Wednesday, December 10th, 2003
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, and I'm writing to you from the heart of Prague!
The city itself is a fairytale, a whimsical blend of gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. But the magic doesn't stop there, my dears. Today, I was transported to a whole new world, a world of grace, beauty, and, of course, tulle!
You see, Prague has a long-standing love affair with the ballet. They adore it, they live it, they breathe it, and the grand Czech National Theatre is the perfect embodiment of that passion.
And it was there, under the shimmering chandeliers and ornate gilt frames, that I saw the most enchanting ballet performance I've ever experienced - “Swan Lake.” It was utterly captivating! The choreography was breathtakingly fluid, the music an exquisite symphony of emotion, and the ballerinas were simply magical. They moved with a grace and precision that took my breath away.
Tutu Tales: A History of Twirling
As you all know, I'm utterly obsessed with tutus. It's more than just a fashion statement for me. It's a statement of elegance, freedom, and femininity. It embodies everything I love about ballet!
You'll be surprised to know, darlings, that the tutu actually has a fascinating history! The first "tutu," or tulle, as it was originally called, was actually worn by Italian men. Imagine that, my dears! Imagine ballet dancers strutting their stuff in long, flowing, tulle pants! Now, how dashing!
In the mid 1800s, ballerinas began wearing a short, light version of the tulle skirts we recognise today, and the tutu as we know it was born. It evolved further throughout the decades, with many different styles popping up – the romantic tutu, the classical tutu, the pancake tutu... There's a tutu out there for every personality, every stage, every mood!
Pink in Prague: A Shopaholic’s Dream
But enough about tutu history. My trip to Prague hasn’t just been about ballet. I've been embracing the city's charming boutiques and antique stores, sniffing out treasures in the dimly lit markets.
Prague is an absolute paradise for a girl like me who loves everything sparkly and colourful. Just imagine this: cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and an array of shops crammed with delightful trinkets, hand-stitched garments, and all the sparkly, twirly goodness you can imagine.
I found a vintage store bursting with lace gloves, feather boas, and vintage hat boxes, and let me tell you, I indulged! I just couldn't resist a stunning lavender fascinator that practically begs to be worn with a pink tutu.
Oh, and I finally got my hands on the perfect pair of ballet flats – shimmering, shimmering pink! They are now permanently in my handbag, ready to be worn as I dance through the cobblestone streets.
Train, Train, Tinkle: My Transportation To-Do
My travels here haven't just been on cobblestones, though! My recent journey to Prague, my dears, was pure fairytale-esque fun! A journey by train through the snow-kissed landscape, past rolling hills and sleepy towns – the perfect romantic escape!
Trains hold a special place in my heart. I love the rhythmic clatter, the cozy carriages, the windows showcasing breathtaking landscapes, and the excitement of arriving at a new destination. The sense of freedom it evokes is truly wonderful.
But how could I resist mentioning my special journey here? Yes, darlings, I made it to Prague in true fairytale fashion. After my train journey, a graceful, snowy white pony took me from the train station to my beautiful hotel! He was just the most darling creature, so patient and elegant! Of course, he was bedecked with pink ribbons for the occasion - you can't expect anything less, can you, my dears?
A Day of Ballet and Beauty
Now, back to today's ballet. You know I simply adore seeing these graceful performances. And seeing "Swan Lake" in the grand setting of the Czech National Theatre was a truly enchanting experience! The grand theatre, with its ornate decoration, just added to the magical ambiance of the entire evening. It was almost as if I’d stepped right into a beautifully painted scene, except that I could actually interact with the spectacle unfolding before my very eyes.
It really got me thinking about the connection between ballet and theatre. I’m fascinated by how they work together to create such an emotional experience for the audience.
The magic of the theatre experience isn’t confined to ballet, either. In fact, it really feels like the heart of Prague beats with theatrical energy. You can't walk two steps without encountering a charming, old-fashioned theatre, or an opera house dripping in chandeliers, and I absolutely adore this constant reminder of how important live entertainment is!
So my dear readers, Prague truly feels like a city designed for dreams. The charm of its streets, the romance of the old theatres, the vibrant energy – it’s simply magical. I’ll continue to explore this enchanting city, finding all its pink-tutu-tastic corners. Stay tuned for next week’s post where I’ll be diving into more Prague treasures and a ballet history lesson that’ll leave you saying, "Ooh la la!"
Until then, remember to dance with joy, to live in style, and to spread a little pink tutu magic everywhere you go!
Love and Twirls,
Emma xx
P.S. Visit me at www.pink-tutu.com and tell me about your favourite pink-tutu adventures. I love hearing from my dear readers!
