#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 1997-11-26

Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, Emma, reporting live from the magical city of Prague! This week, I'm bursting with excitement after experiencing a truly sensational ballet performance at the iconic National Theatre, nestled on the banks of the Vltava River. The cobbled streets of Prague have a fairytale quality to them, and with my tulle swirling around me as I walked, I felt like I had stepped straight into a storybook.

This is my thirteenth blog post about Prague - can you believe it's been a year already? Time truly flies when you're having fun (and dancing!).

Today, however, my attention is all about the ballet. As you know, I am a fervent fan of the art form - it is the driving force behind my passion for pink tutus, for travel, and for spreading the joy of this incredible art to every corner of the globe.

Every week, you'll find me glued to the ballet schedule, eagerly scouring the world's leading ballet companies, theatre programmes, and street performance schedules, eager to share my finds with you, my lovely pink tutu aficionados.

So what was it about tonight's performance that made it so special? It wasn't just the magnificent costumes and the beautiful, breathtaking dancing – it was the story itself. It's not often you get to see a performance with such a strong historical thread.

Tonight's masterpiece, The Sleeping Beauty, transported us back to the heart of Romantic Ballet, which really made my heart sing. Oh, how I love the ballet's rich history, the fascinating details, the fascinating people, and of course, the wonderful fashion and the incredible evolution of the tutu itself!

For instance, did you know that the first ballet tutus were merely very short, and quite cumbersome skirts with very full shapes, all the way down to the floor. Today, of course, there's a much greater variety in length and style, but this original "tutu" remains the inspiration behind many of today's more popular, longer "tutu-skirts".

Oh, and it seems The Sleeping Beauty has its own incredible backstory. You know I can't resist a good story, and there's so much intrigue and drama involved! The ballet's based on the original tale of Briar Rose by Charles Perrault (who, as you may remember from my Paris blog posts, was one of my favourite fairy-tale authors).

This exquisite version was staged by Marius Petipa, one of the leading names in Russian ballet history! It's an impressive ballet, featuring many memorable roles and, naturally, some gorgeous costumes! (Yes, there were more than a few lovely tutus for me to admire!)

The most magical thing about ballet for me, though, is the power of storytelling it evokes through its choreography, music, and incredible artistic flair. We see characters come to life on the stage, their stories unfolding as if through a lens, their movements expressing joy, sorrow, love, and hope. It truly is a captivating and unforgettable experience.

Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Emma, I'm dying to see a photo of your newest pink tutu!" and you are in luck, my dears!

After the ballet, I was ready to hit the boutique scene in Prague! It’s an absolute treasure trove of fabulous fashion finds! Think vintage shops overflowing with elegant dresses, designer boutiques showcasing the latest trends, and local shops brimming with unique handcrafted pieces – this city is truly a haven for fashion enthusiasts!

There’s this little vintage boutique on a cobbled side street in Prague called ‘Parisienne’ and I managed to score a little treasure – a gorgeous rose pink and lace dress. The skirt swished around me in perfect ballet form and you just know I was thrilled to have bagged a bargain! It even matches a pair of ballet shoes I’d bought at the local market. I’m not afraid to say I just had to get a quick selfie before heading home to put together an outfit for tomorrow.

After a rather lavish fashion fix, I treated myself to a delicious cinnamon pastry and a warm cup of Czech chocolate in a charming café on the city square. (It was definitely deserved after all that walking!)

You'll notice from this blog's headline that the topic is not just about fashion today! After a day filled with beauty, art and romance, I found myself reflecting on just how much my passion for ballet has changed my life!

Now, you know that I’ve always had a passion for fashion, and ballet allows me to express this side of my personality in such a glamorous and artistic way! But what ballet has taught me most of all is resilience, and commitment – I have learned to push my limits, embrace challenges and enjoy the sheer pleasure of artistic creation.

My travel to Prague, in fact, was made possible because of ballet! I performed at a local theatre to earn some much-needed funds for my travels and that gave me the opportunity to see one of the world’s leading ballets. A testament to the wonderful art form that brought us together!

Of course, it isn't always sunshine and roses - there are certainly challenges that come with a life fuelled by passion and creativity! But what makes this journey so fulfilling, is sharing my stories with you, and helping to spread the love of dance to all my readers!

Let’s be honest, ballet has such a fascinating, rich history and what I love most about it, is the fact it’s an art form for all! Whether it’s an iconic ballet on a grand stage, a small dance troupe performing in a local park, or just a child enjoying the simple act of moving their body, there’s something absolutely wonderful about how ballet unites us all, connecting us to something truly timeless and special.

I can’t wait to see what amazing discoveries Prague holds for me next. Until next time, remember to dance your hearts out and let your pink tutu spirits soar high!

Don't forget to catch up with my weekly blog posts every Wednesday on www.pink-tutu.com I'm Emma, and I’m just a pink tutu loving girl with a passion for adventure and ballet. See you next week!