Wednesday, 29th October 2008
Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, bringing you another exciting installment from the magical city of Prague. It's Wednesday, so you know what that means - it's time for your weekly dose of pink tutu travel!
As the leaves begin their autumnal descent in a symphony of warm reds and golds, I find myself equally enthralled by the colours of this vibrant city. The cobbled streets, the spires of the Old Town Square, even the river Vltava, all shimmer with an almost otherworldly glow, echoing the romance that pervades this enchanting city.
Prague feels like a storybook waiting to be unfurled, each turn of the page revealing a new architectural marvel or a hidden courtyard teeming with life. It's no wonder this place inspires so many fairy tales – you practically expect to spot a princess tucked away in a turret or a prince charming riding through the streets on a handsome steed.
And speaking of princesses...what better way to embrace this fairytale setting than by twirling around Prague in my new pink tutu? It's a vintage beauty I found in a quaint shop near the Charles Bridge, with layers of shimmering pink tulle that are just begging to be pirouetted in. Oh, the things we discover on these travels!
The Enchantment of Prague's National Theatre
My biggest thrill this week was finally getting to experience the legendary National Theatre, a magnificent building that's a veritable symbol of Czech culture.
From the outside, the neo-renaissance facade is breathtaking. All those intricate carvings and columns, it's enough to leave you breathless! Inside, the grandeur only amplifies. Velvet seats, ornate ceilings, golden chandeliers - I practically felt like I'd stepped into a gilded cage in the best possible way.
I'm not usually a huge fan of traditional ballet, but the programme for tonight's performance promised an intriguing mixture of classical pieces and modern choreographies. It was called "Fantasies of Dance", and the dancers, oh, they were exquisite!
The first act, "The Dream of Prague", was pure poetry. They spun like butterflies in flight, each graceful gesture a brushstroke in the tapestry of the story they were weaving. As the music swelled and dimmed, so too did the lighting, casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of ancient love and longing.
But then came the real show-stopper - a contemporary piece called "City Lights". The music, oh it was modern and dramatic, the choreography pulsating with raw energy. It felt like Prague itself had been poured onto the stage, full of life, grit, and a pulsating heartbeat that captivated everyone.
Afterwards, I couldn't resist buying a commemorative programme with the dancers' biographies and a history of the theatre itself. My collection is already quite impressive (though I might need to upgrade to a larger bag to accommodate my growing collection!)
From Prague to...Pferd?
Yes, my darling dears, that's right! I know it sounds a little out there, but this weekend I'm taking a detour from my usual Parisian haunts. Why? Because there's an enchanting village in the foothills of the Austrian Alps called Pferd, and it's famous for...horseback riding. Imagine, galloping through picturesque fields with mountains towering in the background! The idea of being surrounded by nature, wind in my hair, the rhythmic beat of the horse's hooves, oh it makes my heart flutter!
Now, some of you might be thinking, "Emma, you're a ballerina, a princess of the stage. What are you doing going horse riding? What will the other dancers think?" To which I say, who cares!
My philosophy is this: life is a stage, and there are endless roles to play. And you know what? Sometimes, a little "pferd"-spective is all you need to bring your inner ballerina back to life!
The Pink Tutu Wardrobe Expansion
As for my wardrobe... well, darling, Prague hasn't disappointed! The shopping has been fantastic! I picked up a pair of chic, knee-high boots in burgundy velvet (just the right amount of drama for my upcoming trip to Pferd!), a silk scarf printed with swirling arabesques (for when I want to channel my inner ballerina even while I'm horsing around), and the most stunningly glamorous pink tulle skirt I've ever seen.
This skirt is pure indulgence, ladies. Imagine the sheer volume of it, flowing in every direction with every twirl, it's positively ethereal. I know, I know, another pink tutu for my growing collection! I just can't help myself. The joy I feel when I wear pink, when I twirl, it's just so infectious!
So there you have it, a glimpse into my Prague adventures, full of romance, grand theatres, a hint of danger (horse riding is always a touch exhilarating!) and of course, lots and lots of pink tulle. Stay tuned, darlings, because next week I'll be bringing you all the thrills and spills from my trip to Pferd - you wouldn't believe the magnificent horse I've chosen for my ride. And wouldn't you know it, she even has a matching pink ribbon in her mane!
Until then, keep dancing, keep smiling, and never, ever stop believing in the power of pink tutus.
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
