Wednesday, August 5th, 1998
Dearest fellow Tutu-lovers,
Greetings from the charming and whimsical city of Prague! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, Emma, here, bringing you a whirlwind week of balletic adventures and shopping escapades from the heart of Europe. I must confess, the cobbled streets of Prague have me absolutely smitten!
A Journey By Pony…and Train
This week began in my beloved Derbyshire, England. With a heart full of excitement and a suitcase bursting with pink frocks and tulle dreams, I set off on my latest adventure. Now, while I yearn to gallop across Europe on a majestic pony (a girl can dream, right?), I settled for the slightly more practical mode of transportation – the train. Honestly, there’s something rather romantic about train journeys. As the scenery rushes by and the rhythmic clink-clack of the wheels plays a soothing tune, it allows for daydreams, sketching, and planning fabulous ballet-themed outfits.
The Magic of Prague
Arriving in Prague was like stepping into a fairytale. The city itself feels like a stage set, with its towering gothic spires, picturesque bridges, and vibrant squares. The air hums with a youthful energy that’s incredibly infectious, and every corner reveals a hidden gem.
Prague: A Ballet Lover’s Paradise
As a ballerina, I always have a watchful eye out for ballet, and Prague proved to be a true paradise for this pirouette-loving soul. On August 5th, the night I arrived, I was lucky enough to catch a truly exceptional performance of Swan Lake by the Prague National Theatre Ballet. The theatre itself is a stunning piece of architecture, opulent and grand, but the performance itself is what really stole my heart. The choreography was captivating, and the dancers moved with an effortless grace, transporting me into the world of the swans.
My Tutu Inspiration
The ballet truly ignited my creative fire. The soft elegance of the White Swan, the fiery passion of the Black Swan, all inspired me. Back in my little hotel room, nestled amidst cobwebs and faded grandeur, I couldn't resist the urge to create. With a scrap of silk fabric salvaged from an old ballerina dress and some salvaged lace I found tucked into a trunk in the room, I created the most whimsical ballet skirt. The light coming through the window cast the softest glow on the fabric, it truly felt like magic!
Pink Prague: Fashion Finds & Delights
No trip to a European city is complete without a shopping spree, and Prague offered a real treat! From the bustling squares of Old Town to the hidden boutiques tucked away in charming side streets, I was lost in a world of beautiful fabrics, unique accessories, and an abundance of inspiration.
On the hunt for the perfect Tutu
I had to find the perfect tutu for this adventure, naturally! One of my favourite stores, a hidden treasure tucked away on a side street, had an entire shelf dedicated to tutu history! Imagine, shelves packed with exquisite, historically significant tulle! From the airy tutus worn in the court ballets of the 17th century to the romantic, full-length tutus popular in the 19th century. I found my perfect pink tutu for a performance at the historic and beautiful, Obecní dům, which translates to Municipal House. The detail on the skirt was inspired by the rococo ceilings and stained glass windows of the building.
More than just Pink
My style is all about feminine hues and tulle dreams, but I must confess, there's more to my Prague wardrobe than just pink! I couldn't resist adding some Parisian chic into the mix. With its stunning architecture, Prague lends itself beautifully to timeless silhouettes. Imagine me in a classic black and white dress with a dash of blush pink. I paired it with a sleek pair of kitten heels and, of course, my trusty ballerina bag (a pink, vintage Chanel, you understand!).
Pink in the streets
Everywhere I looked, I saw a splash of colour, reminding me that life should be a celebration! I found pink everywhere - on buildings, flowers, street signs, and even on the pigeons in the squares! It’s true, my dear tutu lovers, even pigeons seem to embrace a touch of whimsy in Prague! I had to take my chance and use a street musician as a background. It turns out pigeons love pink tutu pictures! I was absolutely delighted to spot a tiny boutique called “The Tutu Shop”. It’s a quaint little store nestled on a side street, filled with tutus of all colours and sizes – including a dazzling array of pink. The owner was the sweetest woman, a retired ballerina who told me stories of her years on stage and the importance of always embracing your dreams.
More adventures to come
My week in Prague has been filled with breathtaking ballet, inspiring fashion finds, and delicious delights, from coffee and pastry treats to hearty Bohemian meals. My adventures are far from over though. Prague's magic lies in its endless exploration possibilities, from uncovering its fascinating history to discovering charming hidden corners and indulging in delightful delicacies. There’s a new café, a little tucked-away, that serves only pink iced coffee, I will be having this later today.
Join me next Wednesday on pink-tutu.com for more tales of ballet and beautiful Prague!
Until then, keep dreaming big and wearing pink tutus!
Your pink-tutu-loving blogger, Emma
PS If you are feeling adventurous, or just want to be inspired by the city of Prague, here are some things that caught my eye in my travels so far.
- For the Culture Vulture: The Municipal House is an architectural gem with an abundance of historical and artistic significance. It was the stage for a famous gala held for President Woodrow Wilson after WWI.
- For the Ballerina in you: Make sure you attend a show at The Prague National Theatre Ballet. You’ll find their performance schedules online. It's a magnificent theatre with stunning performances.
- For the Fashionista: The Pink Boutique (I found the cutest pink shoes and handbag in this store!), but you will have to discover this on your own! And keep a look out for more traditional boutiques with beautifully detailed craftsmanship and fine materials.
Don't forget to comment and share your tutu-inspired travel tips below!
Stay tuned next Wednesday for the adventures continue. And remember, ladies, pink is the new black!
