Wednesday 29th April 2009
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu wearing blogger, and I'm absolutely giddy to be writing to you all from Prague! Oh my goodness, it's simply magical here, and let me tell you, the fashion scene is divine!
My trip to this fairytale city started with a whimsical train journey. I was travelling from Derbyshire, and let me tell you, nothing beats a comfy train carriage when you're wearing your finest pink tulle! You could just imagine all the grand ballet stories of yore happening right outside the window, it was a delight!
Once I arrived in Prague, I was smitten by the charm of the cobblestone streets, and, of course, the architecture is just breathtaking. Imagine gingerbread houses straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen tale! I couldn't resist popping into one of those delightful vintage shops right by the train station - you know, the type that makes your heart sing just by looking at the window displays! They had a beautiful pale pink hat, like a giant fluffy marshmallow. Perfect with a tutu, right?! I also managed to find a gorgeous pink rose printed silk scarf, oh so beautiful with a light blue silk dress. It all feels so romantic, wouldn't you say?
The main reason for my Prague escapade, however, is a real treat - I'm here to catch a special performance by the world-famous National Theatre Ballet. They are staging Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. I’m absolutely dying to see this! I’ve seen the show many times, and I just adore that gorgeous white tutu that the ballerina wears for the "white swan" scenes! The National Theatre here in Prague is so beautiful, it looks just like a grand old opera house from a bygone era. The history here just washes over you, don't you think? I have to tell you, all of this inspires so many exciting tutu ideas, and I have already started sketching down some fantastic new designs. Watch this space, because I am going to be adding a "Prague collection" to my shop, you know!
Of course, any ballet fan knows that you simply can't go to Prague without making a trip to the Czech National Ballet museum. It is housed in an ancient building - a bit like a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered! They have a beautiful collection of historical costumes and antique dance shoes - I just can’t get enough! I was especially excited to see some original drawings of the iconic white tutus. Did you know they were designed in the 1870s?! Isn't that absolutely fantastic! I took a photo with my pink tutu beside them - I’ll pop that on my blog for you to see soon! And I just couldn't leave without adding a special Czech ballet book to my collection. It was all in Czech, but I think I understand it - just looking at the drawings!
The shopping here has been amazing, too! The Prague boutiques have some truly stunning designer clothing. I’ve bought some delicate, beaded lace for a new ballet outfit and a pair of chic pale pink heels - can you believe it?! Even more exciting than the clothes shopping has been a trip to the wonderful Antique Fashion store, where I picked up the most stunning vintage pink evening dress. The store owner was just lovely, and she even let me try it on! It looks like it stepped straight out of the roaring 1920s - I have to admit I was dancing around the dressing room in a glorious tutu moment. It feels absolutely magical and would be so perfect for a ballets evening. It will be the most delightful tutu-ting outfit, right?!
One of the best things about being here has been the food - such a delicious treat! My absolute favourite was the trdelnik - a warm cinnamon pastry dusted with sugar! I’ve eaten more than a few, and I'm pretty sure my taste buds are singing, 'thank you!' right now. Oh! I’m not supposed to say, but I may or may not have accidentally ordered trdelnik for breakfast this morning. They're so good you just have to go a bit wild!
I had a fabulous ride to the outskirts of the city this morning on a magnificent white pony called "Rosebud," just picture-perfect for this romantic city. I was thinking all sorts of tutu ideas on my ride! There's something so exciting and carefree about horseback riding - wouldn't you agree?
So, my dears, that's just a glimpse of my pink tutu Prague adventures so far! Stay tuned for next week's post - I'll tell you all about my first night at the opera, and the fabulous street ballet performances I've been enjoying!
Until next Wednesday! Keep those tutus twirling,
Emma
*P.S. * Have you checked out www.pink-tutu.com this week? My special Prague Collection has just landed! It features some fabulous new tutus in beautiful pastels! The "White Swan" is my favourite for this city, but we also have the Starry Night, the Prague Pastel, and the Cinnamon Sparkle! They are the perfect tutu-ful additions to your spring wardrobe.
More about Prague: History & Culture
Prague is a truly fascinating city with an absolutely rich history and a thriving cultural scene. It's steeped in legend and intrigue and has survived numerous wars, changes of regimes, and many decades. From ancient times, through to the middle ages, this fairytale-like city has grown and grown, but somehow still holds on to its magic. It's easy to get caught up in the mystery and grandeur of this truly beautiful city. There’s even an iconic Tyn Church here in the old town. This was just another incredible bit of gothic architecture. What better inspiration for my "Tutu of the Cathedrals," wouldn’t you say?
Ballet in Prague:Prague is a vibrant centre of ballet, and the Czech National Theatre Ballet, is one of the most well-respected ballet companies in the world. They boast an impressive repertoire and have a long tradition of excellent dancers, so seeing a ballet performance here has just got to be on every ballet lovers list. But Prague isn't all about the formal settings - ballet really is alive in Prague! There are so many wonderful street performers - buskers as they call them. It’s been delightful watching ballet routines take place on the pavements and in squares! It is absolutely inspiring. Some of them have been dancing in their tutus right in front of the most gorgeous architecture in the old city. I have so many tutu-ful photos of the street ballet dancing in front of Prague Castle, I just had to capture them.
I also discovered a fabulous little theatre company right on the outskirts of the city. The company had its own stunning tutu dancers and their very own production of Swan Lake. This is something that the local theatre groups just do so beautifully and so well. It is so special and, once again, so very inspiring to me. It makes me just want to be right there with them on stage, swirling through a Tutu of the Night of my own!
Pink Tutu Travel & Fashion Tips:Train travel is great! I have had some wonderful trips on trains across the UK, and they really help to calm my nerves, especially when you’re on your way to a big show! It’s been such a pleasure for me to wear my tutu on a train. Everyone smiles when they see me. People seem to be drawn to pink. It is absolutely such a feminine colour!
Travelling light: This is something I always have to do, when it’s only a weekend break. I need my tutu but can only bring the essential ballet gear. I love travelling light and can't leave home without my pink ballet bag, my favourite pink tulle ballerina shawl (you never know when the weather will change, right?), and, of course, some elegant pumps! And what are all the essentials for the show, really, but my tutu and shoes.
Ballet-chic look is so important for every tutu-lover. If you are on your travels you’re really going to be looking to find a way to put some glam and style into your wardrobe. My pink tutu goes everywhere with me and can be styled with literally everything, right? For instance, on a trip to the ballet, you can keep it formal in a nice pencil skirt and black top - this always works a treat. I also find a pink tutu looks absolutely dazzling with a classy little black dress, too! The classic ballerina bun with some pearls will tie it all together - that’s another of my essentials. But even if you don’t have a tutu in your collection just make sure that whatever you wear to the theatre, or on any ballet-related outings, is something that you will feel confident in! This will really help to make your whole ballet experience that bit more magical! After all, we want to sparkle as much as the performers!
Street Fashion: It is always exciting to observe people and look at what they're wearing! A big city like Prague just screams to be admired for the fashion, don't you think? The Czechs have an incredible sense of style and there have been so many street trends, colour palettes, and different looks to absorb. A real joy for the eyes, I have to tell you. Of course, one of my favourites here in Prague is the style of clothing, colour combinations, and accessories - it's a dream come true! All I have to do is simply adjust my pink tutu to go with the latest fashion - maybe add some glitter and feathers?! The Czech's definitely don't shy away from glitter and sequins - something they really do well here!
So, let me know if you have any tutu travel tips, ballet must-haves, or any questions for a pink tutu blogger - I’m always happy to help!
*See you next week! *
Emma
