Wednesday, 8th October 2003
Darling readers,
Bonjour from Prague! The air here is crisp with a hint of autumnal spice, and the cobblestone streets are whispering secrets of history. I arrived this morning after a whirlwind train journey from Vienna – can you believe it? I was so excited I practically bounced all the way there! The journey was absolutely charming; rolling hills and fairytale villages whizzing past my window, making me feel like I'd stepped into one of those romantic ballet stories we used to love to perform at school in Derbyshire.
And, naturally, my ensemble for this trip was inspired by the Bohemian spirit of this glorious city! Think delicate, lacy frills in the palest of pinks, flowing like the Vltava river. My pink tutu, the perfect blend of grace and whimsicality, added a touch of "ballerina in Prague" magic to the look. I couldn't resist accessorising with a vibrant floral crown – the perfect touch of whimsy for my Czech adventure.
I know you are dying to know what shows have graced my eyes this week in the land of Mozart and Kafka. Oh darling, you wouldn't believe it. Yesterday, I was utterly entranced by a performance of “The Nutcracker” at the National Theatre. It was a dream come true! Watching the young dancers spin and leap, their costumes glittering under the stage lights, brought back a wave of nostalgia for my own dance days in the little Derbyshire village hall.
Let's just say, a certain pink tutu, perhaps one similar to my own, graced the stage in a pivotal scene – naturally, I squealed with delight when I spotted it!
And, dear reader, let me tell you – Prague is a true dancer's paradise! From the baroque architecture of the Old Town Square to the majestic Charles Bridge, every turn I take evokes a graceful pirouette in my heart. The very air here seems to vibrate with the rhythm of waltzes and polkas.
Speaking of waltzes and waltzing dresses... oh my, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest today when I discovered the most enchanting shop! Imagine a treasure trove overflowing with the most decadent vintage fashion - silks so fine you'd swear they could dance themselves, and colours so vivid they make the cobblestone streets seem to shimmer. I couldn't resist picking up a few new treasures - a delicate lace bolero in ivory that will be the perfect match for my pink tutu, and a flowing chiffon scarf in the most vibrant shade of turquoise.
Oh darling, it is absolutely no surprise to you all that the colour pink is absolutely having its moment in Prague! Pink is everywhere - in the blooms overflowing from window boxes, in the soft glow of the sunset against the ancient walls, and, yes, even in the outfits of the fashionably chic ladies who wander the city streets! It’s an ethereal pink, like a cloud sprinkled with fairy dust - absolutely divine.
I feel like I’m a part of a whimsical fairytale come to life here in Prague! Even my fellow travelers, in their practical brown and navy trousers, have been subtly adopting pink with a soft, rosy scarf or a flower tucked behind their ears. I do believe the spirit of pink has begun to work its magic upon this charming city!
Perhaps we shall visit a tea room, tucked away in a secret corner of the city. I shall don my most exquisite floral printed dress and a wide-brimmed hat, while you all join me in my new pink-tinted dream world. We’ll share some delicious tea cakes (don’t worry, I'm planning on getting those cute pink porcelain teacups with delicate rose patterns!), and discuss the newest trends in the world of tutu-making! I must share the newest collection from a charming tutu-maker I met in Vienna! Imagine, dear reader, a range inspired by the world’s favourite fairy tales! A Little Red Riding Hood inspired number that’s bursting with vibrant red, and a Sleeping Beauty-inspired one – that’s utterly ethereal and adorned with sparkly, light-reflecting gems!
And as we sip our tea, let's not forget to celebrate the incredible journey of tutus. We've travelled a long, glamorous journey, from the earliest ballets to the present day - it’s amazing to think how the humble tutu has become so iconic. I wonder, dear reader, where the journey will take us next? What wondrous creations will grace the world’s stages, and what stunning new tutus will we wear?
As the sun sets over Prague, casting a golden hue across the Charles Bridge, I’m already thinking of new adventures.
But one thing remains certain – my pink tutu will be by my side, twirling through life, sharing joy and wonder wherever I go. And I know, deep in my heart, that it will inspire countless others to embrace their own unique forms of self-expression – even if it means just adding a touch of pink to their wardrobe!
Until next time, dearest reader, stay radiant and remember, a pink tutu makes everything better!
P.S. Do keep an eye out for my next post – I've been inspired by Prague’s historical treasures to start writing a story about the origin of tutus, inspired by a ballet that caught my eye last week in Vienna. And let’s just say, the lead ballerina looked divine in a pink tutu with a matching cape, reminding me why I fell in love with this dance form years ago. More soon!
Yours in twirls,
Emma, Pink Tutu Blogger Extraordinaire
