Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to Prague, a city brimming with magical charm, even more than your favourite pair of satin pointe shoes. Today, my fabulous journey begins. As always, I'll be blogging from my trusty laptop perched on my Louis Vuitton suitcase, adorned with a blush-pink silk scarf for that touch of extra Parisian chic, and I’ve made sure to pack my go-to pink tulle tutu in a separate garment bag. Oh darling, let me tell you, this tutu, the one I'm proudly sporting right now, was the perfect choice for my Czech escapade. You know how I love a classic but glamorous piece!
It was a smooth journey from my home in Derbyshire (a truly beautiful spot, especially in the spring when the bluebells bloom in a stunning display of colour, just like a pink tulle tutu cascading over a green lawn!) I simply adore travelling by train – the clinking of wheels against steel, the calming rhythm of the journey. It always sparks my creativity and allows my imagination to take flight, much like a graceful dancer in her arabesque.
Speaking of flight, I couldn't have started my Czech adventure without my faithful companion: my darling, perfectly pink pony named 'Petal'. Yes, my dears, you heard correctly, a pony. You wouldn't believe the look on the other passengers' faces when I gently led her into the station, all 15 hands of her. A true spectacle, I tell you! However, Petal's not your typical pony, oh no! This gal loves her travel – even took a trip with me to Italy last year, on the train, no less.
Now, we are ensconced in the heart of Prague, at a little boutique hotel called "The Ballerina's Dream", quite literally situated opposite a grand theatre and ballet school. As soon as I set eyes on this charming spot, I knew it was the perfect stage for my weeklong adventure! I mean, it's practically a scene straight out of Swan Lake - but with added sparkles and pastel pinks of course!
This week, I’m on a mission to soak up the captivating history, vibrant culture, and magical atmosphere that Prague offers. You wouldn’t believe how excited I am, darlings! Just imagine, winding cobblestone streets adorned with pastel-hued houses, the magical Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, and the awe-inspiring Prague Castle perched high above the city. My heart already sings with anticipation!
But before I lose myself in a fairytale world of whimsical bridges and gingerbread houses, I must confess, my dear blog readers, the sole reason I came to Prague was, quite frankly, for the ballet. Yes, I’m going to witness a magical spectacle at the very same theatre just across from my charming little hotel. It's a breathtaking production of the iconic Nutcracker ballet! I hear this version is full of sparkling embellishments, playful colours, and dazzling dance sequences. It sounds just perfect!
Oh, the excitement! Imagine the grand ballroom set, the twirling ballerinas in shimmering costumes (did I mention my outfit is blush pink and sparkling – perfectly matching the occasion!), the sound of the orchestra rising to a dramatic crescendo. I am just bubbling over with anticipation!
The excitement wasn’t all tied to the show, though. I already booked a private session at the Prague Ballet School! To get a lesson from a renowned teacher? I practically shrieked with joy. It's an absolute dream come true. You can already imagine my carefully curated ballet ensemble – the finest cashmere pink cardigan draped over my pink and grey gingham leotard. My pink satin ballet slippers, already gleaming with the anticipation of performing pirouettes under the watchful eyes of a respected teacher.
Darling, let me assure you, I'll be capturing all the fashion, fun, and ballet-related adventures in every detail, because sharing the magic of Prague with all of you is a truly wonderful part of this amazing experience. My ballet blog will be brimming with delightful tales and beautiful images from my whirlwind Prague escapades, and, as always, I will sprinkle it all with a little pink magic for you, my dears!
Now, time for a delightful pot of coffee and the finest handmade pralines Prague has to offer, to fuel my ballet dreams. The air is thick with the promise of enchantment, and my heart is already dancing to the rhythm of this vibrant city. Stay tuned for my exciting adventures - more from Prague soon!
XOXO,
Emma
19th December 2007 – Ballet in PragueOh darlings, what an unforgettable evening! The Nutcracker performance was truly spectacular!
I was practically floating to the grand, opulent theatre. Everything, the sheer beauty of the theatre, the dazzling stage lights, the atmosphere thrumming with anticipation, was just, utterly breathtaking. I simply adored my elegant outfit: a pearl grey sequined top tucked into a full skirt of ethereal, pale pink tulle with an embroidered butterfly at the hem. My ballet shoes - a classic satin pink - twinkled beautifully under the light. My jewellery, simple, delicate pearls, matched the silver, glittery thread woven through my ballet bun. Truly the perfect look for such a delightful evening.
The entire ballet, from the grand opening with the glittering tree growing and swirling as the snowflakes danced, through the captivating magic of the sugar plum fairy and the dramatic power of the Drosselmeyer, captivated me utterly. The entire performance just melted my heart! I even enjoyed a little giggle when the mouse king made a hilarious grand entrance! He just made me smile.
Every detail was pure theatrical perfection. From the costuming, to the makeup and hairstyles, to the majestically choreographed dance movements - simply, a glorious visual spectacle. It really set my ballet spirit soaring!
I did my best to capture the enchantment and capture the true heart and soul of the Nutcracker on film - wait until you see the images I’ve taken, they will grace the Pink Tutu website in my next post. But no photo, my dears, can ever quite capture the power of such a breathtaking performance!
Oh, and by the way, I wasn’t the only ballerina in the audience, dear blog readers, my pony Petal even made an appearance in the Grand Theatre entrance for the occasion! Her dainty hooves barely touched the red carpet as I lead her with a delicate but confident hand through the doorway. The entire theatre buzzed with chatter, many even snapping photos with Petal as their backdrop. My pink tulle tutu perfectly coordinated with the pastel pink bridle adorned with a small matching butterfly charm! The highlight was a particularly impressed, elegant, older gentleman - he offered her a large, sugared apple! How charming!
The ballet performance had such a magical and charming quality to it. My dear Petal certainly added her touch of glamour to the scene.
The Beauty of PragueYesterday I ventured into the charming old city, wandering along the cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings and vibrant markets bursting with handmade trinkets, souvenirs and delicious snacks! I snagged a delightful hand-stitched pink leather wallet - a small, charming, vintage gem! It's perfectly practical, my dears, and just so pink!
Of course, I couldn’t resist exploring the majestic Charles Bridge, I even stopped to pose for a portrait with the Charles Bridge's majestic backdrop - standing on the bridge, in my favourite pastel pink coat - it was absolutely perfect, I tell you!
And of course, my love of fashion demanded a little luxury shopping! The vintage boutique called "The Pink Butterfly" had an exquisite selection of dresses, and I was delighted to discover a most unique silk pink top, delicately embroidered with pale green vines! My darling, you won’t believe the divine scent of its antique lace - the delicate, heady perfume is still clinging to the dress!
As a dedicated ballet lover, I just couldn't visit Prague without checking out its amazing ballet history. The National Theatre boasts incredible history. It’s a true landmark - one that shines even brighter, it feels to me, under the starry sky of a cold, December evening.
Now, dear blog readers, I’ve got to go! I'm going to spend the evening at a cozy bistro tucked away in a back street, a true secret gem! The little courtyard is decorated with twinkle lights and draped with lush ivy, simply delightful. I shall have a delicious glass of Merlot with my pink, strawberry filled praline - perfect fuel for more ballet dreams!
Stay tuned for more fabulous fashion, culture and delicious adventures from my Pink Tutu travels!
With a burst of pink cheer and dancing joy,
Emma
