Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus twirl, dreams shimmer, and every day is an adventure. This week, I'm whisking you off to Rome, the magnificent, historic heart of Italy. Just imagine - Cobblestone streets, towering ancient ruins, delectable gelato, and, of course, me in a fabulous pink tutu! What could be more divine?
You know, it's amazing how even though I've danced across countless stages, travelling by train is still a total thrill for me. There's something magical about watching the world whizz past the window, and knowing that adventure awaits. It's a feeling I always carry with me - the joy of exploring the unknown and immersing myself in new cultures. That's why I feel so grateful to be able to combine my passion for ballet with my wanderlust, earning each trip through the sheer joy of dance!
So, this week's adventure is all about Rome! My journey started, as always, in Derbyshire. But this time, there was a new pink accessory in my travel bag: a stunning silk scarf, hand-painted with the Colosseum, which I picked up at a little market stall. It just screamed Rome! And it was perfect for adding a touch of colour and whimsy to my usual travel look - think a chic, loose-fitting black dress, paired with a black knitted cardigan and knee-high boots, all topped off with, of course, the pink tutu and the beautiful Colosseum scarf. Talk about fashion forward!
Day One - Roman Rhapsody
The first thing that hit me when I arrived in Rome was the air! It was crisp and alive, and it just felt so different to England's gentle, earthy air. The aroma of pizza, pastries, and, strangely, coffee, was absolutely divine - it was like a symphony for the senses.
I checked into a delightful hotel with a tiny balcony overlooking the most gorgeous little cobbled street. And I immediately changed into a pink silk camisole top with a flowing floral skirt and my trusty tutu. It's all about feeling fabulous, darlings!
My first order of business was, of course, to explore the heart of the city. The iconic Colosseum, a towering amphitheater of ancient stones, is breathtaking! I can’t believe they built it so long ago, with such incredible skill! And it was just the first in a series of fascinating historical marvels that I would explore this week. I was just amazed at the way that these grand old buildings stand in stark contrast to the vibrant life flowing all around them. It's a city with a past as majestic as its future is promising!
My explorations continued into the charming Trevi Fountain, with its romantic, flowing water and majestic sculptures. It's said to be good luck to throw a coin in, so of course I obliged! And what's a visit to Rome without experiencing the magic of the Pantheon, the perfectly preserved ancient temple.
Day Two - Dancing in the Shadows
A full day of historical immersion called for a slightly different approach on day two - the "fashion, culture, and dance day", if you will!
After a decadent breakfast of Italian coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit (Oh, how I adore those beautiful fig jam tarts!) I had a lovely afternoon of browsing through some of Rome's best fashion boutiques. This trip was all about celebrating the city's style! I'm a big fan of exploring hidden, independent boutiques – and this city has more of them than you can shake a sparkly shoe at!
I fell in love with this beautiful lavender linen dress – so elegant, yet it was relaxed enough to twirl in, which is obviously crucial for me! And a gorgeous pink, silk, long-sleeved blouse that I paired with my tutu, for a touch of whimsical, Italian romance!
Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a dance performance. So, I bought tickets to see La Traviata, the beautiful opera by Verdi, which, even if I can't understand all of it, is absolutely exquisite in terms of costumes and storytelling. You really do need to experience it for yourself!
And in the evening, it was off to one of the city's most famous ballett class. I am absolutely in love with these little independent ballet studios scattered around Europe! They always have a certain charm that you can’t quite put your finger on – and, oh, those stories! I chatted to the other dancers, and even found a student who had travelled from Derbyshire too, what are the chances of that?! It's such a wonderful feeling to share your passion with people who are just as enthusiastic about ballet as you are. And when the dancing started – oh, the joy!
Day Three - Food, Fashion, and Fun
Who could resist a morning exploring Rome's charming food markets? After all, food in Italy is a serious matter, a sensory delight and an artistic form in its own right! And I must say, the passion that the Italian vendors put into presenting their delicious, fresh produce, fruit, and pastries is quite inspiring. I especially fell in love with a street food stall selling traditional Italian pasta dishes – you have to try their "cacio e pepe" which was heavenly. I even managed to recreate the flavours in my hotel room later, much to the delight of the housekeeping staff. It's amazing how a few simple ingredients and a lot of passion can come together to make such a wonderful meal!
The afternoon was dedicated to some serious fashion therapy. Oh, darling, you just haven't truly lived until you've seen the beauty of Rome's vintage fashion scene. I stumbled upon a fabulous little shop bursting with elegant pieces, like an entire forgotten fashion era brought to life.
I fell in love with this striking vintage silk maxi dress – it just whispered of a sophisticated elegance and the beauty of timeless style, while maintaining my signature playful charm! I imagine this one at my next dance gala!
Later that night, we had dinner in this tiny, charming restaurant I discovered tucked away on a side street - it just oozed Italian magic. And I enjoyed a beautiful dinner, followed by my very favourite ice cream! The food and drink in Rome, it has a soul to it, doesn't it? And, if it's okay to get a bit sentimental here for a moment - all of this made me so incredibly happy, that it really felt like my pink tutu was swirling right into the fabric of Rome itself.
Rome: A Final Waltz
All in all, this trip was about far more than just exploring beautiful places or getting my fashion fix – although both of those things are fantastic! It was also about celebrating the spirit of creativity and the joy of being fully present in the moment. Rome has truly been a place that has enchanted me - I simply had to let the vibrant colours and rich history wash over me.
This has been such a fulfilling journey. So much laughter, joy, and inspiration, all punctuated by the glorious sight of pink tutus swirling around Roman piazzas, of course. You can't deny, tutus just add an extra sprinkle of whimsy to any journey, don't they?
If you haven't been to Rome yet, dear reader, I highly recommend putting it on your travel list! But if you're still thinking about how to create the perfect tutu-tiful travel wardrobe, take it from this ballerina: choose your colours with care and allow them to speak to the spirit of the places you travel to. For instance, I love wearing my sparkly gold-trimmed ballet tutu in Rome, it matches the stunning beauty of this extraordinary city perfectly.
Don't forget to catch my weekly blog posts every Wednesday at www.pink-tutu.com! Next week, I'm whisking you off on another adventure, so stay tuned, darlings. I can’t wait to share it with you all! Until then, keep your chin up, your shoes polished, and remember, life is best experienced with a sprinkle of pink tutu magic. Until next week!
Ciao Bella, Emma xx
