Bonjour, my lovely readers!
This week, Iāve brought my trusty pink tutu, along with a sprinkle of girly-glam, all the way to Prague, the City of a Thousand Spires. My, oh my, how I love the sound of that!
Donāt worry, my faithful readers, you know my aim in life is to get the whole world swirling in pink tutus. But Prague? Well, that's a whole other story. The city practically sings with history. I felt a sense of magic in the air the minute I hopped off the train, my hair ribbons swirling with the breeze.
But, before we delve into the swirling delights of Prague, letās rewind a little. Remember that incredible show I did last weekend in Derbyshire? My āSwan Lakeā choreography was a smash hit! A packed audience and thunderous applauseā¦ I almost burst a seam on my pink tulle. Thankfully, a fellow ballerina had a spare tutu hidden under her coat and, in true "dance emergency" style, she saved the day. What would we do without each other, right?
Speaking of dancing, one of the best parts of performing? The costume fittings! That glorious anticipation of stepping into the perfect dressā¦the twirling, the laughter, the joy of finally putting it all together. It's magic, I tell you. Itās like I'm living in my very own fairytale!
And you know, Prague is overflowing with its own fairytales. Thereās Charles Bridge, with its stunning views and whimsical statues. I could have spent hours just gazing at the medieval buildings reflecting in the water. You should see the pictures! The bridge, the statues, me in my gorgeous pink tutu! Absolutely stunning, you won't believe it...
Oh, but speaking of stunning, letās move on to the main event, my lovely tutu-lovers - the ballet performance I had planned for this evening!
Prague, June 18th, 2014
I'm standing here in the shadows of the magnificent National Theatre, a magnificent jewel in Prague's crown. They call this theatre the āCzech national treasureā, but let me tell you, dear reader, this theatre, with its beautiful architecture and rich history, is a gem for the whole world.
My heartās already beating with the anticipation of tonightās ballet performance. My senses are alive - the air filled with a hum of excited whispers as other ballet enthusiasts gather, and the sounds of the city echo, mixing with the buzz of music from the rehearsal room. The scent of delicious, buttery Czech pastries wafts through the air from a bakery just across the square.
Today's programme is a mix of classical ballets, something a bit more modern, and even a smattering of excerpts that showcase the talent of the younger dancers. Itās so wonderful to witness the magic of ballet through so many diverse lenses. Each dance tells its own story, and tonight, my friends, itās our story, your story and my story. Let's allow the ballet to lead us on a beautiful journey through Prague.
The lights begin to dim as the overture begins. There is a hush. My eyes close. A quiet energy begins to ripple through my fingers.
Letās be honest, though, I haven't forgotten what Iām here for: SHOPPING!!
Who doesnāt love a shopping trip with a capital āSā in the most fabulous city in Europe? Youāre all right, that was a little dramatic, but reallyā¦it is very, very, fabulous. Pragueās streets are lined with boutiques overflowing with gorgeous fabrics and shimmering embellishments ā just the thing for creating a dazzling tutu. (Oh, I promise, I have plans for a special line of Prague-inspired tutus later).
Just as I was making my way towards my next vintage clothing shop ā oh, I could spend weeks searching in this town ā I almost tripped over a little porcelain horse.
Have you ever seen such cute little horses?
In all my travelling, I have never come across such sweet and whimsical trinkets. These were miniature horses ā some in pink (I snatched those up!), some white, some painted in delightful pastel hues - and all standing perfectly in their stalls. Itās like stepping straight into a whimsical fairytale, I tell you! And guess what I decided to do?
That's right, my lovely friends! I purchased a beautiful porcelain pony (itās going to look simply fabulous with my tutu collection!) and Iām going to ride him home! A real pony! Yes, a pony, my dearest readers. The very moment I caught sight of him, I knew it was destiny!
How very āPink-tutuā of me, isnāt it?
Just like my favourite ballerina, Anna Pavlova, I love the magic of horses. Just imagine those amazing gallops ā that lightness, that pure joy. They truly are like our ballerina horses.
It was time for my little adventure to start!
Prague is enchanting, a kaleidoscope of history, culture and charm. With every step, my imagination starts to soar, picturing myself in grand ballets, waltzing in elegant squares, twirling along bridgesā¦ all wearing, of course, my signature pink tutu!
Just like a fairy tale, Prague unfolds like a story, its streets leading me through its magnificent architecture, its bustling markets overflowing with treasures and delights. Even my ride back to my hotel was an absolute delight ā a gentle carriage pulled by two sturdy grey horses. It really was a fairytale experience.
I just canāt resist these fairytale elementsā¦my friends. What do you think ā am I officially the āQueen of Pink Tutusā? Itās such a dreamy way to be known, donāt you think?
Oh, and speaking of queens ā did you know that Czech balletās origins can be traced back to the royal court in Prague? Itās no surprise really, as every single square, every ancient palace, every cobbled street - everything sings of that fairytale heritage!
This is my little glimpse into a wonderful new chapter in my Pink Tutu Diary, and my story with Prague will continue next week, with the inside scoop of the local ballet scene and all the exciting ballet-inspired boutiques Iāve been exploring. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the delightful horse-drawn carriage rides I've been taking around Prague! Just a little hint, this one's a true fairy tale ā you have to see my photo!
Stay tuned, my dearest Tutu Lovers, and make sure you catch me here next Wednesday at www.pink-tutu.com for another whirl through my magical ballet life!
Until then, rememberā¦ every day is an opportunity to dance, dream, and twirl your way into happiness, one pink tutu at a time.
Ciao!
