Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing, ballet-loving blogger, Emma, checking in from the magical city of Prague! I've finally landed in this fairytale-like place and it's already taking my breath away, in a way that's even more magical than that triple pirouette I perfected last week! 😉
This week I've decided to talk about ballet history in a new way - how it inspires the way I dress! Because let's face it, there's nothing like a stunning tutu to add a touch of glamour to your life, especially when you're exploring a new city like Prague. And guess what? This week's trip is sponsored by Pink Tutu Travels, which is dedicated to getting as many people wearing pink tutus as possible - oh, the adventures this will bring!
Now, as you know, I’ve been collecting tutus since I was a little girl – my Mum was the one who taught me that tutus were the ultimate statement piece. Imagine my excitement when I found a brand new gorgeous pink tutu in the window of “Le Tutu Shop“ on the way to my hotel! This new addition to my tutu collection, a swirl of pink and lavender with delicate lace embellishments, was literally begging to be photographed in front of the charming old town architecture.
Speaking of architecture, did you know the origins of ballet were deeply entwined with the opulence and lavishness of European courts? It was in France that ballet first took its form – a dazzling combination of dance, music and elaborate costumes, often featuring the iconic tutu. My trip here is all about discovering these historical influences on the ballet, but of course, I also had to indulge in a little shopping therapy while I’m here – imagine me, dancing around a beautiful old courtyard, trying on various shades of pink silk in a tiny vintage store – absolute heaven! It makes my heart leap to see that Prague’s architecture so perfectly captures this blend of historic elegance and whimsical beauty. There are just so many beautiful locations here perfect for a tutu-tastic photo shoot, from cobbled squares to stunning churches and hidden alleyways - I already have so many snaps of my new tutu in front of stunning, historical Prague backdrops, perfect for Instagram, of course!
Today, we are on the 27th of August, and this magical city has been pulling out all the stops! You know I'm a sucker for a good ballet performance, so of course, I snagged tickets for a spectacular show at the National Theatre. The atmosphere here was simply incredible.
The Pink Tutu Travels girls even found the time to join a classical ballet class in the city. We are aiming for an impromptu tutu performance for Prague’s local population! Let me tell you, there is something special about being surrounded by so many graceful people who are passionate about dance. It felt like a ballet version of Mamma Mia!, but with slightly better footwear (you know how much I love a killer pair of ballet slippers!) and none of those cringe-worthy "dad" dance moves!
After a wonderful ballet performance and class, I’m sitting in a little cafe, enjoying a creamy cappuccino and a delicate apricot pastry, typing up this blog post while the city unfolds in a swirl of pastel-coloured buildings, cobblestone streets, and enchanting sounds of musicians filling the air. This is the beauty of travelling to new places – immersing yourself in local culture, enjoying delicious treats, and of course, documenting it all in your Pink Tutu Blog!
Tonight, I plan to take in one of the street performances that happen here every night – there is such an atmosphere and sense of celebration around the city that you just feel drawn into it all. Oh! I'm also thinking of making my way over to the** "Le Début" Vintage Store, a beautiful and quaint little shop nestled between Prague's enchanting squares to see if they have anything pink that would suit my current style.
To say Prague has captured my heart would be an understatement, it's just so whimsical and romantic! From its breathtaking architecture to its charming culture and delicious cuisine, this place has truly captivated my sense of wanderlust.
Of course, this wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu Travel blog if I didn’t talk about tutus - my absolute favourite topic, as you know. Today, the magic of Prague inspired me to explore the history of ballet. It turns out the “tutu” was initially a rather different affair! In the 1500s, during the time of King Henry VIII and his love of everything lavish and extravagant, the ladies of the court would have donned these enormous, voluminous skirts - some sources call it “a pouter pigeon effect!” (not the look I was going for in Prague!). I find this absolutely fascinating – what started as something extremely dramatic and elaborate has evolved into this lighter, flowing symbol of grace and elegance, worn in performances around the world. And I absolutely LOVE that the story of the tutu mirrors how we women are always evolving, always pushing for change and making things beautiful.
Before I go, let me know if you have any questions about Prague or how to start your own ballet-themed travels – it’s actually pretty simple! All you need is a passion for dance and a whole lot of enthusiasm (plus, you know, maybe a sparkly pink tutu to add some extra pizazz!). And who knows? Perhaps the world of ballet, and of course, those stunning pink tutus, might call to you too!
See you next Wednesday for more adventures and tutu talk from Prague!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx www.pink-tutu.com
