Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing guide to all things fabulous. As you know, I've been living my dream, dancing across Europe in a whirlwind of twirls and tutus, bringing a little bit of pink sparkle to every corner I visit. And this week, I'm in the magical city of Prague!
A Train Ride Fit for a Princess
My journey started, as usual, in the most enchanting way imaginable - by train! There's something utterly romantic about travelling by rail, especially in a country as stunning as the Czech Republic. I love watching the world fly by, the green hills rolling into one another, charming villages dotted along the way, each with its own story to tell. I can’t resist wearing my prettiest pink tutu when travelling – after all, there’s no need for a fairy tale ending, when you can have a fairy tale journey!
Speaking of fairy tales, did you know the first ever tutu debuted in Prague? Now, you’ll all be aware that in ballet history there are lots of 'first' claims for the tutu – in the early nineteenth century ballet was changing fast. There were all sorts of attempts at lightening the dancers skirts to enable freer movement and create the iconic line of ballet. Well, it’s generally agreed that Marie Taglioni created the very first Romantic tutu. Taglioni performed a stunning performance at Prague's famed Estates Theatre in 1832 and she became the ballerina synonymous with this very particular ballet outfit – long and flowy, and reaching all the way to her feet, and in a delicate white. She even travelled all the way to the Crimea with the tutu to perform for Tsar Nicholas, now that's how to promote ballet and your dance costume! It all feels rather serendipitous, arriving in Prague, the birthplace of this ballet revolution, and the tutu I was wearing was definitely inspired by Taglioni’s revolutionary design. I made my own version though - pink of course.
A Bohemian Dream Come True
Prague, a city bursting with history, art, and a vibrant spirit that's impossible to resist, was immediately enchanting. It’s no surprise to anyone that the city itself is a perfect set for a ballet production – there are many picturesque streets and cobbled alleyways. With its magnificent bridges, impressive gothic architecture, and those dramatic, colourful, pastel houses with little turret towers, it feels as if the city was designed by a very skilled set designer. And everywhere you look there’s the chance of stumbling across a classical music concert in one of its charming squares. Prague really does offer the ideal backdrop for a performance, or indeed, a day filled with elegant, whimsical, dancing – and in pink! I made a beeline straight to the magnificent National Theatre, a vision of Neo-Renaissance splendour perched on the Vltava river. Prague really knows how to create a wow-factor. I was absolutely enthralled, not only by the impressive architecture but the sheer joy and energy I could feel here in the heart of this city’s creative centre.
Pink Paradise
But first things first: I had to indulge in some retail therapy. You see, darling, shopping for new ballet shoes and leotards (the latter in various shades of pink, of course) is part of the magic of ballet travel. I found the most wonderful vintage ballet shop, hidden down a cobbled street – with the best selection of delicate pink tulle and elegant costumes - so delicate and fine that the very air itself felt like an ethereal ballet dream! You might just see me sporting the latest acquisitions in my future performance in Prague.
Ballet Delights
With my wardrobe prepped and ready for some stunning ballet poses, I set out for an afternoon of enchanting performances. Today was my treat – a performance of The Nutcracker, by the enchanting Ballet National Czech Republic. There were snowflakes twirling, a delicious sugar plum fairy and all the classic scenes I remember as a young girl – but in Prague's glorious, fairy-tale atmosphere, this show had extra sparkle! Even after all these years, the Nutcracker is still such a magic show and the audience were clearly thrilled, especially the little children. They cheered and whooped every time Clara and the Nutcracker turned into a handsome Prince. You could feel the genuine excitement for ballet in this auditorium. The costumes were fantastic. My absolute favourite moment came with the Waltz of the Flowers – those stunning, floaty tulle skirts, so colourful, were all the way from the dancers’ toes to the tips of their elegant fingers, creating beautiful, ethereal shapes that seemed to be almost defying gravity. The entire show had an air of timeless fairytale magic. I absolutely loved seeing those graceful dancers pirouette and grand jeté. Ballet is so wonderful; it has so much poetry in motion! You see, I’ve been inspired to perform at the Prague Castle, by the end of this trip, perhaps even in the heart of Prague's Old Town Square? A dream is only a dream until we dance for it! And let's be honest, how could you say no to a tutu-wearing performance in this magnificent city?
Ballet Class and History
Speaking of ballet, no trip would be complete without some quality time at the barre, so I popped into the National Ballet's renowned dance studio, for a fabulous barre session followed by some lively pliés and pas de bourrées, and even managed to squeeze in a jeté across the polished studio floor! It really is lovely to join a new dance class. I’ve met the most interesting people and all the teachers have amazing stories about their dancing experiences in Prague. I met a retired prima ballerina there, so elegant and regal, who shared tales of legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova. She talked of her early training in the grand classical tradition, and recalled performing before vast crowds in the grand ballroom at the Chateau of Hluboká for the first President of Czechoslovakia in 1918. She'd had to go from Prague to Hluboká by horse-drawn carriage - she laughed that it seemed quite luxurious back then, a big contrast to modern travel! I’m off on a road trip by pony to the chateau, in a few days, as she inspired me to visit - after all Hluboká means deep in Czech, which rather nicely refers to a passion for ballet.
Romantic Prague
As evening approached, I headed across the Charles Bridge. Oh darling, this is the bridge where dreams are made, it is really such a lovely place to lose yourself in a little romance, especially in the twilight and even more so when bathed in moonlight. I found myself caught in a gentle sway as a traditional, Bohemian, brass band played in one of its charming archways. I even spotted an opera singer, belting out some fabulous aria, creating a mini-opera in the golden glow of a magical summer's evening. That evening the cobbled squares buzzed with people and there was an amazing atmosphere, with live musicians, street performers, open air restaurants and beautiful displays of flowers all vying for attention. It felt as if this place was celebrating something beautiful. And to top off this enchanting experience, I found a tucked away restaurant with the most decadent strawberry mousse, and guess what - it was deliciously pink!
Food and Drink in the City of Magic
It was time to delve into the culinary scene. As you can imagine, I adore a touch of luxury when it comes to food and drink and Prague really has so much to offer. The locals rave about the restaurants at the top of the hill of Petřín Hill and this magical spot also boasts a magnificent, pastel pink tower and an amazing view. The perfect place to spot a ballerina performing, of course, as you would be able to see all over the city from such an amazing spot. A romantic stroll, hand-in-hand with someone you love, under a sky studded with stars, watching a dancer take flight on a magical night! It is something I plan to do, later this week, under the glittering stars.
Speaking of food and pink, my favourite discovery of the day was this sweet shop called “Sweet Prague” It sells artisanal pink lollipops, meringue, cupcakes and the most delicate macaroons that had to have been dreamt up by a tutu-wearing fairy! You might even catch me popping in on my travels and picking out a little something pink, later in the week.
The Pink Tutu is Calling
So there you have it, darlings, another week of exciting, pink, adventures. But wait, there’s more, this weekend, it's the Czech National Theatre Opera Ball and you're all invited to watch this dazzling occasion. This will involve dancing all night in fabulous, fabulous tutus – a chance to bring a touch of glamour, grace and colour to the event! A good chance for a proper Pink Tutu Parade. Oh, and the more people wearing tutus – the more wonderful! I'll be sharing my fashion finds and a photo gallery with my next blog. You’ll want to be prepared for a lot of pink. Oh my goodness, darling, I am really looking forward to sharing this with you, so please do stay tuned, and join me at the beginning of next week. Now, you know that we must be in it to win it - to achieve those dreams, to twirl and jeté through life with a little bit of pink sparkle, so here's to our future, pink tutus, ballet, and the adventures that life throws our way!
Until next time!
Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
Stay fabulous, darlings!
