Oh, my darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another post on www.pink-tutu.com, straight from the heart of Prague. I've been absolutely smitten with this city ever since I arrived last week. The cobbled streets, the stunning architecture, and the friendly faces - it's all just utterly charming.
And did I mention the ballet scene? Swoon It's like a dream come true! I've seen more tutus than I can count (and Iāve counted many!). You know me - I love a bit of a waltz, and there's something utterly magical about ballet in Europe.
Speaking of which, let's chat about my favourite thing about being in Prague: The Ballet. This past week has been a whirlwind of performances. On Friday night, I found myself completely mesmerized by the National Theatre's production of āSwan Lakeā. Oh my! Those costumes, those leaps, that music! And those white tutus, my darlings, were exquisite. The white just seemed to glow against the backdrop of the stage. It made me think that while pink is my go-to, a little white goes a long way! I am sure a few of you, my lovely pink tutu followers, are white-tutu devotees - let me know what your favourite white tutu performance is in the comments!
But this city isn't all about formal ballet performances. Last Sunday, I stumbled across a delightful little square bustling with street performers. There was this absolutely wonderful ballerina performing in a beautiful crimson tutu. You could tell it was her own; it was perfectly fitted, and her movements flowed beautifully in the sun-dappled square. It reminded me that even the simplest, most modest ballet attire can be magnificent.
But Prague isn't just about tutus! As you know, I adore shopping, especially for gorgeous garments, so letās chat fashion! There's an array of charming little shops in this city ā everything from vintage boutiques bursting with incredible fabrics and hats to trendy fashion houses displaying the latest designs. I've found myself snapping up quite a few exquisite silk scarves, an antique silver charm bracelet (with, naturally, a tiny silver ballet slipper charm), and, of course, some fabulous new ballet shoes to add to my ever-growing collection!
I do try to fit in a little sightseeing each day. I am rather taken with the Charles Bridge - what a sight! All the history that has walked across those cobbles...I imagine ladies wearing long velvet dresses with beautiful white tutus underneath, dancing over the cobblestones! Imagine the scenes, the gossip! The history of dance, especially tutus, truly comes alive here in Prague.
Yesterday, I was browsing a lovely bookshop and I picked up a fascinating little tome on the history of the tutu. It seems they weren't always so graceful! Apparently, early tutus were cumbersome and practical, made for centuries of women dancing indoors with warmth and ease of movement. It's fascinating how the tutu, over the years, went from utilitarian to something truly beautiful, designed for performance and art. Now that's what I call fashion history!
My fellow pink-tutu-wearing devotees, I'm writing all this from the cosy, sunny terrace of my charming little hotel, the aroma of fresh pastries tempting me downstairs. It is absolutely wonderful to wake up each day with this stunning view of the city, with a little twinkle in the sunshine catching the spires. Every moment feels so elegant, so beautiful.
Of course, thereās no ballet without music! So I thought Iād tell you about my lovely little discoveries this week. I popped into the fabulous Opera House last Saturday and, by pure chance, found a beautiful violinist playing Vivaldi. There was this captivating intensity in her playing. My eyes lit up, just as if I were on a dance stage!
And talking of beautiful music, my dear friends, I must mention the little cafe I discovered on my way to the ballet. Tucked away down a charming cobbled alleyway, I found a haven with classical music playing softly in the background, beautiful marble tables and chairs, and this incredible smell of fresh bread and pastries - you know how much I love good bread! And I definitely have a bit of a soft spot for cafes - I always find something special in the quiet corners of those places.
The best part? It wasnāt all about the ambiance, of course, my friends, although it certainly helped, but rather about the delectable raspberry-chocolate tarts. And youāre thinking, āEmma, they just wouldnāt be complete without a tiny, pink, ballet shoe! But no, alas, no shoe, which is something of a tragedy! I have a secret (shhhh!), I always carry tiny pink ballet shoes in my handbag, so they can be on hand if, heaven forbid, a fabulous dessert should be served without a sweet little shoe accessory.
Thereās truly magic to be found in every corner of this amazing city! Whether youāre an aspiring ballerina, an enthusiast of pink tutus (itās nice to be surrounded by a colour you love), or simply someone who wants to see breathtaking performances, this is the perfect place to come and be swept away by the beauty of it all.
I'm thinking of visiting the famous Prague Astronomical Clock soon, as they say it is quite a spectacle and perfect for a blogger photo-shoot! But you can catch me in the meantime wandering around this magnificent city, soaking up its history and romance. Oh, and shopping of course.
So until next Wednesday, darlings! Don't forget to keep the pink tutu dream alive.
Emma xx
