Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the enchanting city of Prague, the heart of Bohemia, where cobbled streets wind like the arabesques of a graceful ballet and every building whispers a thousand stories.
It's a crisp Wednesday morning, and as I sip my latte (a little frothy, of course, because whatâs a ballerina without froth?) and peer out at the fairytale spires of Prague Castle, I canât help but feel utterly smitten with this city. This week, itâs time to indulge my inner princess - not just any princess, mind you, but a pink tutu-clad one, complete with sparkly crown and all! And as a seasoned traveller who makes my way around the globe on a carefully choreographed budget of dance gigs and street performances, I must say, Prague is the perfect place to feel truly like a fairy-tale heroine.
Before I tell you about my thrilling ballet adventures, though, let me paint a picture of the quintessential Emma arrival. As always, I journeyed by train, of course! Who could resist a plush carriage that carries you through breathtaking landscapes with the romantic clickety-clack of wheels on tracks? I adore the charming simplicity and the way it reminds me of my early ballet lessons, travelling to and from the dance studio with my mother. Itâs so much more magical than those crammed airplanes, even though those were a necessity in my early performance days.
However, when it comes to truly magical travel, nothing quite beats the enchantment of a pony ride through the fields of Derbyshire, where my family has a little patch of heaven. When I arrive in a new city, I feel a special sense of arrival that makes it seem like my journey truly began. I do think, darling, that my signature pink tutu makes this part even more wonderful.
Upon arrival in Prague, my first mission, as always, was to explore the shops, naturally! Prague has been called the "City of a Hundred Spires," but I would like to re-christen it the "City of a Thousand Fabrics!" From vintage treasures to designer boutiques, itâs a shopaholicâs paradise.
Of course, a ballerina's journey wouldn't be complete without a touch of lace and a shimmer of sequins. I found a divine little shop called âDancing Delightsâ where they specialize in gorgeous fabrics - oh, the swathes of velvet, silks, and taffeta, just waiting for my imagination to transform them into new tutus! And letâs not forget the magnificent display of feather boas, for added twirling impact!
Now, for the big eventâŚtonight, my dears, I will be witnessing a dazzling performance at the legendary Estates Theatre! You see, Prague holds a special place in my heart because it is the very place where, in the 1780s, the first true tutu made its triumphant debut, crafted in the luxurious satin and silk of the age. Isnât that extraordinary? That's just one reason why I canât resist an evening at the opera or a ballet performance! I must confess, Iâm also quite fond of the velvet seats. So glamorous, and such a treat for the senses.
Speaking of history, the very act of twirling has always held a special fascination for me. From ancient cave paintings depicting figures in twirling poses to the rhythmic movements of early fertility rituals, dance, and, in turn, the tutu, has always been an intrinsic part of human expression. Just like in those cave paintings, weâre celebrating something larger than ourselves when we put on a tutu! And I have to say, that really does make me feel fantastic.
Tonightâs ballet is titled, âThe Enchanted Waltz.â The story follows a young ballerina who falls in love with the moon, who takes her to an ethereal world filled with magic and twirls! Sounds fabulous, right? I already know I'll be entranced!
Of course, no ballerina is truly complete without the right footwear. My feet have carried me all over the globe in the pursuit of my dreams - from performing in Parisian cafes to sharing my passion on the streets of Tokyo! So naturally, my Prague wardrobe wouldn't be complete without a fabulous pair of ballet shoes. After much careful deliberation, I settled on a pair of cherry-red, handmade satin slippers. It's my belief, darlings, that thereâs a certain kind of grace that just comes with a bright pair of shoes, especially when the shade matches my pink tutu perfectly! And since the ballerina's dance shoes are such an essential part of her character and life, I knew that this was one indulgence that I had to give myself.
With all my dance attire chosen, I'm all set for a week of fabulous fashion and fantastical dancing! You see, I believe everyone is capable of unleashing their inner ballerina! The pink tutu is just a starting point â itâs a symbol of your dreams, of the way you twirl through life with your own special kind of grace. It's a powerful statement, I think, a way to celebrate the woman we all are - elegant, feminine, and oh so fun! So donât be afraid to embrace your inner dancer - a pink tutu may be just the thing to set your heart and your feet on a journey you never thought possible!
In the meantime, you can follow my adventures here on www.pink-tutu.com, because this is just the start of my Prague adventures! Until next Wednesday, darling!
Sending you all a wave of twirls, Emma
