#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2021-03-31

Hello lovelies! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another post from your favourite tutu-wearing, pink-loving blogger - me!

This week, I'm writing to you from the heart of Prague, a city that’s truly stolen my heart (and, frankly, my wallet – so much amazing shopping!). I'm not exaggerating when I say Prague feels like a fairytale, a place where every corner hides a charming café, every cobbled street whispers forgotten stories, and every bridge sparkles under the moonlight, reminding me of the grand ballets of yesteryear.

This magical city has become my current home, and I'm here because my love for the ballet brought me here! I’m not just here to admire the architecture (although Prague has the most gorgeous buildings), I’m here for something more profound – to soak in the culture and history of the Czech Republic's incredible ballet scene.

Before I tell you about the show I saw tonight, let's chat tutus for a moment, shall we? Did you know that the very first ballet tutus weren't always so fluffy and pink? Imagine that - tutus weren't the ultimate symbol of femininity we know and love!

You might be surprised to know they actually began in the late 1700s. Back then, ballet dancers, particularly the male dancers, wore loose trousers called "culottes" (no, they weren’t a fashion crime! 😉). To give them the appearance of greater leg length and grace for the choreography, Marie Camargo, a celebrated Parisian dancer, was the first to have her tutu (or what we might consider the very early version) created in a new style.

She used lighter fabrics, revealing her ankles and even sometimes parts of her calves! Oh, how much she must have thrilled audiences! Can you imagine how bold that would have been, back then?

Then, in the mid 1800s, the now more familiar Romantic tutu emerged – long, layered tulle skirts designed to create a flowing, ethereal effect that emphasized the dancer’s graceful movement. That's where we see the beginnings of tutus really embodying the spirit of ballerinas, floating around the stage with ethereal beauty.

Of course, nowadays we have a vast spectrum of tutu designs - there's something for everyone! From the full, fluffy, multi-layered tutu for classical ballet to the short, cheeky tutu perfect for contemporary dance, the modern tutu truly shines as a symbol of the artistry and evolution of ballet itself.

While I am an avid supporter of tutus on stage, I also believe there's a place for tutus in everyday life, wouldn't you agree? That's why I try to incorporate them into my wardrobe whenever possible. Prague, a city overflowing with fashion and style, has been an absolute joy to explore for tutu inspiration!

The first stop for a sartorial adventurer like myself? The legendary vintage shop "Vintage Diva", hidden away on a quiet side street in Old Town Prague. I always go in blind, you see, which is the best way for discovering hidden gems! My mission? To find the most dazzling tutu for my evening's entertainment, and let me tell you, this time was no exception!

Vintage Diva’s shelves were stacked with fabulous clothes, from delicate lace dresses that whispered tales of forgotten waltzes to statement necklaces begging to be worn on the stage of life. And yes, I was not disappointed - amongst those beauties was my perfect find. It was the one!

It was an exquisite confection of a pale lavender tulle, a vintage beauty, with layers that whispered "poetry in motion" with every sway. A vision of graceful old Hollywood, yet utterly modern. To call it a tutu wouldn't do it justice - this piece was a masterpiece!

Next, I found myself wandering down a quaint street lined with antique stores - a rabbit hole of curiosities and secrets! There I spotted a pair of pink ballet shoes that shimmered like a fairytale come true. Not a new purchase, not quite, as I already own several pairs of pink ballet shoes (pink being my absolute favourite colour!), but it’s impossible to resist these charming additions to my ballet shoe collection, perfect for any occasion, and frankly, the more the merrier, wouldn't you say?

You can’t leave a charming little city without treating yourself to some afternoon tea, can you? I went to a delightful little tea room tucked away behind a picturesque courtyard and let the afternoon melt away in a sea of warm chamomile tea and the sweet taste of scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam - what's not to love? It was utterly delightful and almost reminded me of home - I do miss my Derbyshire tea rooms, after all.

Now, let's get down to business! The highlight of my trip? Attending the ballet! Today’s show was "The Sleeping Beauty," which played at the enchanting Estates Theatre (a place absolutely oozing with charm and elegance!)

The Estates Theatre, originally a private opera house, and now one of Prague’s most impressive theatrical venues, was buzzing with excitement. I saw so many people looking elegant in beautiful dresses, but to my immense delight, there were several tutu-wearing souls.

Even if it was the “look” rather than a fully formed ballet dress, some even wore their pink tutus, and that is what my blog is all about - helping bring out the ballerina inside of every one of you. Let’s break down the walls of “dressing appropriately” and start living out the stories you dream up, especially as every day can be a stage for your imagination, if you make it that way.

From the very first note of Tchaikovsky’s music, I was transported into a realm of magic and wonder, everything, from the delicate choreography to the stunning costumes was just so impressive, I literally had goosebumps! Every gesture, every twirl, every step was pure magic, telling the classic tale with both a classical flair and new levels of expressiveness. It made me feel so joyful!

This timeless fairy tale is still incredibly poignant, exploring themes of true love, beauty, the enduring power of goodness and how kindness can always conquer evil!

The choreography, too, was exquisite! From the fluid movements of the courtly dances to the breathtaking leaps and turns, it was a beautiful blend of classical grace and intricate steps, reminding me why the ballet has endured through centuries! It’s the beautiful blend of beauty, talent, and history that is why we go.

If you are reading this, please try to see The Sleeping Beauty at some point. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Tonight, as I wander through the enchanting cobbled streets, my thoughts dance, with memories of “The Sleeping Beauty”. It is truly magic, in all its graceful beauty! I know I will remember this magical journey to Prague forever, so full of balletic magic, sartorial surprises and a good cup of tea!

This fairytale city and its passionate love for the arts have truly charmed me, reminding me why the world needs more tutus. So go on, wear a tutu today, wear a tutu every day – embrace the inner ballerina in you! Let your own magic unfold and let your life become a story worth telling.

See you next Wednesday for another journey through my world of pink tutus! Until then, embrace your inner ballerina!

Emma x

(Remember, this post is written in British English, and Emma's blog features the typical British style.)