Hello darlings! Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind of pink-tinted adventures in Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. My heart is overflowing with the joy of ballet, the enchantment of this historical city, and of course, a plethora of shopping finds. 😉
As you know, my travels are fuelled by the magic of dance, so when I found out the esteemed Czech National Ballet was performing "The Sleeping Beauty" at the stunning National Theatre, I knew I had to be there. Prague was calling!
But before we dive into the cultural delights, let's talk logistics. For those of you following my journey, you'll know that my heart beats for all things train-related, so naturally, I took the Eurostar from London, all the way to Prague. It was such a luxurious way to travel, and honestly, who needs the stress of airports when you can enjoy delicious sandwiches, sprawling countryside views, and a good old-fashioned book? Speaking of books, my recent find, “The History of the Tutu”, has become my latest obsession, and it's inspiring my own tutu creations for this trip! I just can’t get enough of learning about the evolution of the iconic garment from the fluffy white pouffes of the 18th century to the sleek, streamlined forms we see today.
Once in Prague, I did something rather outlandish, at least by my own standards. I rented a pony! Picture this: me, in a vibrant pink tutu, astride a miniature equine, galloping through the cobbled streets of Prague. Let me tell you, it was a sight to behold, and frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Prague is just begging to be explored at a slower pace, allowing you to truly soak in the beauty of every enchanting alleyway.
After a delicious breakfast of warm croissants and frothy cappuccinos, I went on a shopping spree that could rival Marie Antoinette's wardrobe! You wouldn't believe the vintage clothing shops they have here – lace-trimmed blouses, beautifully beaded dresses, and some seriously elegant headwear, which I may have gone slightly overboard with. Prague's shopping scene truly knows how to indulge a girl's inner fashionista!
However, my real treat for the day was "The Sleeping Beauty". The National Theatre is breathtaking. A beautiful 19th-century building with ornate interiors, rich velvet, and a breathtaking chandelier that would make even the most dramatic princess swoon. It is truly the heart of the city’s cultural scene, a majestic haven for ballet and opera lovers.
Speaking of dramatic princesses, the Czech National Ballet brought "The Sleeping Beauty" to life with incredible grace, precision, and an abundance of fairy-tale charm. Watching them twirl and leap with effortless beauty, adorned in costumes of such incredible detail and shimmering fabrics, left me speechless. You could practically smell the roses, hear the whisper of a magic spell, and feel the warmth of the sun on your face.
During the intermission, I took full advantage of the opportunity to mingle with other ballet enthusiasts, and the conversations were just as lively and engaging as the ballet itself. A group of us were discussing the evolution of the tutus from the Romantic era to the present day – you know I had to jump in! I just adore sharing my passion with fellow tutu-lovers. I even inspired one woman to ditch her practical trainers for a pair of dazzling pink pumps, just to match her new blush-coloured tulle skirt – victory! 😉
Of course, the night wasn't over after the final bow. Prague is a city that stays up late and plays hard, so we decided to continue the evening at a traditional Czech restaurant, with its flickering candles, rich wood furniture, and a menu of culinary delights I could barely pronounce, but tasted like pure heaven!
While indulging in this delicious feast of smoked meats, roasted dumplings, and creamy beers (accompanied by live gypsy music, of course!), we talked ballet until late into the night.
And here I am, on the train journey back to Derbyshire, filled with fond memories and new inspiration for my next performance. You see, I fund my travels by performing, sharing my love of dance with audiences from all walks of life. And trust me, seeing their faces light up as I pirouette across the stage is the best reward any ballerina could ask for.
It wouldn't be fair to conclude this post without reminding you about my grand aim in life - to encourage everyone to embrace the wonder of the pink tutu! You know, we all deserve a little sparkle in our lives, a bit of fairytale magic, and who better to help us tap into that than the world's foremost authority on all things pink and tutu? 😉
Stay tuned, darlings, for more fabulous stories and pink-tinted adventures. I promise, it's going to be a beautiful ride!
Lots of love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
