Hello darlings! It's Emma, and it's Wednesday, which means it's time for a new Pink Tutu blog post! This week, I'm coming to you from the stunning city of Rome, a place I've been dreaming of visiting since I was a little girl.
For those who haven't seen my last post, I'm on a little tour of Europe! And who better to take you on this magical journey than a pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, right? I've been so excited to explore the Italian capital and it certainly hasn't disappointed. The vibrant energy, the rich history, the delicious food, and the captivating beauty have completely charmed me!
But let's talk fashion! It's Rome, darlings! We are in a city of style and I've been going completely crazy shopping, particularly for those wonderful, feminine summer pieces I know you love. Think flowing dresses in floral prints, luxurious silks, and some gorgeous hats, perfect for a stroll around the Spanish Steps or an evening aperitivo at a chic Roman trattoria.
This city is full of fashion inspiration, and you know me - I can't help but wear a touch of pink! My pink tulle skirt was practically a necessity as I pirouetted my way through the cobbled streets of the city centre. It really did bring a little touch of Derbyshire sparkle to this grand Italian city,
But it wasn't all about the fashion, oh no! This week's blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning some of the incredible ballet experiences I've had here in Rome. You see, this city is alive with ballet. I attended a stunning performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma on Friday, a beautiful production of Giselle that blew me away with its breathtaking choreography and exquisite costumes. The energy in that theatre was truly electric!
And on Saturday, I got the chance to take a masterclass at the Teatro Palladium, which was such a lovely experience! It's such a joy to learn from different teachers and immerse myself in the beauty of ballet across different countries. And wouldn't you know it, but they even have a "Pink Tutu Day" on Tuesdays at the Palladium, which just goes to show you – even Italy loves pink tutus!
Aside from the dance, Rome has been a constant feast for the senses. The Colosseum is just as majestic as you've always imagined, the Pantheon is breathtaking, and the Vatican City was both awe-inspiring and a little bit humbling. The beauty of ancient Rome and the Catholic grandeur really combined to create a powerful and lasting impression.
Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I've devoured platefuls of creamy carbonara, tasted the freshest gelato in the world (and yes, I tried the pink one!), and sipped cappuccinos under the warm Italian sun. You can just imagine, darling, how excited I am!
One thing that has really surprised me about Rome is just how train friendly it is. We all know my love for travelling by train - there's just something so glamorous about watching the world roll by from a carriage window, particularly when there's a hot cappuccino and a book nearby. The Italian rail network is a delight - the train station in Rome is bustling and vibrant and the trains are efficient and comfortable.
In fact, this week I was fortunate enough to use the Italian rail system to travel from Rome to Florence. That journey was stunning. You see the sun shimmering off the Tuscan hills and there were incredible views of ancient castles as the train cut its way across the beautiful countryside. I can see why it’s known as a “Romantic Train Journey”, and let me tell you, darlings, the journey itself was half the fun!
One of the most surprising experiences I had in Rome wasn’t actually a traditional sightseeing highlight, but a delightful discovery at the Campo de’ Fiori market. It was Saturday afternoon, and I was walking through the crowded streets of the market, captivated by the colours, sounds, and smells. There were baskets of ruby red tomatoes, shiny green peppers, plump artichokes, fragrant herbs, and endless choices of local cheeses and olives. And then, just like that, there it was: a stall dedicated entirely to pink. There was pink-tinted pasta, pink lemonade, pink cherry pastries, pink flowers, pink cushions… It was almost as though the vendor had received a psychic transmission from Derbyshire! I'm not even kidding - you really must come and check it out, my dears!
This little corner of the market felt like a little haven for me, a pink paradise amidst the bustling market scene. It reminded me of that sense of adventure I love to find on my travels – those magical, little unexpected gems that are so exciting to discover.
Right now, my friends, I’m relaxing in my hotel room in Florence. I’ve finished my first cup of espresso for the day (it is just SO strong in Florence - you could stand a spoon upright in it!) and the warm Tuscan sun is pouring through the window. I have a date tonight with a show of the Nutcracker at the Florence Opera, and after that I’ll be meeting some of the lovely ballerinas at my hotel’s dance studio to get in a little practice session before starting my dance classes tomorrow.
Rome has truly been a magical experience. The beautiful art, the romantic atmosphere, and the amazing food – it was pure perfection!
And as I move on to explore other stunning cities in Italy, one thing I’m determined to do is to spread my pink tutu message, my little Derbyshire sprinkle of glamour, throughout Europe! Maybe one day, all the world's cities will embrace a little bit of pink! I have to admit, my friends, it’s an awfully optimistic idea, but just think how pretty the world would look in a splash of blush!
Now I'm off to start my day here in Florence, but remember to stay tuned next week for another edition of the Pink Tutu blog, this time coming from Florence! I'm sure you won't want to miss my fashion adventures and all the glamorous dance details I have to share! Until then, stay stylish and have a wonderful week.
And don’t forget, if you are looking for more pink tutu inspiration, and adventures, please head over to my website at www.pink-tutu.com
Sending love, glitter, and twirls! Emma
