#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2029-03-28 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao Bella!

This week, I'm whisked away to the heart of Italy - Rome! Oh, how I've been dreaming of this moment. I finally managed to book a ballet show at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and wouldn't you know it, they have a stunning tutus in their ballet store! Can you imagine? A pink tutu in Rome! Dreams do come true!

I always find that travelling by train brings a different kind of magic. It's a chance to observe the countryside, catch up on some reading, and soak in the atmosphere. As I travelled from Derbyshire to Rome, I was already envisioning all the pink tulle possibilities. Rome, you see, is bursting with colour, and it just begs for a vibrant, shimmering pink tutu to complete the picture.

Arriving in Rome was like stepping into a fairytale. I felt like I'd stumbled into a Renaissance painting - grand squares, elegant piazzas, and charming cafes with little tables spilling out onto cobblestone streets. Every corner I turned was a new photograph opportunity. Of course, the star of my Roman adventure was going to be the pink tutu, which was absolutely perfect for this picturesque city.

First up on my itinerary was, of course, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The building is absolutely grand! You wouldn't believe the chandeliers – shimmering crystal and sparkling with a thousand facets. It felt like I was being transported to another era, where glamour and grace reigned supreme. The ballet was even better than I'd hoped, featuring intricate footwork, expressive movements, and costumes so dazzling, it was like watching a living masterpiece. As the music swept over me, I felt myself getting swept away in the enchantment. I had to take pictures of course.

No visit to Rome is complete without indulging in a spot of shopping. Rome, my friends, is a paradise for anyone who loves clothes and fashion. Every street seems to overflow with elegant boutiques and shops brimming with treasures. This is where the fun really began! Now, I have to say that I didn't need to buy another tutu, but come on, how could I resist? This is Rome! I mean, there's just something about a pink tutu in a cobblestone Italian piazza…

So, off I went, skipping and twirling (wearing my beloved pink tutu, naturally) into a maze of fashion-filled streets. My senses were tingling! I came across an array of local designer shops and artisan studios showcasing the very finest Italian craftsmanship. I was absolutely floored by the stunning colours, delicate textures, and luxurious materials on display. I could spend weeks here browsing, but my mission was a specific pink tutu – one that would bring an extra flourish to my trip!

Eventually, I found myself in a small shop that seemed to hold the secrets of every vintage Parisian dance costume ever made. Tucked away between shimmering beaded gowns and hand-stitched corsetry, was my pink tutu – not quite like any I had ever seen. The owner explained to me, with sparkling eyes and enthusiastic Italian gesticulations, how the delicate lace of the tulle was unique, sourced from a small village near Florence. He also mentioned that this style was very popular in Rome in the 1950s. What luck that I found this unique beauty!

The pink was the most gorgeous, soft pastel shade imaginable – not a sickly Barbie pink, oh no! It was delicate and shimmering and just a tad bit blush – absolutely divine! And I had to buy the beaded ballerina flats, a bargain at £20. Imagine my delight!

After my tutu shopping spree, it was time for some delightful Roman treats. Of course, I had to indulge in some creamy gelato – pistachio, hazelnut and mango, just because I could! And while I was savouring my frozen dessert, I caught a glimpse of a local ballet school just around the corner. There was no way I was letting this opportunity slip by. So, I decided to walk by and check it out.

As soon as I stepped inside, I knew it was going to be a special experience. The walls were lined with photos of students performing gracefully in different pink tutus (and a few sparkly blue ones). I got so caught up in chatting with the teachers – lovely, smiling, charismatic ladies - that I missed my lesson time, but I promised to come back next week. There is still time before my return journey on Saturday. I just had to join the lesson to see what it was like, so I signed up!

This particular class, thankfully, was in a small studio with just three of us in the room. My tutu went back in the suitcase, a small sacrifice, as it meant wearing a little white dance leotard instead, with tights, but you know me - my favourite pink scrunchie kept things in place, along with a sparkly little butterfly clip in my hair! I learned a lovely piece of traditional Italian ballet that made me think about all those stories about Italian romanticism and romance in ballets - well, it certainly felt magical! I loved being in this classroom in this country with the very best dancers - I learnt more from this than I ever could at the theatre.

And if my evening couldn't get better, my day wrapped up perfectly with an unforgettable ballet performance. It was my chance to see the famous La Scala Ballet, performed by a dazzling troupe of talented dancers. You wouldn't believe the artistry! They made me wish I was back on stage - I thought I'd even left my dancing shoes in my bag but there was an open practice and you know, my love for ballet led me to another amazing discovery. The practice sessions were so captivating! It felt like I was given a backstage glimpse into the world of ballet and I saw a real passion for this incredible form of dance.

As I boarded my train back to Derbyshire, I knew this trip was just the beginning. I already have another pink tutu planned! This time it's Vienna – more on that in my next post!

In the meantime, until my next Pink Tutu adventure, I wish you all a sparkling week!

And don't forget – everyone can rock a pink tutu.

Stay twirly, Emma

Don't forget to visit our website: www.pink-tutu.com