Hello, darling readers! It's Emma, your tutu-loving blogger, reporting live from Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires", a title that perfectly captures its stunning architecture and charming energy. This week marks the 7th installment of my Prague blog, and it's been a whirlwind of romance, culture, and of course, fabulous fashion! 💖
Remember my motto? Pink is always the answer. And here in Prague, with its pastel-hued buildings, cobbled streets, and a history steeped in royal intrigue and bohemian artistry, I feel like I've stepped into a fairytale. 🏰
This week, I found myself at the Prague State Opera, where I was swept away by the breathtaking performance of "The Nutcracker" - I mean, how could I not be, surrounded by glittering ballerinas, beautiful sets, and a captivating storyline that felt both whimsical and profound.
Oh, but before I delve into the exquisite beauty of this theatrical gem, let me rewind the clock a bit, to the moment I landed in Prague. The city's air crackles with excitement, filled with the rhythm of street musicians, the rumble of trams, and the gentle laughter of children playing amidst the ancient streets. The smells are intoxicating too – coffee wafting from cozy cafés, sweet pastries from charming patisseries, and even a hint of old-world charm that whispers of long-ago history.
I, naturally, began my exploration with a delicious afternoon tea at the grand, opulent Hotel Imperial. Sitting beneath sparkling chandeliers, indulging in dainty sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and perfectly brewed Earl Grey tea, I felt like a princess straight out of a fairytale, in my pale pink tutu, of course. The Hotel Imperial’s architecture is spectacular, with grand, soaring ceilings, delicate floral designs, and luxurious furniture – it's a delightful contrast to Prague's more bohemian side.
And then, a walk through the Old Town Square! It's bustling, lively, and oozing with medieval charm, where history seems to dance in every cobblestone and every gabled house. The Astronomical Clock, which chimes with figures and intricate gears, is truly a sight to behold. I, naturally, snapped a photo, standing before it, twirling my tulle skirt in a triumphant flourish, pink tutu gleaming in the sunshine. 💖🩰
From the Old Town Square, I found my way to the Charles Bridge, another architectural wonder with views of the Vltava River that simply took my breath away. I felt a wave of emotion, inspired by its romantic ambiance, the artistry of its stone carvings, and the countless stories etched into its very being. A moment of quiet reflection, lost in the captivating beauty of this timeless marvel – pure magic!
But let’s talk about Tutus!
My travels through Prague have not been just about architectural marvels and delectable treats. No, it's also been a delightful exploration of the city’s hidden corners and secret gems. While I am in Prague, I am seeking out anything to do with the history of the dance. And where better to start than in the beautiful, baroque Estates Theatre? I have found this fascinating! It is Europe's oldest surviving opera house and, even though it only started to be used as an opera house from the late 19th century, I did get to see how they put on plays for royalty hundreds of years ago. It makes me appreciate our contemporary ballet stages even more! There are only very few in the world that still preserve the traditional elements and use historical scenery, like this theatre, but for someone as excited as me, they should preserve it!
It’s been said that Prague is known as the “heart” of Europe. Perhaps this is due to its rich culture, beautiful architecture and lively music. As the heart of this incredible continent, I have always been so intrigued to see what Prague's connection to the ballet world would be.
You see, darling readers, I have long believed that Tutus are much more than just fancy garments, but vessels of expression, time capsules of ballet history, and emblems of beauty and grace. That’s why I can’t let my travels into the past go by without researching more of the tutu’s history, which actually can be traced right back to Prague, 1500 years ago, to the Czech town of Kutná Hora, and an invention known as Tuta, which was a small bodice that the women wore. A small bodice was the precursor of the more familiar form of the tutu, which made its formal debut at the end of the 18th Century with the rise of Romanticism in Art.
Did you know? The Romantic Era not only brought us fabulous music but gave rise to a new era of expressive dance! This shift from stately court dances to movement driven by emotions made it imperative for ballerinas to express themselves with greater freedom. Imagine, tutus made their grand debut when people began celebrating emotion and creativity in art – it was meant to be, wouldn't you say?
And Prague, it seems, has a deep and abiding connection to Tutus. From the Estates Theatre and the ballet legacy that the Czechs were proud of during the Hapsburg reign to today's Prague State Opera's renowned ballet companies, tutus have twirled across the stages of this magnificent city for centuries! The intricate craftsmanship, the beautiful tulle fabrics, the elegant shapes, they’re all like chapters in a ballet-themed book that chronicles dance and its place in culture. And let's not forget, a vibrant, international community of ballet fans and artists calls this city home, fueling its cultural scene and enriching its already vibrant artistic legacy.
So darling readers, as you know, I always get involved in every single detail of every ballet, so you bet your bottom dollar that I had a dance lesson with the wonderful Czech National Ballet, where I learned some lovely choreographed dances. But I had a particular fascination for ballet shoes and, wouldn’t you believe it? In Prague there are a wonderful collection of pointe shoes dating right back to the 19th Century!
What’s more, in my quest for all things Tutus, I went to visit The Theatre Institute, the prestigious art institution. They are fantastic and were amazing at sharing their collections of vintage ballet costumes with me, from exquisite hand-painted silk tunics dating back to the early 20th Century to stunning tutus that featured in the original staging of famous ballet works like The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake! How wonderful!
But before my pink tutu twirls itself back onto the train for home, let me tell you a little about the performance I saw at the Prague State Opera. The Nutcracker is simply timeless, a heartwarming classic for the holidays, with a mix of charm and fantasy. And Prague, oh darling readers, is a city where magic blooms at every turn! This ballet performance felt all the more special surrounded by the majestic architecture of this city – the stage, the ballerinas, the story, and even the orchestra felt like they belonged in a fairytale.
For a truly special experience, make sure you experience a ballet at the Prague State Opera, and maybe, just maybe, you'll be mesmerized as I was by the spellbinding grace and the pure artistic magic of each ballerina, bringing to life the delicate movements of The Nutcracker!
From the dazzling ballerinas twirling on stage to the twinkling fairy lights in Prague's streets, it feels like the entire city is celebrating this enchanting holiday tradition. This trip to Prague has been the epitome of beauty, romance, and exquisite grace. From its architectural wonders to its passionate culture and ballet history, I fell completely in love with Prague.
Don’t miss me next Wednesday, as I will be discussing a magical Czech fairy tale in my next blog: The Nutcracker in Prague – Behind the Scenes! 🩰 See you then! 💖
P.S: If you haven't done so already, darling, head over to my website www.pink-tutu.com for a whole selection of exciting photos from my fabulous travels, with everything from ballet class photos, backstage theatre shots to delicious twee little cakes – so sweet!
