Dearest Tutu-lovers!
The sun is shining on a gloriously summery Prague! The cobblestone streets are bustling with tourists and locals alike, the air is alive with laughter, and I’m… well, I’m utterly smitten! This truly is a city straight out of a fairytale, with its ancient architecture, charming bridges, and breathtaking views. I even found a magnificent Baroque theatre where they held a lovely ballet production of La Bayadère – divine!
But before I gush any further about my Prague escapades, allow me to rewind just a little, and tell you all about the rather peculiar journey I had to make to get here.
You see, dear readers, this week's ballet engagement took me all the way to the enchanting Czech Republic. I don't often take the train for my performances, but this time the lure of a unique ballet venue, situated in a historic, grand theatre (all with impeccable acoustics, I must add!) and a wonderful ballet performance that I knew would enthrall the audience, was enough to make me brave the slightly less glamorous journey of a train ride.
And oh, what a delightful adventure it turned out to be! Now, I've said before that I'm rather partial to a little glamour on the go, but a train journey was surprisingly lovely. The landscape sped by outside, transforming from rolling hills to lush meadows to bustling cities – all a delightful kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and changing scenery. The carriages were filled with interesting characters: chatty pensioners sharing stories, families giggling and playing games, and even a little old lady dressed in the most magnificent pink feathered hat – she reminded me so much of the glorious Mrs. Peacock from Clue!
I might have felt just a tad silly standing out on the platform in my favoured pink tutu and a rather fabulous fur-trimmed bolero – perfect for the rather nippy Derbyshire weather we’ve been having – but no one batted an eyelid. People actually seemed quite charmed. They were just so friendly in general, everyone was incredibly helpful, always happy to lend a hand with bags or offer directions. It's lovely to be reminded that despite the cultural differences, kindness and helpfulness are universal!
After a rather satisfying breakfast of warm scones, strawberry jam, and a cup of freshly brewed tea, all served on dainty bone china, I was finally settled into a seat, feeling perfectly at ease. My trusty travel case (which is a veritable shrine to all things tutu, stuffed to the brim with tutus of every shade of pink you can imagine – from blush pink to fuchsia and even some adorable, glittery baby pink – plus an array of accessories, including my ever-essential pair of ballet shoes), was neatly stowed in the overhead rack. I took out my favourite book, “A History of the Tutu,” – oh, don’t get me started, dear readers, it’s utterly fascinating! – and settled in to read, ready to absorb all the rich history and fashion inspiration that comes with my travelling adventures.
Later, as the train traversed the rolling hills, the views were just captivating. I found myself gazing out at a stunning panorama, the golden sun casting long shadows across the fields, the air filled with a crisp, cool freshness. In the distance, a majestic castle emerged from the mist, shrouded in a dreamy haze, like a scene straight out of one of my beloved fairytales! It felt like an entirely different world - one where magical stories might come alive.
After a delightful day on the train, I arrived in Prague. The first thing that struck me was the incredible architecture – I can see why Prague has been called the “City of a Hundred Spires”. Every corner is filled with Gothic spires and stunning buildings that seem to defy time itself. And the cobblestone streets…well, they just feel absolutely enchanting underfoot. The place is bursting with history and beauty - and I was simply in awe.
First things first – shopping! Of course, I made a beeline for the designer boutiques. This week I've fallen head over heels for some magnificent Czech crystal. A stunning pink necklace caught my eye, encrusted with sparkling crystals – absolutely perfect for adding a touch of glamour to my tutu.
My little pink purse has never been so full! My purse was rather full, so I also picked up a few cute floral scarves and a beautiful ivory dress - so wonderfully versatile. They are perfectly suited to all kinds of evenings – a classy Parisian soirée, an evening of opera or even a waltz at a lavish Viennese ball!
Speaking of Viennese Balls... I discovered a charming tea room called "The Royal Vienna Tea House." What a truly magical find! The staff, all dressed in lovely historical costumes, are delightful and extremely helpful. I even learned how to properly drink tea from a dainty teacup, a skill I shall definitely impress my family with when I return to Derbyshire. Their delicious homemade apple strudel is worth its weight in gold - oh my goodness, I must say, it was truly heavenly. A definite must-visit for every tutu enthusiast visiting Prague!
However, let’s not forget my main purpose here. I must say, the theatre, “The National Theatre” in Prague was quite a find, truly one of the most spectacular buildings I’ve ever seen, with the interior absolutely breathtaking. A mix of grand architecture with exquisite, intricate decoration - they say this is the city's first national theatre. It has a captivating aura, it was originally built in 1883 and beautifully refurbished. It oozes grandeur.
As the lights dimmed for the show, a sense of anticipation filled the air – not just for the production of “La Bayadère,” but for the experience itself! And I tell you, dear readers, the ballet exceeded even my expectations.
The stage was spectacular, a beautiful dance floor that perfectly matched the beauty of the music and performance, so elegantly set. The story of "La Bayadère" captivated my heart - with its exquisite dancing, the captivating music, and a performance by some of the most talented dancers I've ever seen. There was a real sense of passion and energy on stage and in the air in the audience - absolutely electric, dear readers! The whole experience was quite magical! I was completely entranced. The way they moved! Every leap, every pirouette, every gesture – it was truly beautiful to behold!
One young dancer in particular stole the show. A girl in a bright pink tutu, perfectly timed every jump, each pose was so fluid, I simply adored her. This is what all ballet dreams should be. Her joy, energy and passion really lit up the entire stage and I’m pretty sure her vibrant pink tutu – oh my goodness it was such a stunning shade! - captivated everyone in the theatre.
She’d captured all those enchanting qualities - beauty, poise and pure talent, so effortlessly, as she gracefully waltzed through her steps – it reminded me so much of myself when I first started dancing, years ago! This dancer absolutely glowed - with all those wonderful elements of beauty and charm that really captivate a true ballet enthusiast. That was all thanks to her amazing pink tutu. I have to say - if you're going to see a ballet, I would strongly suggest a tutu to really enhance the experience. After all, dear readers, as any fashion aficionado will tell you - what you wear really impacts the way you feel!
Now, I know you all have busy lives and responsibilities, but I urge you to pencil in a little time for some ballet this week. A trip to the theatre can be the most wonderful way to relax and immerse yourself in a captivating story – you might even fall in love with the wonderful world of ballet all over again. You never know, you might even see me up there dancing!
Speaking of, I need to make a quick stop at my hotel and give this travel case a good sort out! There is a rather grand ball this evening and it just so happens there's an empty tutu on its hook... Stay tuned for more of my Pink Tutu Prague adventures - my favourite shade of pink, the best dance floors, stunning architecture and my usual shenanigans (including the fabulous clothes!) will be a sure thing. Until next time, keep your pink tutus close at hand!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
