Buongiorno, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing, Rome-exploring, fashion-loving, pink-obsessed ballerina, Emma, bringing you the latest from the Eternal City! This week, it's all about soaking up the Italian sunshine, taking in the stunning architecture, and – of course – finding some fabulously fashionable finds to add to my wardrobe!
After a whirlwind journey from Derbyshire (where my last ballet performance went down a storm – so proud!), I arrived in Rome via train, naturally. There's just something magical about the clickety-clack of the rails, the hushed whisper of the carriages, and the feeling of a brand-new adventure unfolding before me.
Rome welcomed me with open arms – well, maybe not arms, more like delicious gelato and cobblestone streets. After checking into my perfectly pink hotel room (yes, you read that right, even the walls were blush!), I decided to head straight for the Piazza Navona. This place is absolutely buzzing! Street artists are drawing, buskers are strumming melodies, and the scent of freshly-baked pizza wafts through the air.
As I sashayed through the crowd, my vibrant pink tutu swaying with every step, I couldn't help but feel a sense of “la dolce vita.” It was just me, the sunshine, and the endless possibilities that lay before me!
My first Roman adventure, however, involved something decidedly less energetic – shopping, darling!
Pink Paradise Found in Rome!What better way to begin a Roman escapade than with a bit of retail therapy? After all, Rome is known for its fabulous fashion scene, and my heart (and wardrobe) was ready to be filled with beautiful new finds!
The first stop had to be the Via Condotti. I knew this iconic street was home to all the designer names, so my senses were already tingling with excitement. I wandered past Gucci, Prada, and Fendi, dreaming of those coveted pieces I'd been eyeing for ages, before landing upon a little boutique that felt like it was made just for me – Pink Flamingo.
Yes, you heard that right! It was a haven for pink! Every piece of clothing, every accessory, every scarf… everything was shades of blush, from the palest pastel to the boldest magenta. It was like walking into a candy shop for fashion-lovers.
Now, I'll admit, my inner-ballerina squealed with delight at the sight of a pair of shimmering, pale pink, pointed-toe pumps with a delicate little bow adorning the front. My mind already pictured them with a flowing blush-toned silk skirt and a white chiffon top – the ultimate pink dream!
They were a little pricey, darling, but I’d had a particularly good ballet performance last week and, well, I couldn’t resist. I was also lucky enough to find the perfect pink bag – a dainty little clutch with a gold chain strap – to match! It felt like fate had brought me to this very boutique at this very moment.
Feeling fabulously fashionable, I walked back to my hotel, dreaming of the evenings I'd spend strutting my stuff through the Roman streets.
Dinner at a Trattoria with a View!After a quick change and a light snack of fresh fruit and local ricotta, I was ready for my first true Italian experience – dinner at a charming trattoria with a view!
The restaurant, a tiny little gem called “La Buchetta,” nestled amidst narrow cobblestone alleys, had the most incredible atmosphere! The air buzzed with conversations, the clatter of dishes, and the scent of oregano and garlic. I sat on a balcony overlooking the Roman Forum, the breathtaking golden sunset turning the ancient ruins into a scene straight out of a movie.
It was like being transported to another time, but in a beautifully modern and vibrant way. I ordered a simple plate of pasta al pomodoro – truly the best I've ever tasted! It was so fresh, so flavorful, so… perfectly Italian. The red wine they recommended was also divine, with fruity notes and a smooth, velvety texture.
As I savoured the delicious food, my mind started to wander… What adventures would tomorrow bring?
Roman Ruins, a Waltz and a Tango!Waking up the next day, my head swimming with possibilities, I decided to visit the Roman Forum. It was incredible – all those ancient structures, the remnants of an empire! I wandered past temples, basilicas, and forums, imagining what it must have been like to walk amongst these magnificent buildings all those years ago.
The air hummed with history, and the heat of the sun cast long shadows over the worn stone. But amidst the stillness, I found an energy, a vibrant pulse that somehow echoed through the ages. It reminded me of the way that a dance performance can electrify a theatre – a shared experience of joy and passion that transcends time.
As I walked back to my hotel, my thoughts started to turn towards ballet – my lifeblood, my passion, my everything! What a beautiful connection this city had with the performing arts! I felt a deep longing to find a local dance class. And wouldn’t you know it, dear readers, luck was on my side!
As I wandered past a quaint, tucked away square, my eyes were drawn to a poster promoting an open tango class.
Now, I'll be honest, tango has never been my forte, but a dancer never turns down an opportunity to learn something new! The class was small but welcoming, the instructor patient and enthusiastic. We practiced turns, steps, and the passionate embrace of this dramatic dance, my pink tutu swirling around my legs.
In that little space, surrounded by the warmth of the Roman sun, the passion of the dance, and the infectious energy of my fellow dancers, I felt utterly alive! This, right here, was the magic of Rome - finding joy in every moment, embracing every experience, and dancing with all my heart!
Tonight – The Opera at The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma!This evening, darlings, I am indulging in the ultimate Roman experience - an opera performance at the magnificent Teatro dell’Opera di Roma!
I know some people say that opera is a bit stuffy or too formal. I’m not so sure! To me, opera is simply another form of storytelling – drama, passion, romance, tragedy – it’s all there in the soaring music, the captivating voices, and the intricate dance sequences. It’s like a ballet on a grander scale.
I’ve even found a spectacularly flamboyant outfit to wear to this evening's performance - a bright pink tulle dress, my beloved pink ballet shoes and my diamond-encrusted choker to complete the look. I have a feeling I'll be making a splash!
Oh, and I’m going to try and find a “pink gelato” somewhere in the city, to get me into the spirit of the performance! (You wouldn’t believe how obsessed I am with pink right now – and why shouldn’t I be?)
So, as the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the city, I’m off to embrace this exciting Roman evening. I’ll let you know how it goes – and you can follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com (if you aren’t already).
Until next time, darling!
Ciao Bella!
Emma xx
