Bonjour from Prague!
It’s Wednesday, and that means a fresh post on www.pink-tutu.com! This week I’m in the absolutely breathtaking city of Prague, a place that feels like it stepped right out of a fairytale. Cobblestone streets, charming squares, majestic architecture – it’s everything a girl could dream of. And, of course, no trip to Prague is complete without a little ballet!
But first, let’s talk about my journey here. Remember how I told you I adore trains? Well, I boarded a gloriously plush Eurostar in London and, within a few short hours, was whizzing through the countryside towards the Czech Republic. You know those journeys that are just pure, blissful, soul-soothing travel? This was one of those!
There was even a lovely chap playing the accordion. It's amazing what a little bit of live music can do for your mood! I have to admit, I hummed along to a few of those old-school tunes!
Prague - My Arrival
Once in Prague, I couldn't resist exploring by foot! The old town square is utterly magnificent - an explosion of colour and architectural beauty. Those beautiful churches with their onion-shaped domes... they truly are breathtaking. And did I mention the fairytale clock?! Oh, it is utterly delightful.
Speaking of charming, the Prague Castle just about knocked my pink tutu right off! The views are sensational. And I found a little shop filled with the most fabulous Czech glass – you know I'm a sucker for anything sparkly!
But back to the main attraction – the ballet!
A Touch of Magic at the National Theatre
Tonight, I'm off to witness a performance of “La Bohème” at the breathtaking National Theatre. It's the jewel of Prague, and I’ve heard wonderful things about this venue – and the ballet, of course!
The performance is about to begin and I'm feeling pretty chuffed. There's something so exciting about watching ballet in a different country. It's like immersing yourself in a whole new culture, experiencing their history through their art! I have no doubt it's going to be a captivating night.
A Passion for Pink Tutus
One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the connection we can build through ballet, across borders and cultures. It's a universal language of grace and emotion, a celebration of the human spirit, a reminder that beauty truly knows no boundaries.
You know, the concept of tutus has evolved dramatically over the years. And the "pink tutu", specifically, holds a unique place in my heart! I mean, a pink tutu embodies so much - joy, confidence, femininity... and the sheer fun of expressing yourself! I am convinced everyone should wear a pink tutu at least once in their life. It's the perfect expression of that inner ballerina in all of us!
On My Ballet-Related Adventures...
Did you know that I fund my travel adventures by giving ballet performances? That's right! When I'm not travelling, I am a performing ballerina in England. I have the greatest time bringing the magic of ballet to life in our little town in Derbyshire. This allows me to follow my dream of experiencing the world and exploring its fascinating culture, one ballet step at a time!
And speaking of my beloved Derbyshire, I thought I would take you back in time a bit, because I recently stumbled upon a fascinating historical fact. You won't believe this:
In 18th Century England, there was a small town in Derbyshire, quite near my own home, which boasted its own ‘Ballet Master!’ His name was George Walker.
And guess what he was most famous for? Well, it certainly wasn’t pink tutus... Instead, he was the creator of a curious "entertainment" called a "Ballet of Dancing Monkeys."
Sadly, there is little information available about this strange entertainment, so all we have is our imaginations to create the picture! It's not the usual graceful dance you’d expect, now, is it? Perhaps the monkeys danced in bright colourful costumes. Who knows? It seems that the fashion for dressing animals in costumes has been around for centuries!
Back to Prague...
While George Walker and his monkeys are delightful to imagine, right now I'm completely engrossed in the present day Prague! The sheer energy and life that vibrate off this city is palpable, making it a captivating experience that I just know will forever stay with me.
It is easy to see why it is so popular with visitors from all over the world, and not just those seeking out stunning architecture!
Speaking of Prague’s beautiful architecture, let's dive a little deeper. Prague is renowned for its incredible Gothic architecture. You can't go far without stumbling upon grand gothic cathedrals. There is something incredibly captivating about those high, pointed arches.
But the Czech Republic, in its entirety, boasts so many stunning styles, from Renaissance and Baroque to Art Nouveau and Cubist.
Speaking of styles... the Prague Fashion scene is pretty impressive too! It’s not all vintage dresses and antique jewellery in this city! Although I must admit, there are plenty of those in the wonderful boutiques dotted around the Old Town! I picked up the most beautiful necklace today at a stall in the Market Square, a beautiful Czech garnet, something you just don't find every day!
My absolute favourite shopping spree though was a gorgeous vintage dress boutique called 'Elegant Vintage'. The dresses in here were like nothing I’d ever seen. I ended up purchasing a gorgeous blush pink silk evening dress with the most beautiful beadwork and sequins - perfect for a night at the ballet, of course! I was so delighted to find this little shop, tucked away off one of the narrow streets near the astronomical clock!
Oh, and I can't forget to mention Prague’s world-renowned charm! Every corner holds a new story, from hidden cafes and courtyards to quirky independent stores and cosy local markets. And the food?!
Prague’s cuisine is something else entirely – I could happily eat my way through all of it! I can’t resist the local favourite “Trdlo,” which is a delightful, crispy doughy treat covered in sugar. It’s an absolute must-try for any visitor!
You can find this local delicacy in countless places but I can wholeheartedly recommend one particular stall, 'Trdlo U Cuketky.' They make it fresh before your eyes, with a selection of flavours to choose from including Nutella and cinnamon - I indulged in both!
Of course, I can’t leave out mentioning the famous Bohemian Crystal. It’s world-renowned, and the city’s collection of crystalware is breathtaking. I picked up some stunning goblets at a little boutique near the Charles Bridge – the owner told me it is all crafted in a small village just a short distance outside of the city – what a story to go with your purchase, wouldn't you agree?
I must go now, my darling readers! But I’ll be back next Wednesday, when I’ll be sharing some of my experiences at the Prague ballet show. So make sure you’re all sitting pretty, wearing a stunningly elegant outfit (or even a pink tutu! Maybe? Just a thought!) because we are going to be taking a dive into the exciting world of ‘La Bohème’, right here in Prague.
Stay beautiful! Emma x
