Wednesday, 15th April 2015
Darling readers, I'm writing to you from a delightful café in Prague, surrounded by the scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries. The sunshine is streaming through the window, highlighting the delicate lace of my pink tulle skirt (a vintage find from a quaint boutique on the Charles Bridge!). And yes, you guessed it - I'm wearing a pink tutu! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Prague adventure without a bit of sparkle, would it?
This week has been pure magic, filled with captivating ballet performances, enchanting historical sites, and oh, the shopping! I must say, Prague has a special charm. The cobblestone streets are like stepping into a fairytale, and the architecture, with its intricate towers and ornate details, is simply breathtaking. And just as I adore a good fairytale ending, the vibrant colour and playful history of this city truly captivated my heart.
Ballet Delights
The highlight of this week, of course, was the incredible ballet performance at the National Theatre. It's a grand, old building with stunning chandeliers, plush red velvet seats, and an atmosphere of hushed excitement that had me bouncing on the balls of my toes just from being there! The performance itself was a masterpiece, a mesmerizing journey of love, loss, and triumph, with every movement as precise and beautiful as a ballerina's arabesque.
Now, I know you might be thinking, "Emma, did you wear your pink tutu to the ballet?" Of course I did! And I had such fun watching the reactions of fellow theatre-goers, from a slight eyebrow raise to a mischievous giggle – it’s always a joy to sprinkle a touch of playful pink onto any occasion! It felt perfectly appropriate for this grand occasion, a dash of colour and joy against the backdrop of timeless elegance.
Fashion Finds
Speaking of timeless elegance, I must tell you about the fabulous boutiques I discovered in Prague! There's a little treasure trove of vintage clothing stores tucked away in the Old Town Square, where I found a glorious selection of antique lace, velvet, and silk – the perfect ingredients for a dazzling tutu creation! My eyes twinkled like fairy lights as I sifted through rows upon rows of exquisite fabrics. Who knows what masterpieces I will whip up from these finds when I get back to Derbyshire?
History and Tradition
Beyond the dance floor, my explorations took me to Prague's historic heart. The Astronomical Clock, with its whimsical dancing figures and ornate design, is truly a marvel! Just imagine the artistry and craftsmanship it took to create this masterpiece – something any ballerina would admire! I found myself marveling at the craftsmanship of centuries past, admiring the intricate details of the gothic cathedrals and the tales etched into every stone.
My fascination with ballet also extended to discovering Prague's rich theatrical history. Did you know that Prague boasts the oldest theatre in the world, The Estates Theatre, established in 1783? I imagine the dancers performing there in the 18th century, graceful figures in silks and satins, captivating audiences with their art. The history here makes it so easy to feel a sense of continuity, connecting my love of ballet with the artistic legacy of generations before me.
A Travel Tip (From a Tutu-Wearing Ballerina!)
Speaking of history, my journey to Prague wouldn’t have been complete without a magical train ride. I'm a huge fan of the romance of train travel – especially in a charming country like the Czech Republic. The train carriages were vintage and elegant, reminiscent of something straight out of a period drama! Of course, I donned a whimsical floral print dress and topped it off with my favourite pink satin headband – why else would I be in a train compartment without my tutu?! It was the perfect way to soak in the countryside and feel like a character in my own little ballet, "The Tutu Takes a Train Ride."
But Darling, What Was the Occasion?
This week I was particularly excited because 15th April marks the anniversary of my favourite ballerina – Anna Pavlova. This divine Russian dancer, known for her effortless grace and captivating performances, inspired a whole generation of dancers, and remains a figure of great inspiration to me. I remember the first time I saw her "Dying Swan" performance, how beautifully the swan glided across the stage, portraying grace and vulnerability with breathtaking realism.
In her honour, I spent the afternoon learning her signature steps and choreographing a tribute, imagining myself taking centre stage in the grand hall of a bygone era. You can find the whole thing documented on my YouTube channel – because sharing my ballet passions with the world is one of the greatest joys I experience as a tutu-wearing ballerina!
The Pink Tutu Revolution: A Call to Action!
My dearest readers, as you all know, I am on a mission – a mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu! From bustling city streets to the quiet countryside, from theatre balconies to cosy coffee shops, I believe that a touch of pink tutu magic can brighten any occasion. So go on, darling! Don your prettiest pink tutu, feel the flutter of tulle, and join me on this whimsical, inspiring adventure!
You can find more photos and videos from my Prague journey on my Instagram, @pinktutuemma – so join me on this journey as I explore Prague with the grace of a ballerina and the sparkle of a thousand pink tutus!
See you next week, darling readers,
With twirls and kisses,
Emma
(The Pink Tutu Ballerina)
