Hello, my darling darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, and I'm positively giddy to be in Prague! This enchanting city has stolen my heart with its cobbled streets, breathtaking architecture, and the most delectable cakes I've ever tasted (the cream was positively divine!).
This week's blog post marks the start of my Prague adventure. As you all know, I fund my travels through my beloved ballet performances, and the opportunities for graceful gigs in Prague have been positively blooming! I've already had the pleasure of dancing in a charming outdoor theatre nestled amongst the old town buildings. It was an experience straight out of a fairy tale, with the gentle sounds of street musicians wafting in the air as I pirouetted under the starlit sky. The audience was positively enthralled, and afterwards, I even had a gentleman offer me a rose!
Of course, a trip to Prague isn't complete without indulging in the city's historical charm. On Saturday, I'll be exploring Prague Castle, a fairytale-like complex perched atop a hill, promising panoramic views of the city. I'm picturing myself twirling amongst the intricate courtyards, a perfect backdrop for some Instagram-worthy photos! And don't even get me started on the shops! Prague is a haven for vintage fashion and one-of-a-kind treasures. I'm positively buzzing to find a beautiful pink tutu to add to my collection - just imagine the perfect photo op in front of the iconic Charles Bridge!
Pink Tutu & Prague Ballet
Oh, the beauty of Prague! Not only is it aesthetically captivating, but it boasts a rich ballet history. Did you know that the very first ballet company in Bohemia (the historical region which includes Prague) was established in the late 17th century? It's truly a testament to Prague's appreciation for the artistry of dance.
Of course, my favourite part about this beautiful city is its plethora of ballet performances. My dear friends, I am here to tell you that if you love ballet, Prague is your haven. Tonight, I'm off to see the magnificent Czech National Ballet perform "Giselle". It's an absolute must-see, and I'm practically bursting with excitement to be transported by their graceful movements and captivating story.
Speaking of Giselle, it is a beautiful story and was composed in the Romantic era of ballet, which has become one of my favourite ballet periods! Oh, my darlings, did you know that Giselle’s costume - yes, the costume that the ballerina Giselle wears throughout the entirety of the performance - was the most important element of her character portrayal?! How delightful! And a fine reminder that even a character's outfit can be as telling as her movements.
I do so love a good ballet costume, don’t you? Perhaps one day I’ll find an enchanting Giselle costume of my own in one of Prague's vintage boutiques. Wouldn’t it look lovely dancing amidst the cobblestone streets? It would be utterly magical. I’ll just have to watch out for any jealous witches - Giselle was a woodland sprite, so witches never treated her very well.
Prague on the Pink Pony: Adventures in the Czech Republic
The other day, I decided to embrace the true essence of the Czech Republic and experience the joy of riding a pony! Yes, you read that right. Prague offers pony riding through the enchanting countryside, a whimsical adventure for a tutu-clad ballerina like myself. Can you imagine, a gentle pink tutu floating through the breeze as I gallop through green meadows? Pure perfection!
Of course, I had to pick a pink saddle! Isn’t it just wonderful how the colour pink fits so seamlessly with any situation? And just wait until you see my photos - a perfect pastel paradise against the lush greenery! And do you know what the pony’s name was? *Belle! * How absolutely delightful! It almost felt as if destiny brought me together with such a wonderfully named steed!
From Derbyshire to Prague
Being so far from my home in Derbyshire brings about all sorts of nostalgic memories, which always come flooding back in moments like this. I fondly recall all of the hours spent twirling in my own ballet studio. From the beautiful old studios of Nottingham Ballet, through to my private lessons with Madame Tchaikovsky, right to my current training with my dear friend Emily, and my latest, London-based performance for Ballet Dreams, my journey through the dance world has led me all over Britain. But for all those miles travelled, I am never so glad to leave the studio for adventures. I wonder, how far will this adventure in Prague take me? I suspect my ballet shoes will be leading me many fascinating places!
Pink Tutu Fashion: Prague's Glamour
My darlings, you already know that a ballet blogger's life is synonymous with fashion! And let me tell you, Prague is brimming with chic boutiques and charming vintage stores. From the grand boulevards of Old Town Square to the quieter streets tucked away amongst historical buildings, fashion in Prague is a true joy to behold.
On Saturday, I'm heading to the Anděl neighbourhood, known for its trendy shops and cafes. You won’t believe the adorable shops! Just thinking about browsing for new ballet shoes is making me positively flutter! There’s also an adorable vintage shop with a fantastic array of clothing - I suspect I’ll be spending a lot of time there… just to be on the safe side, my dear friends, I've brought a rather large suitcase this time. (Don’t worry, it’s a pink one, and my pink tutu sits nicely in a bespoke little carrying bag!)
My travels, however, are never complete without a little touch of practicality. Luckily, Prague's markets are renowned for their fresh produce and artisanal treats. The colours are simply breathtaking. You just know you can get the most incredible pink and white flowers from these beautiful street stalls! Don’t be surprised if you see me back at my little studio with a little bunch on my desk - I just love their fragrance!
Finding Your Inner Ballerina: Pink Tutu Inspiration
One of the joys of traveling is embracing the local culture. In Prague, I'm soaking up the rhythm of the city, not only through the local ballet performances but also by joining in with its captivating dance traditions. For example, I recently discovered a class teaching the Czech folk dance "Od tanca", which involves beautiful whirling motions and is so uplifting to learn. The moves are absolutely adorable! You can’t even imagine! I imagine me doing those moves in a big, pink tutu – it would be completely magical, and it will add some new flair to my London-based Ballet Dreams!
Every city I visit, I always search out those hidden gems – that special shop or secret spot only those ‘in the know’ have heard of, where they keep an eclectic array of the best and the brightest items, often those that represent the heart of that location! For those in Prague, I’ve found a wonderfully unique ballet boutique, hidden in a beautiful old street! They have these beautiful handmade tutu-style skirts in the most delicate fabrics, you just have to visit it! It is the absolute ideal stop for a tutu-loving traveller!
Prague's infectious energy reminds me of something I often say in my Pink Tutu blog: to discover the magic of life, we must simply allow ourselves to twirl! And that, my darling darlings, is exactly what I plan to do in Prague – embrace every moment, discover the hidden treasures, and let the beauty of this magnificent city sweep me off my feet.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog! I promise you will not want to miss out! In the meantime, why not pop over to our Pink-Tutu online store? I’ll see you next Wednesday!
