Wednesday, May 3rd, 2000
Oh, hello lovelies! It's Emma here, reporting live from the most charming, enchanting, and downright pink city I've ever encountered - Prague! This is post #262 on my Pink Tutu travels, and this week's blog is dedicated to all things Bohemian, magical, and ballet-related (with a generous helping of tutu talk, of course).
As you know, I fund my global twirls with my performances – whether it's a delightful little show in a charming town hall in the Cotswolds, or a glittering performance for a royal gala. This trip to Prague was no exception! After dazzling the local community in Derby (they just loved my rendition of Swan Lake, by the way - thank you, thank you!) I hopped aboard a little pony-drawn carriage for the grand journey. I can't help but feel it's much more romantic than travelling by train, don't you think?
But enough about my delightful journey. Prague! My goodness, where do I even begin? The cobbled streets are absolutely captivating, a delightful labyrinth leading you to fairytale-esque squares, with brightly coloured buildings that look straight out of a fairytale! I am utterly in love with the architectural brilliance here, it makes me want to leap with joy, spin like a top, and embrace every single inch of this enchanting city!
And the food! Oh my! The flavours are simply heavenly - sweet dumplings, creamy pastries, rich and aromatic coffee... a feast for all the senses! Even the teacups are delightfully pink here, and so many restaurants have an air of vintage grandeur - perfect for enjoying a delicious breakfast before a day of twirling, shopping, and soaking up the sights.
I am always on the lookout for unique tutu styles to inspire my wardrobe. My new pink polka dot tulle tutu was an absolute must-buy from a quaint shop in the Old Town square. It has the most wonderful sparkly pink ribbon detailing, so perfect for my grand debut at the National Theatre in a few days!
Speaking of the National Theatre, Prague boasts such a prestigious cultural heritage! They say that even the paving stones have stories to tell. But, naturally, my focus was on the ballet, and what a glorious experience it was. The Ballet National Prague showcased a breathtaking performance of Swan Lake, bringing Tchaikovsky’s score to life with exceptional grace and precision. The music was so beautifully enchanting; the dancing absolutely magical.
I spotted so many pink tutus in the audience - my mission to bring pink to the world is making progress! It seems I've found quite a like-minded crowd in Prague. It’s delightful to see all these fellow pink tutu enthusiasts embrace the beauty and power of this magical colour, and its ability to infuse any occasion with a sense of magic.
Of course, my explorations of the city couldn't stop at ballet! There was so much to discover! I found the cutest little cafes where I could indulge in a proper spot of tea with scones and clotted cream (always a treat when away from home), while browsing through an abundance of charming shops with handcrafted goodies and traditional Czech dolls. I'm already planning to come back in winter to enjoy a hot chocolate or two.
And then, of course, there are the bridges. The Charles Bridge in particular is a sight to behold. All those lovely medieval sculptures lining its side, with the vibrant city of Prague unfolding before you... truly inspiring! There were even a few talented street performers showing off their moves. Not exactly ballet, but the energy and passion were unmistakable. It's those raw moments of human expression that really make me believe in the power of art and performance to connect people all over the world.
Fashion-forward fun:
Prague is a dream for a fashion enthusiast! It is home to some wonderful vintage boutiques, perfect for finding one-off treasures for your ballet-inspired wardrobe. From floral-print sundresses to sparkly sequined shrugs, there's something for every twirling, prancing, dancing occasion.
One of my favorite discoveries was a hidden gem tucked away in a charming alleyway called 'Tutu Boutique.' It was bursting with all things tutus! It was truly a dream come true, a little corner of ballet paradise! They had tutus in all sorts of fabrics and designs, with everything from elegant tulle and silky satin to playful polka dots and sparkling sequins. My heart almost exploded with joy.
I spent what felt like an eternity trying on every single tutu in the shop, finding the most adorable one-off pastel pink tutu adorned with pearl beading and matching pink shoes that I just had to bring home. I also managed to nab a vintage ballerina-inspired tea set with delicately painted pink roses and twirling ballerinas, and a silver-tone necklace with a charming miniature tutu pendant. I couldn’t help myself - it felt like the city itself was whispering secrets to my pink tutu-loving heart.
Ballet and Beyond
And, for those of you curious about the origins of the tutu, well, here’s a little ballet history for you! This lovely, swirling skirt that makes ballet so much more visually exciting, was originally just a kind of long white underskirt worn underneath dancers’ skirts in the 1830s, when Marie Taglioni famously wore the tutu in her dance as a ‘sylph’ in La Sylphide in 1832. Of course, since then it’s taken on its iconic, short shape. And who could ever imagine a dancer in anything but a tutu? The evolution of the tutu through history is as compelling as any ballet!
But there is still so much more I want to see in Prague. I’ve barely scratched the surface. On my to-do list:
Prague Castle: I have a feeling there are some amazing historical and architectural discoveries to be made there! Plus, there are rumors of beautiful pink-hued sunsets from the top of the tower... Just imagine the photo opportunities!
A visit to the Municipal House: I hear they have a grand ball room - perfect for imagining myself dancing like a fairytale princess!
More delightful coffee and cake stops: The bakeries are absolutely amazing here!
And of course, more tutus! Prague seems to have a never-ending supply. And this girl can't resist the charms of a good tutu shopping spree!
Until next week, remember to stay twirly, stay pretty, and don't be afraid to add a touch of pink magic to your life!
See you back here next Wednesday for more enchanting adventures from the Pink Tutu Chronicles!
P.S. Did I mention that I fell in love with a beautiful hand-painted pastel pink ceramic bunny rabbit in one of the little boutiques? It's the perfect addition to my pink collection, don’t you think?
P.P.S. Check out www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for new posts!
