#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2013-03-13

Bonjour, mes chères Tutu-istas! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Prague blog post. As you all know, I adore exploring the world with a twinkle in my eye and a twirl in my step, and this week, Prague has truly enchanted me!

I arrived on the Orient Express last Friday (it was a splurge, but a truly magical one!). Riding in a vintage carriage, sipping champagne and gazing out at the countryside, I felt like I was stepping straight out of a ballet! The arrival at the grand Prague station felt almost as grand as a theatre premiere.

Speaking of theatres, that's what brings me to Prague this week! Oh, how I love the magic of ballet! For a dancer at heart, the history of this city is positively intoxicating. There's so much to explore here. And did I mention the beautiful costumes? Oh, they make my ballerina heart swoon! I even found a little shop tucked away near the Charles Bridge that specialises in vintage dancewear – I'm already planning a future blog post about my latest vintage finds!

This week, I decided to immerse myself in the history of Prague's ballet scene. Did you know Prague has been a major ballet centre for centuries? The National Theatre, built in the 19th century, boasts a stunning ballet company with a history spanning over a century! Their current repertoire includes both classic ballets like Swan Lake and contemporary pieces. And let me tell you, Prague's ballerinas are some of the most elegant I've ever seen!

I've been visiting the National Theatre every day this week to watch a few rehearsals – imagine, me, a pink tutu-wearing ballerina in the midst of professional dancers! Of course, I couldn’t resist buying some tickets for a performance tomorrow! I can’t wait to see the beauty and athleticism of these talented dancers live on stage. I’ll be sure to share all about it in next week's post.

But Prague is so much more than just its dance history! There are so many things to see and do – from charming cobbled streets to the majestic Prague Castle. Oh, and let's not forget the exquisite Czech crystal! Every little girl dreams of sparkly things, and the craftsmanship here is simply breathtaking. I may have already picked out a few pieces that are oh-so-tutu-tastic!

Yesterday, I discovered the most divine café – the aptly named "Le Parisien." Picture a beautiful, pink-toned café with antique lace curtains, fluffy pink macarons, and an afternoon tea fit for a ballerina! My pink tutu actually matched the décor perfectly – it’s so hard for me not to twin with my surroundings, isn’t it?

I treated myself to a delicate pink macaron and a pot of Earl Grey tea. The staff, dressed in lovely pink aprons, made me feel like a true princess. And guess what? I even snagged a beautiful floral vintage brooch for my tutu! Isn’t that just divine?

Now, about my travels. You all know I love trains! The journey to Prague on the Orient Express was utterly magical, but this week I decided to try something different: a pony ride through the countryside. Imagine: a beautiful horse with a pink tutu adorning its tail and a very fashionable pink tutu-wearing ballerina riding side saddle through a picturesque forest. Now that's what I call a whimsical travel adventure!

Talking of my travels, have I told you about my obsession with tutu history? It’s a deep, dark (and often sparkly!) obsession! It all started in Derbyshire, when I stumbled across an antique shop packed with the most fabulous vintage tutus – the owner told me stories about the history of these elegant dancewear marvels and I was hooked!

My favourite thing about the history of tutus is how they’ve evolved over the centuries! The earliest tutus were a practical dance garment made of simple, knee-length skirts. Today, tutus come in all sorts of different styles – romantic, poetic, contemporary! And of course, all in varying shades of pink, with the occasional pop of fuchsia or pastel.

Of course, I’ve been busy researching Prague’s ballet history – specifically its tutu history. And, if you’re reading this blog post and you also adore tutu history as much as I do, you should check out the museum housed in the beautiful building of the Prague State Opera – it boasts a magnificent collection of vintage ballet costumes, and it is an absolute must-see for anyone with an interest in dancewear and its history.

I’m always looking for ways to spread the love for pink tutus – you know, encouraging people to embrace their inner ballerina and dance through life! In Derbyshire, I host dance classes where we focus on tutus as a way of exploring ballet history and, of course, getting everyone twirling and feeling confident and beautiful!

I've been thinking about launching a “Pink Tutu World Tour” where I bring a little bit of that magic to other cities around the globe! I can see it now: me in my pink tutu leading a flash mob, in front of a Parisian monument or dancing in a public square in Rome – imagine the joy and laughter it would bring! Think you’d join me?

But for now, I’ll be getting ready for the performance tomorrow – a classic Swan Lake – it’s going to be a wonderful evening. I’ll be sure to share my insights about the costumes, the dancers, and everything that made this performance so special with you all next Wednesday. Until then, happy dancing!

P.S. Did you know that March 13th is National Pi Day in America? Hmm, that makes me want to wear a cherry pie-tutu for the ballet tomorrow – think I will? You’ll see next Wednesday!

Until then, Stay pink, my dears!

Emma x