Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, bringing you another week of enchanting adventures from the heart of Europe!
This week, I'm whisking you away to Prague! It's been a whirlwind of cobbled streets, charming cafes, and, of course, a sparkling ballet performance that left me absolutely spellbound.
The journey started in Derbyshire, a classic British train ride through picturesque countryside. It’s always a bit of a thrill boarding a train with my beloved pink tutu, packed carefully in a specially designed bag I made myself! I do love a bit of practicality mixed with glamour. You can never be too prepared for a Parisian-style street performance, and Prague seems to hold just as much magic!
This week's train ride was especially enchanting as I was able to indulge in my latest crafting craze. I brought along a vintage hat I recently snagged in a Notting Hill antique shop and spent the whole journey re-fashioning it. It's now adorned with an extravagant feather boa and a dainty pearl necklace. I can't wait to show it off at tonight’s ballet gala.
Upon arriving in Prague, the first thing that caught my eye was the stunning architecture, all grand facades and ornate churches, a bit like a grand ballet set itself!
As I meandered through the charming streets, my pink tutu certainly garnered some attention. People were smiling and taking pictures - it seems Prague loves a little bit of flamboyant colour! I discovered a delightful boutique in a quiet back alley, tucked away behind a flower shop. My little ballet-heart skipped a beat. The shop was packed full of gorgeous clothing, accessories, and...wait for it… an entire shelf dedicated to vintage tutus! I spent a whole afternoon digging through tulle and feathers, ending up with a divine lilac number that I just had to add to my collection. I just know it’ll be perfect for a midnight waltz along the river Vltava!
But onto the main event - the ballet performance! Oh my, darlings! The show at the National Theatre was nothing short of breathtaking. We watched a modern adaptation of Swan Lake, set against the stunning backdrop of Prague's famous Charles Bridge. It was so romantic, watching those graceful dancers flitting against the moonlight, and I found myself lost in a dream world. The story, the costumes, the music – everything came together so beautifully!
During the intermission, I found myself surrounded by locals in the theatre's beautiful cafe. We chatted about all things ballet – you see, I have a penchant for discussing the history of the tutus and its fascinating evolution. You would be surprised to hear that the first tutus weren't actually made for ballet! In fact, it was a revolutionary invention, a more practical, lighter costume compared to the heavy layers and corsets of the day. It really embodies the idea of freedom and artistry!
The café conversation was punctuated by my new ballet-inspired bracelet, made with miniature crystal tutus that catch the light every time I flick my wrist.
As the final act concluded, I couldn't help but feel the most beautiful sense of fulfilment. My passion for ballet had taken me across continents, from my little Derbyshire dance studio to the heart of Europe, bringing me closer to this timeless art form and its magical magic!
I've also been indulging in some delectable Prague fare – a divine honey cake with walnuts (which you just have to try!) and creamy potato soup that I absolutely adored. And let's not forget the traditional Bohemian beer – it's all so delightfully European, darlings!
But you know what really topped off the day? As I was walking back to my cosy hotel (I am staying at a beautiful old townhouse near the river - just delightful!) a little girl stopped me in the street. She was holding a drawing pad and a red crayon, and looked up at me with big, hopeful eyes. She held out the drawing to me and said, “I drew you in your pretty pink tutu! Will you please sign it?"
And of course, how could I say no? This sweet gesture brought a wave of warmth through me, as if all the twinkling stars above were shining just for me. Seeing the child’s joy and admiration reminded me that my mission is much bigger than simply travelling the world and enjoying beautiful shows. My pink tutu, my passion for ballet, my desire to bring joy and colour to the world... it's all part of my unique way of sharing beauty with others!
If that isn’t a good excuse for buying yet another tutu, then I don’t know what is!
Until next week, darling readers. Be sure to catch my next blog post where I'll be discussing my latest adventure in Vienna! It's going to be grand… and you’ll need a whole new wardrobe to be ready for it! And of course, a fresh batch of pink tutus!
Stay glamorous, darlings,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
