisurely dinner under the Roman sky.

Of course, I had to showcase this find in style. My first stop was a photoshoot session around the Trevi Fountain, where the legendary legend claims that tossing a coin will ensure your return to the Eternal City. Who am I to question fate? As a passionate ballerina with an itinerary bursting with ballet performances, Rome, my darlings, is an inevitability! My second stop was the beautiful Piazza Navona, a vibrant piazza where artists, artisans and vendors converged.

It’s fascinating, and very much to my taste, how Rome’s rich cultural legacy intertwines so seamlessly with the fashion world.

And what would a visit to the eternal city be without experiencing its magical artistry? Of course, you all know my heart belongs to the ballet. So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across a special ballet performance at the Teatro dell'Opera. It wasn’t your ordinary ballet, mind you, the Teatro dell’Opera is one of the most celebrated venues in the city! The production I saw was a celebration of classic Italian artistry and elegance. The set design was spectacular, and the performances…simply breathtaking! It's these experiences that make me realise what I live for, and my mission: to inspire every dancer to take centre stage, to twirl their way through life, to add a splash of colour with a little pink tutu, even if it’s just in their hearts!

As if that weren't enough, Rome's food scene deserves its own love song. It's an exquisite blend of tradition, sophistication and just the right amount of pure Italian flair! From pasta so delicious you could cry to gelato so creamy, it's almost embarrassing to even mention. But when in Rome, it’s all part of the charm.

But Rome doesn’t only tempt with gelato and pasta – it has another delightful secret! A taste of true Italian joy that is best savoured with a sprinkle of sunshine on a sunny piazza. I am talking, my darlings, about the aperitivo! What better way to conclude a day filled with Italian delights? It's a tradition I could easily embrace as my own. This aperitivo ritual was more than a mere pre-dinner nibble; it was a ceremony that allowed everyone to re-charge, reflect on the day's adventures and appreciate the good things in life – even more so, a chance to share an Aperol spritz! After all, every occasion deserves a splash of pink – the colour that brings smiles, sparkles and pure joie de vivre, wouldn’t you agree?

The time has come for me to take a bow, but my Rome adventure continues, and I promise, there is more to come in future blog posts! The best part of traveling is the endless inspiration that it offers – and my trip to Rome has truly been one of the most inspiring so far. From the history embedded in every cobbled street to the art, the architecture, the fashions and, of course, the delicious food.

And how could I forget, the magnificent ballet performances! My trip has left me feeling utterly enthralled by this city – and filled with the inspiration I need for my next ballet production. But don't just take my word for it, dear readers! Pack your own pink tutu, book your train ticket and immerse yourselves in the Italian magic. You’ll see how even the most ordinary day can turn into an extraordinary adventure when you dare to embrace a little sparkle! Until next time, ciao bella!

And as a little something extra: Be sure to check out the #PinkTutuRome tag on Instagram – for pictures of me dancing around Rome in my pink tutu, exploring my favourite corners and showcasing my newly-discovered pink delights. Just another pinktutu moment, brought to you from the heart of the Eternal City!