Ciao bella! It’s Emma from Pink Tutu, back with another installment of my adventures – this week, from the glorious city of Rome! It’s been a whirlwind of cobblestones, gelato, and… well, pink, of course! This post marks a huge milestone for my blog, 1689 entries and counting. What a journey it's been, and it's all thanks to you, my loyal Pink Tutu readers!
So, as you know, my travel fund comes from my performances. This past weekend was a flurry of ballet classes and theatre gigs in the lovely Derby. Just two shows and a couple of classes later, I’d earned enough to treat myself to a long weekend in Italy’s capital. Now, I have to say, it's difficult to pick a favourite city - there’s just so much variety. But Rome is definitely a contender for top spot!
I've been here in the Eternal City for a couple of days now, and it's already exceeded my expectations! My flight landed at Fiumicino airport in the evening. I took the train into the centre - oh my goodness, what a dream! Rome's metro is efficient, clean and modern, with such beautiful art displays, I couldn't help but twirl. My favourite part was finding a street performer dancing, and even though I’d had a long journey, I just had to join in! After all, how often do you get to have an impromptu street ballet with the locals?!
For those of you who haven’t yet discovered the joy of travelling by train, it’s my absolute favourite. No cramped airport terminals, no awkward queues, just spacious compartments where I can even wear my Tutu while traveling (although the seat did make me blush a bit – maybe it’s time for a travel-friendly version for my next performance?!). Plus, you get to soak in the gorgeous landscapes, spot the cute towns, and marvel at the beautiful railway stations (some of them are literally like cathedrals of travel).
I landed in Rome on Monday morning, bright and early. The first thing I did after finding my adorable pink room at Hotel Minerva was grab the biggest cappuccino ever (yes, in a pink cup) and sit in the beautiful square in front of the Pantheon. Talk about making a grand entrance – it’s literally a majestic temple built in ancient Rome! They say it’s a wonder of the world – well, Rome’s definitely full of them, that’s for sure!
I spent the day exploring. Roman ruins and ancient squares… and a bit of window shopping, of course! Rome is an absolute paradise for all things fashion, with some stunning vintage boutiques. Even I found some new pink-themed finds! Oh, and how can I forget, I took a break for a quick picnic with a view, complete with the most delicious Roman-style pizza I’ve ever tasted – and yes, it had a lovely pink peppercorn sprinkle!
Rome, being Rome, obviously holds a special place in the history of ballet! I have a feeling that dancing is woven into the very fabric of the city. I mean, what other city could claim that their ballet dancers take a daily commute by chariot, literally a 21st century interpretation of ancient history? (Spoiler alert: that’s not how they do it!).
Rome's iconic opera houses are truly magnificent – think golden balconies and chandelier-lit ceilings. If I close my eyes and dream really hard, I can picture myself waltzing under the glimmering lights of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma – an iconic Italian theatre where so many amazing ballerinas have performed. It would be absolutely dreamy to bring my tutu and pink sparkle to this grand stage.
I’ve booked tickets for an amazing show tonight – it's at a tiny, intimate theatre with the most interesting choreography – and who knows, maybe a certain Pink Tutu dancer will make a surprise appearance on the stage! My biggest problem? Which dress to wear – it’s a dilemma.
There are SO MANY options. Should I opt for the whimsical tutu with the delicate, shimmering fabric and the ballet pumps, or maybe something with more edge? I have a pink sequined crop top, a fluffy pink feather boa and a cute, bright pink dress – which one? Oh, how I wish I could wear it all at once, just like they do in fashion magazines – all the pink! All the glam! That's what Rome is all about!
You know, sometimes when I'm feeling overwhelmed, all it takes is to grab a pink tulle, slip on my shoes and take a spin on a quiet cobbled street – everything seems a little brighter and a little more joyful after a twirl. It's the beauty of ballet and pink tutus; a magical touch that can make any city feel even more fantastic.
Later on today, I'm taking a little ballet class at one of Rome’s many prestigious dance studios – in a stunning palazzo right in the centre. Of course, it'll be pink, but with a bit of Italian flair, and maybe I’ll share some pink tutu inspiration with the other students. Who knows, perhaps I’ll even teach them a new dance move.
Today is also Thursday (in the Pink Tutu world, the week starts on Tuesday) and I’ve got something very special planned – a photoshoot in front of the Trevi Fountain! Rome is filled with architectural marvels and iconic buildings, But let’s be honest, the Trevi Fountain – the place to throw a coin and guarantee a return trip – is also the perfect place for a bit of pink tulle magic. I’ll definitely share the photos with you in my next post.
What can I say, Italy really is magic!
Okay, well that’s it for me this week. I'll have to sign off as I’m getting ready for my ballet class – those tutus won’t tie themselves, you know.
But stay tuned! I've got a whole heap of exciting adventures lined up for this Roman escapade - more pink fashion finds, stunning Italian food and enough ballet-inspired sights to fill a lifetime!
Remember, Rome may be the Eternal City but remember to wear a tutu - even if it’s just to pop to the corner shop. And be sure to share your own pink moments with me by tagging me on social media, using #PinkTutuRome - let’s share some Pink Tutu joy around the world. Until next time!
Ciao bella!
Emma x
**P.S. Don’t forget to check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com - it's got everything you need to bring a touch of pink sparkle to your life. And if you are looking for the ultimate pink outfit – you’ll find my collection available online and soon in a shop near you. Ciao for now!’
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