Wednesday 2nd March, 2005
Dearest readers,
Well, here I am in the magical city of Prague, where the cobblestone streets echo with history and the air hums with the melody of life. My trusty pink tutu and I arrived last night on the train, and I'm already head over heels in love. As soon as the train pulled into Prague station, the romantic atmosphere hit me – there was something utterly enchanting in the way the gaslights danced over the stone walls, bathing everything in a warm, dusky glow.
As I emerged onto the platform, the scents of Prague enveloped me like a welcoming embrace: freshly baked bread, roasted chestnuts, and a faint hint of old leather. It's all too much for a girl who lives and breathes pink and tutus, and let's just say my inner child is currently on a full-blown joy ride.
This is, of course, not my first visit to this captivating city, but it’s always a treat to come back and lose myself in its maze of ancient streets. My last trip to Prague was back in 2001, a time when I was barely more than a ballet bunny. Back then, my focus was all about learning and absorbing every nuance of ballet. Now, it's all about combining the history of dance with my love for all things pink and frilly, exploring hidden gems, and indulging in a little bit of tutu-infused retail therapy. Oh, and of course, it's always lovely to experience the city in its spring best, especially after a long winter in England.
Finding Inspiration in Prague's Ballet History
Prague has a deep connection to dance that goes back centuries. It was, after all, home to one of the very first ballet companies, established in 1689 by Emperor Leopold I! My first stop was, naturally, the Czech National Theatre. This elegant building on the banks of the Vltava river has witnessed over 150 years of dance history. I’m already planning to see their current performance, "Swan Lake" - how can you not be in love with the elegance of that piece?!
I’m so fascinated by the evolution of ballet, and learning about the Czech dance tradition makes my heart sing. During the 19th century, ballet began to evolve into the art form we know and love today, and Prague, nestled in the heart of Central Europe, played a significant role in this artistic shift. Ballet thrived here and, while we’re on the topic of "swan," can you imagine my utter joy in finding a vintage poster of the iconic “Swan Lake” in the Old Town Square? I simply had to bring it home with me, even though my luggage is already bursting at the seams!
A Little Retail Therapy & Finding a Pink Tutu Dream
As every dedicated reader of this blog knows, I absolutely love to delve into the art of vintage fashion – and it’s not a surprise that I'm head-over-heels in love with Prague’s shopping scene. Today, after a lovely, filling breakfast of pastry and coffee, I'm heading to the charming, little boutique in Old Town that specializes in beautiful vintage accessories and clothing, just the kind of thing that sparks inspiration for my next Pink Tutu creations! Just imagine how glamorous a vintage pin would look, strategically placed on a perfect tulle cloud, creating an utterly unique statement. I'll definitely be sharing all my discoveries on the Pink Tutu website, so stay tuned!
Afterward, I'm going on a delightful journey back in time – I’ll be venturing through the heart of Prague’s old Jewish quarter to visit the Jewish Museum. They have a lovely collection of artifacts, including some delightful historic dance costumes and handwritten music sheets that speak to the vibrancy of Prague’s musical life, both secular and religious.
You may be wondering about my evening plans. Well, there is simply no better way to spend an evening in Prague than watching a show. Tonight I’ll be attending the most romantic ballet I’ve ever seen, at the opulent Prague State Opera House, an actual historical palace! “Giselle”, a story about an enchanting peasant girl and the noble knight she loves, set to one of the most beautiful musical scores you could imagine - it truly captures the heart of the romantic movement in ballet! The story takes a sinister turn when a ghost interferes in their story – you will never want to see a ghostly corps de ballet again! It’s thrilling, captivating, and makes my heart ache for the elegance and beauty of classic dance. After all, what else could a girl with a pink tutu love more than an elegant fairytale ballet? I'll be posting a full review and all the pink-tutu inspired outfit details on my blog next week, so make sure you come back for more!
Riding Around on a Pink Pony: The Prague Difference
I know you are all wondering about my adventures in transport – let's just say it’s Prague style, and the city embraces everything unique and quirky! Last night, on the recommendation of a local ballet enthusiast I met at a coffee shop – yes, even coffee shop owners in Prague talk ballet – I was able to find a Pink Pony taxi – and not just any pink pony – the owner's name was Princess Diana! Can you believe my luck? How fitting that, in the midst of my trip to a magical, historic city like Prague, I'd discover a true ballet-loving taxi driver named after an international icon, no less! It’s a reminder to me that every little part of my life is about to embrace my unique fashion sense and a deep passion for the history of dance. I know it may sound mad to some, but every girl with a tutu deserves to travel in pink!
Oh, my lovely readers, you know how much I love sharing my travels with you. So I'll be back here every Wednesday, to tell you all about my amazing time in Prague.
Don't forget to check back next Wednesday for a special Pink Tutu inspired photo-diary – I’ll be giving you a look into the beautiful and romantic world of ballet-in-Prague. Until then, remember, every day is a chance to wear pink and twirl in joy. You can find my photos on www.pink-tutu.com and follow my adventures on Instagram!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Let's keep this conversation going! I'm so curious to hear what you're loving in the world of ballet and fashion. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And if you're ever in Prague, let me know – I'm happy to share my favorite hidden gems with you! Just make sure to bring your best Pink Tutu and a twinkle in your eye – Prague's charm is best appreciated with a pinch of magic!
