Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing travel blogger, Emma, back with another weekly adventure, this time from the beautiful, vibrant city of Rome!
This week I'm on a little trip, funded by a rather successful run of ballet performances in Derbyshire, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to jump on a train, embrace a little Italian sunshine, and, of course, twirl around in my pink tutu amongst the iconic sights of Rome!
I have to say, Rome just does something to you. The cobbled streets, the grand piazzas, the aroma of espresso and freshly baked bread ā everything whispers "la dolce vita", and I am totally embracing it.
Travelling in Style
First things first: let's talk about trains! There's something so chic and glamorous about a train journey, wouldn't you say? I packed my favourite vintage suitcase, my most fabulous pink tutu (you just know it had to be a blush pink, perfect for the sunset views!), and my lucky charm - a tiny, pearl-encrusted ballet slipper gifted to me by my Nana. It's amazing what a good accessory can do!
Speaking of accessories, I also found myself a gorgeous Italian leather handbag in my favourite shade of pink (naturally). Let me tell you, it adds a whole new level of chic to the classic "travelling in a tutu" look! I'm even thinking of carrying it in the back of my pink tutu for my future ballet shows! A ballerina needs to stay organised, even during performance season!
Exploring Rome on Pointe
My first full day in Rome started with a coffee (and a croissant!), followed by a trip to the Colosseum. I'll admit, even I was impressed. Seeing the grandeur of the Colosseum in real life felt like a scene out of a movie - definitely something that sparks inspiration!
As for my outfits for this leg of the journey, you'll have to forgive me. This city is so inspiring that I have a pink tutu for every occasion. For the Colosseum, I went with a classic, bright pink tulle tutu with a black, silk top and matching pumps, so that my pink tulle wouldn't get trampled! Then we visited the Trevi Fountain and for a touch of elegant, but subtle sparkle, I changed into a delicate, lilac-toned tutu paired with a flowing chiffon top. A few well-placed twirls against the cascading water and some striking poses (after all, who can resist photographing their pink tulle next to one of the world's most beautiful fountains?), and I was living my very best Italian dream.
Of course, my love affair with the city was sealed with a visit to the Vatican. Seeing the intricate art and architecture left me speechless (even though my inner fashionista was already planning all the potential pink tutu looks! Think Renaissance inspiration...or perhaps a modern twist on a papal pontiff? ).
Dance and Fashion Delights
For dinner, we headed to Trastevere, a neighbourhood bursting with charm and delicious smells of freshly cooked pasta. That's where I spotted a stunning ballet studio ā it seemed almost magical! Itās going to be my secret hideaway, my āaway from homeā ballet spot in Rome. Next week Iām planning on trying out their drop in classes, just for fun. Who knows, it may inspire a whole new fashion trend ā imagine ātutus in Trastevereā, Iām just picturing the looks! Iām already planning my tutu for my debutā¦ maybe something in the spirit of the āRoman Holidayā - elegant, stylish but also with a little whimsical charm, think, blush tulle, pink ballet slippers and a single red rose nestled in the hair!
Later on, I took advantage of my newfound fashion inspiration and popped into some of Rome's fabulous boutiques. Let me tell you, shopping for the perfect tutu (and matching accessories, of course) in a city so steeped in history was a dream come true! The sheer volume of fashion inspiration was phenomenal!
Food for Thought, and for the Soul
You just can't visit Rome without experiencing the cuisine! We have dined like Romans. Gelato, pasta, pizza, the authentic flavours just keep drawing me back for more. There are some excellent coffee shops here ā my current favourite serves espresso alongside the most perfect little cinnamon scrolls, light, crispy and deliciously sweet. Iām even thinking of wearing a pastel blue tulle tutu when I go there ā the shade just reminds me of summer skies and delicious sugary delights! (Speaking of skies, they're always picture-perfect blue here, which helps me keep my outfits as dreamy and light as the weather!)
Roman Charm
Of course, my pink tutu isn't the only thing turning heads here. Romans are stylish and charming people ā they have a real flair for life. And their love for ballet is undeniable. Youād be surprised how many people compliment my pink tutus!
In fact, yesterday, a charming little old gentleman asked if he could take my picture near the Pantheon. He even made sure it was a full length portrait, showcasing my dazzling, ruffled pink tutu in all its glory! Now, that's what I call La dolce vita. (In case you are wondering, I obliged and we even had a mini photo shoot on the steps of the Pantheon ā my best tutu shot ever!)
Sharing the Tutu Love
Of course, every trip has to include a bit of cultural immersion. Tonight, I went to a captivating ballet performance at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma! It was a blend of traditional grace and modern dynamism. And, you guessed it ā my tutu fit right in. It seems like everywhere you look in this city thereās some form of dance ā itās a part of daily life!
I even saw some amazing street performers near the Spanish Steps, which has definitely inspired some new dance moves! Who knew that a ballerina would be influenced by the graceful, twirling movements of street performers?! I'll be sharing those on my YouTube channel, and don't be surprised if a bright pink tutu pops up in those videos ā after all, pink tutus look fabulous in every city!
Final Thoughts from Rome
As you can tell, Rome is captivating in its entirety, and so is this particular leg of my ātutu adventureā. The sights, the smells, the vibrant street culture are intoxicating and make me just want to wear a pink tutu, pose in front of a classic Roman landmark and embrace every opportunity for a perfectly-timed twirl.
I've been soaking up the sun (in a shimmering pink tutu!), sampling the most delicious pasta dishes, and of course, finding new inspiration for my dance career. As much as I enjoy my travels and seeing the world in my pink tutu, nothing beats stepping into the studio for some proper ballet classes - after all, Iām a ballerina first and foremost. The discipline of practice always leads me back to the real core of what I do ā so next week Iāll be back in my home studio ā although the next day Iāll be off again!
Until next week, my dears, remember, lifeās always more fabulous in pink! Especially when you're in Rome!
Yours in Tulle,
Emma
Donāt forget to follow me on Instagram @pink_tutu and on YouTube at Pink Tutu Dance. ** I'll be sharing more pictures of my tutu adventures and tips for tutu style from the cobblestone streets of Rome.
*P.S: Stay tuned for my full Rome travel fashion diary next week! The highlights, the trends the tutuās! You will not want to miss it! *
