Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
Dearest readers! It's a blustery Wednesday in Prague and the pink tutu is feeling wonderfully whimsical. I'm perched at a table in the most adorable cafe with lace doilies and floral wallpaper, watching the snow swirl outside. It's almost surreal, the way the city is transforming into a magical winter wonderland. It feels as if I've stepped into a Tchaikovsky ballet set, the air filled with the scent of cinnamon and hot chocolate, the twinkling lights illuminating the snow-dusted cobbled streets.
And I wouldn't be in Prague if it weren't for ballet! This trip is all thanks to a whirlwind of rehearsals and performances back in Derbyshire - all of which culminated in a delightful two-week stint with the "Ballet for the People" company at the Chatsworth House theatre. The audiences were lovely and the show went down a storm! But all good things must end, and now I'm here in Prague, living the dream.
The train journey here was utterly dreamy - a leisurely carriage journey with sun-drenched fields giving way to rolling snow-covered hills. It's amazing how even a train journey can be infused with a certain je ne sais quoi if you dress it up with the right attire - in my case, a pink-fuchsia sequined tutu and matching knitted beanie. Naturally, I couldn't resist taking some snaps - what's a tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast without a touch of photogenic flare?
Prague itself has been a delightful discovery! The city itself seems to embrace ballet like nowhere else I've been - with charming little ballet studios dotted around, stunning ballet theaters, and even a few ballet-themed shops. I already spent the entire afternoon getting lost in the most amazing fabric shop, with aisles upon aisles of silks, satins, and lace! It was a sensory overload in the best way possible - I can't wait to unleash my creative energy and make something fabulous from this trove of inspiration. The shop was just brimming with potential - imagine the tutu dreams!
But tonight's main event - the one that I've been eagerly anticipating since I first booked my tickets - is the National Theatre production of Giselle. It's going to be a dream! I can barely contain myself - to be honest, I haven't been able to stop doing pirouettes in my pink-tutu clad dreams ever since I secured those tickets. I have such a fascination with Romantic ballets. This will be a true feast for my soul. And imagine, being surrounded by so much history - the National Theatre opened in 1881 and the ballet performances are as renowned as they come.
Tonight's dress code? It's an elegant affair. So naturally, I've dug out a particularly glamorous and dramatic ensemble: my most delicate tulle skirt paired with a sparkling lace top that has intricate pearl detailing. I feel like I've stepped straight out of a Victorian-era fairytale. A dash of pink lipstick and I'll be ready to be swept away by the magic of the theatre!
Oh, before I go! There are some incredible ballet shoes in Prague that I absolutely had to try. And of course, I'll tell you all about them! After all, a ballerina simply can't visit a beautiful ballet city without discovering a few exquisite shoes. I’m off now – to dream of swans and pirouettes until the curtain rises.
Until next time, darlings.
XOXO
Emma
Pink Tutu Diaries:
I've been dying to get my hands on some Czech crystals since I arrived - they're absolutely legendary in the world of stage design! Imagine all the glitter I can add to my next costume.
On a slightly less glamorous note, Prague has an exceptional network of trams. A perfect alternative for those lazy evenings after a particularly intense ballet performance. And believe me, when the dance steps get tricky, even a pink tutu-clad ballerina needs to take things easy every now and then!
And speaking of lazy evenings, there's an amazing "Grand Cafe" I stumbled across tucked away in a courtyard - perfectly beautiful and elegant, just the place to relax with a coffee after an exciting day exploring Prague!
Pink Tutu Shopping Spree:
I did a little shopping spree today and, naturally, I picked up a few gems:
A magnificent rose gold feather boa! So versatile! Can't wait to try it out at my next performance - it's all about making a grand entrance, right?
A gorgeous blush-pink vintage hat box: I plan on transforming this into a fabulous travelling accessory! Perfect for transporting my essential pink tutu accoutrements! After all, what's a stylish ballet aficionado without some amazing accessories!
A tiny, beautifully delicate sterling silver ballerina charm for my ballet charm bracelet - It's perfect for commemorating my amazing trip! Every ballet memory deserves its own precious keepsake, don’t you think?
P.S.
- Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for more pink tutu-tastic adventures! I’ll be writing all about Giselle and what I thought of the ballet in my next post, so stay tuned, lovelies! I can't wait to share my Prague adventures with you!
*Toodles, babes! *
XOXO
Emma
