Wednesday, 3rd April 2013
Hello, darlings!
Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires! I can't even tell you how much I loved this enchanting city – from its fairytale-like architecture to the delicious Czech food (let's not forget the delectable pastries!), everything about Prague felt utterly magical.
Now, let's get straight to the point. Prague's been on my ballet bucket list for ages! It's a city that truly embodies the beauty and grace of classical ballet, just like my beloved tutus. So, of course, my trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the magnificent National Theatre. It's truly an architectural masterpiece, with an incredible story of its own. And it's just a stone's throw from the Vltava river, where we had a magical walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, feeling like characters in a fairytale. I simply had to capture a few moments in my pink tutu (which naturally complemented the gorgeous sunset!).
Dancing Dreams at the National Theatre: 🩰The National Theatre was a feast for my ballet-loving senses. This grand theatre has a fascinating history - it's not only renowned for its incredible performances but also for the passion and perseverance it took to build it back in the 19th century. That dedication is definitely reflected in the theatre's captivating architecture – the interior was a breathtaking symphony of opulent grandeur and artistry.
The evening's performance was a spectacular rendition of Swan Lake, so full of captivating moments. My favourite part was the “Black Swan” pas de deux. Oh, that drama and technical precision! You could practically hear a pin drop in the theatre as we watched these phenomenal ballerinas and dancers glide across the stage with effortless beauty. It was truly mesmerising.
Pink Tutu Note: I went for a classic black tutu for this performance. Black against the beautiful pastel hues of the theatre? Perfection! Afterward, I headed to the nearby Old Town Square, with its striking Astronomical Clock. I just had to try a bit of "trdelnik," a sweet, chimney-like pastry that's as delightful as it is photogenic (and of course, absolutely delicious)!
Adventures in Old Prague & The Tiniest of Tutus: 💖The following morning, I was so excited to finally discover the enchanting cobblestone alleys and quaint squares of Prague's Old Town. You know I have to have a cute, picture-perfect outfit on while I explore! For this venture, I went for my blush-pink tutu and my new pink bow headband! Absolutely adorable.
We also wandered along the charming Kampa Island – a tranquil paradise filled with picturesque houses and cafes. And speaking of charm, let's talk about The Tiniest Tutu in Prague!
In one of those enchanting little alleys, we stumbled across a small but adorable shop called “The Tiniest Boutique.” They sold a wide variety of fashion and accessories, and guess what they also had? A tiny pink tutu! It was just perfect!
Imagine a tutu so miniature, it could be a dainty little doll's dress! Of course, I simply had to bring it back to Derbyshire to add to my pink tutu collection! (Now, I have to find the perfect mini-ballet shoes!) I thought I’d put up some snaps of that beautiful little tutu on our Pink-Tutu.com Facebook page, check it out later, darlings.
Romantic Strolls and Fairy-Tale Vibes:That afternoon, we hopped on a traintrip to Vyšehrad, an ancient fort with incredible views of the city. We found beautiful cobbled paths with a breathtaking panorama, and even a lovely restaurant serving the tastiest Goulash – another classic Czech dish! It was the perfect way to enjoy the evening while soaking in the breathtaking views! Afterward, we had a stroll along the banks of the Vltava River as the sunset painted the sky with gorgeous shades of pink and orange - talk about fairytale vibes!
As a pink tutu enthusiast, this romantic walk was simply dreamy. I truly felt transported to a magical land where anything seemed possible. And, just as the stars began to appear in the sky, we enjoyed a delicious Czech beer on a little café balcony, reminiscing about the beautiful day. Prague's got that kind of magical effect, you know? It's impossible not to fall in love with it!
Prague's Ballet Heritage and Tutus Through Time:Speaking of enchanting magic, I did a little bit of research about the rich ballet history in Prague! I was so excited to learn about its importance and the impact it’s had on ballet traditions worldwide.
For instance, Prague was one of the earliest cities in Europe to develop a significant ballet tradition in the 17th century! The ballet companies of Vienna, Prague and later even St Petersburg all made great progress and had many links in developing and evolving dance. Prague also has its own version of the Swan Lake story! This version, known as the “Lied of the Nightingale,” was written in the 18th century.
And, how cool is this, the Ballet National Theatre of Prague still has a stunning collection of ballet costumes from its history, which was truly fascinating. Some of the tutus dated back to the early 20th century – imagine those incredible stories they must have! It was just wonderful to learn how tutu design has evolved over the decades. It truly is a delightful art form! I was lucky enough to get a quick peak inside the costume workshop - It's the real heart of the Ballet, they say!
The Power of a Pink Tutu: 🩰💖My trip to Prague reminded me that the power of a pink tutu goes beyond fashion. It's about spreading joy and encouraging self-expression, something that I see in the vibrant, energetic streets of Prague itself.
As I walked through Prague, I noticed more and more people embracing a whimsical side of fashion – from the vibrant graffiti art on walls to the colourful shops overflowing with delightful finds. It's the same creative energy that fuels ballet, and that's what I love about this city!
Prague, I'll be back!
* Until next week, remember:
Embrace your inner ballerina!
Spread joy with a touch of pink!
And let’s work on getting everyone wearing a pink tutu!*
Pink Love, Emma
