Ciao, darlings! Emma here, back from the glorious city of Rome, my latest ballet adventure bringing me to the heart of Italy. As you know, this week’s #PinkTutuRome post is dedicated to sharing my Roman escapade, all from the perspective of a tutu-loving, fashion-obsessed ballet girl, because that’s what I am, my lovelies, and that’s what you’ve come to expect!
As a little teaser, let me tell you this – Rome, oh, Rome! You are just utterly divine. I swear, every corner, every little alleyway, and every piazza just screams history and romance. It’s the kind of place that could inspire a thousand ballets! But that's just scratching the surface, of course. Let me whisk you through my week, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival, and Oh-la-la, My Dress!
We arrived on the morning of 1st July – it’s Wednesday, of course, my faithful readers. Nothing less would do. Stepping off the Eurostar (oh, how I love that smooth, swift, clean train journey!), Rome was bathed in sunshine, even in the city. Rome was already pulling me in with its beautiful ancient architecture. After settling into our charming hotel in the heart of Rome, you guessed it, the first thing I had to do? Explore, of course! What better place to do that than a luxurious boutique? The streets of Rome have boutiques of all kinds and I found myself shopping in the prettiest little boutiques and was thrilled to discover an adorable pink dress (you knew it, didn't you!) which is going to be my new ballet street dance dress. It has layers of tulle – a hint of tutu even, of course – with a gorgeous lace bodice and a lovely pink floral pattern. It fits me perfectly and I’m practically dying to wear it! But the best bit? It was actually affordable! It’s a complete find for the Pink-Tutu gal, and I can't wait to showcase it!
Day 2: Ancient wonders, and…pizza?
Waking up in Rome was just magical – imagine the sound of a bell ringing in a quiet alleyway, a symphony of cicadas and a distant bird song - then waking up in a stylish hotel, right next to the Coliseum – I was in love! We started the day by admiring the Colosseum’s impressive scale and sheer magnificence, letting ourselves be transported back in time. After, of course, we enjoyed the most delectable (and Instagram-worthy!) gelato on a sun-soaked street. But a true ballerina’s life isn’t just about twirls and tasty treats. Later that evening, we joined the masses in Piazza Navona and enjoyed an exquisite meal in the vibrant setting – you have to experience the magic of pizza in Rome at least once, and this particular place served some amazing carbonara. So delicious! To end the day on a cultural high, we caught the “Carmen” opera in a lovely opera house just off the Piazza Navona. You all know how much I adore opera - that powerful singing voice, the dramatic stories – such wonderful art!
Day 3: Trevi Fountain Wishes, and Ballet Bliss
Now, the Trevi Fountain, eh? It was all just as I’d imagined. Breathtaking. It really is the heart of Rome, and oh, it is simply captivating. And what's a girl to do in front of a magnificent fountain? Wish, of course! I tossed a coin, my wish? Why, to have every single person wear a pink tutu one day! And then, well, shopping – as usual! As the day wore on, we reached the Vatican, exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and just letting the scale of it all sink in. I love that feeling of reverence, that overwhelming sense of wonder when you’re surrounded by such amazing architecture. Of course, my Rome escapade wouldn't be complete without a visit to a ballet studio, so the rest of the afternoon was dedicated to a lovely session. The Italian teachers had a different style to what I'm used to back in Derbyshire, with such beautiful elegance and fluidity – definitely inspired me for a whole new kind of pink-tutu performance! I just hope I can make the steps my own.
Day 4: Gardens, Galleries and Fashion Fills
Who says Rome doesn't have beauty everywhere? We had the best time strolling through Villa Borghese, marveling at its gorgeous gardens and art – it was like stepping straight into a fairytale. Honestly, it’s the kind of scenery that makes me feel all creative and want to leap through the air, but, of course, a tutu and a garden aren’t always the best combination. However, it does spark inspiration and I was snapping photographs with my new Polaroid for sure, all to remind me of this gorgeous experience. The highlight of this day though, for you dear readers, was of course, the afternoon dedicated to fashion. The Spanish Steps… just wow. What a vision in cream, marble, and terracotta, set off perfectly by the fashionistas just chilling and chatting on the steps and surrounding shops. Rome, you're making my dream fashion photoshoot! And, let me tell you, the vintage finds on these beautiful streets were plentiful, perfect for adding a touch of classic Italian elegance to my dance wardrobe. I think I just fell in love with the pink fedora hat I found. Can't wait to show it off in my next dance performance!
Day 5: A Roman Rhapsody in Pink and a Ballet Soiree
Well, how can we possibly leave Rome without indulging in the pink magic, right? That’s right! I found the most delightful, little artisan shop tucked away in the centre of Rome and the sweetest, pink-est floral fabric… it was almost meant to be, you guys! Of course, we did all the traditional Rome activities like walking the ancient Appian Way – just the perfect location for a tutu inspired photo-shoot! Oh, but wait, there's more. Imagine a ballet class right in the centre of this gorgeous city - the Rome Opera Ballet were offering open-air classes on the Piazza Navona, the air buzzing with a unique mix of classical and street style music. I could have danced all day! The Italian dancers moved with such captivating artistry - so smooth and graceful, it's no wonder that Italy is the land of the ballet masters, you know. I was lucky enough to find out they are having a ballet recital later that evening so it was settled – off to the ballet! After catching the Roman ballet performance, it's been a whole new appreciation for Italy. We finished the day off with delicious home-made pasta on a roof terrace – a night under the stars! Pure Roman romance – don’t worry I had pink ribbons on!
Day 6: A Farewell to Rome (And Hello to New Tutu Inspirations)
The time has come to say ciao to Rome, but oh, how hard it is! This city really gets under your skin. My week was full of inspiration. There’s something so magnetic about Roman life - from its timeless beauty to its lively energy, from its rich culture to its irresistible flavours, and, of course, it was a joy for my tutu loving self. Rome has a certain je ne sais quoi, and I am leaving with a renewed spirit and a suitcase filled with delightful new outfits and memories. If this trip has taught me anything, it’s to live with passion and always find a little bit of beauty everywhere. What better way to start the journey home? What are my takeaways? You have to always listen to your own personal call. The streets of Rome may be paved with cobbles and ancient stone, but for a pink-tutu dancer, that’s like finding a whole new universe of ideas. The colour pink isn’t about gender or anything silly, it’s just pure joy!
Oh, and for those of you who asked - yes, I am looking for a pink dress or a skirt or some shoes - everything has to be pink now! I’ll post pictures later and will share a tutorial about how to wear your pink tutu anywhere (seriously!).
As always, dear readers, thanks for coming along with me on this little #PinkTutuRome adventure. Keep a lookout for the pictures and see how much pink there is everywhere. And please remember: Life is meant to be twirled, jumped and danced with passion and a dash of pink - after all, even the cobbled streets of Rome looked so much prettier in pink! And that’s my motto for today – spread some pink joy!
See you all next Wednesday for more fashion and dance updates, as usual on the Pink-Tutu.com website!
Until then, stay stylish!
Your very own Emma!
#PinkTutu #PinkTutuRome #Rome #Italy #Travel #Fashion #Ballet #Pink
