#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 1998-11-18

Bonjour mes amies! It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another fabulous pink-tutu.com adventure! This week I’m whisked away to the enchanting city of Prague, a city that’s truly captivated my heart. And believe me, finding love with a city is not a task for the faint of heart, especially when you’re on the constant hunt for the perfect pink tutu.

This week I’m sporting a divine dusty rose tutu with swathes of shimmering tulle cascading down to my ankles, making it the most perfect pink for Prague’s historic charm. I love a colour that whispers and yet announces, a bit like Prague itself. The city has a sweet whisper of its rich history, from the golden lanes to the cobbled streets, and a vibrant shout of culture in the art galleries, live music and the magical ballet scene!

I arrived yesterday, arriving in style with a little train journey to Prague’s Central Station, followed by a jaunt across the city in a horse-drawn carriage. It was a fairytale scene! A dash of Victorian romanticism – if Jane Eyre had a penchant for tulle.

Before I get caught up in the whirl of pink ballet fantasies (we’ll be there in a minute, don’t worry!), let’s talk about my ultimate favourite, the wardrobe. Prague is a city of dreamy shops, especially when it comes to exquisite vintage and designer pieces. This is where I’m finding some true gems. Last night I waltzed through the shops in the Old Town Square, I was positively giddy, stumbling upon a little boutique that had a collection of Victorian ballet shoes made for pointe work. Honestly, they had to have been made for a graceful debutante, and even though I’m not doing pointe these days, these are my kind of ballet treasures. I snapped them up for a pittance, which will come in very handy for my growing collection!

I am at the National Theatre, preparing for an unforgettable night at the ballet. You wouldn't believe the excitement here. I have been waiting for this night for months - I am here to witness the National Theatre Ballet company’s performance of “The Nutcracker” (November 18th 1998!). The National Theatre is known for its breathtaking stage, a mix of intricate details and soaring elegance, and their production of this beloved classic promises to be as dazzling as the glittering cityscape surrounding me.

Oh! You’ve no idea, my dears, it was simply perfect. It’s not just the breathtaking sets and beautiful choreography, but there’s such energy on stage that it practically bounces into the auditorium! Even after all these years (the ballet was born in the late 1890s - just as my style started to bloom) the “Nutcracker” feels like such a contemporary production. Of course, there’s the fairytale enchantment of a winter’s eve, and the charming mice and rats who battle for our hero, and, let’s not forget the dancing snowflakes - the ballerina here in the sugar plum role looked like she had just spun straight out of the snow! But you really feel it is all a fresh vision. And the costumes? Magnificent! Not a trace of modern “deconstruction,” just beautiful silks and velvet in every shade of pink you can imagine. What could be better? A perfect match for my dusky pink tulle.

And for an added dose of sparkle, after the show, I stumbled upon a divine little restaurant, complete with velvet banquettes, sparkling chandeliers and a charming courtyard that seemed to vanish into the moonlit night. I felt positively like a ballerina in the final scene of “The Sleeping Beauty,” (although that princess is definitely going to need a new wardrobe – the pale blue tutus? They just don't do it for me – my love is pink all the way!).

This isn’t just about pink tutus and fabulous fashion finds, my dears. It’s about a passion for the art of ballet. It’s about finding beauty in the smallest details, from a delicately embroidered ballet slipper to the sweeping arc of a dancer’s arm. It’s about embracing life with the same grace and passion as a ballerina performs on stage.

Today I’m attending the ballet class at the National Theatre Ballet School, and it's as glamorous and chic as you might imagine! Imagine it – rows and rows of mirrored walls, gleaming barre, all set within the grand architecture of Prague's most historic building. It’s pure, raw talent at its finest. My heart nearly burst as the young students pirouetted and plied, showing the grace of a young fawn, their elegance only magnified by their passionate energy. And did I mention the incredible ballet shoes?! You haven’t seen shine until you’ve seen these little wonders on the dancer’s feet!

Later, after my class I had a truly splendid lunch – a whole platter of sweet, honeyed Prague ham, crunchy bread and crisp pickles. This meal, which I savored as I enjoyed a beautiful pink lemonade from a quaint cafe by the riverbank, fueled me for another whirl of ballet exploration, which took me to the National Theatre ballet archives, and I discovered they are keeping it very well – such fabulous sketches, a few tutus even!

But I'm not all tutus and tea parties, you know. My adventurous spirit doesn’t just stop with a love for ballet. I have discovered hidden courtyards in the heart of the city, bustling farmers markets overflowing with colour, and secret cafes that serve the most delicious pastries. The cobbled streets whisper tales of ancient emperors and grand battles. And the ancient buildings, standing proudly amongst the cobblestone streets and the bridges over the Vltava river, speak of a rich heritage that has survived centuries. Prague truly has a fairytale-like aura – if you’ve seen any of the Disney princesses, they could be strolling along these streets, and, actually, let's take a moment to appreciate just how wonderful these princess costumes are: Cinderella's billowing gown, Jasmine’s golden bra and trousers (very brave of the filmmakers), Ariel’s seashell bra... now they have so much to work with but, it must be said, they don't give up the tutus, do they? So maybe my mission will have to expand to princesses! I am thinking there’s a gap in the market for the “Princess Tutu” look – I could help to expand that line a little. Perhaps that will be a project for next year…

Tomorrow’s plan is to explore Prague Castle – more churches and museums. The architecture there will have me squealing in delight. Just imagine the tutus I could find there – lace, velvet and silk galore! I’ll even keep you updated on the “must-see” shopping spots. Let me know in the comments what’s on your fashion shopping list when you’re touring. And make sure you look out for my next post – coming on Wednesday. See you there, and don’t forget to put on your pink tutu!

See you next week, Emma