Bonjour, my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-clad traveller, and this week I'm whisking you all away to the magical city of Prague, a place that's been calling to me like the sweet strains of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.
Oh, how I adore travelling! This time, I swapped my trusty Derbyshire cobbled streets for a romantic train journey, leaving behind the quaint English countryside and gliding into the heart of Europe. There's something so utterly glamorous about stepping off a train, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from cafes and cobbled streets leading to grand squares. And the pink blossoms in the parks are simply exquisite!
I'm here on a mission - a mission of beauty and grace! You see, today is the 15th of April, 2009, and it marks the debut of the Pink Tutu Prague performance! Yes, you read that right - an entire ballet production dedicated to my favourite colour and attire! The stars have aligned, darling!
A Little History on Tutus:
Before we get to the ballet performance, let's talk about tutus. Have you ever wondered where this enchanting piece of attire came from? Believe it or not, tutus were a rather recent innovation!
In the early 19th century, ballet was mostly known for its romantic themes, with the dancers in long, flowing skirts. These dresses were cumbersome and limited their movements.
Enter Marie Taglioni, the Italian ballet icon of the 1830s. She introduced the world to the first tutu â a shorter, lightweight skirt that allowed for greater freedom and agility. And wouldn't you know it, it was pink! Now, that's the kind of revolution I can get behind!
But it was the tutu, designed by Carl Friedrich Wilhelm in 1841 for the Ballet of the Paris Opera, which really cemented the design that we still see today. This classic "tutu" was inspired by the look of classic Greek garments. These shorter versions with more layered fabric gave the dancers a sense of ethereal lightness as they danced.
Tutus, my dear readers, aren't just costumes, they are a testament to freedom, innovation, and above all, expression.
A Pink Tutu Prague Adventure:
Now, back to my Pink Tutu Prague adventure. The performance is taking place at the beautiful National Theatre in the heart of the city. I'm practically bouncing with excitement.
The programme is a wonderful selection of pieces that celebrate the joy of dance in all its forms. It features excerpts from Tchaikovskyâs "Swan Lake" â the âDying Swanâ and "The Queen of the Swans" pas de deux are both so poignant and beautiful. Of course, no ballet performance would be complete without the grand spectacle of âDon Quixoteâ. There is a delightful solo from âLa Sylphideâ, an excerpt from âGiselleâ , and I canât wait to see âA Pink Tutu Waltzâ. This world premiere piece was specifically designed for the Pink Tutu Prague performance! It promises to be a whimsical delight, full of playful movements, swirling tutus, and vibrant colours.
The National Theatre
I love finding new theatrical jewels in each city. Today, I'm exploring the splendour of Prague's National Theatre. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, adorned with a beautiful facade with graceful columns. The interior is an elegant and opulent blend of classical and modern design.
The stage is magnificent, and the plush velvet seats are waiting to cradle eager ballet lovers like myself. The anticipation in the air is electrifying, a symphony of hushed voices, rustling programs, and the thrill of a shared artistic experience.
This morning, I even treated myself to a Pink Tutu themed mani-pedi at the charming little nail salon a stoneâs throw away. I just had to get those sparkling pink gems on my nails to match my special new tutu for this magical evening!
I'm feeling all the feels â the flutter of anticipation, the surge of excitement, the profound connection to the art that's about to unfold before my very eyes.
Pink Perfection
And what could be more delightful than a performance dedicated to all things pink? I am not talking your average pink here, either! It's more of a blushing rose, a blushing peach - a delicate symphony of pinks with intricate lace embellishments, and a smattering of glittery diamonds. Just beautiful!
The performance was a triumph! From the delicate pirouettes of the swans to the exhilarating jumps and twirls of the Don Quixote pas de deux - the dancers were magnificent.
What made this ballet really stand out was the focus on showcasing the graceful movement of dancers wearing beautiful tutus - imagine a parade of graceful, whirling colours against a backdrop of rich stage designs - it truly is an unforgettable experience! Every single movement felt magical.
Shopping Adventures and Indulgent Delights
Prague, as I quickly learned, is a true delight for a shopping aficionado like me! The Old Town Square is brimming with cute boutiques filled with handmade jewellery and designer clothing. And you know what's the perfect finishing touch to a fabulous outfit? Why, a brand new pink tutu of course!
But itâs not all about clothes - Prague's food scene is another dream come true. From fluffy pastry shops with flaky apple strudels to charming cafes where I indulged in delectable cups of whipped cream coffee and decadent hot chocolate - a gourmandâs dream.
Prague also has some great local pubs that are hidden amongst the historic buildings. One particular highlight was my visit to one that had its own on-site brewer who taught me how to make my own pale ale - so much fun!
A Love of Ballet
Oh, ballet is just everything, isn't it? I simply can't imagine my life without it. The sheer grace and elegance of the dancers, the beautifully crafted costumes and the emotional intensity of the stories â it all comes together to create such a moving experience.
You know what? After this trip to Prague, I've decided itâs time to dust off my dancing shoes and re-join my local ballet class - that is, when I'm not performing at the town hall! The thought of sharing my love of ballet and getting others moving and grooving in a pink tutu is very, very exciting!
After a wonderful stay in Prague, it was time for me to bid adieu to the cobbled streets, charming cafes and dreamy historical buildings. Iâm sure I will be back - but until then, you can read about my Pink Tutu adventures here on my website!
Remember to check in here next Wednesday for another exciting installment of my travels in my favourite pink tutu! Until next time, my darlings!
