Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Wednesday, and that means another week, another post on www.pink-tutu.com! This week, I'm whisking you all away to the cobbled streets and enchanting squares of Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. And yes, you guessed it, there's going to be plenty of pink and even more tutus!
You might be thinking, "Emma, how did you manage to get to Prague? Are you performing? Are you teaching? Are you on some magical quest to make everyone wear pink tutus?" The answer, dear friends, is a resounding yes to all of the above!
Now, don't get your knickers in a twist (figuratively, of course, because let's be honest, pink tutus and knickers just don't go together). I'm not a full-time ballerina, but I do make my living (and my fabulous wardrobe!) from performances and a sprinkle of magical, tutu-tastic teaching.
This time, I travelled to Prague by train (a luxurious first-class carriage, of course!), taking a whistle-stop tour of Germany to marvel at the autumn foliage and dream about Bavarian lederhosen with tutu-like flounces (a future fashion project, perhaps!). It's the most wonderfully whimsical way to travel. There's something so magical about watching the world rush past, letting your thoughts flit through time and space, imagining the stories that unfold behind each passing village and field.
Now, where was I? Ah, yes, Prague. My lovely friends at the Czech National Ballet offered me a guest spot in their Giselle performance (one of my favourite ballet tales). And believe me, Prague is just as magical as the stories it inspires.
Before we dive into the enchantment of the National Theatre (a must-see for any ballet lover, especially one with a penchant for pink), let's have a little chat about Prague's history and its influence on fashion. You can't walk through the cobbled lanes and charming bridges of Prague without being swept up in the city's rich heritage. Every corner whispers tales of emperors, kings, and artistic movements that have shaped fashion and, dare I say it, tutu design.
Take a moment to imagine the women of the Prague courts centuries ago. Their gowns, intricate with lace, ruffles, and sashes, flowing like a thousand pink ballet tutus. They might have been dancing at opulent balls, with each twirl a symphony of colours and textures, much like our modern tutus, but made with layers of fabric instead of tulle. This is the essence of Prague; where history blends seamlessly with vibrant, almost tangible artistry.
Now, back to Giselle. Imagine the magic! Stepping onto the stage at the National Theatre, Prague's iconic monument, in front of a hushed audience that filled every corner with an electric anticipation. The atmosphere was palpable - a mixture of excitement and awe, almost as if everyone knew they were part of something truly special. As the music rose, and the stage lights swept across my pink tutu, I was ready to share my passion with this amazing audience.
But, my dears, let's rewind a little and talk about shopping! No trip to Prague is complete without exploring its boutiques and market stalls, filled with Czech crystal, bohemian jewellery, and, most importantly, the perfect souvenir – a pink tutu for my travel diary!
I have to confess, it was impossible to resist the charming antique shop tucked away on a tiny alley, filled with vintage dresses and hats from another era. They even had a delicate pink tutu tucked away in a dusty corner, just waiting for me! I snatched it up faster than you can say “plié”, and it now hangs proudly in my studio, a reminder of this magical trip.
But enough about me! The real highlight of my Prague journey was witnessing the local ballet scene. I discovered the Prague Dance Festival, bursting with talent, vibrant styles, and – you guessed it! – lots of gorgeous tutus! It was an absolute delight to immerse myself in this creative explosion, filled with a symphony of movement, costumes, and passionate expression. I felt right at home!
One thing I've learned from my travels, is that every country, every city has its own unique twist on dance. Prague, with its elegant waltz-inspired choreography and blend of modern and classical ballet styles, is no exception. They even have a charming tradition called “ballet street,” where dancers take to the streets and perform for passersby. It's so captivating and a beautiful example of how dance connects people, bridging cultures and transforming ordinary spaces into enchanting performances.
Speaking of connecting, my favourite part of my travels has to be meeting the lovely local dancers, students, and fellow tutu enthusiasts! We had endless conversations about fashion, ballet, and – of course – our shared love for all things pink. I shared tips on how to add a touch of sparkle and pink to their wardrobes, and we laughed over my tales of my first clumsy ballet steps and tutu mishaps.
There's just something so heartwarming about sharing your passion with like-minded individuals. It reminds me of why I do this – to spread joy, inspire others, and make the world a more vibrant, tutu-filled place, one pink twirl at a time!
And before I go, I have a special treat for all of you, my lovely tutu enthusiasts. Remember how I mentioned that I have been travelling by train? I met a delightful, if somewhat cheeky, pony named "Sugar Plum" (seriously, how perfect is that name?) in Germany. Sugar Plum loved to dance and was wearing a tiny, hand-crafted pink tutu!
This gave me an idea, an absolutely magical one. I’ve been dreaming about organizing a pony tutu ballet performance for some time now! Imagine – graceful ponies in delicate tutus, prancing and twirling through the meadow! It's going to be absolutely adorable and oh so fabulous! Stay tuned for the exciting developments, my darlings.
In the meantime, I’m already daydreaming about my next adventure. Who knows where I’ll be next week? Italy? Russia? Maybe even the land of my dreams, the birthplace of ballet, France?
Until then, stay stylish, stay graceful, and never stop twirling in your own personal pink tutu. I promise, there’s a bit of magic in each twirl!
Yours in Pink,
Emma.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming events section on www.pink-tutu.com for my next ballet performances, workshops and a special "Pony Tutu Ballet Performance” information night coming soon!
