Dearest Tutu Tribe,
This week I've traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the cobbled streets of Prague, a city practically dripping with fairytale charm! Think cobblestone streets, towering spires, and a palpable sense of history that just begs to be explored, all within the shimmering embrace of a Czech winter. Honestly, I'm smitten with this place!
The Tutu Trail Leads to Prague
Prague wasn't just a random choice on the map, you know. I've been obsessed with the Czech Republic's history of ballet ever since I read that the first professional ballet troupe was formed here way back in the 18th century! Talk about a legacy! Plus, imagine the amazing costumes they wore back then, right? My mind's already swirling with visions of lavish silks, feather boas, and perhaps even the very first tutus. The more I delved into its past, the more Prague became my own personal tutu pilgrimage.
Getting There: All Aboard the Ballet Express!
This time, I ditched the plane and travelled the old-fashioned way, by train! I adore that sense of languid adventure, and let's be honest, it just screams romance, right? Imagine me, draped in a luscious pink satin scarf, tucked into a first-class cabin with a glass of vintage champagne and my well-worn copy of “Ballet Stories” by the brilliant Dame Ninette de Valois. The only thing missing was a troupe of handsome dancers to accompany me on my journey!
A Pink Tutu Princess Enters the City of a Hundred Spires
Stepping off the train into Prague's main station, I was enveloped in the city's magic. It was just like entering a whimsical painting - gingerbread houses with bright red roofs clustered together, cobbled lanes winding their way through history, and a delicate snowfall coating everything in a soft, white whisper. I practically swooned.
This wasn't just any ordinary tourist trip. I was on a mission! My quest, dear tutu enthusiasts? To explore the rich dance history that pulsates beneath Prague’s captivating facade. You'll be surprised at just how many dance-related spots I've found, hidden amongst the medieval charm:
The Prague National Theatre: My first stop had to be the jewel of Czech theatre: the grand Prague National Theatre. Its neo-Renaissance architecture was almost overwhelming. My inner child, fuelled by fairytales, was utterly mesmerised. I imagine Tchaikovsky himself could have stepped out of the building any moment! Sadly, this majestic house wasn't hosting a performance on this day, but I had my eye on the National Theatre Ballet for a later performance in my itinerary.
The Dancing House: Forget fairy tales - the Dancing House is a modern architectural wonder! This building, designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic, is as eccentric and graceful as a ballerina pirouetting across the stage. It truly is a testament to how beauty can be found in the most unexpected places! It was a perfect mix of modern design and classical grace – almost like the embodiment of the fusion between traditional ballet and contemporary dance!
Prague Ballet School: Where else would a tutu fanatic like me head to? I had to visit the legendary Prague Ballet School, a crucible where talented young dancers hone their craft, all within the elegant framework of a Baroque mansion.
- Shopping Extravaganza! : No trip to Prague is complete without indulging in the city’s shopping delights, and believe me, it was a sensory overload. From vintage boutiques spilling over with bohemian charm to modern shops boasting sleek, minimalist designs, the city's fashion scene is a playground for a pink-loving ballerina like me. Imagine the possibilities for tutu inspiration!
My Tutu Wishlist for Prague:
Every ballerina needs to pamper herself, and this Prague adventure was no exception. While I did treat myself to some adorable Czech porcelain ballet figurines (a girl needs a touch of whimsy, don't you think?), I also discovered a hidden treasure: a small, independent dressmaker who handcrafts exquisite tutus using fabrics as light as gossamer. Talk about the perfect Prague souvenir for a ballerina obsessed with the art!
A Touch of Bohemia, A Pinch of History:
This trip was so much more than just tutus and performances. The city of Prague has a palpable air of history that just sucks you in. From exploring the Prague Castle, a sprawling medieval wonder that could have inspired the sets of a dozen Sleeping Beauty productions, to wandering the ancient Jewish Quarter, a place steeped in tales of resilience and heritage, the city simply breathes magic.
Dinner for a Tutu-Loving Ballerina:
To fuel all my exploration, Prague offered some real culinary delights. Imagine indulging in succulent pork roast accompanied by a refreshing Czech beer - divine! The dumplings were heavenly! And for a more refined touch, I feasted on traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist. Imagine pan-seared duck breast served alongside earthy root vegetables, all accompanied by a glass of Czech Pinot Noir. The rich, comforting flavours truly did complement my adventures around this beautiful city.
Dancing in the Streets!
Who says ballet needs to be confined to a theatre stage? My love affair with the city continued with a joyous discovery: a local folk dance group rehearsing in a hidden courtyard! There, in the heart of Prague, were lively melodies and captivating costumes, the colours as bright as a box of crayons. The group welcomed me with open arms, inviting me to join in with a few basic steps. Talk about a spontaneous burst of cultural immersion! Dancing in the heart of the city, with these charming locals, was just as magical as any theatre production.
This Week's Ballet Highlight - National Theatre Ballet Performance: "La Bayadère"
The real highlight of this trip, however, was the much-anticipated performance of "La Bayadère" by the Prague National Theatre Ballet. I'd heard about the legendary production and was itching to witness its brilliance firsthand. The theatre was majestic, its plush red velvet seats promising a truly enchanting evening.
As the curtain rose, the breathtaking sets and colourful costumes were a visual feast for the eyes. The ballerina playing Nikiya captivated me. Her moves were light, yet powerful, every step imbued with an air of tragic elegance. The "Kingdom of Shades" sequence was nothing short of divine. It truly gave me goosebumps and left me speechless. This magical production lived up to its legendary status. It was just the fuel I needed for my next blog post!
The Power of a Pink Tutu - More than Just a Dress
But you know, it's not just the beautiful buildings or even the spectacular ballet performance that I carry with me. It's the spirit of Prague: the embrace of art and creativity in every corner, the dedication to preserving history and heritage, and the joy of everyday life. The pink tutu has given me the freedom to connect with the world, embrace adventure and find a deeper meaning behind its graceful form.
My fellow tutu-lovers, Prague was nothing short of a revelation. The magic of this city has ignited a passion for exploration within me, and as I prepare to pack my bag for a new adventure, one thing's for sure: my pink tutu will be making a triumphant return, spreading joy and inspiring dance everywhere it goes.
Till next week, my dears, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
