Oh, my darling readers, my heart is overflowing with a rosy, pink-hued joy as I sit here in the most magical city in the world: Prague! I know, I know, I say that about every city I visit, but there's just something about this place that makes me feel like I've stepped into a fairytale. It’s certainly far removed from my humble Derbyshire origins, but hey, that’s why I dance, right? To escape to these dreamy places!
And let’s not forget the very reason I’m here: to see the world-famous PinkTutuPrague Ballet perform! Yes, darling, that PinkTutuPrague Ballet. A company of phenomenal dancers known for their bold, innovative performances, and my favourite pink tutus, of course! Who needs a castle when you have PinkTutuPrague at your fingertips?
It’s been a whirlwind of activity, my dears, but I've savoured every single moment. First, the journey – of course, I chose to travel by train, all the better to get a glimpse of the stunning countryside whizzing past. There’s nothing like watching the world roll by while you sip on a cuppa (tea, darling, not coffee!) and admire the fluffy white clouds skimming the horizon. And while I admit I am partial to a cheeky horse ride, there’s something magical about the clatter of the wheels and the steam billowing from the engine as a good ol’ train goes chugging through the countryside. Plus, I had the opportunity to rock my fabulous new tweed travel ensemble complete with pink ribbon embellishments and my favourite knee-high pink boots. Nothing says chic travelling quite like a tutu!
Prague: A Fairy-tale for the Senses
Stepping off the train at the station was like entering a dream. Cobblestones, beautiful architecture that seemed to whisper stories of emperors and princes, and of course, the majestic Charles Bridge, stretching over the river like a graceful dancer.
Fashion and Food in Prague
It wouldn’t be a PinkTutuPrague blog post if we didn’t talk fashion! Prague is a wonderland of beautiful boutiques and vintage shops, offering treasures just begging to be discovered. I had to be disciplined and keep myself from filling my suitcase with every frilly dress and ornate hat I saw, but I did indulge in a pair of divine cherry-red heels (what’s a girl to do?), and a darling little hat trimmed with velvet and pink feathers. Because, let’s be honest, one cannot ever have enough headwear, especially when it's this glamorous.
The local cuisine has also been a delightful adventure. I sampled the delicious goulash (although a little more paprika than I’m accustomed to), the heavenly chimney cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and a surprisingly lovely cherry brandy that made me blush. The cafes and pubs, oh, darling, they were charming with their velvet interiors, cozy corners, and, of course, the irresistible Viennese pastries! Did I mention how many cakes I've eaten in the past two days? Let’s just say, my ballerina body is going to need some extra exercise!
Dancing on the River of Dreams
But enough about the beautiful sights and charming moments, let’s get to the real reason I came to Prague: the Ballet!
Tonight was the big night. The PinkTutuPrague Ballet was performing "Giselle," and I had a ticket in the first row, my heart fluttering with anticipation like a butterfly. My outfit for the performance was inspired, of course, by the romantic elegance of Giselle, and oh-so-fittingly pink. My darling pink tulle skirt danced with me, a testament to the spirit of Giselle and her poignant story of love and sacrifice. I topped it off with a flowing silk blouse with a black ribbon belt cinched at the waist, a tribute to the classic ballerina elegance. As always, my outfit had that special touch of pink that made it truly mine.
As the orchestra began to play, and the lights dimmed, I was instantly swept away into the magical world of the ballet. The dancers were absolutely captivating, each graceful movement echoing the emotion of the story. The entire audience was completely enthralled, the silence punctuated only by the soft gasp of appreciation as the ballerinas executed their moves. Oh darling, let me tell you, their technique was flawless, their expression perfect. It was as if they were the very embodiment of Giselle's tragedy and triumph. And let’s not forget those absolutely stunning, vibrant, pink tutus! I could have cried! It was pure ballet bliss!
The Story of the Tutu
I was fascinated to discover that the tutu, oh, how I love the tutu!, originated as a practical costume to emphasize the line of the dancers' bodies, particularly their legs. In the early nineteenth century, the dancing shoes of the time, like satin slippers, didn't show off the dancers’ legs properly. Thus, the ballerina's attire shifted from long, flowing dresses to a shorter, tighter fitting skirt with a shorter bodice, to show off the dancers’ beautifully sculpted legs. It seems that this garment quickly evolved from a practicality into a symbol of ballet, synonymous with feminine grace and elegance. This dance costume, which began in a pragmatic, simple way, truly evolved into a garment representing pure beauty and fluidity. I do love a little historical flair!
And to top off the beautiful performance, the company had a meet and greet afterwards. It’s no wonder why I'm such a huge fan. Each of the dancers had a dazzling aura about them. They were not only talented dancers but also warm, genuine people. My heart melted when the lead ballerina (and fellow pink-tutu enthusiast, no less!) gave me her autograph on my new PinkTutuPrague poster. Now that is a real-life princess moment.
Tutus and Travel Tips
There are very few moments in my life that truly inspire awe and joy like ballet performances, particularly those featuring magnificent pink tutus. Perhaps my absolute favourite part of any performance is the final curtsy, those ballerina bows and beautiful smiles as the entire company basks in the warmth of the applause. I often wonder what’s going through those graceful ballerina minds. Do they think of their families? Do they recall their dreams, and all the hard work they’ve dedicated to ballet? I can’t help but wonder if these special moments have the power to alter lives.
Of course, every journey, no matter how magical, needs a bit of practical advice. My tips for any tutu enthusiast who wishes to explore Prague, or indeed any other city, are:
- Bring comfy shoes! These cobbled streets can get pretty challenging for a ballet girl used to delicate, elegant shoes. So swap the pumps for trainers for your explorations.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Prague is truly a city that captures you in its unique charms. Embrace the wanderlust! You might discover some hidden gem, some lovely café you never anticipated. You never know what magic awaits.
- Pack a little pink. Every city looks a little bit prettier with a dash of pink! Whether it's a pink scarf, a pink hat, or perhaps even a full-length, tulle pink tutu, bring a touch of your signature pink wherever you go. Trust me, you'll find your journey infinitely more beautiful!
- Enjoy the adventure! Whether it’s dancing through Prague's old streets, enjoying the vibrant art scene, or marveling at its enchanting history, take it all in and have fun!
Until Next Time...
My dearest readers, as the curtain fell on "Giselle" and the applause echoed through the theatre, I felt a sense of warmth and joy in my heart. Prague, you truly stole a piece of my heart.
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to catch up on my ballet journey and more! I post a new blog post every Wednesday to chronicle my tutu adventures. So, until then, stay fashionable, embrace your inner ballerina, and never be afraid to twirl into the unknown. Until next time, my loves!
P.S. You can follow me on Twitter @PinkTutuEmma for real-time updates and adventures. And feel free to leave a comment below about your favourite ballerina performance or your thoughts on pink tutus! Let’s talk tutus, darlings!
