Wednesday, 16th May 2018
Good morning lovelies! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a new Prague adventure, and this week's post is bursting with blush-tastic brilliance! 🩰💖
I've been wanting to visit Prague for ages, and finally, it's happened! It's the perfect combination of stunning architecture, enchanting cobbled streets, and, most importantly, a thriving ballet scene. Oh, how I've missed the twirling and the leaps, the elegant lines, and the sheer joy of movement.
Speaking of movement, you wouldn't believe the journey I took to get here! Now, I'm not afraid of a good adventure, and a trip on the Eurostar to Paris felt like the perfect start. I was lucky enough to find a gorgeous vintage carriage with velvet seats and charming attendants - just picture it, my pink tutu flowing as I whizzed past the French countryside! 😉
Once in Paris, the adventure continued on the most magnificent, velvety soft pony, I mean, train! Honestly, these Europeans really know how to do travel in style. We went through the lush green hills and valleys, all the way to the heart of Bohemia. And let me tell you, arriving in Prague with the city’s majestic spires towering above was a moment to remember.
My first stop in Prague had to be, of course, the charming Old Town Square, an explosion of history and beauty. It felt like stepping back in time! I’m sure you’ve seen all the photos, the gothic astronomical clock, the beautiful architecture, and the brightly coloured buildings, but you simply must see it in person to fully appreciate its charm. I took a million photos, naturally. After all, I couldn’t let my followers back home miss out on this beautiful experience! 📸
Now, let’s talk about my raison d'être – the ballet! Tonight I'm heading to the beautiful National Theatre, a historic architectural gem with stunning neo-Renaissance features, which truly does feel like stepping back in time, like being in one of those magnificent European opera houses, to see The Sleeping Beauty. It’s my all-time favourite ballet – I adore the romantic tale, the exquisite music, and the glorious costumes. And I'm planning a seriously fab outfit – my vision includes a light-pink tutu, pearl necklace, and gorgeous gold heels. You know, just my usual elegant and, well, Pink Tutu chic! 😉
Now, my darlings, I’m going to have to leave you now to go to my local fashion boutique – I just had to buy another exquisite pink tutu. Oh, it was pink perfection! I will definitely post about my outfit later, you will just love it!
Until then, take care and don’t forget to check back for more Pink Tutu Prague adventures next week!
Oh, and if you are feeling inspired and want to live out your ballerina fantasies with a Pink Tutu of your own, be sure to check out the Pink Tutu website, *www.pink-tutu.com. You’ll find a selection of beautifully crafted pink tutus, along with other items to add that finishing touch to your ballet outfit. I am passionate about empowering everyone to embrace their inner ballerina! So, what are you waiting for? Pink is definitely the new black – wear your passion, embrace the dance, and don’t be afraid to twirl! 🩰💖**
## The History of Ballet, A Deep Dive
Now let's delve into a little bit of history, something I love to do - talking about ballet, its wonderful history, and how its elegance resonates throughout time.
Ballet, in its essence, is a magnificent story of artistry, dedication, and breathtaking skill that spans centuries. Its roots, like a majestic tree, intertwine with royalty, courtly ceremonies, and a dance form that emerged in the beautiful French Renaissance court of the 16th century. Imagine graceful figures swirling in exquisite gowns and breeches – it truly feels like something out of a dream.
I love ballet's fascinating history – how it was first performed at court balls, a visual delight for the privileged few, and eventually became a captivating public spectacle, with performances showcasing tales of heroes, romance, and tragic beauty.
Over the centuries, ballet evolved like a blossoming flower, each era adding its unique bloom to its history. The era of Marie Antoinette is a favourite – just think of the breathtaking costumes and grand court balls, which I think definitely influenced the pink tutus, in the 18th Century! It is impossible not to love the graceful elegance of these dancers and their exquisite costumes – oh, to live in those romantic times and dress up like those beautiful figures! 🩰💕
Then, there was the 19th century - think of the dramatic tales and emotional depth, the beautiful artistry and the passionate stories expressed in dance. Just thinking about the Romantic era makes my tutu practically twirl with excitement.
And oh, what about the ballet schools of Russia? These beautiful training grounds, with their dedicated pupils who committed their lives to achieving technical brilliance, a perfection that almost borders on the mythical. And, it's in this magical era, we see the tutus evolve further, into the exquisitely sculpted garments that we now know. Imagine all the steps they developed during this era, how they became so elegant and powerful - just think of the artistry, the technique, the endless hours of practice, which made ballet so elegant, powerful and just... magnificent!
So, here’s a tip: whenever you have the chance, step into a ballet performance – be it on a stage, a city street, or at a ballet class. Immerse yourself in the world of this timeless art, let your spirit twirl with joy and take inspiration from those who have danced, dreamt and inspired, with such captivating passion, throughout history. And you know what, you don’t need to be a ballerina to enjoy this world, just be ready to fall in love! 🩰
## Pink Tutus - A Short History
Now let's chat about tutus, which I’m sure we all agree are just the most beautiful garments! Think of them as ballerina royalty, graceful, elegant and totally twirl-worthy! 😉
There are so many types of tutus; classical, romantic, and the famous ‘tutu paquet’ or ‘tutu a la Française’, which, with their beautiful frills and billowing shapes, really capture a dancer’s elegant lines. And you know what, these lovely garments haven't always been associated with ballet. Just picture this: In the early days, the ballerina costumes actually were inspired by women’s fashion - the long flowing gowns. I know, who would have imagined this, the long flowy, romantic outfits would one day morph into the stunning garments they are today!
It wasn’t until The Romantic Ballet Era of the 19th century, that a revolutionary designer called Marie Taglioni, the daughter of one of the most renowned ballet masters, thought “why not cut the skirt up above the knees, creating a new lighter and more flexible style for my dancers? * She made this vision happen, and that's how the iconic and elegant ‘tutu paquet’ came into existence! It’s no wonder they are called 'Romantic Tutus', it's pure romantic magic and beauty, just picture them dancing through the stage and they simply glow, just like all the iconic, beautiful dancers of the time! 🩰
* Now, think about what it would have been like to see that first tutu? The audience was astonished, they’d never seen a ballet costume so beautiful and revolutionary!* And you know, this stunning change became a huge milestone – it liberated the dancers, allowing them to leap, twirl, and dance in ways previously unimagined.
I wonder how many dancers at that time wished they’d been there, watching those dancers pirouette across the stage!
And oh, the tutus continued to evolve throughout the late 19th Century and the early 20th Century with those lovely classical ballerina costumes and their beautiful long skirts, the ultimate ballerina style – I really think this elegant, romantic silhouette is what everyone immediately thinks of when they imagine a ballerina. 🩰
And as for Pink Tutus - my absolute favourite type of tutu, these iconic garments burst into the scene in the late 1960s with the revolutionary designs of the one and only Rudolf Nureyev. Now that is truly history making stuff!
The Pink Tutu, which has now become one of my signature colours (who knew I was following history?) is actually all about modernism! It’s bold and it shocks! Think of those dancers performing in pink with their fabulous grace – they became real celebrities and that colour was associated with strength and dynamism, almost as if it is screaming – Look at us, we’re here, we’re bold and fabulous! 🩰
I believe that Pink Tutus truly embody what I’m about: empowerment, elegance and fun! I always aim to feel confident, graceful, and of course, always full of positivity! Just as Marie Taglioni was a trendsetter, I aim to do the same and hopefully, one day I'll inspire a trend of pink tutus, or at the very least encourage you all to have fun with your inner ballerina. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and go for it, my darlings – let your heart guide you and allow your spirit to soar! 💖
## Prague, a Dance Lovers’ Delight
Prague, however, is a true gem. Every cobbled street feels romantic and every corner you turn offers the most delightful views.
Just last week, I happened to catch a street ballet performance - this fantastic, captivating blend of graceful moves, emotive storytelling and the energy of an outdoor show was right outside the Municipal House - which, in its beautiful art nouveau design, truly gives you a sense of timelessness and an appreciation of the arts. This was truly a special moment - imagine seeing these talented dancers against the backdrop of one of Prague’s grandest buildings! You can feel the passion in every step they take, the music swirling through the air, as these beautiful dancers perform to captivate audiences of all ages!
Prague is truly a city that has it all, for all its vibrant beauty, from the historical grandeur of its architecture and cobbled streets, the enchanting cafes to the captivating performances that showcase ballet and its unique blend of artistry and history, this truly is a ballerina’s dream. Prague's cultural heritage is rich in beauty - It’s an amazing location for a real fashion statement, with so many cute vintage stores for finding that special little tutu or a vintage pink cardigan to compliment that tutu I just got in Prague. It's perfect for twirling through those stunning streets, feeling every step you take with your Tutu! I can just imagine me now, walking the streets in my elegant, sparkly pink tutu and the matching accessories, with a little ballerina pouch slung over my shoulder - now that's what I call perfect ‘Pink Tutu Chic’!
Oh, and before I forget, Prague also has the most beautiful, quirky boutiques for tutus – it’s simply paradise for any aspiring ballerina – I am sure you'll all be impressed! I simply had to buy one for myself, as it was absolutely irresistible and oh-so-pink!
But it's time to sign off, as I have a beautiful ballet show to go to this evening – I think it’s a new production of “Giselle". This has got to be one of the most moving and emotive ballets ever created! Oh, and my tutu is the perfect color pink – I can’t wait to wear it and feel all those romantic, powerful emotions, inspired by such amazing dancing and artistry!
See you all next Wednesday for my next blog post – don't forget to follow my Prague adventures, every week on www.pink-tutu.com. It’s Pink Tutu magic, week after week – we will travel all over the world, with pink tutus of course. So don’t forget to follow and let your heart take you to wherever your ballet dreams lead you to!
Stay twirling and make every day sparkly and fabulous! 💖
Emma xx
