#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2023-04-12 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another instalment of my Rome adventure. The cobblestones are calling, the gelato is melting, and my pink tutu is twirling! It’s time for another fabulous #PinkTutuRome adventure. This week has been pure Italian magic. The Eternal City, with its history and stunning architecture, feels like a film set from a classic, glamorous Hollywood movie!

It’s hard to resist indulging in Italy, with all its beauty and charm. However, there’s always time for a ballet class, and I couldn’t leave Rome without a dance session! Today’s class was absolutely dreamy. It was nestled within a stunning palace courtyard with cascading wisteria and fragrant lavender in full bloom. Can you imagine? So elegant and inspiring. My heart leaped with joy the minute I stepped inside the studio. My fellow dancers, some professional, some just enthusiasts like me, greeted me with warm smiles, and we bonded over our shared love for dance. There’s just something magical about the camaraderie you find within a ballet community, especially in a foreign country. We moved, flowed, and soared through our repertoire, embracing every plié, arabesque, and pirouette. And of course, no ballet class is complete without the perfect pink tutu, so I embraced the stage for myself. Every movement felt amplified under the Florentine sun that peeked through the windows.

Rome is, of course, the heart of opera. A trip to the opera has been on my to-do list for weeks and today I felt it! As I stood before the grandiose opera house, I felt a sense of awe and anticipation. The opera I chose, “Aida” - with its breathtaking sets, costumes, and passionate music, transported me to a world of adventure and romance. Every note was a story, every scene a feast for the eyes. The costumes, all in luxurious velvet and satins, reminded me of a lavish ballet performance, with some added feathers and sparkling embellishments that a ballet-obsessed girl could only dream of! The opera house itself felt like a time capsule, taking me back to a bygone era of grandeur. The elegant chandeliers shimmered overhead, and the whispers of excitement filled the air as the performance began. My heart danced in the plush seats with the voices and emotions of the cast.

Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without a hearty helping of delicious Italian food! Today's treat was a platter of freshly-baked focaccia, topped with a generous sprinkle of sea salt. The smell was intoxicating, the flavour was heavenly. Then a trip to a cute cafe and a selection of creamy, delicious gelato. And when I mean gelato, I mean some of the most authentic and flavourful gelato in the world. With every spoonful, I swear I heard a chorus of angels sing! It's just the sort of experience that warms your heart and your taste buds all at the same time.

Every week is a fresh, exciting journey through Rome. As I wander from one stunning site to another, I've discovered that Rome isn’t just about the grand landmarks – it’s also about the everyday beauty of the streets. The faded turquoise tiles in alleyways, the way the sunlight filters through the leaves of ancient trees, the rumble of the train on tracks laid centuries ago... There’s magic in these everyday sights! The Roman architecture makes my ballerina’s heart sing!

Speaking of my heart, Rome has me feeling all things fashionable. My little shopping excursions are pure delight. Imagine a shop overflowing with the most stunning, romantic clothing - silky gowns with intricate details, beautiful, flowing fabrics in rich, vibrant colours, handmade jewelry with the sweetest, twinkling gems, and hats that would make any lady feel like a Queen! And of course, no Rome shopping experience is complete without a pair of handcrafted Italian leather boots! I couldn't leave without treating myself to a stunning pair in rich maroon, which matched my newest, long pink tulle skirt perfectly, of course. The leather was so soft and supple, a piece of wearable luxury. Just like ballet shoes, only way more chic!

As a Derbyshire girl, Rome is a world away! There’s a sense of history and wonder that fills the air. Each street, each monument whispers secrets from a time long past. Every corner tells a story that’s waiting to be uncovered. Rome, the city of emperors, artists, and poets, it feels as if the history is all around us and inspires me in the same way that a stage does when the curtain rises for a ballet. This past week, the Pantheon reminded me that even after centuries, the grandeur of human creation can inspire wonder in us. The Colosseum, for its own reasons, fills my mind with visions of the gladiators, the roaring crowds, and the drama of battles, making my imagination swirl as the dust in an arena during a battle. All these ancient tales become my muses.

Here I am in Rome, enjoying everything the city has to offer! My journey reminds me that the world is waiting to be explored, to be embraced, and to be danced on. The colours are brighter, the sun shines more radiantly, and life feels like one long ballet performance with every step! So let your inner ballerina loose! And of course, wear a pink tutu if you feel the urge!

From the cobbled streets of Rome, until next Wednesday!

Ciao for now,

Emma,

www.pink-tutu.com