Hello dearies!
It’s Wednesday, which means it's time for another installment of Pink Tutu Prague, from yours truly, Emma. Today's date is 7th September 2005 and I’m sitting in a charming little café in Old Town Prague, enjoying a pot of strong, black coffee and watching the world go by. It’s a beautiful sunny morning and Prague is buzzing with tourists - oh, to be one of them! A delicious pastry awaits me – filled with plums, all wrapped in the most delicious, flakiest pastry. Swoon What's not to love about a European breakfast!
This week, I’m taking you with me on an adventure that combines my two greatest passions: Ballet and Travel. Now, I know, some might say it’s a strange mix, ballet and travelling to Prague. But I say, there's nothing quite like slipping on my trusty pink tutu - my lucky one – the one I had hand-stitched in a beautiful little workshop in London’s East End- and then boarding the Eurostar from London. Yes, dear reader, it may sound odd but it is a dream for a girl like me – all the romance of a fairytale. Prague is an incredibly inspiring city full of charming nooks and crannies, romantic and timeless.
Now, my dear tutu-wearing followers, you all know I’ve been performing since I was a tiny thing – a mere eight years old! A dream I’ve held tight from a very tender age! Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not all rosy: hours spent sweating in the studio is all part of the story – a story you know well - you lot are right there with me. But I can tell you – each performance is like nothing on earth! I’m living proof that hard work pays off, right?!
Oh, but before I tell you about Prague, I wanted to share my current travel ensemble, as I am convinced fashion makes everything, including travel, much more exciting. My choice this week is, of course, pink: a flowing pink chiffon dress – with delicate embroidery at the hemline - which will look great on the trains, as it has lots of room for movement! It looks simply fabulous paired with my new knee-high ballet flats in baby pink. A little sparkly touch with a statement gold chain - oh, yes – you can’t go wrong with a statement chain and pink – they go together like a perfect ‘pas de deux’ ! And you know me, a classic Chanel handbag in my favourite colour? Yes! A dream combination. A statement look for the fashionista traveler, if I do say so myself.
Prague is, as you all know, the jewel of the Czech Republic - its historic heart – full of magic and romanticism which infuses every corner – yes – truly! From its cobbled streets to the stunning architecture, this city oozes with charm, like a perfectly poised ballerina, all dressed for a grand soirée, and the energy of its people feels like they’re preparing to burst out into song and dance! (Not quite the ballet shoes – but you can tell how in love with the city I am! And of course the shoes I will be dancing in!)
Now, you might be thinking - What could be so fascinating in Prague? The city is teeming with history. From the legendary Prague Castle – just breathtaking, by the way! I even wore my lucky pink tutu around the castle walls – just a hint of Pink Tutu style to give my fashion choices an edgy vibe, you know what I mean, dears. To Charles Bridge with its majestic Baroque statues – each with a unique story to tell. Prague is a wonderland! There is so much to do - the Charles Bridge , Old Town Square with its astronomical clock - the Old Jewish Cemetery, too. Each corner of Prague has something to discover that gives a heartwarming feel - like a warm embrace. You just can't help but be charmed by the spirit of the city, and then, of course, there’s the food – my dear reader! The Czech food is the best, rich in flavors! They use the freshest ingredients - especially the pastry! My oh my, oh my – Oh, this could be a dangerous passion for me! A little indulgent? A touch? Yes - a touch… But the food in this city, is simply… delicious, so excuse me, darling - must make space for some of that delightful plum pastry. Oh yes – all of it!
Today’s plan involves a trip to the The National Theatre - for an evening performance of a new interpretation of "Swan Lake" by the Prague National Ballet. I am simply delighted and I already have the perfect dress in mind. My beautiful emerald green silk dress - which I had tailor made in Covent Garden - simply beautiful. I'm going to accessorise with a silver feather boa to add a little edge and, of course, some sparkle! Oh, it's going to be amazing. I must share pictures! Just a quick warning, darling – It’s very much a "do or die" dress, if you know what I mean. I'm quite confident it’ll be one for the 'Gram, my darlings. A big day tomorrow. Can't wait to let you all know how I found "Swan Lake"!
As it happens, Prague is well-known for its ballet scene - yes, I know, who’d have thought! - But I feel very lucky - and as luck would have it, this week is full of performances from local artists as well as world-renowned companies, offering a delightful mix of both classics and contemporary pieces. I’m very tempted to attend one of the street performances tomorrow in the Old Town Square - but my inner voice says I'll probably be back in London soon - but I have a feeling that the energy of these performances will seep into the ballet classes I go to, even in good old Derbyshire. And, I may even include one of them in my next blog, too, if I get to see the one on Friday!
It's easy for a ballerina to feel inspired here! I feel at home - that comfortable 'on stage' feel. Everywhere I go I see something that reminds me of the elegance and beauty of a graceful ballerina. Prague - a beautiful, inspiring city! I’ve been going to ballet classes, of course – that’s just part of me - I always manage to fit a few in – whereever I go. This is part of the 'routine', the discipline. The teachers are great – strict, as they should be, of course!
My current class in the studio here has about eight young, enthusiastic dancers who’ve gathered from all over the world, who are each pushing to be a dancer like myself, and that is great - more of my kind in the world! This means, of course, more Pink Tutus on our streets, as we all dance the day away in our tutus!
I always learn new things when I’m travelling – this is the part I adore - whether it's new dance steps, ballet history – a hidden secret, a tutu shop! Prague hasn’t let me down. Here, I've met some interesting and passionate local dancers who have filled my time here with some intriguing ballet tales, like my latest find: the 'Czech Ballerina' tradition! Oh! I know! I did say to keep it 'fresh' this week! Well - my little ballerinas, I know you are keen to hear all about this exciting discovery!
The "Czech Ballerina" Story
It seems the Czech Republic is teeming with ballet talent - yes - it’s quite something - and Prague is at the very heart of this – just perfect - the whole experience!
What I love about the history is, of course, the stories - but as a little aside - for those of you who follow the history of tutus – I have just been talking to a charming chap at one of the dance shops - one that looks like it could have existed for a century - oh - the memories! - the secrets! - anyway, he told me that the tutu designs that were very much favoured here, especially in the 20th Century were the Romantic and the Classical! What an exciting find, don't you think, dear?
The story goes that Prague - which has been a hotbed of talent for generations- was home to some very successful dance schools and companies in the 1800s - yes - this city has been in a whirl of ballet for decades - you wouldn’t know how long for! The ballerinas, with their classical tutu styles – you know what I mean – flowing, long, elegant, perfect - were, well - perfect examples of classical and romantic dance at its very best – and a lot of it was, of course, influenced by French dance! Yes! I think it would be quite incredible to see a reproduction of one of these tutus - maybe, just maybe – we could start a new fashion trend with it - it would go beautifully with all of your pink tutus! And – as we all know, in dance fashion – it is the fabric that brings to life the romance - oh, I do adore romantic!
Here, the story tells us – it is the ballet shoes – well - the ones worn in the early 19th Century that were considered to be highly prized in Prague - well, and by the time they were considered 'precious' this was of course because there was so much attention to detail in the construction of these wonderful, romantic shoes! But - you must forgive me – I'm going to have to try them on next time I am back in London - and – I might be so lucky as to be able to feature them on a post soon! (You will need to know what to look for for the ultimate fashion purchase - a treasure hunt!)
Now - where were we, oh yes! What makes this a ‘Czech ballerina' - tradition, well, a new name that is all mine. My blog post is about fashion, and – if there is a local ballet fashion I need to try, to capture it, you’ll get it from your favourite ballet blogger, that's for sure. This ballet fashion has quite a different style and there is a wonderful, subtle detail - the elegance of the dancer's moves – in their style. It seems they love a good touch of the ‘folklore’ design - a subtle touch of folk traditions – just the way they love their clothes - with some local elements woven into their clothing to give them a bit more of the local, and for the dancer, that unique style. It seems that some of the best designs are now starting to become very much a hot favourite across the world.
Anyway, enough about tutus – they just fascinate me! The more I discover the more they come back to inspire me!
Let me leave you with a bit of news to make the journey more inspiring – this just in. A brand new pink tutu line - well they will only ever use a hint of the pinkest of pinks – and as luck would have it they've just had their first big success story in Prague, – you have to follow them! I mean it. If you love Pink - and pink tutus, follow them - @Pink-Tutu-Prague This is what we are talking about – my kind of design - a whole world to be captured. Now that's all, and that is why we call this - The ‘Czech ballerina’ - because – it’s a brand-new design trend that’s ready for all of us – it starts in Prague – you know that means – we’ve got a tutu sensation happening! It’s time to get out your favourite Pink Tutu - get those legs going! And for the rest, well - start to look - there are new things coming your way - from the dance world – that’s for sure – Oh – a hint – you can see them everywhere in Prague.
Until next Wednesday! I hope you'll all be dancing in your favourite Pink Tutus.
Stay fashionable,
Emma xx
P.S. If you have any tips, or fashion advice, just email me at [email protected] You can follow me on all my channels for inspiration – @pinktutu on all my platforms. And don’t forget - you can check out all the pink tutus in the world here - www.pink-tutu.com and keep your eyes out for the very best – from across the globe, yes! Stay in touch – and don't forget - to get the pink out, love!
Pink Tutu Fashion. Ballet. Travel.
**Next week – It’s time to hit the catwalk! Join me in Prague for some fantastic street fashion. Don’t miss it. It’s gonna be a biggie!
I can’t give you my favourite ballet spots or places, so come find out – there’s lots more where this came from and the places to find them! You’ll discover the secret world of ballet, which, for you, my dearest, will be like opening a treasure box!
*Remember to check out my latest tutu-fashion and trends for our Pink Tutu dance- fashion journey in my latest blogs, which I’m working on as we speak - with many great features and videos too!
- The links to all my other blogs - including all of my Pink Tutu Fashion stories – will be on www.pink-tutu.com
I do hope this blog post is a big hit for you all. Let me know what you think and please share with all of your friends who love fashion and ballet.
Have a beautiful Wednesday!
Emma
