Bonjour, mes chéries! It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means... a brand new Pink Tutu Prague blog post, direct from the heart of this enchanting city! This week, Prague has truly exceeded even my wildest dreams. It's like stepping into a fairytale – cobbled streets, towering spires, and a whole host of pink-tastic opportunities that have filled my days with utter joy!
I travelled here from Derbyshire in the most romantic way imaginable – by train! As we sped through the countryside, the landscapes painted an impressionistic masterpiece – rolling green hills punctuated by quaint villages, all dusted with the golden glow of a setting sun. I simply couldn't resist the urge to strike a graceful pose for a few Instagram snaps - after all, a girl needs to document the beauty around her!
The moment I stepped onto Prague's charming streets, my inner ballerina did a little pirouette. It was almost as if the very architecture had been designed for a tutu-clad lady like myself! The pastel buildings, with their delicate gables and elaborate details, were like the perfect backdrop for my latest pink creations. Oh, and the vintage shops! You can imagine my delight when I found a truly extraordinary hat with feathers and velvet - perfect for a trip to the theatre, don't you think?
Pink Tutu Performance in Prague
The main reason I journeyed to this magnificent city was for a truly incredible ballet performance at the Prague National Theatre. And let me tell you, it was an absolute triumph! The exquisite sets, the vibrant costumes, the sheer artistry of the dancers – it left me completely spellbound.
This week’s performance featured a breathtaking rendition of "La Sylphide," a timeless classic that captured the romance and the magic of the romantic era of ballet. You know I adore stories of beautiful ballerinas - they're often adorned in lovely, romantic tutus! For a special touch, I added a hand-beaded, rose-gold, sheer fabric accessory to my tutu - and of course, the all-important feather boa!
And while the show itself was simply divine, the energy surrounding the National Theatre was positively intoxicating. There's an undeniable aura about the place – history whispering in every corner. As I glided into the building, feeling like a modern-day prima ballerina, I could sense the weight of the legacy behind those grand arches. This theatre has witnessed generations of ballet lovers - and now, I had joined their ranks!
The Story Behind Prague's "Pink Promise"
One thing I love most about traveling is the opportunity to discover the hidden gems that each city holds. Prague has no shortage of surprises, and I stumbled upon the most charming ballet studio tucked away in a charming, cobblestone street. I’ve never been one to shy away from a good plie!
I couldn’t resist popping in, my pink tutu shimmering like a beacon of joy in the dusty space. There, amidst the barre, mirrors, and a palpable atmosphere of dedication, I discovered a world of passion and elegance that had absolutely nothing to do with a pink tutu – but still managed to leave me completely mesmerized. The instructor, a woman named Anna, was incredibly passionate about her art – her dedication was truly inspiring. We discussed the importance of ballet, and she confessed to a soft spot for tutus herself. Perhaps my bright, pink tutu has a more impactful influence on the world than I first imagined. It's about spreading the love of ballet and beauty – the 'pink promise'!
The rest of my week in Prague has been a whirl of delightful discoveries:
A walk along the Charles Bridge: I crossed this iconic bridge on a warm evening, marvelling at the statues and soaking up the atmosphere of Prague's oldest bridge. It was the perfect place to let my mind wander and appreciate the beauty of the world. Of course, I had to pause for a few whimsical photo ops - I couldn't resist using the Charles Bridge’s iconic views as the backdrop for my ballet-inspired poses!
Afternoon Tea at the Savoy: No trip to Prague is complete without indulging in the city's culinary delights. Afternoon tea at the Savoy was truly a luxurious treat. It was a delightful afternoon spent amidst delicate china and silver.
Exploring Prague Castle: A day trip to the majestic Prague Castle, filled with stories of history and intrigue. It's truly captivating to stand in a space that has witnessed so much, the echoing laughter of royalty, the murmur of whispers, the thud of feet upon cobblestone - this is history unfolding before our very eyes!
More on Tutus - a Short History
Did you know that the tutu was not originally pink, but was predominantly white? You can still see white tutus worn in some classic ballets. I still have some in my personal collection and prefer to wear a delicate blush pink tutu or pale baby pink if I am trying to maintain a traditional, classical feel. I'm so pleased with how my tutu journey has evolved - a vibrant journey from Derbyshire to Prague. I'm sharing it with the world through my posts. It's not always pink, of course. I also adore ballet in all forms!
The Original Romantic Tutus: In the 1830s and 1840s, the original tutus weren't those puffy, full skirts. They were designed to flow gracefully. They had layers of very lightweight tulle (soft, very fine mesh) - not always as airy as the tulle of later eras! This look gave the ballerina a lighter and more graceful look - an airy form of dance which was all the rage at the time!
The Classical "Tutu" - "The Classical Tutu", a new beginning: Then in 1881, in the Parisian Opéra Ballet, Marius Petipa used a short, stiff and cone-shaped layered tutu to accentuate a dancer's form for "La Bayadère" and "The Sleeping Beauty" - these had more than four layers of tulle. You might say that this shape, known as a 'classical tutu', is very recognisable today. The shorter style was to stay as dancers moved towards the higher leaps of today - a shorter style made it easier. The modern Classical tutu (1950s, 60s, 70s and onwards) usually had a wider, almost flared shape!
The Modern Tutus (The 20th and 21st century tutus!): With a growing love for the arts (and increased access to them) in the last 50 or so years, ballet has experienced new levels of creativity - meaning so has the tutu. New technologies, more modern design styles and fashion inspirations from clothing (such as the 'flared, wider A-line shapes') were brought into the tutus, creating many exciting styles! You can see some absolutely astonishing, extravagant looks in some ballets of this period - they can even feature 'long' styles, a huge departure from the 1880s short, stiff versions. These tutus are the reason I get such incredible ballet style ideas for my 'pink' pieces. They help me get even more daring and creative!
This journey, of tutus, ballet, and life itself has led me to this captivating city of Prague. What began with a dream in Derbyshire has blossomed into an exploration of the world. As I head to my ballet class on Thursday, I’ll be swirling and leaping with all the joy I can muster! This city, with its cobblestone streets, echoes of history, and abundance of pink inspiration, has taken my journey to a whole new level of enchantment!
Till next Wednesday, dear friends! I’ll leave you with this thought: never forget the power of a pink tutu. It's a reminder to embrace life with whimsy, grace and a whole lot of fabulousness.
Xoxo, Emma
