Bonjour mes amis! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a brand new blog post from your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina! This week, I'm taking you on a magical journey to Prague, a city that stole my heart and filled it with dreams of waltzing across cobbled squares. But first, let me tell you a little bit about how I even got here!
You know, I recently performed in a beautiful production of "Sleeping Beauty" at the Derby Theatre, and let's just say, the audience loved it! It wasn't just the grand pas de deux I did (with a gloriously twirling tutu, of course), but also the shimmering costumes, the sweeping sets, and the heartfelt storytelling that transported them all to a different world. The applause and the whispers of "brava" just spurred me on, filled me with a renewed passion for dance and an urge to experience the magic of ballet in different places.
So, here I am, nestled in a quaint little cafe in the Old Town Square, a cup of steaming coffee in hand, watching the world go by in a whirl of colourful costumes, historical facades, and the clanging of tram bells. It's as if Prague itself is preparing for a grand ballet performance! I must admit, the pink brick facades and pastel coloured buildings here are quite inspiring! It feels like a pink tutu could simply be a part of the scenery here.
Before I tell you more about Prague, let me explain what's brought me to this magical place: a long-standing dream!
You see, for years I've been fascinated by the Czech ballet scene. They have such a rich history of dance, a love for beauty, and a whimsical, almost storybook-like atmosphere. From their beautiful 19th-century National Theatre to the smaller intimate theaters, I couldn't wait to immerse myself in it all.
But travelling on a dancer's budget requires a bit of ingenuity, doesn't it? So, I've been saving every penny from my various ballet performances - whether it was the fundraising galas for local charities or those fabulous charity performances at stately homes - every twirl, every leap, every elegant arabesque went towards my grand Prague adventure.
I'll confess, the journey was a little different than usual, too! After packing my favourite pink tulle (naturally!), a few sparkly headbands, and an array of vintage ballet shoes (some beautiful vintage pink ones!), I set off from Derbyshire on a most splendid train journey. The gentle rhythm of the train seemed like a graceful ballet of its own. I can tell you, there's something about being on a train that instantly puts me in a dreamy mood - like the carriage is ready to whisk me away to a faraway stage.
I've always thought that a tutu looks especially stunning against a railway carriage's backdrop, don't you? It's almost like being a tiny ballerina in a large stage set! After an exhilarating, albeit long, journey, I arrived in Prague - all ready to twirl through its cobbled streets and delve into the heart of this balletic city!
Pink Tutu Prague Diary: September 8th, 2021
The first thing I did when I got here, of course, was a quick trip to the shop to buy more tutus! I spotted the cutest one in a shop tucked away in the historic centre, the color was just heavenly - like a pink rosebud blooming under the summer sun.
Prague, let me tell you, is a city where fashion comes alive! Everywhere you look, there's an explosion of style: vintage-inspired lace, delicate silk scarves, quirky handmade accessories, and oh-so-stylish men's suits! The vibrant mix is simply inspiring - like an elaborate fashion ballet in action! And of course, my pink tutu was the perfect accompaniment to this magnificent stage set!
Speaking of a stage set, I absolutely had to go to the National Theatre! Oh my, what a grand old building! As soon as I stepped into its imposing hall, I felt transported back to the golden age of ballet - a world of elaborate chandeliers, velvet-covered seats, and a palpable air of anticipation for a captivating performance.
I stood in the lobby, letting the building's magnificent architecture sweep over me. The sheer detail of the mosaics, the frescoes, and the intricate sculpture was utterly breathtaking. Even before the curtain rose on a single ballet, it felt like the ultimate theatre experience!
Later that day, I strolled down CeletnĆ” street, admiring the grand buildings. This street felt almost like the āstageā for the historical ballet of the city! I loved that they are all different styles from Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque and yet the street is full of life - it was like watching a performance in real-time.
I did notice a few things that stood out here. Firstly, the Czech people adore ballet and fashion. You can tell this by the elegant street dancers performing graceful movements on corners and the chic ladies sporting statement shoes and playful jewellery.
Secondly, they adore tradition. So much so, they embrace a modern take on vintage clothing thatās truly chic! As I traipsed down these cobbled streets in my new pink tutu, people couldnāt stop staring. I suppose it was quite the contrast! I must admit I enjoyed that!
One of my most unforgettable moments here came at dusk when I stumbled across an open-air dance performance in the heart of the Old Town Square. It was a beautiful contemporary performance of "Romeo and Juliet," which was just breathtaking! The dancersā graceful movements blended seamlessly with the twinkling cityscape in the background, it was just enchanting!
Prague by Moonlight: A Ballerinaās Dream
After that stunning performance, I took a leisurely walk back to my little apartment on a narrow lane past the historical heart of the city - all lit by golden gaslight. The cobblestones shimmered and cast enchanting reflections as I glided past gothic arches, fairytale buildings, and a bustling square filled with the murmur of conversations and the strumming of a lonely guitar. It felt as though the city itself had become a dance stage, enchanted with the sparkling glow of moonlight and the magical energy of an incredible evening.
It was a moment of pure balletic bliss that solidified the feeling that Prague and pink tutus go hand in hand. There's just a special magic here that fills every heart with the rhythm of dancing!
Fashion and the Ballet
But, this being Prague, thereās no escaping its allure in the world of fashion. Thereās something to see around every corner, it really is the best location for vintage ballet accessories, too.
Just down the road from the Old Town Square is the wonderful "Antique Delicatesse" - itās almost like an Aladdinās cave of elegant items! I spotted beautiful tutus for sale, along with some ballet shoes that seemed to be a perfect match for a glamorous ballet dancer. It was amazing to discover that even these vintage accessories had a timeless appeal!
My mind raced - perhaps this would be my next stage set? Who knows what I would design for it. I saw some truly lovely pieces, and some quirky pieces that you'd be delighted to find! A pink vintage tutu! I knew it, right there I had to buy one, my favourite colour and something so stunning.
And so the adventures continue...
Tomorrow I'm headed to the "Ballet House" - Prague's very own dedicated dance academy. I'm thrilled to be taking a class at this historic building - itās known for producing some incredible dancers and even housing a museum dedicated to the ballet!
I canāt wait to share my experience with you - learning about Czech ballet techniques, maybe even practicing some new pirouettes!
Pink Tutu: A Symbol of Grace, Hope, and Joy
This Prague trip is an affirmation that the joy and beauty of dance can be found everywhere. I believe everyone deserves to feel that thrill of movement - of twirling through lifeās stages. And for me, the pink tutu has become more than just a costume. Itās a reminder to dance with passion, express our true selves, and share that joy with everyone.
So donāt be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina, to express yourself through dance, and to let your spirit soar. Remember, even the smallest twirl can make a difference!
See you next Wednesday, when I'll be sharing more about my pink tutu adventure in Prague!
Stay beautiful, keep dancing!
Emma x
P.S: Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday to keep up with my ballet adventures! And if you're looking for the perfect pink tutu to wear to your next event, I have a great collection on my website. Shop now, and letās spread the love of pink tutus all around the world!
