Wednesday, April 14th, 1999
Bonjour, my darling tutu-lovers!
This week, I’m writing to you from the most magical city I've ever visited – Prague! The cobblestone streets, the twinkling spires, the bohemian vibe – it's utterly intoxicating. But, you already knew I’d be smitten, right? My heart is always captured by cities rich in history and brimming with artistic energy, and Prague is a masterpiece in both.
Now, this being Prague, it wouldn't be complete without a tale involving a tutu, would it?
My Tutu Journey: From Derbyshire to Prague by Rail and… Pony?
You know how much I love a good train journey! I bid adieu to Derbyshire, a kiss goodbye to my little cottage, and boarded the train with my trusty, bright pink carry-on, filled with a multitude of tulle dreams. My journey began with a wave goodbye to the rolling Derbyshire countryside, swapping those verdant hills for a whirlwind of vibrant landscapes as I journeyed towards the heart of Europe.
Let me tell you, I never travel alone, darling! Always by my side is my darling Polly, a miniature Shetland pony I found abandoned on a dusty country road (my saving grace in those days was always an emergency supply of carrot sticks and a fondness for rescuing strays). This time, she had to make the journey on the back of a flatbed truck (don't worry, she was quite happy about it!)
It wasn’t quite as idyllic as a Parisian balcony but with Polly, I felt perfectly at ease. After all, I always believed that adventures require a little extra sprinkle of magic – or, in our case, the delightful whinnying of a pony in the pre-dawn hours.
My Pink Tutu Adventures: Prague’s Ballet Scene
Arriving in Prague was like stepping into a fairytale. The architecture! Oh, my dear readers, the architecture! Baroque grandeur, Gothic flourishes, art nouveau details - every corner a new wonder to explore. And in a city this vibrant, a passionate ballet scene was, of course, inevitable!
This week's ballet performance, hosted in the grand National Theatre, took us on a journey to a fairytale realm, a captivating blend of traditional folklore and modern artistry. It's a story about the love between a woodcutter’s daughter and a charming prince, woven through fantastical ballets, expressive gestures, and intricate footwork, all set to an enchanting score that resonated within the opulent theatre walls.
Did I mention the costumes, darling? Gasp! Every single one was a masterpiece of intricate design and exquisite colours. The heroine's flowing skirt shimmered under the stage lights, catching the shimmering reflections of the theatre chandeliers. And those tutus, oh my… such a beautiful celebration of ballet history, they just left me in awe.
It wasn't only the ballet that enchanted me. I've been exploring Prague's charming streets, savouring its old-world charm and discovering tucked away hidden gems. A charming cafe nestled on a quiet street, the aroma of freshly baked pastries pulling me in with promises of a delectable sugar-laden afternoon treat, a bookshop bursting with dusty tomes and forgotten classics, a charming shop window showcasing hand-painted ceramics adorned with delicate floral motifs. Oh, it's so utterly delightful!
The Magic of Tutus and Fashion
Let's talk fashion! While the world may not always appreciate the magic of tutus, Prague is surprisingly receptive to my particular style. It was pure joy strolling through the city centre, my pink tutu swishing along the cobbled streets. Every glance, every compliment, felt like a tiny triumph for my tutu dream. You know I always advocate for the power of expressing oneself and sharing the joy of ballet!
Today I spotted a captivating shop brimming with vintage fashion and tucked away among racks of floral-printed frocks, lace-trimmed dresses and flamboyant headwear, was a dazzling assortment of colourful tutus - oh, the joy! My inner tutu enthusiast did a little happy dance as I examined the different layers and textures, imagining each one twirling on stage.
The Story of a Prague Tutu:
Did you know that tutus have a fascinating history that often aligns with historical eras? They have taken many forms, reflecting changing fashion trends, cultural norms, and even political ideologies. In Prague's case, their tutus embraced a whimsical, almost fairy-tale quality. Imagine flowing, translucent layers of tulle that seemed to drift like clouds in a light breeze, and vibrant hues reflecting the vibrant spirit of this captivating city! They evoked a sense of ethereal elegance and grace that mirrored Prague's historic artistry.
After all, if there's anything more delightful than a ballet show in a magical city, it's getting to peek behind the curtain into the world of costume design, learning the history of every elegant stitch, and admiring the meticulous detail that goes into each handcrafted garment.
And as I leave you now, I am filled with hope for all my darling readers! Prague has reignited a passion in my heart - it’s a city that breathes art, fashion, and a sprinkle of that magical fairytale dust I adore.
Until next Wednesday,
With love and a twirl,
Emma
Pink Tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget, darlings! I'd love to hear your tutu stories! What makes you feel your best? Share your personal triumphs and adventures with me at
