Hello my darling readers! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another exciting edition of the Pink Tutu Prague blog! As always, I'm coming to you live from this charming city, bursting with the latest ballet news and the most delightful discoveries, all presented in my favourite hue - pink, of course!
Prague in February: A Dance with the Past
As the crisp February air swirls around me, I find myself falling deeper into Prague's captivating embrace. The city whispers its history through cobblestone streets, Baroque facades, and the echoes of centuries past. And let's be honest, history and ballet are inseparable dance partners, both rooted in elegance and captivating artistry.
Today, I wanted to share with you a magical journey I embarked on just yesterday, one that truly exemplified the captivating blend of history and ballet that makes Prague so special.
The Majestic National Theatre:
I've been eagerly anticipating a visit to the Národní Divadlo (National Theatre), a true Prague treasure. This majestic structure, a proud testament to Czech nationalism, opened its doors in 1881. Built on the banks of the Vltava River, it stands as a beacon of cultural pride. Imagine my delight when I learned that tonight's performance would feature none other than Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. I simply had to see it!
Pink Perfection
For the occasion, I chose my new pale pink, ruffled tulle tutu paired with a shimmering silver top. This delightful combo was perfect for capturing Prague's fairytale essence. I swear, I even spotted a pink pigeon in the square outside the theatre – fate was definitely smiling upon me!
The Performance: A Dream in Motion
The National Theatre, with its soaring arches and plush velvet seating, felt like stepping into a grand salon from another era. The air crackled with anticipation, a silent understanding between the audience and the dancers about the transformative magic that awaited.
The stage, bathed in the warm glow of spotlight, came alive as the dancers began their intricate movements. From the graceful swans to the captivating prince, I was captivated. Every step, every pose, told a story, painted a scene, and evoked an emotion. The ballet itself is timeless, a story of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of dreams.
Beyond the Stage:
After the curtain call, I felt inspired, as if a wave of creative energy had washed over me. The performance had reignited my passion for ballet and ignited my imagination. I found myself lost in contemplation of the centuries of ballet history, its evolution from court dances to the intricate storytelling masterpieces we see today. I wanted to learn more!
Exploring Ballet's Past:
Armed with this newfound thirst for knowledge, I embarked on a whirlwind journey through Prague's ballet archives. Tucked away in the elegant National Library, I discovered dusty volumes documenting ballet history, biographies of iconic dancers, and illustrations of lavish tutus and elegant costumes.
From Baroque to Ballerina:
My search took me back in time, revealing a fascinating dance between art, society, and tradition. I discovered the vibrant, energetic, and intricate Baroque dances, those magnificent court performances featuring richly adorned costumes, elaborate hairpieces, and captivating choreographies. It was a far cry from the more delicate forms of ballet we see today, but each period reflects the changing world it came from, each infused with its own distinct beauty and story.
A Love Affair with the Tutu
Naturally, the tutu held a special place in my research. I was mesmerized by the evolving designs, from the simple "crinoline tutu", a circular skirt that revolutionized 19th-century ballet, to the breathtakingly romantic "tulle tutu", crafted with delicate, layered netting, which truly embodied the romanticism and grace of ballet. And let's not forget the "pas de basque tutu", named for a famous dance step and famed for its romantic and delicate construction. I even stumbled upon an early, hand-stitched sketch of the "Bell-shaped tutu," considered the ancestor of the tutu as we know it today, which felt like holding a piece of ballet history in my hands.
Fashion & Dance in Perfect Harmony:
While researching, I was also drawn to the fashion of Prague’s elegant salons, the rich silks and brocades of aristocratic dress, the powdered wigs, the exquisite jewellery, the detailed hairstyles - they reflected the same intricate artistry and elegance I had witnessed at the theatre. And in a way, the costume, the attire, played an equal role in the storytelling, enriching the ballet experience, and allowing the dancers to embody their roles even further.
A Dance Through the Streets:
As my research journey drew to a close, I decided to embrace Prague's vibrant street culture. After all, every street here is a stage for life itself, a moving tapestry of colours, sounds, and stories.
The day ended with me admiring a street performance by a young dance troupe, their movements imbued with energy, a bold splash of contemporary ballet that resonated through the narrow streets of the old town. And, as the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues of pink, I couldn’t help but smile - I had fallen for the captivating magic of this beautiful city.
Until Next Time…
Join me next week as I continue my explorations in Prague. I've got a date with a world-famous shoemaker who designs pointe shoes for ballerinas, and I'm going to learn the history of a famous "ballet tea dance", a popular activity during the turn of the century! It’s going to be another exciting adventure in Prague – one that’s guaranteed to be as stylish, captivating, and delightful as always!
Stay tuned, my dear readers. And remember, life is always better with a touch of pink!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to visit the National Theatre! I guarantee it’s a performance that will truly transport you to a magical world of dance.
P.P.S This Friday I’ll be performing at a small local dance gala. I am even dancing the Swan Lake adagio. This is going to be such a delight - I think it will be just the thing for a fabulous February!”
