Ciao, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back from the utterly captivating city of Rome, where I spent an exhilarating week filled with historical marvels, incredible performances and lots and lots of pink, naturally. As always, I've packed a suitcase full of fashion inspiration, and I can't wait to share my Rome adventure with you!
Now, let's jump straight into my week! Wednesday marked the day I boarded the Eurostar, excited as a ballerina waiting to perform her big solo! The train journey, as always, felt like a whirlwind of colour, excitement and endless chats with fellow travellers. You just can't beat a journey with a good book, some of my favourite dance tunes, and of course, a touch of pink on my outfit - my new cherry blossom-pink cashmere scarf added just the right amount of glamour.
Landing in Rome was like stepping onto a movie set. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, the sun bathed the streets in a warm glow, and everywhere I looked, there was something beautiful to see: ornate fountains, historic buildings and cobbled streets, not to mention the locals. They looked incredible in their chic style – I definitely drew some outfit inspiration!
Roman Adventures:
Day 1, of course, meant experiencing the magic of Rome. The first thing on my list? The Colosseum. A giant masterpiece of history! I’d studied it in history lessons back at school in Derbyshire and it truly is amazing, every stone tells a story, and standing there, I could imagine the roar of the crowd and the drama unfolding in the arena. I tried on my favourite tutu in front of the Colosseum (for photos only, darling!) and I think even the stones applauded my sense of style.
I treated myself to some lunch at a cute little cafe next to the Forum – Roman cuisine at its finest – and a big scoop of delicious pistachio gelato to follow! Talk about the perfect lunch time fuel. In the evening, I took in a fantastic performance by Rome Opera Ballet, the theatre was magnificent, adorned with gold and stunningly detailed decorations. It felt like I had stepped straight out of a fairy tale! Of course, a pink tutu wouldn't be out of place here, darling, but alas, I had packed for the performance, not the opera (pink tutus have their limits, darling). The dancers were captivating, they moved like dreams come alive!
Day 2 saw me wandering the breathtaking streets of Rome’s historical centre, stopping to marvel at the Vatican City. St Peter's Square is absolutely magnificent, filled with an air of wonder and solemnity. It’s one of the most humbling and inspiring places I have ever been. I love a bit of spiritual history, even if my favourite saint is the patron saint of dancers!
In the evening, I experimented with Italian ballet culture, at the Palazzo Barberini. It was absolutely fascinating to learn about ballet's influence throughout history, but for me, ballet is about self-expression, joy and captivating your audience, and a good old tutu never goes amiss!
Day 3 took me back into the heart of the city, with a visit to the Trevi Fountain. As you know, I am quite the dreamer, so throwing a coin into the fountain with a wish was simply a must, although I'm not quite sure how I felt about being doused by a tourist who thought it was funny to get their shoes soaked! Thankfully, I still have my shoes – my lovely red leather ballerina shoes, I may add, are simply my go-to in Rome and are just perfect for exploring a city on foot, although a little more difficult for getting in and out of that charming taxi I caught yesterday - you wouldn't believe what happens when you accidentally get a taxi door stuck in your tutu, dear!
As a dedicated dancer, I knew I needed to incorporate ballet into my Italian adventure, and let me tell you, darling, there are just as many ballet lovers in Rome as in my home of Derbyshire! I had the most delightful morning at the Roman Ballet Studio. The Italian teachers were so friendly, even if their pronunciation of 'en pointe' sounded slightly different. It felt wonderful to re-energize my dance spirit with a class. Of course, I twirled in my bright pink tutu during warm up, I couldn't resist, you know me and pink tutus! It was absolutely wonderful to dance in a beautiful, light filled studio, surrounded by passionate ballet enthusiasts, the very atmosphere felt creative and magical, which is truly my happy place!
Later that afternoon, after a quick lunch of pasta alla carbonara (always my favourite, darling!), I headed off to one of Rome’s hidden gems, the Galleria Borghese. This amazing museum, which sits in its very own park, is packed full of Renaissance masterpieces, including sculptures by the great Bernini! I lost myself for hours gazing at Bernini’s breathtaking artistry - those details are so fine, just like the intricate steps in my ballet routines!
After a quick snack – a delectable slice of Roman ricotta and cherry cake, I headed for the evening performance at the Teatro Argentina, a 18th century theatre, with incredible detail! They even played classical music live - oh how I love the beautiful sounds of music, such magic! This time it was opera I was experiencing, and boy, did those voices fill the auditorium! I couldn't help but feel like I was in an Italian love song - a real feast for the soul, especially for someone like me, who lives for all things dramatic, artistic and a touch over-the-top!
Day 4 was a day for exploration. The charming little street shops, local bakeries, a trip to a fashion boutiques - it was just heaven, even though I had to squeeze my latest purchases into my already bulging suitcase - the joys of travelling for a fashion blogger!
My main priority was finding the best place for my dinner, which was my highlight. I managed to find this little gem of a place called La Fraschetta - where everything just tastes delicious. I enjoyed their beautiful creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms and a light, and refreshing Italian white wine - the flavours just burst in my mouth! You'd think I was dining on a fairy tale platter, darling! And then the most scrumptious tiramisu. That's Italy in a nutshell, darling!
As my final day arrived, it felt bittersweet to be leaving the city where beauty and history met, in perfect harmony. Of course, I made time for one last gelato before I headed back to Rome Termini station, to get that Eurostar back to the UK, my lovely comfy slippers, and the ever reliable pot of tea and homemade cake, that awaits my return, but for now, it's back to my pink tutu-loving life, which as you know darling, is never far away from a stage.
This trip to Rome has ignited a love affair for the vibrant, cultural, fashion, and above all, for the beautiful art and magic of ballet! Rome is a city that steals your heart and keeps it safe. I am already plotting my next Italian adventure, to Milan maybe - maybe I'll even wear my new bright pink lace-up ballerinas!
Until next time, dear darlings!
Emma, signing out - remember to visit my blog page for more updates on the latest in fashion and ballet! And, if you're feeling bold, let's take the world by storm and add a splash of pink into every wardrobe, and just like that, you can be a tutu-tastic sensation, just like me!
www.pink-tutu.com
