#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 1996-06-05

Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, and I'm writing to you from the utterly enchanting city of Prague, a true haven for pink tutus and lovers of all things graceful. As you know, every Wednesday, I bring you my adventures in tulle and twirls. This week, I’m diving deep into the heart of Prague’s charm, and I can tell you, my darlings, this place has completely stolen my heart (and my ballet shoes!).

It’s hard to believe that a few days ago I was in the green fields of Derbyshire, practicing my fouettés with the local dance company. But, as you know, I live for the adventure and nothing beats a trip by train to get me all in the mood for twirling around a new city! The rhythmic rumble of the tracks, the anticipation building with each station whizzed by, and of course, a strategically placed pink tutu for maximum comfort and style - pure joy, darling!

Prague is a city steeped in history, with every cobbled street whispering tales of the past. But this week, my love affair with Prague’s past centred on the extraordinary history of the Prague Ballet. I knew I was entering a temple of artistry, but even my well-trained ballet brain wasn’t quite prepared for the brilliance of the National Theatre. Oh my dear readers, this theatre is not just a building, it's a monument to dedication and grace, to passion and artistry.

Did you know that Prague’s National Theatre is over 130 years old? Its story is practically a ballet itself, one filled with dramatic triumphs and struggles! It's hard to believe this place, so elegant and imposing, has witnessed such a whirlwind of events, and yet, its beauty endures.

And while the architecture itself is spectacular, it was the story of the Prague Ballet that really made my heart soar. These dancers are legends in the making, each pirouette a story, each plié a reflection of history.

The ballet I attended - oh, my darlings, it was simply divine! A tale of love and longing, played out with such delicacy and precision, every movement echoing with meaning. The tutus - oh, the tutus! Imagine shimmering fabrics, swirling and swaying in time to the music, catching the soft glow of the stage lights. It was a symphony of color and movement, an unforgettable feast for the eyes and soul.

I could feel the sheer passion of the dancers pouring from the stage, a legacy of tradition and innovation. And with every step, I could imagine the echoes of centuries past, of the countless dancers who have graced this very stage before me, and who have paved the way for these amazing artists.

The whole experience, my darlings, truly inspired me. It reminded me why I dance, why I wear my tutus, why I believe that dance can be a universal language that speaks to the soul.

This trip, my dear readers, is not just about the ballet, though that's a big part of it! Prague is bursting with things to explore.

• Prague Castle: An absolute must for anyone seeking a taste of royal glamour! I couldn't resist posing on the golden rooftops with my own little pink tutu - talk about a princess-worthy backdrop!
• Charles Bridge: What a picture perfect bridge! So beautiful it feels like you've stepped straight into a fairy tale. I took endless photos (in my trusty tutu, of course!), and even bought a small hand-painted pink rose from a charming street artist.
• Old Town Square: What can I say about this place, but absolutely magical! The medieval clock tower, the enchanting architecture, the laughter echoing through the cobbled streets, the aromas of delicious Czech pastries wafting in the air… you could lose yourself in the beauty and charm of this place for days!
• A Taste of Bohemia: Now, my dear readers, if you love food, like me, you're in for a real treat. Bohemian cuisine is bursting with flavor! You simply have to try their delicious roast meats, the melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, the crisp-as-ice beer (for me, I’ll stick to the grape juice, thank you!), and the divine Czech cakes that are absolutely divine.

But don’t worry, my darlings, I haven’t abandoned my ballet training even for a moment! Every morning, I find a delightful little dance studio hidden within the cobbled streets, tucked away just behind a charming cafe. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like doing pliés in a space bathed in golden sunshine, with the sounds of Prague's lively street musicians providing a cheerful accompaniment.

As you know, my darlings, my journey is about more than just exploring; it’s about sharing my passion for dance and my love for life with all of you. This trip is truly about finding grace in the ordinary and embracing beauty wherever you may find it.

Today, for instance, as I walked through the heart of Prague, I caught the reflection of a passerby, an elderly gentleman wearing a simple beige trench coat, walking his fluffy white dog. There was a moment, a pause, a grace in their movement, and as the sun reflected on the dog’s fur and lit up the man’s kind eyes, I couldn't help but think of ballet! The subtle way he held his dog’s leash, the little hop the dog did as he followed his owner's steps, it all mirrored the movements, the balance, the flow of ballet.

It’s like my mission is to discover these moments, these hidden gems of beauty, and share them with you, my readers. It's about recognizing grace not just in grand theatres or dazzling shows, but also in the ordinary, everyday moments. And that, my darlings, is what makes this life truly magical.

Prague is inspiring me, and that’s not all! I am brimming with ideas on how to take my passion to the next level. We all know how much I love to dance and how much I love tutus, and that’s why I’m starting a movement! I believe the world is ready for a splash of pink tulle! And no, my dears, it’s not a whimsical fantasy, but a revolutionary idea!

What if we could make the world a more vibrant, expressive, and joyful place, one pink tutu at a time? I’m working on my new manifesto - and it's gonna be oh so sparkly and empowering! We can do anything if we believe in the magic of twirls!

But before I reveal the secrets of this ambitious scheme, I must say, I will continue to share with you all my exciting adventures in Prague! So be sure to check in next Wednesday, and together we’ll celebrate the joy, the beauty, and the utter enchantment of life in a pink tutu!

Yours always, in twirls and sunshine,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

PS: And now for the part you've all been waiting for – the details of today’s ballet performance! I’m so thrilled to share that this week's performance is "Giselle". Now, Giselle is one of my all-time favourite ballets, it’s both a classic and incredibly moving. I know I will be twirling my pink tutu and my tears will be flowing like a river! **