Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back from the breathtaking city of Prague. I’m finally settling back in after a whirlwind tour of this beautiful European capital. And, I have to tell you, this was a trip worth writing home about - in fact, it's why you're reading this right now, on my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com.
A Tutu-ific Journey
As you know, my travel bug bites hardest when it’s fuelled by a love of the ballet. So, you can imagine my joy at finally arriving in Prague! A city steeped in history and elegance, it’s no wonder Prague is considered a true gem on the European stage, both literally and figuratively. My arrival, as usual, was a stylish affair, courtesy of the good old British railway.
(Quick side note - remember those divine lilac and turquoise tweed suitcases I picked up at the vintage market? They made quite the splash on the platform! Luckily, my trusty little pink suitcase fit snugly in one, offering a dash of girly chic to my ensemble.)
Of course, I wouldn't be Emma without a touch of my signature sparkle. The station was my runway, and I waltzed through, twirling my pale pink chiffon tutu – which I think complimented the old brick architecture quite nicely – a hint of feminine whimsy in a space that was so steeped in traditional masculine energy.
The train journey, as it usually is, was a perfect opportunity for some serious travel reading. I lost myself in a captivating book on the history of ballet, tracing the art's trajectory from the elegant court dances of the Renaissance right up to the modern contemporary pieces that inspire me today.
You know I can't resist a little bit of ballet history, and Prague, oh my darlings, is full of it! But, you can't really call it a ballet trip without seeing a show. That's how I knew I had to attend the Giselle performance on the 8th of May. You've simply got to be in the presence of the story and the costumes, and this production really lived up to the hype!
A Dreamy Evening
The Prague State Opera House is a dream! The beautiful building - think stunningly elaborate gold trimmings and marble pillars, with ornate detailing - truly took my breath away. I even managed to find a perfectly placed pink tutu in a shop window nearby. Can't let a pink tutu enthusiast like myself be away from her colours for too long, now, can I?
But enough about the scenery - let's talk Giselle, a tale of love, betrayal, and, yes, ghostly vengeance. As always, it's such an emotional experience, especially with this incredibly moving rendition! The passion, the agony, the strength in their graceful moves - all beautifully depicted through their movements. The music, the costumes, the sheer artistic mastery of it all! Truly, it was a stunning reminder of the magic ballet possesses. I couldn't have picked a better ballet to mark my arrival in Prague!
Of course, the most captivating aspect of any ballet production (aside from the story and artistry, naturally) are the costumes. Giselle, in all its haunting glory, is no exception. The delicate, airy tulle dresses, the shimmering silver for the Queen of the Wilis - just absolutely stunning! I’m dying to get my hands on some vintage pieces for my own collection, maybe even attempt to recreate the Wilis’ spooky-chic ensembles!
The Pink Tutu Finds a Home
And speaking of vintage finds... There was nothing that wasn’t going to stand in the way of some shopping after that performance!
The boutiques in Prague! They truly took my breath away. Rows and rows of designer creations and a curated selection of classic pieces - heaven for any fashion enthusiast! I, naturally, fell head over heels for a soft pink, almost ethereal, silk gown – the kind of dress that begs to be twirled in.
Let me tell you, shopping is such a vital part of any journey! But for a ballet enthusiast, especially a self-proclaimed pink tutu aficionado like myself, the thrill of shopping comes in at least three parts: the hunt for new fabrics to dream up and create a custom design (silk for my new evening gown?), the chase for some antique brooches to accentuate a favourite tutu (maybe some antique silver to add a touch of gothic elegance to the next Prague ensemble?), and, of course, the hunt for the ultimate pink tutu - my ever-growing pink collection simply cannot get enough.
My day was truly complete after acquiring an adorable vintage pink tulle skirt from a hidden little antique store, just off the main square. The faded blush pink color was almost antique lacey. I saw an incredible opportunity for a bespoke tutu. A dream in pink – or, more accurately, a dream in antique pink!
Oh, darling! It’s only fitting that my Prague travels take place around the time of the Pink Tutu Dance competition! If you don’t know what I'm talking about, imagine dancers from across the world wearing stunning tutus in every colour you can dream of, battling it out in a dazzling celebration of ballet and fashion. This year’s Pink Tutu Dance competition is just a little over a month away! Can you believe it? I can’t wait!
Travel, Eat, and Twirl
My time in Prague wasn’t solely consumed by ballet performances, opera houses and endless shopping sprees. I made sure to savour the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. Wandering through the Old Town Square, marveling at the Astronomical Clock as its animated figures came to life, and, of course, making time to indulge in a little Czech culinary adventure. You wouldn’t believe the divine little pastry shop I discovered right near my hotel! A true treat!
But enough of Prague for now. I've got a new adventure brewing – London calling, this time to attend the ballet masterclasses at The Royal Ballet! The chance to learn from some of the greatest dancers and choreographers - talk about a dream come true. Oh, and I've got my eyes on a custom-made, sparkly tutu for the event - can't wait to reveal that on the next post!
Remember, darling, you don’t need a special occasion or a performance to wear a pink tutu! The magic of the tutu can bring joy and a little bit of magic to every single day! So don’t be shy – embrace your inner dancer and dance your way through life with confidence, sparkle, and, of course, a little touch of pink.
Until next Wednesday!
Love,
Emma x
PS. Stay tuned for next week's post - I'll be bringing you behind the scenes of London, detailing my experiences at the Royal Ballet Masterclass, and offering you a glimpse into my newest pink tutu masterpiece! Don’t miss it!
