Wednesday 24th October, 2018
Hello, my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu Princess, and I'm writing to you from the utterly charming city of Prague! The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn a gorgeous shade of autumnal gold, and the cobblestone streets are calling for a whirl in a flowing pink tulle skirt. It's practically a tutu-tastic fairytale!
From Derbyshire to Prague by...Pony?
Now, before we delve into the delightful depths of Prague, you might be wondering how I ended up in this glorious city. It all began, as it often does, with a good old-fashioned ballet performance. I recently did a guest appearance at the Derbyshire County Fair, dazzling the locals with a bit of classic Swan Lake in a dazzling pink tulle tutu. The cheers were loud, the applause deafening, and the box office receipts? Well, let's just say they were enough to send me on my next tutu-filled adventure!
Now, normally I travel by train (so elegant!), but there was a bit of a hitch this time. Turns out the railways had a "carriage crisis," a rather unfortunate phrase if I ever heard one. What's a girl to do? Embrace the opportunity, of course! Luckily, a charming stable owner near my Derbyshire studio happened to have a very amenable pony called Clementine, who just loved a bit of a "tutu trot". She might not be as swift as a bullet train, but let me tell you, Clementine knows her way around the countryside, and even had a few sneaky tricks up her sleeve that wouldn't be out of place in a Parisian ballet. Think "pony pirouettes," darling!
It was a wonderful adventure through rolling hills and sleepy villages, and I arrived in Prague just in time for a bit of exploring before a grand evening of ballet!
The Grand Opera Ballet: A Dream in Motion
The National Theatre of Prague is an architectural masterpiece, darling, all grandeur and sweeping columns. I felt like I'd stepped straight into a ballet set, ready for my grand entrance! Tonight, the National Theatre was hosting a production of Swan Lake, and let me tell you, the energy was absolutely electric. From the first elegant step of the lead dancers, I was completely swept away. Every movement, every expression, every whisper of music, just transported me to another world. It was simply perfection. And in the finest of pinks, I might add!
But even beyond the artistry on stage, the audience itself added a delightful layer of beauty. I was amazed by the stunning fashion - there were sparkling dresses, tailored suits, and of course, a plethora of feminine pink tutus (because what's a ballet outing without a touch of pink tulle?). I had the honour of catching a glimpse of a breathtaking diamond necklace and an intricately woven silk scarf - a truly enchanting experience.
A Taste of Prague: Coffee, Cake, and...Candy Floss?
After the ballet, it was time to experience a bit of Prague's magic. We (me, my little "Pink Tutu Tribe" – the fantastic group of like-minded friends who followed me all the way to Prague!) went exploring the charming, winding streets, finding a little cafe nestled amidst cobblestone courtyards. We enjoyed cups of steaming coffee (just like my favourite prima ballerina after a performance, if I may be so bold) and indulged in the most heavenly cakes – think pistachio buttercream and delicate sponge!
But Prague, darling, isn't all sophistication. It's a city with a real sweet tooth. As we wandered the brightly lit squares, we came upon a whimsical little stand overflowing with rainbow colours and sugar floss (a most excellent snack before the evening's dancing, you understand). We bought the pink, of course – how else? The clouds looked envious as we waltzed through the evening air.
A Dance with the Stars - The Ballet Street Scene
Prague has a delightful little ballet secret: every Tuesday evening, the Old Town Square hosts a magical performance right under the starlit sky! Imagine beautiful dancers twirling in their graceful tutus and flowing leaps under the flickering gas lamps of Prague's historical centre. This impromptu show of skill and beauty adds a real spark of romance to the evening. I, of course, was swept into a whirl, my own pink tutu catching the light and dancing a graceful tango. It really felt like a fairy tale brought to life.
From Pink Tutus to Vintage Gems: A Shopping Spree
What's a trip to Prague without a little retail therapy, darlings? Of course, my first stop was the wonderful "Prague Pink Paradise", a charming vintage store overflowing with vintage pieces, hats and shoes - absolutely fabulous! I scooped up a dazzlingly pink 1950s sequinned dress, a little something for a glamorous dinner at the end of this week. (You know I always find an excuse to sparkle.)
I even stumbled upon a wonderful tutu boutique tucked away in one of Prague's quirky lanes. They have a selection that would make any ballet enthusiast's head spin! Imagine, darling, everything from classic white tulle to flamboyant fuchsia feather boas – all crafted with the same exquisite craftsmanship that makes ballet so enchanting. Of course, I left with a couple of beautiful additions to my own personal "pink tulle collection"!
The Ballet Whispers: A Peek Behind the Curtains
Prague has more than just street and theater ballet. It’s also a city steeped in ballet history, with an endless supply of charming ballet boutiques, museums, and a few secret whispers from the world's famous ballerinas. One of my absolute favourite haunts is the quaint "Cafe Ballerina", a tucked away gem overflowing with memorabilia, ballet books and rare dance programs. It's a delight for the eyes and soul - a real homage to the art of dance. Here, I often encounter fellow dance enthusiasts from around the world, sharing stories, anecdotes, and dreams.
A Tutu-tiful Ending
It’s already time to bid farewell to Prague. However, this has just been the first chapter in my "Pink Tutu Prague Adventures" and the first post of many. From charming cafe’s and hidden cobblestone alleys to breathtaking ballet performances and stunning shops, this beautiful city has swept me off my feet! Oh, darling, do keep an eye out for more Prague-tastic updates each Wednesday!
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on Instagram at @PinkTutuEmma, because life's an endless adventure (and it always looks better in a pink tutu!). Until next Wednesday, my loves!
