Wednesday 28th January 1998
Dearest Tutu-ettes!
Well, it's a crisp Wednesday morning here in Prague and I'm sipping my morning cappuccino, fresh from the most charming cafe, overlooking the cobbled streets. The sun is peeking out from behind the snow-capped rooftops, casting a delicate light over the city, and I'm feeling a little bit like a fairytale princess, albeit a princess who definitely favours pink!
You'll know I adore travelling. It's such a treat to experience new places, and of course, to discover the local ballet scene. This trip to Prague was particularly exciting because it felt like stepping back in time, with its beautiful medieval architecture and enchanting history.
But first, let's rewind the tape to a couple of weeks ago. Back in my quaint Derbyshire home, I'd finished my usual morning routine - ballet barre and a spot of tea, and whipped up a little bit of magic with my sewing machine. As a tutu enthusiast, I knew a trip to Prague required a specific ensemble, and let's just say this is my most flamboyant, whimsical tutu to date. It's a full-skirted, shimmering affair with delicate ruffles and hints of silver, the perfect embodiment of fairytale meets ballet! It’s absolutely perfect for a waltz around the cobbled streets!
I managed to get a few nights booked in the heart of Prague - right next to the Old Town Square. Honestly, the moment I stepped out of the station, my heart did a little pirouette. The cobblestone streets, the ancient churches, the smells of roasted nuts and sweet pastries - pure magic!
Speaking of magic, you can bet your tutus I spent the afternoon in one of the city's most incredible boutiques, "Prague Balletwear". I always say a good tutu wardrobe needs a constant injection of new inspiration! This shop was heaven. A whole room filled with gorgeous tutus, shoes and dancewear. It felt like Alice going down the rabbit hole! I managed to squeeze in a little fitting, just to get my ballerina-inspired senses tingling, and it wasn’t long before I was heading out with a new shimmering tutu that was perfect for my planned performance at the cafe next door - you know me, I love to spread a little ballerina joy! A few swirls, a graceful arabesque, a perfectly placed pique, and the cafe audience erupted with applause. My pink tutus always go down a storm! They say a tutu can take you anywhere, and you know, they might be right!
The following day, it was time for a bit of serious ballet! You all know my love affair with the history of dance and ballet in particular. Well, the ballet history here is rich, it’s bursting out of the seams, practically screaming out to be discovered. So, I decided to explore the Prague State Opera. Imagine it - the grand, ornately decorated interiors, the anticipation of stepping into history itself! It really makes you feel like you've been transported back in time. I'd spent days researching their programme - my eyes nearly popping out of my head with excitement - the upcoming performance was none other than a double-bill: "The Nutcracker" followed by "Giselle", a real ballet buff’s dream. I actually got a little teary-eyed!
Oh, and did I mention the carriage ride? This isn’t something I get to do often! I arrived in a carriage fit for a ballerina princess, which felt a bit too fairytale-ish, even for me. But hey, why not embrace the whimsical?
The show was divine! I loved it. And if I'm being completely honest, the "Giselle" performance took me by storm. It was beautifully danced, a story filled with passion and emotion. My little pink tutu had a hard time staying still – I swear I saw a few people staring.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself walking back through the Old Town Square, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. This is a city that never sleeps - a beautiful mix of historic and modern. I'm going to let you in on a secret. I managed to nab a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city tonight. Just like I mentioned in the past, my secret obsession is with the elegance of ponies! It's just pure magic seeing a big, gentle animal with this incredible power pulling you around, taking you to the magical sights of the city. You know, if I ever make it to Disneyland, it will be purely so I can ride the carousel, those beautiful steeds and the swaying tutus of their little princesses are just beyond imagination!
My week in Prague will come to a close tomorrow and it is time to plan my next trip - Budapest anyone? Oh and don’t forget, I am posting all my photos to the www.pink-tutu.com website if you want a peek at the stunning ballet locations, and the perfect Prague outfits!
Lots of pink love!
Emma x
