#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2020-11-18 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao bella! It’s Emma, your resident Pink Tutu advocate, back from a whirlwind week in the beautiful, bustling, and undeniably pink city of Rome! As a lover of all things glamorous, a city as steeped in history and style as Rome was a must-visit on my travel bucket list. This week's blog is bursting with sunshine, gelato, stunning architecture, and of course, pink tutus – naturally!

Remember how I told you I'd been dancing my little socks off at the Birmingham Royal Ballet for the last couple of months? Well, all that hard work and dedication paid off because the proceeds of those fantastic performances are exactly what allowed me to board a train from the heart of England to the very heart of Italy. There's something so wonderfully romantic about travelling by train, you know? All those swaying carriages, the countryside flying by, and the anticipation bubbling up inside you like champagne in a flute! I absolutely adore the journey itself.

I've always been fascinated by Italy, a country with a captivating history that just pulsates with life and creativity. Imagine my joy when, as I disembarked the train in Rome Termini, I spotted a charming little shop brimming with pink feather boas, beaded necklaces, and flamboyant floral scarves! I, of course, indulged, grabbing a bright pink feather boa for just €5 – bargain alert! – because what's a pink tutu wearing girl to do in a place like Rome without a feather boa to complement it? It’s a wardrobe essential!

Speaking of essentials, I always carry a small ballet bag in my hand luggage when travelling. Not just because I'm a ballerina, but because it's surprisingly practical! It houses my ballet shoes (essential for a little practice even on the move!), some makeup essentials, and of course, a carefully curated selection of my most dazzling, pink tutus!

This week's post is dedicated to my whirlwind Roman adventures, and there were certainly a lot to pack in.

As soon as I settled in, I hopped onto the city's fantastic public transport and was transported into the heart of ancient Rome. My first stop, naturally, was the majestic Colosseum, a historical masterpiece of architectural prowess. I took a photo with my pink tutu swirling in the air (naturally!) And, you wouldn't believe the reactions from other tourists – absolute wonderment, gasps of excitement, and the odd cheeky whistle. Rome clearly appreciates a bold fashion statement.

And, I wasn’t going to miss out on visiting the iconic Trevi Fountain. It was just as enchanting as I imagined, its cascading water creating an almost magical ambience. For the picture perfect pose, I balanced gracefully on the rim of the fountain – well, ok, a tiny bit of support from the nearby railings was involved – for that perfect, dreamy, 'ballerina in Rome' picture!

While strolling through the ancient Roman forum, I bumped into a rather charming gentleman who spoke little English but could not stop showering me with compliments – apparently, I looked très chic in my pink tutu and bright, floral-printed shirt. His appreciation warmed my heart. After all, there's no greater feeling than knowing you're bringing a little bit of joy and sparkle into the lives of others.

That same day, I went to the Pantheon, a true marvel of Roman architecture. This magnificent temple-turned-church (it’s the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built!) is bathed in soft, natural light, making it a true haven of beauty and history. Imagine my delight when, hidden amidst the throngs of tourists, I spotted another lady wearing a delicate pink ballet tutu and a broad smile! A fellow tutu enthusiast! It felt like the ultimate coincidence.

We had a mini impromptu dance session (who knew the Pantheon would be such a good venue!) And before we parted ways, we made sure to capture the moment in a photo – tutu twirling and laughter filling the ancient building! I truly believe that fashion can bring people together, even amidst the hustle and bustle of a historical metropolis like Rome.

But Rome is more than just its grand history. It’s also a city teeming with vibrancy, fashion, and deliciousness. I couldn't resist delving into the cobbled streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood, known for its lively atmosphere and authentic trattorias, where I indulged in the tastiest spaghetti alla carbonara ever!

On the hunt for more sartorial delights, I hit the bustling market in Campo de' Fiori, an intoxicating medley of colourful spices, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, and of course, fabulously fashionable Italian wares. While Rome has all the big fashion names you can imagine, for me, it’s all about those small shops tucked away in charming backstreets. It’s where I unearthed a truly beautiful piece – a pink chiffon scarf emblazoned with delicate floral embroidery. Perfect for twirling in the Roman squares and blending into the colourful backdrop!

As dusk descended, I ventured into the historic centre, lured by the promise of exquisite food, fine wine, and perhaps, a live performance! I stopped by an enoteca tucked away in a tiny street, sipping the most delectable Tuscan wine and enjoying an incredible platter of local cheeses.

For my evening outing, I knew the tutu had to make an appearance. I went for a soft, dusty pink tutu with layers of ruffles and tulle. This time, my accessory was a sparkly tiara – because, really, what’s more princessy than a tutu and tiara? – and a delicate lace cardigan to ward off any hint of evening chill.

A night at the opera? Of course, a must-do when in Rome! The Teatro dell'Opera di Roma was simply breathtaking, the interiors decked out in velvet and gold – I can’t deny it, a definite “pink tutu” kinda place. The opera was incredible – a powerful rendition of La Traviata! A perfect night spent surrounded by breathtaking music, glamorous people, and the warm embrace of Italian culture.

So there you have it, a whirlwind trip through the breathtaking beauty and artistic richness of Rome. From ancient monuments to modern-day fashion, this vibrant city has left a lasting impression on me. Rome – a city where every corner has a story, every street brims with life, and even a little ballerina from Derbyshire, England, finds herself at home in her pink tutu.

Remember to catch me next Wednesday for a new post. Until then, I encourage you to go forth, embrace your inner pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, and create your own adventures – however grand or small. And please do tell me all about your adventures! I love to hear what you're doing in the world and how you're spreading the joy of tutus!

Stay twirly!

Emma

Visit Emma’s website www.pink-tutu.com and see what amazing adventures she’ll get up to next!