#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2005-03-09

Hello lovelies! It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for a fresh blog post from your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina. This week, I'm taking you on a magical trip to Prague, the enchanting city of a thousand spires. I’m sure you all know by now how much I love history and exploring old architecture – there’s no better place than Prague for that!

After a gloriously sunny day on the train (a journey which involved lots of giggling, reading old ballet books and a lovely old couple who bought me a delicious pastry) I finally arrived in the Czech Republic. I must admit, it felt like stepping back in time - charming old cobblestones, impossibly quaint buildings with ornate details and colourful flags fluttering in the gentle breeze. I just couldn’t resist stopping to twirl and pose for a few pictures in front of the stunning astronomical clock – after all, one can’t be in a city like this and not take advantage of its photogenic backdrops!

Speaking of beautiful architecture, my first stop had to be the National Theatre. Talk about an awe-inspiring sight – all grand marble halls, glittering chandeliers and rich, deep crimson velvet seats. This is where I'll be performing tonight, so naturally I had to pop in for a little rehearsal. You can't leave a pink tutu backstage, can you? It’s not like leaving your dance shoes - everyone expects them to be backstage. Pink tutus need a little bit of attention. Especially this one - my beautiful shimmering, sparkly, iridescent pink tulle tutu, specially designed by my fabulous seamstress! I just knew it would be the perfect look to set the mood. After a few pirouettes on the grand stage, I took a moment to absorb the atmosphere and history swirling around me. Can you believe this theatre is over 130 years old? I’m dancing in the footsteps of ballet giants, literally!

It was a treat to spend the afternoon taking in the beauty and wonder of Prague's Old Town Square. This city was made for ballet lovers! The cobblestone streets make me want to dance on tiptoe – but alas, it’s all about looking graceful and elegant, even when exploring a city like this, so heels were the order of the day (or more precisely, pretty, strappy ballet pumps!). I was truly smitten with the Astronomical Clock - not only does it tell the time with remarkable precision, but it comes to life with little figures performing a whimsical little dance! This was my first dance lesson of the day - just look how fascinating the tiny characters are. The story they tell is the tale of vanity and mortality – something that everyone needs to be reminded of, particularly those with a love of tutus and glitter! I’m going to create a dance based on this story. I will be wearing, of course, a pink tutu – after all, a ballet can't be about mortality and vanity and be called 'The Dance Of Mortality and Vanity' without a pink tutu, can it? You might even find that I include some tiny ballerinas doing a tiny pirouette and little toy soldiers keeping the rhythm and the pace! The Dance of Mortality and Vanity – Pink Tutu style! Watch this space… It’ll be on my Pink Tutu Channel before too long, I promise you.

I wandered down charming little alleyways, admiring the beautiful buildings, antique shops overflowing with treasure, and all the gorgeous cafes serving delicate pastries and steaming hot coffee. Honestly, Prague feels a bit like a mini Paris with a bit more magic thrown in. I simply must do a little shopping – it’s a fashion emergency! The temptation was simply overwhelming to find that perfect little pink tulle tutu to add to my collection. But I did my best to contain my excitement – there's no need to over-do it… But really? You cannot resist the magic of finding that perfect tutu, can you? My heart was racing with excitement. I knew this was a city where my passion for shopping and my passion for pink tutus were going to come together, beautifully! It really is a city of dreams and, you can’t go wandering about like me with just one pink tutu… What’s a ballerina to do, with this incredible city calling out to me to shop and shop and shop. What’s a girl to do?! Oh! What a conundrum…. Let’s make it an afternoon, in a chic Parisian coffee shop, whilst we explore my fashion purchases and contemplate this conundrum…

After a day filled with magic and inspiration, I got all dressed up in my fabulous pink tutu – as one should, of course, before stepping on to the grand stage at the National Theatre. My ballet was a classical masterpiece, and I’ll admit, a tiny bit of nerves were fluttering as I felt the spotlight pierce the darkness. But once I stepped out onto the stage, all I felt was joy! The theatre pulsed with energy, and it felt so wonderful to share this experience with my audience. You know the feeling – that beautiful rush when you are dancing on stage in a stunning pink tutu, the theatre full, the spotlights focused on you, the stage lights, the music… magic!

There’s a magical quality about stepping onto that stage – like being in a fairy tale. Even though it's not my first ballet in this city, the beautiful history surrounding it somehow made this performance feel even more special. I think there was an extra twinkle in my eye during this performance… You know when you feel that rush, that absolute magic.

After the performance, there was a lovely after-party at a traditional Bohemian tavern with delicious food and wine (the Czechs know how to celebrate!). The energy of Prague is intoxicating. This truly is a place where magic thrives and creativity blossoms, all within a backdrop of stunning architectural marvels, and I am sure the music will inspire some new Pink Tutu dances very soon.

Prague - you've captured my heart and my pink tutu-loving soul! Now that my trip is done, it's back to my comfy carriage (the railway carriage – a wonderful old one) with its gleaming polished wood. The next destination - my dancing classes. So keep an eye out for my Pink Tutu updates on my next adventure – it’s a ballet blog filled with tutus and travel! See you next Wednesday!

Until then, wear pink and twirl happily! Emma.