#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2008-01-16

Well hello there, my darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad travel enthusiast, Emma, bringing you another peek into my whimsical world from the charming city of Prague!

This week, we're delving into the glorious history of ballet and fashion, both of which, of course, have a deep and magical connection. I simply adore discovering hidden gems on my travels, especially when it comes to a city's ballet scene. And let me tell you, Prague has certainly not disappointed.

My travels to Prague began in the most magical way: a journey on the Eurostar. I adore the romanticism of train journeys, the sweeping landscapes and the gentle rocking motion. It's the perfect way to settle in for a good book, some sketching (which is a new hobby I've picked up in Paris!) and, of course, dreaming of the pink tutu I'll wear at my next ballet performance.

Now, my first adventure in Prague had to be the magical world of ballet! We are, after all, here for a grand occasion – the renowned Ballet in Prague. You could say it’s quite the perfect excuse for me to pack all my pink tutus, and as soon as I arrived at my little hotel (complete with an adorable pink balcony, just imagine my joy!), I couldn’t resist a quick change into my absolute favourite: a blush pink tutu, with shimmering embellishments that catch the light just so.

On this particular Tuesday (16th January), I decided to immerse myself in the heart of the city’s rich ballet history at the Municipal House, the magnificent home of the Prague Ballet. The intricate architecture of the building itself, reminiscent of a grand palace, filled me with such awe and inspiration. I even managed to sneak into the rehearsal studio (don't worry, I asked permission first!) where the dancers were perfecting their moves. They're so incredibly graceful! Seeing them work up a sweat in their ballet shoes, then seamlessly slip into beautiful tutus for a final run-through was an unforgettable experience.

And of course, after my studio visit, I absolutely had to explore the Municipal House itself. The grand staircase is truly breathtaking, and every single room seems to burst with artistry and intricate details. I imagined myself swirling down those steps in my tutu, gracefully twirling as if I were part of a fantastical, storybook ballet!

And as if this day couldn’t get any more charming, my afternoon was spent browsing the boutiques of Prague’s Old Town. Oh, how I do love a good dose of retail therapy, and nothing could be more enchanting than finding a beautifully hand-painted tutu to match my new pink velvet coat. It's a delicate peach pink, which, if I may say, complements my rosy complexion perfectly! 😉

But Prague’s charms weren’t limited to its grand ballet spaces or bustling shopping streets. Later that evening, I found myself immersed in the magical atmosphere of the Theatre of Estates. The stage was adorned with breathtaking backdrops and vibrant lights that reflected a hundred different hues of pink.

The play, based on a local legend, was titled 'The Princess and the Dragon'. Now, I'm not going to lie, it wasn't quite as technically masterful as some of the ballet performances I've enjoyed, but there was a certain theatrical magic that truly captivated me.

However, it wasn’t the play itself that truly blew me away, but rather the costumes. Imagine my excitement when I saw a young dancer emerge wearing the most stunning pink, full-length tulle skirt, with delicate layers that fluttered and twirled around her every move. Talk about tutu envy! I simply had to purchase a replica – I mean, a ballet skirt of that calibre deserved a home in my collection!

And just as I was reveling in my delightful shopping haul, I saw the cutest thing! A young boy in the theatre was absolutely entranced by the spectacle. In fact, he was so entranced, that he started to move his own body, mimicking the dancers’ movements, as if he was in a dance class! Now, who could resist a moment like that?

Inspired by this charming little chap and a healthy dose of “let’s spread the tutu love” (it's my mission after all, darling!), I offered to teach him some simple dance steps right then and there! The entire theatre seemed to light up with warmth, and suddenly, everyone around me was smiling. It truly warmed my heart to witness the joy in their faces as they watched us waltz and pirouette.

This, my lovelies, is the magic of ballet! The power to connect, inspire and spread joy. And don't even get me started on the sheer elegance and grace it embodies.

To celebrate this wonderful evening, I've decided to dedicate my blog post to the wonderful world of ballet. So let’s delve into the magical world of tutus and the grand history of ballet!

The tutu, that whimsical piece of sartorial ballet magic, is often the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about the art form. However, it hasn't always looked quite as you know it. There's a fascinating journey, just like those wonderful railway journeys I've taken, from the simple garments worn by early ballerinas to the graceful designs that define modern dance.

Back in the 15th and 16th centuries, the early beginnings of ballet were marked by elegant, flowing costumes - imagine a beautiful tapestry of velvet, satin, and silk. Imagine all the beautiful patterns and elaborate decorations that those textiles allowed for!

Fast forward to the 18th century, when the ‘bell-shaped skirt’ emerged - a far cry from the airy tutus we know and love. It was created from a bunch of ribbons sewn together and then draped over the ballerinas’ hoopskirt. Imagine that! You could almost say it was the great-great-grandmother of the tutu, or at least a more formal aunt, if you know what I mean.

And finally, the late 18th century brought the arrival of Marie Taglioni, a celebrated dancer whose brilliance shone upon the world in 1832. She revolutionized ballet, introducing the romantic and ethereal, the kind of ballet you might find yourself daydreaming about in a Parisian cafe. This coincided with the birth of the modern-day tutu, and it all comes down to that delicate and airy fabric known as tulle. It was lightweight, comfortable and provided that ethereal swirl as the ballerina moved, adding a new dimension to movement and grace.

Now, don't you love the simple elegance of a classic tulle tutu? But let’s not forget those breathtaking variations we see in the modern-day productions! Think ‘the pancake tutu’, ‘the romantic tutu’, and the 'contemporary tutu’ (which is often made from materials that flow in the air) – they're all breathtaking in their own unique ways.

If I were to dress like a ballerina in Prague (and don’t we all want to? I know I do!), I'd embrace all that pink romance - you just can’t go wrong! But as we see how the world of ballet fashion evolved, so too did its cultural impact, evolving just like its attire!

Talking about ballet history is a journey across continents! And the grand waltz across time leads us to another fascination of mine – travelling across the globe, much like you might be on one of my favourite adventures (by train, of course!)

But let's travel to the land where ballet blossomed - Italy! The grandest early forms of ballet emerged during the Italian Renaissance, making this a true home of ballet culture!

I love that you can see echoes of those renaissance elements, those historical remnants, in everything from the elegance of costumes to the story-telling aspect of ballets. I've even heard it said that the name "ballet" itself has origins in a charming Italian dance – how utterly adorable, don’t you think?

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t talk about France. The country that became a cornerstone in the evolution of ballet – imagine a world without French influences. I certainly couldn’t. This historical waltz would be far from perfect without that French flare. From elegant ballrooms to beautiful ballet academies – imagine all the history packed into those incredible places!

Think of the elegant waltz moves that France introduced to ballet – imagine a world without it, my dear readers, just wouldn’t be the same. Think of the incredible costumes – oh my darling, you know I have a penchant for all things pretty!

However, let's make our way to Russia, a grand destination for the passionate ballet-loving traveler – the grand Russian ballet, steeped in history and traditions that draw people in. Imagine all the breathtaking costumes, like those ornate pieces worn in “The Nutcracker” (I adore the sheer artistry!), or those elegant and flowy costumes worn in "Swan Lake” – there’s a distinct visual impact of Russian Ballet. It’s no wonder Russian dancers have an internationally renowned status.

My travels to Russia always result in the most dazzling ballet finds. I've even managed to stumble upon vintage dance studios with hidden pockets of exquisite tutu and costume relics! But don't just dream about these breathtaking places, you can experience the enchantment in Prague too. It's full of those historic wonders and a modern ballet culture that will leave you in awe.

So now you know: ballet is a kaleidoscope of fashion and culture that draws us in, transports us through history, and encourages a love for this elegant art form! It's time we brought that ballet history back into the spotlight.

And for all my darling followers who are looking to try the magical world of ballet (which I'm sure you’ll find as addictive as shopping for those perfect pink tutus), it's time to add those to-do items to your list! There are incredible studios across the globe. Here are some top destinations for the ballet-lover looking for an unforgettable adventure:

• London, England: With The Royal Ballet and the English National Ballet at its heart, London truly has it all – a mix of prestigious dance institutions, world-renowned performances, and captivating stage productions that will captivate your every sense. Oh, and let's not forget, there's so much tutu shopping to be done!
• Paris, France: What’s better than a trip to Paris? Imagine combining this with an opportunity to explore a thriving Parisian ballet scene! You can even enroll in ballet classes and learn a few twirls and pirouettes from professional dancers – trust me, it'll add another level of elegance to your Parisienne experience!
• New York City, USA: It's where dreams are made – for ballet, fashion and even a little pink tutu inspiration. The city's home to the New York City Ballet, a grand ballet haven that brings you an incredible display of elegance, grace and skill, making it a dream destination for a ballerina on a journey to learn more. It also happens to be where a wonderful pink tutu awaits me…
• Moscow, Russia: A city drenched in ballet history. I dare you to not fall in love with the rich and cultural tradition. The Bolshoi Theatre, a jewel of architectural and artistic wonder, should definitely be on your list! Oh, and make sure to pack some of those dazzling Russian tutus – my favourites, they are.

There are so many beautiful locations across the globe. Do remember, my darling ballet enthusiasts, no matter where you travel or where you find your ballet love – that tutu never loses its elegance! But now, you're well on your way to crafting the most elegant of journeys in this world of ballet!

As the curtains close on another week’s adventure, I'll be signing off on this post from Prague. However, remember, every day's a chance to twirl around and unleash your inner ballerina. Be sure to look out for my next weekly post from www.pink-tutu.com on Wednesday! I'll be sharing my thoughts on all things pink and fabulous in the world of ballet – what a joy!

And darling, never forget, that it's your journey and there’s a world out there just waiting to be twirled through. 🩰💕✨

Until then, embrace your love for the world of dance, twirl with confidence and sparkle brighter than ever!

Your dear, pink-loving Emma,
xxx