Wednesday 7th June 2000
Dearest readers,
Hello from Prague! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing adventurer, bringing you another blog post direct from this magical city. I've been absolutely twirling with delight here, and the perfect way to capture the essence of Prague is to envision me waltzing through cobbled streets, a wisp of pink tulle catching the warm afternoon breeze.
Let me begin by sharing my secret journey: I came here via the most delightful train ride I’ve ever experienced! We boarded in the late afternoon sunshine, and as the scenery whipped past my window, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of freedom and excitement. It was truly the perfect way to arrive in such a historic and enchanting city. I must tell you, I had a tiny dilemma - to pack a large hatbox filled with all my fabulous, full tutus or keep it light with just one tiny tutu for a jaunty arrival? I chose the latter. It wouldn't be fair on the poor tutu if it had to suffer the cramped confines of a railway compartment. So it stayed at home - and me? Well, I got to strut my stuff in an entirely new (pink!) hat, my feather boa swishing magnificently, a symphony of silk and feathers that added a touch of magic to my travelling attire.
Speaking of tutus, the story of ballet, or at least my story of ballet, simply cannot be told without mentioning those heavenly pieces of tulle! My love for them started at a tender age, twirling around our Derbyshire cottage garden, fuelled by my deep desire to embody the magic of all the ballerinas I had ever seen. Tutus hold history - I can still remember that moment at seven, where I, clad in a baby pink, homemade tutu (the handiwork of my incredibly talented mum), decided that tutus and I were destined to dance together. From then on, my fascination for tutus grew, their history, their shapes, their design - even their colours! The history of the tutu is fascinating: Imagine the evolution of this dance-defining garment from the short and simple skirts of the early ballet dancers to the elegant and breathtaking creations that we see on stage today! They come in a glorious kaleidoscope of colours, from classic white and pale pink to vibrant blues and reds – and they are each like a whispered promise of dreams fulfilled on stage. I feel a pang of guilt, my little pink tutu left behind. However, in a moment of genius, my Mum decided I should carry a gorgeous new sparkly pink clutch bag to hold everything – this way, when I reached Prague, I was a twirling pink storm. This will be added to my ballet-bag-collection - but the bag needed a name – and I've decided on ‘Pink Pout’. The sheer sparkle makes the world smile when you clutch it.
Now, on to the heart of my adventures: the ballet, of course! My journey brought me to the magical city of Prague on the 7th of June. I discovered an enchanting production at the Prague National Theatre – The Sleeping Beauty! Oh my, what an absolute feast for the senses! I felt transported into the world of fairies, royalty, and forbidden love, a kaleidoscope of colours and swirling tutus in the most delicate shades of pink. As I watched the graceful movements of the ballerinas, each with their own ethereal elegance, I couldn’t help but be swept away in their journey.
I was fortunate enough to attend a ballet class that afternoon - right after my lunch of trdelník - (A yummy Czech cinnamon pastry - and oh, how it is truly a treat!) It was a wonderful opportunity to observe some of the extraordinary talents at the heart of the city’s ballet scene. These artists, filled with grace, passion and skill, dedicated themselves fully to the language of dance. Every movement was like poetry in motion, with a captivating combination of strength and artistry. You know how much I love the ballet. I've always said that ballet, with its beauty and discipline, has taught me so much. My mum - and of course, my teachers back home - always used to remind me of the connection between hard work and the joy of the moment on the stage. And watching these incredibly gifted dancers really underlined this point! I had a real moment of self-reflection there! And then I remembered what Mum had told me before I left - ‘Don't be afraid to ask your own questions Emma! There’s a time to take in the knowledge but always the need for questions.’ That was why I was heading to Prague's National Library, that very afternoon - just after this wonderful class. I've found there are quite a few of the original editions of the historical Tchaikovsky manuscripts held there and, well, if I’m honest, my little head was a-swirling. What better way to pay homage to the magical stories they hold than to read through those notes for Sleeping Beauty! It wasn’t all work though. I made sure to sample some delicious local cakes after I'd done my homework at the library - (Yes, it’s hard work researching tutus - very, very hard!)
The beauty of Prague is evident everywhere - in its graceful architecture, cobblestone streets and stunning riverbanks. This place is simply dripping in history, and each twist and turn holds a secret, waiting to be unraveled. My walks through this magical city felt like stepping into a storybook; each step an exciting new chapter. I’ve spent time wandering around, sipping a latte in the morning, listening to the joyful sounds of local musicians – oh, it’s truly an unforgettable experience, my dears!
Today, as the day closes with the setting sun painting the sky in glorious hues of orange and pink (my favourite!), I'm ready to capture more of the spirit of Prague in my next ballet class. I’m just brimming with new ideas for the ‘Pink Tutu Prague Ballet’. It’s an idea I've been brewing for months, but with every day in Prague, I just get more excited about sharing the history of Prague, its beauty, its architecture - all presented within the context of ballet. What more could a girl ask for! (Yes, a ballerina who is quite fond of pink and a little tulle.)
Stay tuned for my next update from Prague.
With a twirl and a smile, Emma
P.S. To my fabulous pink tutu followers: Keep your eyes peeled for a special treat coming soon! I’m planning on sharing my latest pink tutu collection inspired by my adventures in Prague – it’s a whirlwind of sparkle, feathers, and yes, of course, a whole lot of pink! Let's get all the world in pink tutus! You’re welcome.
