Wednesday, 18th May, 2011
Post # 838
Dearest readers,
It's Emma here, and you'll never guess where I am! Prague! It's simply enchanting. I know, I know - who would have thought I'd find myself in a land where beer halls meet Gothic spires and the music of Dvorak swirls around cobbled streets? Oh, but it's absolutely delightful! I must say, Prague has truly stolen my heart, and it seems the perfect setting for a post about a fabulous ballet experience I had recently...
As I arrived in this city of cobblestone wonder, my inner ballerina was already doing pirouettes of joy. The pastel-hued architecture was like a delicious treat for the eyes, and I'm just smitten with those terracotta rooftops! Oh, and have I mentioned the Pink?! From pretty pastries to blooming wisteria, it seems pink is practically a national colour in Prague, which naturally had me skipping through the streets in pure delight. Speaking of which… You won't be surprised to hear I haven’t travelled without my trusty Pink Tutu. It has been rather a hit, you know, attracting admiring glances and plenty of friendly chats with fellow tourists! It truly seems a Pink Tutu can break down any language barrier and invite the most wonderful conversations.
But, let's talk ballet, darling! That's why you're here, isn't it? To catch a glimpse of the latest pink-tutu-clad adventures! I landed in Prague right in time for a divine performance at the breathtaking National Theatre.
It was truly the highlight of my trip. Now, you know I adore my tutus, but let's talk a bit about the history of tutus. The ballet tutu, dear readers, has come a long way. The Romantic Era, from the 1830s onward, introduced the iconic Romantic Tutu. A delightful concoction of wispy gauze and layered tulle that was meant to make dancers look weightless and ethereal. Think Giselle – ethereal, mystical… utterly beautiful.
Then there’s the Classical Tutu – which made its first appearance on stage at the very beginning of the 20th century, its tight skirt stopping just above the knee, designed to show off the dancer’s leg lines in all their glorious, athletic brilliance. We see these all over the place, from Swan Lake to The Sleeping Beauty. They have their own elegance, a streamlined look that is simply classic!
As I settled into my seat at the theatre, feeling quite fancy in my own little Pink Tutu, the lights dimmed. I knew instantly we were in for a treat! The orchestra began a breathtaking melody and soon, there were these incredible dancers, their tutus flowing with every graceful move, transporting us all to a magical world where elegance and athleticism combined for pure artistry. I was enchanted by their moves, their emotions, their dedication - every movement felt like a celebration of grace and power. I confess, I may have even let out a gasp of appreciation at the breathtaking pirouettes and beautiful extensions.
But beyond the artistry of the dancing, I was enthralled by the theatre itself. Can you imagine? It was simply majestic! It reminded me of those magnificent theatre spaces you see in Downton Abbey and such like. I do love a good historical theatre, you see. I imagine myself walking through those hallowed halls with ballerinas past. They even had an interesting little theatre museum where I was able to indulge my love for ballet history – the perfect spot to dream up future blog posts and Pink Tutu fashion ideas.
Speaking of which, darling… shopping! I must tell you about the extraordinary market I stumbled upon near the Old Town Square. Rows and rows of charming stalls laden with lace, jewelry, leather goods... You could tell each item was unique and filled with the spirit of the city itself.
I had to, of course, snag some Pink-tutu-worthy trinkets, didn’t I? I came away with the prettiest embroidered handbag, perfect for holding all my little essentials like lipstick, a notepad (I take notes, you see – for future Pink Tutu Blog posts!), and my trusty powder compact (I must keep this makeup fresh at all times, especially when wearing such an outstandingly Pink ensemble, don't you agree?).
And let’s talk fashion, dear readers. Prague, in all its charming Bohemian grandeur, offers such delightful inspiration for the Pink Tutu look! It's a style mix, you know – whimsical lace blouses with romantic bell sleeves, delicate earrings inspired by flower blossoms… all finished off with a bit of rebellious edge, a splash of bright colours. Just my cup of tea, darling! I feel very at home with the style here, it truly complements a Pink Tutu perfectly.
Of course, every time I travel, my most beloved travel method is the railway. The journey itself, as much as the destination! There’s just something romantic and glamorous about being aboard a train, observing the scenery roll by and listening to the rhythmic clicking of the wheels against the track, which is perfect for musing over ballet steps and future fashion musings, and writing these little blog entries for you! In Prague, it’s the old-world trams, the vintage carriages with their beautifully ornate wood interiors and open-air platforms, the most delightful mode of transportation! A Pink Tutu is almost a necessity to complete this quintessential picture of chic elegance.
And oh, you must hear about my extraordinary afternoon spent at a charming cafe on the Vltava River. They have the most enchanting view of Charles Bridge and all its medieval grandeur! I spent a glorious afternoon sketching, observing, and drinking divine Prague coffee – which, in this part of the world, has a distinctive strong flavour with notes of caramel – it was delicious, truly!
It was a sight for sore eyes and inspiration for the Pink Tutu spirit, if you can believe it.
Later, I spent a most delightful afternoon riding on a delightful gentle white pony named Willow through a quiet Prague park! I know, isn’t that simply delightful? The moment the little darling gave me a soft nudge and we started trotting along, I felt the purest sense of peace. We wandered beneath the gentle green canopies of leafy branches. There, on the edge of the Prague Zoo, the pony stopped right next to the enclosure where there were several pink flamingos! I nearly shrieked, but in a hushed, excited whisper of course, so as not to spook Willow, the little angel. They really are just the most Pink and fabulous birds – they look just as good in a tutu as we do, no?
I must confess, dear readers, that a Pink Tutu feels most wonderful when it’s experiencing all these enchanting, pink-hued moments… I can’t help but smile. It just brings an extra dash of charm to every adventure.
And as I sit here, looking at my photographs from Prague, I realize how lucky I am. Every experience, every breathtaking sight, every Pink Tutu adventure – a treasure trove of memories for the pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, ready to inspire everyone with a bit of grace and glamour in the everyday.
Do try and squeeze in some Pink Tutu moments into your own day – I guarantee, you’ll feel a touch of magic in every step!
Until next time,
Emma x
