Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, writing to you live from the heart of Rome, Italy! The sunshine is warm, the gelato is divine, and the cobbled streets are calling to my dancing feet. As I sit here at my favourite little cafƩ, sipping my cappuccino, a chorus of Vespas buzz past, adding to the beautiful symphony of Roman life. I can already feel that this trip is going to be filled with stunning architecture, delectable Italian treats, and endless inspiration!
You know me, I can't be without my trusty pink tutu. And honestly, there's no place better than Rome to twirl. Imagine, dancing beneath the Roman sun with the Colosseum as my stage backdrop, or maybe twirling my way through the Trevi Fountain ā now thatās a performance worthy of the gods! But todayās blog is about much more than dancing dreams; it's a peek into my personal Roman adventure, the sights Iāve seen, the experiences I've had, and, of course, the pink outfits!
A Whirlwind Trip to Rome
As a ballet dancer, train travel has a certain charm for me. Itās like a journey in itself, and Rome has such a vibrant atmosphere you can feel it on the train, so itās the perfect way to kick off my trip. This time, I came all the way from Derbyshire, England ā talk about a glamorous ballet tour! The scenery was just magical. Fields of sunflowers swayed with the wind, and the train, a beautiful sleek crimson Italian one, was a perfect companion on this journey. I found a comfy spot in the train, sat by the window with my little bag and book, feeling excited about the sights and stories Iād find in this historic city.
Speaking of stories, one of the first places I ventured to was the Galleria Borghese. I must admit, the Borghese Gallery and its surrounding gardens are every bit as enchanting as I'd heard. It's an elegant, quiet sanctuary amidst the busy city, filled with classical sculptures and stunning works of art, from the Bernini masterpiece āApollo and Daphneā to the captivating paintings by Caravaggio. The beautiful light in this place, it truly captured the Roman spirit ā I was inspired to paint my own story on the canvas of Rome with a few perfectly posed pictures. I even donned my favourite pink tutu for a playful, pirouette moment ā of course!
Foodie Delights and Shopping Spree
Now, if you ask any ballerina about travelling, theyāll say you need to do a bit of ballet shopping! For me, the experience is almost like another ballet performance, except the stage is a luxurious shopping mall or, in my case, the charming shops of Trastevere, a delightful little corner of Rome. The atmosphere is full of character, the cobblestone streets are crammed with cute boutiques, charming bakeries, and colourful flower stalls. Iād highly recommend you take a stroll through Trastevere, especially for its colourful Roman artistry ā I just love its soul.
A ballerina's gotta eat too, so a trip to the Campo deā Fiori Market is a must! A delightful explosion of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisan cheeses, I was in my element here. Fresh-picked peaches, plump cherries, and mounds of colorful herbs - theyāre all bursting with flavour and sunshine, the true embodiment of "la dolce vita" for my tastebuds.
I simply couldn't leave Rome without experiencing a traditional Roman trattoria. Itās so fun, a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere. This is a real taste of local life. The traditional dishes are all cooked to perfection, the pasta al carbonara is a dream, and of course, no visit to Rome is complete without trying a decadent tiramisu. I always say a perfect combination is gelato, tiramisu and a cappuccinoā¦ maybe Iāll add that to my tutu inspired recipes. I have some fantastic recipes to share.
Art and Dance ā Two of My Favourite Passions
Today, my heart leapt for joy because I finally visited the Museo Nazionale Romano, specifically, the one near the Colosseum! The Roman statues were breathtaking! Each of these powerful ancient figures had so much drama, so much passion, it was truly inspiring! It made me want to go home, dig out my pointe shoes, and find new ways to translate this captivating spirit into my ballet movements!
Then came the performance I'd been waiting for ā La Scala Ballet at Teatro dellāOpera. To hear the applause of the Italian audience after a powerful ballet sequence and to be completely transported by the stories on stage... it was just exhilarating.
Of course, I've done my share of twirling throughout Rome, too! I canāt leave my tutu behind ā it adds a bit of extra āje ne sais quoiā to the cityscape! A little pirouette in Piazza Navona or a graceful pose near the Trevi Fountain are always a fun way to capture a perfect photograph to share. After all, you never know what adventures youāll find while twirling. Iām always looking for pink tutus on others too. You wouldn't believe the fantastic vintage finds I stumbled upon at a tiny shop in the Trastevere areaā¦ A little pink vintage tutu from the 1950s. It's been patiently awaiting me for this trip, waiting for someone who can make it sing again. Now that's how you turn a sightseeing adventure into a ballet story, isnāt it?
The Pink Tutu Power
My dear friends, as always, I have one more little piece of ballet magic for you before I sign off. Do you want to make a big, dramatic splash with your own wardrobe? Let me remind you, pink is the most vibrant colour, but wearing a tutu brings joy to everyone, itās about making life more magical. Take a spin in your most cherished tutu. Be fearless, have a smile that radiates from your soul, and most importantly, spread the pink tutu love wherever you go. Because, really, isnāt it lovely to let lifeās performance unfold in the beautiful, elegant way only a tutu can inspire?
So, my fellow fashionistas and ballet enthusiasts, join me! Share your own #PinkTutuRome moments with me on Instagram! Tell me about your favourite Roman discoveries and show me how you wear your pink tutu with pride!
I'll be here, in my pink tutu, with stories for you every Wednesday at www.pink-tutu.com, spinning stories from Rome. Until next time! Ciao, Bella!
With twirls and love,
Emma
(P.S: If you'd like to see the performance photos of my pink tutu adventures in Rome, make sure to head over to my Instagram page, @pinktutuemma. I'll post my favourite photos from the trip! And I always look forward to your comments and suggestions! )
