#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2005-03-16

Bonjour mes chères ballerinas! It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for another Pink Tutu Prague blog post, straight from the heart of this enchanting city.

Today, I'm absolutely buzzing! Why? Well, I've just experienced a truly unforgettable ballet performance – one that's left me floating on a cloud of pure, unadulterated pink bliss.

Before I dive into all the gorgeous details, I'd love to share a bit about how I got here, because let's be honest, the journey is just as exciting as the destination!

This trip, like many others, started with a whirl of ballet rehearsals, and, of course, finding the perfect pink tutu for the performance! I managed to squeeze in a little vintage shopping trip to the antique shops of Derby. I unearthed a breathtaking dusty-rose silk creation – perfect for an early 1900s themed show.

Then came the most exciting part – the journey to Prague! I’m all about a good old-fashioned train adventure. The rhythmic clinking of wheels, the gentle swaying of the carriage, the hushed whispers and exciting chatter of fellow travellers… it's the perfect way to indulge my love of travelling in style. I made sure my tulle tutu travelled in its own plush velvet case to protect it, of course. I couldn’t let a wrinkle spoil its elegant curves.

Imagine this, darling: me, nestled comfortably in a plush carriage, surrounded by my favourite travel companions – a good book (currently it’s "The Life and Art of Anna Pavlova"), a delicious pot of tea, and a hand-stitched vintage floral tote bag filled with all my must-haves: lip gloss, lavender-scented hand cream, and a secret stash of pink ballet shoes.

Pssst, wanna know my top tip for the perfect train ride? Always wear a vibrant pink outfit – trust me, it instantly turns every trip into a delightful journey! I swear, my pink dress made me the centre of attention on this ride, especially when a gaggle of children spotted me with my rosy pink satin hair ribbon and called me a "ballet princess." My heart soared.

And now, finally, I'm in Prague. This city has a magical air to it, like a fairytale woven with cobblestones and painted with faded pinks. Everywhere I look, there are breathtaking gothic towers, enchanting churches with gilded spires, and narrow cobbled streets teeming with life.

My very first stop, of course, was the National Theatre. Just a stroll across the Charles Bridge and it loomed above me, majestic and grand. Imagine my delight! The building is pure theatre, my lovelies! I had a little cry of happiness, then did a graceful pirouette right there on the cobblestones (only to have the sweet elderly gentleman outside the cafe give me a shy clap and a warm smile – such a treat!).

Then, it was time to step into the House of Dancing Ballerinas, an amazing museum devoted to all things tutu. And let me tell you, I went absolutely bonkers for this place! Each exquisite tutu had its own story, showcasing the history of dance from the delicate layers of Romantic ballet to the contemporary masterpieces of our era.

Of course, the vintage and modern tutus stole my heart. I absolutely fell for a delicate lilac silk tulle tutu dating back to the 1920s, and another one from the early 2000s that had shimmering silver thread woven throughout the pink tulle. I must try and make a version! The curator was kind enough to share fascinating insights into the materials and design techniques that go into each creation – absolutely inspiring!

Now, let’s get to the real reason I'm here: to experience the wonder of the Prague National Ballet. Tonight’s performance was Swan Lake! And, darling, it was utterly magical.

The Setting: Imagine a lavishly ornate theatre, bathed in golden lights. The red velvet seats whispered with the anticipation of the crowd. I could sense the electric energy filling the air – it was an explosion of pure magic.

The Ballet: My, oh my, the choreography! The grace of the swans, the ethereal beauty of the princess, the raw intensity of the prince’s fight... the passion of their dance literally stole my breath away. Every movement flowed effortlessly, with such fluidity and power, and the dancers moved with breathtaking elegance.

The Music: Every note was played with such depth of emotion. I was transported to a land where even the quietest murmur was infused with powerful beauty.

I simply have to tell you about the finale, my dears! It was an incredible whirlwind of intricate formations, elegant leaps, and, of course, the famous swan-like arm extensions. I had tears in my eyes! I think the entire audience was holding their breath with pure awe as the last note resonated.

As the final applause thundered, my heart still soared, overflowing with pure joy and appreciation for this beautiful art. My head felt a bit fuzzy, but I wasn’t sure if it was from all the tulle or the magical music.

And you know what? After such a spectacular ballet performance, I simply had to do a little ballet shopping!

My favourite pink vintage boutique was an explosion of vibrant colours. The store window displayed the most stunning rose-hued cocktail dress (oh my, it called out to me!), while the scent of lavender and fresh tulle permeated the air.

As I stepped inside, my eyes sparkled with delight. The entire shop was a dream come true for any ballerina! They had everything – from adorable ballerina-inspired brooches to beautiful floral-printed ballet leotards with layers of pink tulle, vintage tutus just begging to be danced in, and handmade shoes fit for a pink princess.

And let’s not forget the shoes, dears! I found the perfect pair for the summer season: satin pink flats with delicate silver ribbons – perfect for strutting down the cobblestone streets. Of course, I had to treat myself to another vintage tulle creation – a dusty rose, vintage 1930s tutu that made me want to float around the city with pure, innocent grace.

It was like a pink tulle dream come true!

I’m absolutely certain Prague has ignited your passion for ballet and travel just like it has mine! If you’re dreaming of a pink ballet escapade, here are a few of my favourite tips:

• Pack Pink! Embrace your inner ballerina. Wear something bold and pink! A stunning pink dress, a tulle skirt, a blush-colored blouse – go for something that captures your spirit and puts you in a positive and graceful mood.
• Dress for Ballet! When visiting the National Theatre, consider going for a slightly elegant attire, dear readers. It will truly elevate the entire experience. Perhaps a little black dress with a silk ribbon or a pretty satin pink shirt paired with classic ballerina flats? You’ll feel absolutely wonderful.
• Explore the City by Foot! Nothing quite compares to walking the picturesque streets of Prague. Take in the beautiful architecture, the enchanting atmosphere, and just let your ballerina self loose in this incredible city.
• Embrace a Traditional Ballet Performance! There's nothing quite like experiencing the magic of a live ballet show. Be sure to book tickets in advance as seats can be scarce!
• Treat Yourself to Ballet-Themed Shopping! Don’t leave without finding a beautiful pink ballet memento to remind you of your wonderful ballet trip.

My dears, this is just a taste of my Prague adventures! I have so much more to tell you – about the amazing traditional cuisine (it's an absolute delight for the tastebuds!) and more fashion finds! So, stay tuned for my next post, coming to you on Wednesday, when we'll be delving deeper into the heart of Prague.

In the meantime, spread the Pink Tutu Love wherever you are! Tell me about your favorite tutu moments! I love to hear all your stories and share your joy in the world of ballet!

Remember, every day is a ballet, dear friends, so let's all twirl our way towards our dreams, with a dash of pink and a lot of grace!

Until next time, my dears!

With Love,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com