#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 1997-11-19

Bonjour, darlings!

It's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for another Pink Tutu Prague post! This week I'm whisked back to a time when I was but a young fledgling ballerina, full of dreams and aspirations - oh, the magic of youth! Today I'm going to share my memories of November 19th, 1997 - the day I saw a ballet in Prague! It was my first trip to this breathtaking city and a ballet was top of my agenda!

But let's go back a little first, to the journey to Prague, as the trip was an adventure in itself! I love travelling by train and pony (well, mostly by train!), and I always have time for a good fashion pitstop along the way.

My journey began in my darling Derbyshire home, all snug and warm in a fluffy pink robe and slippers, like a ballet princess awaiting her carriage. My pink luggage, overflowing with an array of tulle, satin, and sequins, stood at attention beside my door. I bid a fond farewell to my Mum, who was sending me off with a hamper of homemade gingerbread cookies - you know, for a spot of munching on the train! She looked ever so lovely in her cherry-red cashmere coat, like a cardinal!

The train, of course, was an express from London to Prague, travelling through the most charming villages and past picturesque countryside. Every now and then I would spot a fluffy white sheep gazing at me from a field, and a wave of excitement would ripple through me. I felt like I was stepping right into one of the lovely children's books I used to read!

Oh, the joys of travelling! As for the wardrobe, well, let's just say my travelling style involves several outfits, all in various shades of pink! A little bit of "pink chic", shall we say.

The train was full of people who all seemed so elegant and sophisticated. I even caught a fellow passenger sneaking a peak at my stunning vintage hat - it was a truly spectacular number with pink velvet and feathery embellishments. Shhh, a secret... it was originally my Gran's.

Once in Prague, I popped my head out the train window and was blown away! Prague is simply captivating - its stunning architecture and cobblestone streets create a feeling of enchantment. The air seemed to sparkle and the sounds of the city were a symphony of chatter and music, almost as beautiful as a well-rehearsed ballet.

My hotel, The Pink Elephant, was a delightful establishment - every room was themed! My suite had an ornate dressing table, a massive feather bed draped in shimmering silk, and walls painted a delightful shade of raspberry. The bathtub was so big I could have fit a whole ballet troupe in it, though the thought of all that water sloshing around during an arabesque might make it a bit of a hazard...

A good sleep was the perfect cure for a long day's travelling, and by the next morning, I felt refreshed and ready for a little shopping!

Prague is a veritable paradise for any fashionista! From chic boutiques showcasing local designers to quaint vintage shops tucked away in winding alleys, Prague is brimming with fashion gems.

I began my shopping spree at the lovely Pěkný Oděv (which translates to "Pretty Clothes"! How divine!), a boutique specializing in contemporary designs. The shop windows were dressed in stunning creations of soft blush tones, buttery yellows, and, of course, plenty of pink!

I spotted a delightful little blouse adorned with delicate embroidery and, with a burst of delight, knew it was meant to be. The assistant, a delightful woman with a twinkle in her eye and a head full of tight blonde curls, complimented me on my charming Pink Tutu tote bag! (And the matching shoes!).

Feeling the excitement build, I took a detour to Old Fashioned Vintage where a kaleidoscope of colours awaited! My eye was caught by a stunning beaded belt and an antique necklace that shimmered like moonlight on a frosty night. A pair of velvet pink gloves in the corner caught my attention. Oh my!

I am not a hoarder, but some days I wish I were, as the temptations of Prague are simply irresistible. This was one of those days, dear friends!

With shopping complete, I indulged in a light lunch of apple strudel - delicious, buttery, and perfect for the cool, crisp air! I was so content!

And speaking of content, I had a big event planned: a night at the theatre! My anticipation was rising as the hour of the show grew near. It's not often you get to see a ballet production abroad! The name of the ballet was Louskáček, or "The Nutcracker" in English. It's a beautiful, classic ballet with some iconic choreography. I knew it would be an enchanting experience!

Oh, and guess who found a beautiful new pink tutu, especially for the occasion! I love supporting local artisans, and there’s no better place to get your tutu on than a ballet shop in Prague!

My breath caught in my throat as I stepped into the Prague State Opera! It’s an absolutely magnificent building, both inside and out. And so ornate! The sheer detail in the gilded balconies and chandeliers took my breath away! My eyes widened as I scanned the auditorium, catching the shimmer of satin dresses and velvet jackets and an atmosphere that hummed with excitement.

As the orchestra started, my heart quickened. I always feel a connection with the orchestra, it's a sort of unspoken language between us all, especially when they start with Tchaikovsky, the ultimate ballet composer!

And then the magic unfolded.

The ballet was exquisite - from the delicate pirouettes of the ballerinas to the graceful leaps of the male dancers, I was completely swept away by the beauty of it all. I was transported to a magical realm where anything was possible - just like a ballerina! Every moment felt like a dream come true, and I was so captivated by the storytelling in their dancing that time seemed to fly by.

I have a particular soft spot for The Nutcracker as a ballerina and choreographer. It's so much more than a performance; it's a classic and its history has captivated me since my childhood. Did you know The Nutcracker was written by Tchaikovsky in 1892, and is a story about a little girl named Clara who falls in love with her new Nutcracker doll?

A truly magical experience!

After the performance, I enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the magical cobblestone streets, admiring the fairy lights adorning every shopfront and house, enjoying the aroma of warming cinnamon and spices. I purchased a lovely knitted pink hat adorned with a silver snowflake from a charming little stall. My favourite detail? It matched my boots!

Oh, and the coffee. I just couldn't resist. Bohemia's Finest, as they called it!

The next day was filled with more ballet - my favourite thing to do in Prague is to go to ballet class, and as luck would have it, I stumbled upon the most charming school in a picturesque, cobbled alleyway, behind a charming cafe and boutique shop.

The dance floor was made from beautiful, smooth hardwood and filled with the sweetest smelling, natural cleaning spray. It smelled like oranges! The windows overlooked a delightful courtyard where, for the moment at least, I imagined myself in a scene from a fairy-tale.

And I know what you're thinking, Emma, where was your pink tutu?! Well, I was too excited about my lesson. Maybe tomorrow.

For this lesson, I went with my trusty pair of soft pink ballet shoes.

That evening, I walked along the Vltava River, watching the moon cast a soft glow over the city. The peacefulness of the river made a truly exquisite backdrop, particularly when framed by the charming, historic houses.

But, Prague is full of contrast and change! In my explorations of the city, I stumbled upon a most extraordinary thing. A ballet on the street! That’s right! A ballet flash mob. The dancers were in a wonderful pink, fluffy pink ballet costumes! It reminded me of a beautiful, magical whirlwind, full of tutus and smiles. I immediately got out my notebook and sketched some ideas in my favourite ballet pink pen.

You know, maybe one day I'll have my own flash mob... just saying!

Prague, dear friends, is a place that weaves magic.

So, that, darlings, was my Pink Tutu Prague experience in November 1997 - a time of new discoveries and, of course, my love affair with pink! If you are a fellow tutu enthusiast, Prague is calling you! Until next Wednesday, do make sure to check out my other blog posts and follow me on Tutuagram.

Keep on twirling!

Emma.

www.pink-tutu.com