Bonjour mes amies! This is Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to my weekly misadventures! Today's blog takes you straight to the heart of Prague, a city steeped in history, bursting with beauty and brimming with...well, you guessed it, pink tutus!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink-Tutu.com blog post, fresh from the cobbled streets of Prague. I've been here a week now, travelling by train, of course! (Nothing quite beats the romantic click-clack of wheels and the endless view of fields racing past.) And let me tell you, Prague has completely captured my heart! This city is just so charming, so magical. Think fairytale castles, golden-domed churches, and bridges lined with storybook-like houses.
Speaking of magical, I'm in Prague for the biggest reason of all: the ballet! This week marks my 2nd visit to the world-renowned Prague National Theatre, a masterpiece of architectural elegance that stands majestically on the bank of the Vltava River. Oh, to think that the very walls of this glorious theatre have witnessed some of the most iconic ballets in history! My imagination just runs wild imagining all the famous ballerinas who have graced these stages ā from the greats like Pavlova and Nijinsky to contemporary stars I only ever dream of meeting.
The sheer history of the ballet world is enough to make any tutu lover swoon! Did you know the very first ballet, āThe Ballet of the Queenā, was performed in 1581? Of course, it wasnāt a tutu in the way we think of it today ā think more layered gowns and courtly formality! However, by the 1700s, the tutu as we know it started to develop, evolving over the years into the iconic garment we know and love! But enough about tutu history for now - let's get back to my Prague adventure!
A Night at the Ballet: The Pink Tutu's Prague DreamThis week's performance was "Giselle," a hauntingly beautiful story of a village girl who falls for a disguised nobleman. I was mesmerized by the passion, grace, and emotion of the dancers. The story is filled with classic ballet elements ā betrayal, jealousy, and ultimately, sacrifice. I don't want to spoil it for you ā you simply have to see it! And yes, I wore my special pink tulle tutu for the occasion, a perfectly sparkly confection. (Of course, it matched my new pair of rose-gold shoes, picked up from a divine little boutique off Old Town Square!)
The "Giselle" performance was beyond incredible. Every move, every pirouette, every pliƩ, told a part of the story, a silent symphony of graceful emotion. As I watched the ballerina perform her iconic mad scene, I felt a lump in my throat, such was the raw vulnerability and emotion of her performance. The costumes were gorgeous too, a symphony of soft, pastel hues that reminded me of the romance of the "Giselle" story.
After the show, I found myself caught in a swirling vortex of pure bliss. The stage was no longer the familiar theatre stage but an escape route to a realm of elegance and wonder. I could picture myself on that stage, every twirl and jump a testament to the beauty and joy of ballet. Maybe, one day, that dream will come true!
Shopping and Sweet Treats: Pragueās Charm in Every CornerEvery journey, you see, is not just about performances and museums, it's also about savouring the small moments. One afternoon, I explored the enchanting Old Town Square, its cobbles worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, its buildings a kaleidoscope of colourful faƧades. The heart of the city, pulsating with the warmth of cafes and the joyful laughter of tourists and locals. The most enchanting shop in the whole square had to be the antique jewelry boutique nestled within a courtyard! This haven for vintage jewellery, gleaming silver, sparkling diamonds, and unique baubles is any fashionista's dream come true. (I admit to being slightly tempted by a vintage ruby ringā¦ )
Later, I succumbed to the irresistible lure of Czech pastries and sat sipping a steaming mug of spiced cider in a quaint, timber-beamed cafƩ, surrounded by the aroma of gingerbread and cinnamon.
The rest of my week in Prague was just as delightful, filled with wandering through museums, losing myself in charming cafes and trying out the best local street food (I've got to recommend the goulash! So comforting and tasty!), exploring fairytale castles and cobblestone alleys, admiring the breathtaking Prague Castle and enjoying views over the city that take your breath away! Oh, and the music! Every day was filled with a new musical discovery - from the echoing music of the cathedral's bells to the traditional Czech music wafting from charming pubs in the heart of Old Town.
I have so many exciting moments from this trip Iām eager to share, like the time I found myself joining a group of local women on a boat tour on the Vltava River, soaking up the sunshine, and admiring the city from a different perspective. But thatās a story for next week! (Donāt worry, my pink tutu was even suitable for a boat trip!)
Prague truly stole my heart, with its beautiful architecture, enchanting old town, romantic setting, and vibrant energy! This was a trip filled with joy, romance and the joy of finding something new! Oh, and I found a truly magical pink tutu, complete with delicate embroidery and twinkling diamante sparkles in a shop near the Charles Bridge. It's just the perfect pink tutu for my next "Swan Lake" performance at the theatre in Derbyshire next month, but thatās a story for another time. Until then, stay stylish and embrace the pink tutu life!
From Prague with love (and a dash of glitter!),Emma
P.S: Did I mention my pink tutu matches my new tiara? You'll have to wait till next week for more on Prague's secret vintage tiara shopā¦
