Wednesday, January 31st, 2007
Good morning, my lovely lovelies! It’s Emma here, reporting live from the heart of Prague!
This week's adventure whisks us off on a charming train journey through the rolling hills of Europe, the countryside painted in wintery hues of white and grey. I'd say the carriage was pretty packed, especially considering how many folks, myself included, were bundled up in our warmest coats. There was even a fluffy white sheepdog by my side, snoring sweetly on a bed of plush velvet cushions – what a divine way to travel!
Now, I'm not quite sure about you, but I'm firmly of the opinion that every journey, no matter how short or long, deserves a stylish ensemble. I've always adored the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the 1960s, which I incorporated into my look today. Think crisp white shirt with a statement red polka dot bow, paired with my signature pale pink tutu, finished off with knee-high black boots and my trusty pink handbag. It's just so effortlessly chic, don’t you think?
Prague is a symphony of historical charm and modern vibrancy, and I simply had to get a taste of both. The moment we arrived, I ventured out, my trusty camera in hand, to capture the fairytale-like beauty of Prague’s architecture. It’s like stepping right out of a Hans Christian Andersen story, isn’t it? There are magnificent, ornate buildings and cobblestone streets that could belong to a charming Victorian novel – a delight for any romantic soul. I particularly love the fairytale turrets and towers – like something straight out of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, only prettier, I promise!
Before I could get caught up in the cobweb of delightful shops and stalls, I had a ballet rendezvous waiting. Prague's ballet scene, you see, is quite the treat, boasting some of the finest performers in the country. The National Theatre is an architectural masterpiece in its own right, a grand monument adorned with an elegant exterior, and housed the most dazzling ballet performance. Imagine the setting: The velvet-lined theatre was illuminated by a kaleidoscope of sparkling lights, the stage adorned with vibrant colours and lavish fabrics. The dancers were an ethereal spectacle of elegance and grace, swirling across the stage in a graceful waltz.
The choreography was a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern innovation, showcasing the immense talent of the dancers. I, of course, was captivated, transported into a world of dreams and artistry. And let's not forget the glorious costumes - every ballerina and gentleman a vision of colour and design, each ensemble adding to the beauty of the performance. Oh, the colours! They reminded me of the enchanting palettes found in Renaissance paintings. Deep blues, radiant reds, and sparkling golds. Every move and expression from the dancers was simply perfect, leaving the audience spellbound. I admit, I was quite emotional at one point, shedding a happy little tear – what a touching display of dedication and skill. I have a new appreciation for the sheer amount of work that goes into putting a performance like that together. Every movement was controlled and precise – like a perfect dance of fireflies in the night sky. It truly was a spectacle I’ll never forget!
This delightful city is alive with charming cafés and trendy boutiques bursting with beautiful things. I, of course, couldn't resist venturing in, hunting for some lovely little souvenirs for my blog readers. My eyes practically danced at the sight of handcrafted pottery, ornate jewelry, and adorable knick-knacks with delicate designs that perfectly captured Prague’s charming spirit.
One shop that particularly caught my eye had a rack full of exquisite vintage clothes, from beautiful bell bottoms to shimmering sequined dresses and everything in between. It’s not a secret, I adore a bit of vintage, and believe me, my collection just grew bigger today. Now, if you’ve been following my blog, you know my love affair with tutus, so, naturally, a pink vintage tutu, made of gossamer fabric and lace with some delicate detailing – well, it just couldn't be left behind!
Of course, it’s not just the vintage clothing that charms me; Prague's rich history whispers through its every nook and cranny, and I can't help but imagine the ladies and gentlemen of times gone by, with their charming traditions, dances, and fashions. How I wish I could hop through time to attend a lavish ball with these charming people, decked out in their elegant ensembles – I can imagine it so clearly!
For my afternoon delight, I opted for a traditional Czech pastry called trdelník. Imagine this: a doughy cylinder that is baked over open fire until it's crispy, sprinkled with sugar and dusted with cinnamon. Absolutely divine! I'm telling you, dear readers, this delicacy alone was worth the trip.
Later on, as the day faded, and a gentle twilight settled upon Prague, I made my way to the heart of the city – the Charles Bridge. Oh, darling, this bridge is quite a beauty! Lined with ancient statues, it offers breathtaking views of Prague’s picturesque skyline. You’d think I was in a fairytale, it's so beautiful. This is the best way to really feel Prague’s magic – watching the sunset paints the sky with the most vibrant shades of pink and orange – just like my tutu!
Before the day slips away completely, let's get into the history of tutus! Did you know that tutus weren't always the iconic pink pouf they are today? Back in the day, the original form, created in the 1830s, was much longer and was actually meant to evoke the appearance of a classical Greek statue! Now that’s some history lesson, isn’t it?
In the 1870s, the famous Parisian ballerina Marie Taglioni had an influential role in developing the “tutu,” adopting a shorter and lighter style for her performance, thus starting the transition from the floor-length classical Greek look to a more modern one. Fast forward to the 20th century and you have the famous Romantic and Classical tutu styles. Romantic styles, as the name suggests, had longer skirts, flowing fabrics, and intricate details – think Romantic ballet styles like Giselle and La Sylphide, often associated with mythical creatures or nature. And Classical tutus? Well, they featured a short skirt, with layers of tulle, offering elegance, agility, and, yes, some gorgeous flow to the dancing.
Today, it’s all about adapting the design to meet the choreography demands. You'll see styles range from the simple to the opulent, each tutu a unique piece of wearable art! That said, I'll always have a special place in my heart for the classic pink tutu - it's simply magical. After all, what is more delightful than twirling in a fluffy pink tutu as the setting sun casts its golden glow upon Prague's enchanting city skyline?
My dear readers, this was merely a snippet of my whirlwind adventure in Prague. Trust me, I'll have so much more to share – more magical corners to unveil, enchanting shops to explore, and even more stylish ensembles to showcase.
For now, darling, keep the twinkle in your eye and your faith in the power of pink.
Yours in tutus and travels, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
