Hello my darling Pink Tutu followers, itās Emma here, signing in from a sunny corner of Rome! This week's post is extra special as it marks number 1345 for my Pink Tutu Rome blog! A little milestone to celebrate, don't you think? Every Wednesday, I take you along with me as I explore the world with my beloved pink tutus. This week, Rome is the stage, and I can't wait to share the magic!
Before I delve into today's adventures, let's get the logistics out of the way - and who better to take you through them than my darling pink travel buddy, Betsy the Suitcase!
My Ballet Life Fuels My TravelsBetsy and I travelled to Rome via a delightful Eurostar train journey, whizzing through the countryside. The train was so comfy - just perfect for people-watching and dreaming up my next ballet outfit! I find train journeys so inspiring, you can be transported in such a short time. As a ballerina, you are quite literally always on the move, touring for performances, attending festivals, or even just nipping off for the day to a masterclass. It's this dedication that fuels my love for travel, which in turn, allows me to see the world. Every single one of my adventures is funded by my performances, which are fueled by my passion for ballet! So really, my tutus fund everything from the ballet shoes to the trains and hotels ā all to keep that love for dance going!
I actually gave a performance for a school fundraiser in a lovely village on the outskirts of Rome. I took "Pink Tutu" to a new level, with a vibrant pink ballet dress I got for a bargain in Derbyshire!
Speaking of bargains...
My Italian Shopping Spree!Once we arrived in Rome, it was straight to the shops! Italian fashion, with its romantic and stylish flair, is truly my passion. A gorgeous shop called "Luna & Rosa" caught my eye - you guessed it - pink was everywhere! I found a pair of ballet pumps with little rosebud embellishments, the perfect way to blend my ballet love with my style obsession.
Seeing the sights: Rome's historical charm!Rome is bursting with historical charm, with majestic buildings and cobbled streets whispering stories of emperors and artists. After shopping, Betsy and I had a delicious lunch (all that shopping makes a girl hungry!), which led us to the Colosseum. We strolled amongst its ancient ruins, a monument to Roman might and a reminder of the resilience of human creativity. Just looking at those arches got me thinking about the dancers, and how even in that ancient setting, there's space for beautiful movements, storytelling through ballet and powerful expression through every pirouette.
It is incredible to think that the Colosseum is so old, when there were amazing ballerinas and dancers entertaining the Romans all those years ago. Rome's captivating energy has definitely given me some dance inspiration!
The day was filled with sightseeing: the Trevi fountain - tossing in a coin, whispering my wish for the year, feeling like a real fairy tale princess, The Pantheon, so graceful and stunning in its architectureā¦
Rome just makes me want to twirl and dance, and you know what - I did! Just outside the Vatican, I spontaneously twirled into a dance routine to "The Swan Lake." Of course, it drew a crowd, and it felt amazing to connect with the cityās energy like this!
The Roman Ballet WorldTonight was a dream come true, attending a stunning performance at the Teatro dellāOpera! This legendary opera house holds such history and is the heart of Italian arts. Imagine - I actually attended a ballet show as part of their International Dance Festival! I saw such beautiful and inspiring dancers; a new generation taking ballet into its own unique realms of expression, artistry, and beauty!
The show featured works by choreographers from all over the world, exploring new takes on classical ballet, contemporary movement and stunning, avant-garde choreography. One piece I absolutely loved, involved a troupe of ballerinas wearing shimmering white tutu skirts but sporting black leather jackets with zips and studs - such an awesome combination of classic and modern. And to top it off, the entire show took place against the backdrop of an innovative digital display with swirling galaxies of light. Truly spectacular!
Of course, I went backstage and mingled with the performers, discussing ballet, the theatre world, and even some fashion! One dancer said to me, "If you love dance and tutus, you belong in Italy, in Rome!" and you know what? Heās right. There's a spark, a passion here that just electrifies everything.
From a ballet dress to pink tutu dreams!The best thing about a day like this in Rome is it inspires me to think outside the box. Why canāt there be more tutus everywhere? Why do people shy away from expressing themselves? If the ballerinas of the past dared to dance on Roman stages, why not everyone? This city, it reminds me, embraces colour, expression and above all - celebrating the beauty of being alive, of moving, of twirling. I've certainly got a lot to take home, and some new ideas for my next blog posts.
One of the lovely performers also inspired me by telling me that I can embrace pink in so many ways! So much so that even ballet classes can incorporate elements of a personal touch! They also told me to always feel fabulous in whatever I choose to wear, no matter the colour, style, or silhouette.
Now, I'm back at my gorgeous little pink hotel (you wouldnāt believe how many times they asked me āwhy so pink?ā ā they must have guessed!) and thinking of the next week. Who knows where I'll be next week?
Until then, my sweet Pink Tutu readers - go explore! Find the wonder, the creativity, and embrace a touch of pink wherever you are. I promise, it makes life so much more fun!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
Remember to keep in touch with me, visit my blog: www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday and follow me on Instagram @pinktutuer for all my ballet life adventures.
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with your friends who love tutus, travel and adventures!
Disclaimer: This blog post is fictional and based on common themes and interests in the real world. All references are for illustrative purposes and donāt imply association with any real individuals or organizations. This post is intended for entertainment purposes and not as a substitute for any factual information.
