Wednesday 12th December 2012
Darling readers,
Greetings from Prague! It's a chilly December morning here in the city of a hundred spires, but the frosty air hasn't dampened my spirits. Why, you ask? Well, my lovelies, the snow has settled upon this beautiful city and itās all ready to become my personal winter wonderland!
Remember those incredible vintage finds I picked up in the flea market in Dresden last month? Well, Iāve packed a new suitcase bursting with my absolute favourite outfits, all chosen for this special trip.
First up? A dreamy, dusky pink tutu skirt layered over a floaty black chiffon blouse. It's a truly enchanting ensemble that makes me feel like Iām twirling through a fairytale, and who needs a fairy godmother when youāve got a tulle-licious tulle to enchant!
This week, Iāll be giving you a glimpse into the magical world of Prague and the spectacular ballet performance I'm attending later today. The theatre itself is a thing of beauty, built in the baroque style with exquisite dĆ©cor that simply begs to be captured on camera. This week's performance is "The Nutcracker," and I simply can't wait to see this Christmas classic brought to life.
But first, a quick detour! Iām just bursting to share a snippet of Prague's charm and its vibrant culture with you all. As always, my trusty guide (and best friend) Lily and I decided to start our day the way any ballerina should: with a quick tour of the city's beautiful ballet schools. Imagine the excitement, the energy, the sheer joy in the air as future stars practice their pirouettes and leaps.
Let me tell you, I could have easily spent the entire day watching the dancers at the Prague Conservatory of Dance. There's such a buzz of anticipation and creativity ā a whirlwind of twirls and jumps ā and the discipline in the air is palpable. It makes my heart beat a little faster just to be surrounded by such pure, unadulterated passion for the art form.
A Dash of History: The Tutu's Time Travel
Before I tell you all about the stunning āNutcrackerā performance, I thought you might be interested to learn a little about the tutuās fascinating history in this very city!
Did you know, darling readers, that Prague has its very own long and rich tradition of dance, dating back to the Middle Ages? Imagine it! This city pulsates with ballet's vibrant energy, echoing through the ages, and Prague was once the home to the esteemed National Theatre, a treasure house of drama and dance that's deeply embedded in Prague's cultural soul.
You can just imagine those enchanting tutu-clad ballerinas gracing the stage at the National Theatre in the 19th century, bringing elegance and grace to Prague.
The history of the tutu itself is an exciting story, too. Remember that legendary ballerina, Marie Taglioni, the "Fairy of Dance?" It was her performance of "La Sylphide" in 1832 in Paris that made the tutu the ballet standard. Can you imagine the impact on the world of dance when the traditional skirts were replaced by these revolutionary wisps of silk and tulle? Itās easy to see how the tutu became synonymous with beauty and freedom of movement ā a real symbol of dance's limitless power!
Shopping For Tutus!
Oh my dear, you can just imagine what this amazing trip has done for my sense of style! Naturally, I've been doing some exploring in Prague's fashionable district, MalĆ” Strana, where cobblestone streets and elegant buildings form the backdrop for boutiques that practically shimmer with the promise of delightful vintage finds.
It would be sacrilege to come to Prague and not delve into its vintage clothing stores. My goodness! You simply must believe me when I tell you I discovered a pink-tulle ballet skirt that is to die for! The sheer fabric is so fine and delicate, the frills are perfect, and the shades of pink simply whisper of romantic nights and glittering performances!
Itās a perfect addition to my collection. Imagine pairing this gem with a silk top, maybe with a dash of sparkle in the form of sequins or diamantes, and the rest of the look can be pulled together with a vintage headband and a pair of dainty heels.
I think this vintage find has just inspired my latest collection of blog posts: āA Parisian Romance,ā focusing on tulle, feathers, and elegance.
Speaking of the elegance of Parisian danceā¦ You wouldnāt believe the number of elegant tutus and ballet dresses I found tucked away in the corners of dusty vintage boutiques. Each garment told a story, each a testament to a forgotten era. Some, alas, were damaged, a reminder that even beauty eventually succumbs to the relentless hand of time. But each and every piece spoke of the artistry, the dedication, the poetry that is dance. My love, you could simply get lost for hours among these silent beauties.
A Winter Wonderland Treat
As we meandered through Prague's cobbled streets, my lovely Lily introduced me to a tiny, enchanting cafĆ© that felt like it had stepped straight out of a childrenās storybook. We indulged in hot chocolate rich and frothy with decadent whipped cream - an irresistible indulgence!
You wouldnāt believe the charming ambiance ā delicate chandeliers sparkled overhead, and warm firelight illuminated the room. In this cosy, atmospheric little cafĆ©, the aroma of fresh coffee and warm gingerbread filled the air, bringing comfort and happiness with every sip. It truly felt like a refuge from the chill outside, a space where creativity, inspiration, and a deep love for all things pink blossomed and grew!
Dancing With the Stars
Now, for the highlight of the evening!
Tonight, Iām attending a truly dazzling performance at the Municipal House in Prague. Itās considered a cultural gem of the city ā a symphony of intricate architecture and art, an awe-inspiring architectural marvel of neo-Renaissance splendour that perfectly reflects Prague's unique personality.
Inside, the National Theatre holds an energy that is almost palpable ā an intoxicating blend of expectation and anticipation. The very air hums with excitement, as the audience eagerly awaits the start of this stunning "Nutcracker" performance. The performance itself, oh my, you simply wouldnāt believe the incredible talent of the dancers!
They moved across the stage with such effortless grace, each step a perfect symphony of skill and passion. Every pirouette and leap, every gesture, and expression, was captivatingly eloquent, the dancers transforming before our eyes into enchanting figures, taking us on a journey to the Land of Sweets, full of delicate fairies, adorable mice, and fearless Nutcrackers!
It was simply divine, darling.
Later, after the final curtain fell, and the last note echoed across the theatre, I had the pleasure of meeting a few members of the ballet company at an intimate after-party. We spoke for hours, about dance and passion, about tutus and sequins. You can just imagine the joy of it, sharing a passion for dance with fellow artists, especially at such an amazing location in Prague, where history itself whispered secrets into every conversation.
Onward, Dear Readers!
Now that I've been swept off my feet by the magic of Prague, I am feeling quite inspired to share my adventures and my tutu love with all of you. My little corner of the world is starting to feel bigger than ever.
If you are looking to add a dash of magic to your life, or just a touch of colour to your wardrobe, donāt forget to check out the link for www.pink-tutu.com at the end of this blog. Iāve put a little āsomething specialā up just for my lovely readers who made it this far! It's a pink tutu, of course.
The best is yet to come, darling. So join me for another Wednesday post. Until then, happy dancing, and let the pink tulle magic spread!
