Bonjour mes amis! This week, I've swapped the cobbled streets of Derbyshire for the enchanting cobblestone lanes of Prague. My heart is doing a grand jeté, and not just because of the city's breathtaking architecture. I'm here for a little slice of cultural magic, a whirlwind of ballet history, and a sprinkle of Prague's legendary charm. And, of course, some glorious shopping – what else could a tutu-loving ballerina dream of?
It's Wednesday, the day I always update my pink-tutu.com blog, and my fingers are flying over the keyboard as I recount my adventures so far. Let's step back in time, shall we? My journey to this incredible city started with a trip on the Eurostar, one of those lovely, swift train journeys where I can revel in a good book, my favourite latte, and the thrill of a smooth and peaceful ride.
On arrival, I found myself captivated by the beauty of Prague's train station – an architectural gem worthy of its own ballet. And just beyond the grand entrance, Prague was waiting with open arms (and perhaps a charming cobblestone path, too).
My little apartment sits nestled in the charming Mala Strana district. Picture this – a tiny balcony overlooking a bustling, flower-filled cobbled street. And wouldn't you know it, a pretty pink café is just across the street. Life truly does come in perfect pink, my friends!
This week has been a delightful mix of artistic delights and Prague-y experiences.
First, let's chat ballet! Last night, I watched a mesmerising performance of “Giselle” at the National Theatre. The haunting story of the doomed ballerina captivated me, and the elegant dancers were just beautiful to watch.
I love ballet because it is so romantic, dramatic and captivating. And I absolutely adored the grand theatre's opulence. I felt like I'd stepped into a gilded dream with swirling chandeliers, rich velvet curtains, and rows of plush red seats. If I could take that majestic stage home, I would!
Afterward, a wander through the city's romantic backstreets took me to a quaint little ballet boutique, where I picked up a few charming ballet accessories – some pearl hairpins, a delicate bracelet and, of course, a gorgeous blush-pink tutu that stole my heart.
Speaking of charming places, the Charles Bridge with its historic sculptures was a breathtaking sight. The afternoon sunlight danced over the cobbled streets as I meandered, admiring the bridge's architectural details. It's a fairytale setting! Of course, my camera was my constant companion, capturing every detail of the breathtaking vistas. And of course, my latest tutu acquisition played a starring role in a few snapshots – gotta keep those ballet followers happy with new photos, wouldn't you agree?
Prague's streets have been a sensory explosion. The city hums with life, each corner offering a new enchanting discovery – from traditional Czech pubs to quaint craft shops. My most memorable find? A shop overflowing with vibrant fabrics – the kind that makes a ballet dancer's heart leap! I imagine the possibilities – exquisite costumes, whimsical accessories… My mind is swirling with ideas for my next stage creation.
And did I mention the food? Prague has been a culinary paradise. There are cafes on every corner serving the most decadent chocolate cakes – an absolute ballerina must! I have to share a secret – the secret to a successful dancer’s diet is lots of healthy food and delicious dessert. What are a girl’s gotta do, eh?
I even treated myself to a horse-drawn carriage ride, the perfect way to soak up the beauty of this historic city. Imagine – the gentle clop-clop of hooves on the cobblestones, the golden light reflecting on the grand buildings, and a whimsical pony that seemed as enchanted by Prague's magic as I was. I might be a ballerina, but even I love a bit of fairytale!
And of course, my trusty pink tutu travelled everywhere with me, making new friends on its journey – a charming old gentleman admiring its graceful flutter in the breeze, a street artist inspired by its vibrant shade, and a little girl who shrieked with joy at its pink perfection. You see, wearing a pink tutu in Prague makes everything just a bit brighter.
But my adventures aren't over! Tonight, I'm heading to "The Dancing House", a celebration of art, architecture, and dance, located on the banks of the Vltava River. I hear it's an exciting place to meet fellow ballet enthusiasts, experience the unique culture, and maybe even find a new favourite tutu! You can follow along on Instagram with me for more live photos – my handle is, you guessed it, @pink_tutu!
Tomorrow, I'm going to learn a little about the ballet history of this lovely city. There's a museum with a fascinating collection of ballet costumes, including a beautiful collection of tutus that I must see!
As my Prague journey comes to a close this week, I’m leaving with a heart overflowing with happy memories, a new ballet-inspired outfit or two, and a renewed love for this vibrant, enchanting city. Until next week, au revoir!
Don’t forget to join me on www.pink-tutu.com next Wednesday, when I’ll be back with more delightful travel tales from around the globe. After all, a tutu-loving ballerina always has a story to tell!
Stay fabulous,
Emma xoxo
