#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2007-05-30

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad correspondent, and I'm buzzing with excitement from my adventures in Prague! This week, it's a double-whammy of delights: a gorgeous ballet performance and a whirlwind day of shopping. Let's dive right in!

After bidding adieu to the rolling hills and quaint villages of Derbyshire, I boarded a sleek, silver train, feeling as though I was entering a fairytale. It's true, train travel truly is the best way to experience the world. As the miles melted away, I immersed myself in the delights of my new, perfectly pink travel companion - a charming little tome titled "A History of the Tutu". I can't resist a good book about the origins of the iconic garment, you see! From the early, cumbersome court costumes to the flowing, ethereal masterpieces of today, the tutu has had a fascinating journey, much like mine!

And just like that, we arrived in Prague! The train pulled into the station and my eyes widened with amazement. Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, lived up to its name! Imagine a breathtaking city skyline punctuated by graceful, Gothic spires piercing the sky. Each one was a fairytale, woven in stone! It's hard not to feel swept away by the romance of this place!

I can't resist a little shopping when I'm away, so after settling into my enchanting, old-world hotel, I headed out for a peek into the Parisian-inspired fashion scene of Prague. It's a treasure trove for those of us with a love of chic and timeless designs. And oh, the hats! So very Parisian, wouldn't you say? I scooped up a delicate ivory feather-trimmed hat with a veil for my upcoming performance in the city.

Now, my sweet dears, you simply can't explore a city like Prague without a delicious meal! I found a quaint little café on a cobblestoned side street, tucked away in a secret corner, and ordered a decadent cake made with raspberries and cream. Heaven in a delicate pastry shell! It was all I needed to fuel my afternoon of shopping for the perfect pink tutu outfit.

This evening, I had the privilege of attending a performance at the magnificent National Theatre. Picture a grand old building bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, with ornate architecture that would leave even the most seasoned ballerina mesmerized. It truly is a palace for the performing arts!

The show tonight was “The Nutcracker,” and I just adored the vibrant set design. My heart danced with delight as the snowdrifts seemed to fall all around the stage. Such an elegant portrayal of a winter wonderland, especially the grand ballroom scene. The dancers, with their graceful movements and perfectly executed pirouettes, stole my heart.

What was my favourite part? It would have to be the enchanting "Waltz of the Flowers." As the beautiful ballerinas pirouetted with such elegance and finesse, I felt my own pink tutu fluttering, wishing to be twirling amongst them!

Later, after the curtain had fallen and the audience had departed, I had the chance to explore the stage! Stepping onto those iconic wooden boards, the history of countless performances filled my heart with awe. It was a truly unforgettable moment, and I felt privileged to stand in a place where so many incredible dancers have shared their artistry.

I was even treated to a sneak peek behind the scenes! Seeing the rehearsal space where those intricate ballet steps are practiced, and where the performers' creative energy fills the air, truly reinforced how much heart and passion goes into every show. It made me eager to step back onto the stage myself.

You can probably tell I’m utterly charmed by Prague! It's a city that exudes a fairytale-like beauty and a unique history that comes alive with every cobblestone I walk on. I just adore the cobblestone streets and the city’s mix of old and new architecture. It truly feels like stepping into a romantic novel.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a perfect pink-tutu weekend without a ballet class. It was my joy to spend a few hours this weekend at the prestigious Ballet Theatre Academy Prague, perfecting my pirouettes and improving my elegant technique under the watchful eye of the instructors. What better way to celebrate this magical city than with the art of ballet?

As I close my eyes, I envision Prague in all its splendor – a city that ignites a spark in every dancer's heart. It is a city of dreams, where you can almost feel the rhythm of the music in the air, where each building whispers stories of artists and performers from days gone by, and where every single street is a canvas waiting for an explosion of pink tutus.

I’ll be here another week to soak up the sights and experience more of this charming city. Follow me on www.pink-tutu.com each week for more tales from my pink tutu adventures!

Remember: Embrace the magic! Wear your pink tutu, twirl freely, and let your dreams soar like the spires of Prague!

Yours, always,

Emma

• Performance: "The Nutcracker" at the National Theatre in Prague (Wednesday, 30th May 2007). It was glorious!
• Train Travel: Such a romantic way to travel! Remember those romantic carriage trains we read about as children, all decked in beautiful colours? You know, I really feel it's time for more railway romance, maybe with pink tutus? (a twinkle in my eye).
• The Shopping: Prague is just so beautiful for browsing, I found some beautiful delicate lace gloves for dancing, a tiny clutch for performances and I got an irresistible feather boa. (So perfect for the waltz!).

• Ballet Class: Oh, it was heavenly! And my teacher gave me a lovely compliment - apparently my arabesques are almost “ethereal.”

  *Until next week darlings, may all your tutus be pink and full of joy! *

I hope this fulfills all the requests and captures the lighthearted, whimsical voice requested. Enjoy!