Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Dearest Tutu-loving lovelies!
It’s Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire pink tutu wearing ballerina, reporting live from Prague, where I’m surrounded by fairy tales and, even more magically, cobbled streets and castles, oh my!
This week’s blog is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s going to take you on a journey, starting with the train station (don’t worry, I’ll bring my tutu!), then a ballet show of dazzling beauty, followed by a delicious wander through Prague’s markets, then into the whimsical and beautiful, Prague Castle. It'll be like watching the entire ballet "Giselle," in a single post!
The Arrival of Pink
This journey, like most, begins on a train platform. I know some folks think train travel is boring, but for me, it’s the perfect time for introspection. With my phone tucked away, and a book by my side, I indulge in a deep dive into the origins of ballet, and particularly the origins of the tutu! Imagine: tutus used to be incredibly heavy and restrictive! But gradually, like ballet itself, the tutu evolved into what we know and love today, becoming as light as a feather and as graceful as a ballerina's leap!
The journey to Prague is breathtakingly beautiful. Rolling hills with their own fairytales unfolding - churches with turrets like gingerbread houses and medieval villages that transport you back to a time of minstrels and jousting tournaments. It’s a setting right out of a storybook.
The city is my playground. Prague welcomes me with its welcoming architecture, romantic charm, and history seeping from its cobblestones. I arrive at the charming Prague Train Station feeling refreshed, with my bright pink tutu already tucked into my handbag. It’s a necessity. The vibrant colour adds an extra dash of sparkle to my day, just like a ballet dancer with their sparkling jewellery!
The Magic of a Ballet Performance
A visit to a beautiful, majestic city demands a visit to a beautiful, majestic ballet performance! Tonight I’m going to “Swan Lake" at the grand Prague State Opera .
Prague is famed for its incredible buildings - churches, palaces and theatres. Walking up the marble staircase to the opera house, my senses are on fire! The soaring ceilings, the elaborate gold gilding, the intricate chandeliers… every detail makes this opera house the perfect setting for a grand performance of "Swan Lake".
Now, "Swan Lake". I need to talk about the tutu. Every time I see this masterpiece, the beauty and the symbolism of Odette’s white tutu brings tears to my eyes. The way it whispers of both grace and innocence and of the tragedy of a young maiden’s love.
It’s the kind of performance you need to witness at least once in your lifetime - it’s the true definition of elegance, strength, and heart! Watching a ballet like this truly makes me believe I was born to wear pink and dance!
* Prague: A Market-Lovers Paradise!*
Of course, a trip to Prague is incomplete without a good bit of shopping. After the ballet, I decided to head to the Old Town Square Market.
Here you’ll find everything your heart desires – handcrafted leather goods, bohemian trinkets, colourful clothing and souvenirs from across the globe.
It’s a feast for the senses - the rich colours, the smell of traditional Czech delicacies (yes, even those delicious Czech pastries - I'll have to add a few of those to my repertoire, for the perfect post-ballet treat! ), and the lovely sounds of music playing from a nearby street musician making this a place where my love of shopping and all things sparkly just explodes!
* Prague Castle: History's Embrace*
And what Prague blog would be complete without a trip to the iconic Prague Castle!
Prague Castle, dating back to the 9th Century, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and home to many incredible attractions, like the Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane with its little storybook houses that just beg to be explored.
After walking the ancient cobblestone streets, with the view of Prague sprawling around me – I realised that the whole city, is a stage, just as much as any ballet theatre I’ve been in! It’s full of intrigue, wonder, and romance, just like any of my favorite stories.
My Pink Tutu Makes It Magic
Even here, surrounded by ancient architecture and breathtaking scenery, my bright pink tutu feels right at home! It becomes a beacon of cheer and a symbol of fun and beauty in this enchanting city.
Fashioning a Day of Style
My travels in Prague aren't just about the ballet and the sightseeing! It’s also about exploring new fashion! I had to check out the shops and soak up the local styles.
Prague is the ultimate place for those of us who adore fashion. The stores offer an exquisite range of designs and styles that celebrate femininity, individuality, and a touch of Bohemian magic. You'll find everything from elegant evening gowns that would be perfect for a gala, to casual, bohemian outfits that you’d be perfectly happy to wear on a day at the park! Of course, I snagged myself some new items, which I'm so excited to show you all in a post soon!
* My Pink Tutu Vision is Spreading!*
I love it when I see a woman wearing a pink tutu, walking the streets of Prague. Maybe it's her favourite tutu she wears for fun, maybe it’s part of a special ballet performance, or even a stylish costume, but whatever the reason, seeing pink tutus spread joy and happiness throughout the world is the only aim that truly matters. It makes the world a more colourful and beautiful place. So keep spreading those tutus! And maybe even pick one up for yourself - your inner ballerina deserves a little pink magic!
So farewell for now, dear Tutu-loving friends! Next week I’m setting my sights on something truly spectacular, the Charles Bridge - and let’s just say it involves more than just a pink tutu! I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Stay tuned and until then… Happy dancing! 💖
