Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, writing to you from the enchanting city of Prague! The air here is thick with history, and the cobbled streets seem to whisper stories of kings, queens, and, of course, ballet! 🩰
This week, as always, I'm channeling my inner ballerina, whirling through the sights and sounds of this fairytale city, all in a perfectly pink tutu. Because what else would a tutu-loving ballet enthusiast wear on a European adventure?
This trip to Prague was a bit different from my usual travel adventures. You see, my passion for ballet often overlaps with my travels. It’s a dance of passion and practicality: I perform at local venues in Derbyshire to fund my trips! It's not all pirouettes and fancy footwork, of course, but it lets me chase those balletic dreams, travel, and explore all the exciting ballet scenes around the world!
Speaking of dancing, I’m particularly thrilled to be in Prague this week because tonight, I'm off to see a spectacular performance at the beautiful National Theatre. Can you imagine? Prague National Theatre, the jewel of Czech culture, built on a river island and teeming with history. I can practically hear the violins now! 🎻 And guess what, dear readers, I’m planning to wear my brand new pink tutu that arrived just this morning, hand-made by the fabulous Emily Grace. You know me, always striving to make every adventure a bit more glamorous!
Before I divulge the delightful details of my performance tonight, let's step back and explore Prague itself. It's a city that effortlessly combines whimsical charm and sophisticated elegance, with its pastel-coloured buildings, soaring gothic spires, and historic bridges.
One of the highlights of my stay was visiting Prague's stunning Old Town Square, which I find fascinating for its beautiful history. Its heart is a bustling scene, bustling with markets and street performers. It’s the perfect place to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city and watch locals going about their day, as a little ballerina on her own private pink tutu adventure.
Speaking of bustling scenes, there’s one shop I can’t resist exploring in Prague: a whimsical little boutique I found called The Tulle Boutique. Now, any shop dedicated to tulle should be deemed worthy of my attention. In there I found myself admiring some beautifully crafted tulle fabrics of the finest quality, the kind of tulle I envision swirling around my body in a magical ballet. My little ballerina heart almost burst with delight!
While in Prague, I was determined to indulge in all things pink, and, believe me, I’m not just talking tutus! From pink lemonade stalls with delicate floral decorations to delicious pink macarons served in charming cafes – Prague certainly knows how to capture the essence of my beloved hue. Even the Czech pastries, with their vibrant pink icing, were just begging to be photographed alongside my pink tutu.
So far, Prague has treated me to a whirlwind of visual delights. The city itself is an open-air art gallery with countless art nouveau buildings adorned with whimsical, colourful details. I've even managed to sneak in a quick ballet class in one of Prague’s hidden squares! Who knew Prague was such a great place for ballets? (Answer: I did! 😜).
However, this journey wouldn't be complete without a touch of ballet history, something I absolutely love about travelling to different countries. You know how I feel about tutues, how obsessed I am! I love learning about the history of how tutues developed. Did you know that the iconic tutu, the symbol of ballet, had its origins right here in Prague?!
It all started back in the 17th century with Marie Sallé, the pioneering French ballerina known for her groundbreaking innovations in ballet. It's rumoured she actually travelled through Prague during one of her early tours! It makes my heart dance to think she may have twirled around the very same streets I’m exploring today!
She’s remembered as being the first to adopt a less bulky ballet costume, replacing the elaborate rococo gowns with something simpler – a loose-fitting, calf-length skirt that eventually evolved into the tutu we know today! It's no surprise that the heart of Europe was the birthplace of this groundbreaking ballet garment, a garment I absolutely love wearing in Prague.
However, even though I'm having a magical ballet time, my adventures in Prague extend beyond tutus and theatre. One of the most charming aspects of Prague is its tranquil atmosphere. The Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, the winding lanes - each has its own unique story to tell. It's a place where you can feel calm, surrounded by history and a charming, romantic aura that is perfectly reflected in the city's architecture and people.
Speaking of people, Prague's residents seem to live by a gentle rhythm, enjoying the pleasures of their beautiful city, and it's truly infectious! Evenings are alive with street music, vibrant markets, and enchanting walks along the Vltava river. Prague is definitely a place to enjoy slow moments, even when it comes to choosing pink pastries.
In just a few hours, I’m going to the National Theatre. Tonight is going to be magical - it's going to be the ultimate tutu experience! I'll be twirling my way to a wonderful ballet show! Imagine! A show in a historic venue! And I get to be a part of the show as the Pink Tutu Lady!
But, for now, I have to dash - my beloved ballet outfit needs finishing touches before I head to the theatre. Until next time, darlings, keep twirling!
With love and tutus,
Emma
P.S. Did you know that the first recorded mention of "tutu" in a ballet performance dates back to the 1839 Paris opera ballet, La Sylphide? Now, there's a fun fact you can share with your ballet buddies! 🩰 😉
