Bonjour, chères amies! 🩰
This week, it’s Pink Tutu Prague! It feels like I've barely unpacked my bags from Vienna, but here I am in another stunning European city. I’m on the road again, fuelled by the joy of the ballet and the joy of pink, of course! I don't think you'll be surprised to learn that I chose a train journey to get here - I simply adore the languid rhythm of railway travel. A chance to watch the landscape morph and shift as I glide from one enchanting city to another, clutching my trusty pink tote bag brimming with all my essential ballet necessities.
But, Prague - what can I say? It's just breathtaking. The cobbled streets are like something out of a fairytale, the architecture is like a symphony in stone, and the air itself feels alive with history and magic. As I gazed out of the train window, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to be here, experiencing the magic of this extraordinary place.
Naturally, I arrived in Prague in my signature pink tutu, ready to make an impression! My fellow travellers giggled, and the platform was filled with laughter - there is always something inherently joyous about a pink tutu, you see. After all, life's too short to take it seriously! And even the grey, industrial landscape of the outskirts seemed to blush in the presence of such pink exuberance!
My trusty pony - you’ll recognise my trusty pink-hooded steed from my Vienna post, which you can catch up on over at www.pink-tutu.com - is staying in the stables near my hotel - it was the only place willing to stable a pink pony! It wasn’t easy - stables can be a bit, shall we say, resistant to all things pink! It wasn’t helped by the pony being a bit too…exuberant about things that should probably have remained stable! But we have negotiated an understanding and it is finally settled in for a week! And it isn’t like a grey pony!
Prague is such a lovely, walkable city that you can do a lot without needing a pony - except getting to the ballet. I like a graceful arrival - after all, when I’m wearing a tutu, my graceful entrance has to be timed impeccably! And, of course, it doesn’t help when the cobbled streets are frozen over like they are at the moment!
I don't think you’ll be surprised to learn that I wasted no time before hitting the shops! It seems like I've struck a sort of pink-tutu-themed goldmine here - every shop seems to be filled with exquisite clothes that simply cry out to be twirled in! It was a little difficult choosing what to buy - you can’t really bring home 5 new wardrobes! I was feeling overwhelmed by the beautiful fabrics, exquisite trims, and enchanting designs – you know how I love a bit of tulle and feather boa! My heart felt ready to burst with sartorial joy, but alas, my luggage was rather less thrilled. I eventually managed to find a couple of perfect dresses - a blush pink, shimmering number with a hint of magenta - the most divine creation! It practically twirled itself! And I simply had to have a matching bolero - the sheer fabric, the delicate pink flowers - divine. Of course, there were shoes! So many gorgeous pink ballet shoes, some of them covered with intricate designs that made me want to dance before I had even tied the laces! It took an hour of intense meditation to avoid emptying my entire suitcase to buy them!
After shopping and unpacking (there was no way I could have resisted that blush-pink outfit, I must confess, I'm already planning to wear it to the ballet on Friday) I spent the rest of the day wandering the enchanting streets. Prague Castle was stunning - a real mix of styles, from the romanesque and gothic to the baroque and renaissance. It feels like stepping into a different age!
You know I am a passionate advocate of history, and my love of the history of ballet and, dare I say it, tutus! My afternoon in Prague was spent delving into the glorious past of Prague Ballet - it is an enchanting ballet history, reaching back to the Renaissance, so much older than England! Did you know the first Prague opera house was established as early as 1600?! We English people should really be working harder - we didn't get an opera house until the 17th Century! It felt strange to think that the Czech people had already developed their appreciation for theatre centuries ago. I love knowing the ballet that I'm going to see - so much of the experience comes from knowing its history, especially as I always try and go to shows in old opera houses, it makes it feel even more like a real historical event! And I love Prague Ballet, the performances always bring the history of this great ballet company alive on stage, the talent and skill is simply astounding.
And tonight I'm treating myself to a glorious show! It’s the Prague Ballet presenting a stunning production of Swan Lake, one of my favourite ballet classics! My excitement is practically reaching a fever pitch!
So, ladies, tune in again next week to read all about my evening at the ballet and my adventures around this captivating city. Until next Wednesday, remember to twirl and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! Remember ladies - keep those tutus pink! 🩰 💗
Lots of love,
Emma xx
(p.s. don't forget to check out my tutu tips on my blog, they’re updated each week with my tips for the latest tutus for different occasions, like going to the ballet - a really useful resource!)
P.P.S I’ll be posting up more pictures of my travels and some more photos of Prague on my instagram feed at www.pink-tutu.com/instagram this week!)
