Wednesday, 11th October 2006
Darling dears! It’s Emma here, writing to you from the charming, cobblestoned heart of Prague! My suitcase is bursting with frocks and the most divine tutus - a blush-pink, floaty confection with a bejewelled bodice and a wispy tulle skirt, just perfect for strolling around this enchanting city. As usual, I'm ready to experience Prague through the lens of my very own pink tutu.
This week's adventures have been brimming with Parisian chic, architectural grandeur and, of course, an exhilarating ballet experience. After all, it’s never a proper trip to a European city without a glimpse of the graceful art of dance!
Parisian Flair Meets Bohemian Spirit
From the moment I stepped onto the platform in Paris, I was swept up in a whirlwind of charm. It wasn't just the city itself - my fellow train passengers added their own flavour to the atmosphere. A gentleman sporting a beret and carrying a sketchbook was lost in conversation with a stylishly-dressed woman sporting a fabulous fur-trimmed coat. Even the conductor seemed to exude a certain "je ne sais quoi". This feeling carried on through the night.
Arriving in Prague at dawn, the city’s golden spires pierced through the rosy morning sky. I felt a buzz of excitement. Prague feels as if it's whispered straight from a fairy tale, brimming with winding streets, cobbled courtyards and romantic corners.
A Glimpse Into The Prague's Past - The Old Town Square
After settling into a charming hotel, I found myself standing in the Old Town Square. It was as though time had stood still! I marveled at the ornate Astronomical Clock - a whimsical mechanical masterpiece with dancing figures, and the grand gothic silhouette of the Tyn Church. It was almost too pretty to be real, a postcard brought to life!
Of course, a delicious café latte was in order. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee blending with the rich pastries made for a blissful morning pick-me-up.
Dancing With The Stars - A Prague Ballet Adventure
The highlight of my Prague stay was without a doubt the Ballet of the National Theatre production of Giselle, a romantic ballet classic! The Prague National Theatre itself, a beautiful, grand building with stunning architecture, is a treat for the senses. The performances were breathtaking, with delicate choreography, fluid movements, and masterful storytelling conveyed solely through the power of dance.
It’s difficult to capture the beauty of Giselle’s story in words. The passionate drama unfolds as the villainous character of the Prince, betrayed by love, casts a chilling spell upon the delicate Giselle, plunging her into a tragic madness.
There’s a heartbreaking yet exquisite duality to Giselle – the youthful naivete and love for the dashing peasant Albrecht and then the haunting transformations, which left me quite spellbound! The ballerinas brought the character to life, portraying vulnerability, strength, and loss with an enchanting combination of athletic grace and tender expressiveness. I'd have happily sat through it twice!
Shopping, Delights, and a Little Indulgence
No visit to Prague is complete without some delightful shopping! The quaint boutiques of the old town were teeming with intricate Bohemian glassware, delicate handcrafted jewellery, and vintage finds. I was drawn to an exquisite little shop tucked away in a narrow alley, filled with handcrafted lace and needlepoint - a real haven for a tutu enthusiast! Of course, I found a lovely pastel pink shawl, perfect to pair with a shimmering blush tutu.
In the evenings, I relished the simple pleasures. A warm evening stroll through the Charles Bridge underneath the watchful gaze of St. Vitus Cathedral, the lights of Prague Castle twinkling in the distance, a perfect harmony of ancient history and urban beauty. The aroma of fresh Trdelnik, a sweet, cinnamon-spiced pastry, lured me in, making each step even more enjoyable!
A Bit About Tutues in Prague (You Know I Love Them!)
You've likely gathered by now, that my love for tutus is deep, so imagine my delight upon stumbling across the National Theatre's costume museum! A treasury of historical dance costumes! It had sparkling examples of ballerinas' tutus from the late 19th and 20th centuries – they were just exquisite! The craftsmanship, the design, it really was an awe-inspiring collection, a testament to the historical evolution of this beloved garment.
Tutus, from the simple form of a romantic tutu worn by Maria Taglioni in La Sylphide in 1832 to the dramatic tutus worn in the Grands Ballets of the 20th Century, truly are artistic wonders.
Onwards to The Next Tutu Adventure!
With my head buzzing with the energy and beauty of Prague, my heart filled with ballet magic and my shopping bags stuffed with a few precious treasures, I know I’m going to cherish every moment of this Prague adventure for a lifetime.
This city feels truly magical - it's one of those places that captures your imagination and whispers secrets on every cobblestoned corner. And remember, darling dears, a little pink never hurts!
Until next time,
Emma.
About the Writer
Emma is a twenty-something ballerina from Derbyshire, England, who has made her love for ballet her way of life. Her mission, she declares, is to encourage the world to embrace their own inner tutus!
With a passion for fashion, travel, and of course, tutus, she embraces a life filled with dancing, exploring, and embracing the wonders of the world!
To keep up with Emma's whimsical ballet adventures and style inspiration, visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for a new blog post! You can also find her on social media.
Follow her: * Instagram: @EmmaPinkTutu * Twitter: @EmmaPinkTutu * Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinktutuworld
