Welcome to Pink Tutu Rome, Blog Post #1604!
This week, we're waltzing our way through the captivating city of Rome, the Eternal City, with a touch of pink, a whole lotta tutu and a whole lot of amore for this incredible place. As you all know, I'm a Derbyshire girl through and through, but a dancer's heart belongs to wherever the music takes her. And this week, the music led me to Italy, a land of exquisite food, stunning architecture, and, of course, a whole lot of fashion inspiration.
The Train to Rome:
I arrived in Rome by train, which, as you know, is my preferred mode of travel. The thrill of a new journey unfolding right outside your window, the rhythmic chugging of the engine - it's magical! My fellow passengers were a charming mix of families heading on holiday and fashionable Roman locals. It's funny, wherever you travel, thereās always someone in a stunning outfit you have to admire! And, wouldn't you know it, someone even complimented my pink tutu. Who knew you could find kindred spirits even on the Italian train lines?
Rome: The City That Never Sleeps (or Gets Bored!)
Walking into Rome was like stepping into a fairytale. It was a feast for the senses ā cobblestone streets, fountains gurgling with life, terracotta rooftops bathed in the warm Italian sunshine, the scent of freshly baked bread and, oh, that divine aroma of espresso. Everything about this city is full of life and character ā even the traffic seemed to have a rhythm of its own. The history of Rome is palpable.
A Ballet-Filled Day in Rome
You might be thinking, āRomeā¦what could it possibly have to do with ballet?!ā Well, dear reader, youād be wrong.
*Let me introduce you to the Teatro dellāOpera di Roma, or, to give it its full title, The Teatro Costanzi (Named after the original owner). *
Nestled in the heart of Rome, the opera house was breathtaking. It was a sight that made my ballet-loving heart skip a beat. Itās a beautiful theatre from the 19th Century and thereās not a bad seat in the place! The main entrance boasts a sweeping staircase made of polished marble, topped by a gilded statue of the mythical figure of Opera ā imagine the costumes you could create for such a production, it would be the stuff of legends!
Inside, the theatre itself was a triumph of Italian design and architecture. I saw the "Nutcracker" there, in Italian of course ā which I actually preferred. The music felt like it was soaring to even greater heights in the beautiful auditorium. They werenāt holding back with the staging ā the scenery, the lighting and costumes were opulent, and the dancingā¦ it was breathtaking. I had a smile glued to my face for the entire show. I don't think I've ever seen such an energetic performance, and the dancersā passion was contagious. They gave their heart and soul to every move.
I didnāt see the āNutcrackerā ā instead I saw something much more beautiful. The story of how this incredible theatre almost went under ā due to poor funding and the need to pay rent to the landlord, and the bravery of a group of investors and the ballet stars and actors who saved this glorious treasure from closure. Thatās the true magic of opera and dance: its power to inspire, to move us, to keep art alive even in the face of challenge.
Itās certainly inspiring. The ballet in Rome made me want to get back in my tutu and work hard.
Pink-tastic Rome
I wouldnāt be me if I wasn't tempted to visit a few shops on my Roman adventure, and oh boy, was I in for a treat. Italy, in general, has such incredible style. I mean, there are even cute little bakeries in the heart of Rome, that, for all the world, could be out of a fairy tale book. Everything is just so beautifully laid out ā they clearly appreciate the visual artistry as much as the delicious cakes theyāre offering! I picked up some beautiful fabric, silk with floral prints to make into a dress I intend to call "Rose Rhapsody", a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses and some dainty pink sandals.
Oh! And guess what? I found a shop, hidden away on a back street, full of beautiful, vintage ballet costumes! I could have spent hours rummaging through it all. There were tutu skirts from all different eras, velvet slippers, satin shoes and even a vintage ballet leotard with rhinestones - it felt like I'd stepped into a time machine! I was so excited ā imagine all the new inspiration! I even snagged myself a silk top ā with a pale pink tutu skirt.
*Shopping & Ballet = My Happy Place *
One of my favorite places in the city has to be Campo de' Fiori. Itās this beautiful piazza ā itās basically a cobbled, square public space. And they have a huge market there with every sort of fruit, vegetable, spice, bread and cheese ā you name it, they have it! I must have spent an hour there just breathing in the aromas and admiring the beauty of the food on offer.
My Rome Eats:
And oh, the food. The gelato, rich, creamy, and with a flavour to tempt every taste bud! I could practically live on pasta and pizza - the best I've ever had! I sampled so many new and exciting flavors and combinations of foods - artichoke hearts stuffed with ricotta, tomatoes drizzled with balsamic, the tastiest gnocchiā¦ And letās not forget the wine - all these lovely fruity, smooth redsā¦it was definitely an indulgent trip.
Dancing My Way Back to Derbyshire:
I am sitting in my pink tutu in a carriage as I write this ā the scenery rushing past the window in a blur. I can hardly wait to tell my mum and dad about this adventure! Theyāre both always so enthusiastic when I go travelling, but I can tell my Dad is just delighted I have visited Italy. They met on their holiday to Italy back in the day, and every time we mention the country, he has a big smile on his face.
The journey home is the start of a whole new chapter. This trip to Rome has given me a wealth of inspiration for my ballet. It has also reminded me to celebrate lifeās simple pleasures. The scent of blooming jasmine on the way to the market. The warmth of the Roman sunshine. The joy of eating a plateful of pasta and drinking a glass of smooth red wine. Every day has beauty if youāre open to it.
Until next time, dear reader! Remember to keep a pink tutu in your heart, even if you donāt wear it everyday! It's not about a tutu ā it's about celebrating who we are and the things that make us happy. And thereās nothing wrong with wearing pink while doing so. š
*Until next Wednesday! * *Ciao Bella, *
Emma x
