Wednesday, 21st December 2022
Ciao Bella! From the cobbled streets of Rome, where the air is crisp with winter and the aroma of freshly brewed espresso fills every corner, I’m sending you all my love and festive wishes. This week, my journey to Italy takes a delightful detour from the grand squares and ancient ruins, into the magical world of Roman ballet!
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this visit since I booked my train ticket back in October. I adore the romantic Italian way of life – all that sunshine, the glorious food and the captivating artistic heritage. Oh, and of course, the breathtaking ballet performances. Today, I’m getting my Italian ballerina on and I’m absolutely buzzing!
First, let’s talk fashion, because that’s a big part of my life! Now, the Roman look is all about understated elegance, with crisp white shirts and linen dresses – not something I’d usually wear – but even my trusty pink tutu, when teamed with my oversized beige trench coat and a statement pair of gold earrings, was making a splash among the stylish locals.
After arriving in Roma Termini station – what a stunning structure, don’t you think? - I hopped onto the metro, making sure to capture the bright pink murals on the platform (what a coincidence!). From there, it was a short journey to my charming boutique hotel. A true hidden gem! Imagine: a charming little courtyard tucked away behind a dusty old gate, lined with vibrant bougainvillea. I knew then I was in for a truly authentic Italian experience.
Today’s adventure began at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, where the programme promised a spellbinding interpretation of Swan Lake, featuring the celebrated ballerina, Francesca Bove.
Here’s a little something to help you picture the scene: As I waltzed through the majestic theatre entrance – and I couldn’t resist twirling my tutu to a silent accompaniment in my head - I was struck by the air of excitement, anticipation and, frankly, elegance. The place was abuzz with excited chatter and hushed whispers, while the elegant crowd - the ladies, I’m sorry to say, were effortlessly stylish and utterly sophisticated - wore the most exquisite couture ensembles.
For this evening, I chose a long-sleeved ivory ballet leotard paired with a layered, floor-length blush tulle skirt, topped off with my trusty ballet slippers. This was a show-stopping look for my date night at the opera and a clear departure from my usual, bolder, bright pink. But as I took a seat in the plush red velvet theatre seat, I realised - the subtle elegance of my choice really suited the surroundings! And yes, my tutu is, after all, perfectly respectable theatre-wear.
As the lights dimmed, the orchestra took their places, and the stage illuminated, the performance surpassed even my highest expectations. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was all the beauty, grace and passion I’d hoped for. Francesca Bove’s performance was breathtaking, her movements effortlessly powerful and incredibly emotive. Honestly, you could see tears welling up in the eyes of those watching, and it truly is a gift to be part of that collective emotional experience.
But Rome is a city where the entertainment doesn’t stop at the theatre, and the ballet isn’t the only way to get your dance on in this extraordinary city!
Later that evening, I found myself lost in the magical alleyways of Trastevere, where, just as I was preparing to settle in for a glass of red wine and a platter of charcuterie, I heard the sweet, familiar strains of a street performer. Now, I’ve seen a lot of street music and performances, and nothing truly prepares you for the level of artistic flair you find here. But then I turned a corner, and I was swept away by a captivating performance from a young group of ballet dancers.
I’ve never seen so much emotion poured into each move - it was raw, it was powerful, and it was captivating! Here, in the heart of Rome, where the city life spills out onto the cobblestone streets, I discovered this incredible dance crew who brought a vibrant energy to a place already filled with such raw and passionate artistic talent.
It’s experiences like this, these moments of unexpected beauty and passion, that make travel so truly rewarding! This little encounter has definitely fueled my love for street art, and if there is anything that could persuade me to hang up my tutu for a while, it is a chance to take a masterclass from these young street ballet prodigies! And that is my mission, my quest, as it is for many an artist, in the creative hubs around the globe: to find that spark, that creative jolt from my fellow artistic souls. It's these connections that shape my vision for my work - and to the surprise of many, not all of it involves ballet (although, it never is far away!)
And talking of sparks, a quick update: I’m not leaving Rome without visiting a local designer boutique or two, just to satisfy my inner fashionista and see what new items will be featuring in my upcoming performances. Let’s be honest, no ballet trip is complete without indulging in a little retail therapy - and trust me, it was definitely worth the journey!
From dazzling designs to stunning statement pieces - I couldn't resist some beautiful jewellery! A sparkling ruby necklace is perfect for evening events, don't you think? The delicate gold bracelets will pair perfectly with the ballerina outfits that I've picked up for my upcoming ballet classes at home! This is how the ballerina dream stays alive. My shopping bag (with plenty of pink, of course!), is already making my travel companion's luggage bulge! But, to be fair, what is travel for, if you're not going to indulge in a few souvenirs!
Tomorrow, I’ll be back to the main itinerary – exploring the majestic Colosseum, strolling through the ruins of the Roman Forum, and trying (in vain!) to squeeze in all the food I possibly can, but you can be certain I’ll be sporting a chic little ballet-inspired twist on my outfit to compliment my Roman surroundings!
So, I’m off to catch up with my fellow tutus (they’re in a pink flurry today, by the way - we’re meeting for tea at a charming little café in Piazza Navona). But for now, I’m sending all my love, light, and ballerina wishes your way. And don’t forget, if you ever need a reason to let your inner ballerina shine (no matter where in the world you are), remember: it's all about the confidence, the passion and the love for the magic of movement. And, of course, a fabulously sparkly pink tutu! Ciao for now!
