Hello my darlings! 🩰 It's Emma here, back with you from the breathtakingly beautiful city of Prague, my fabulous little pink tutu fluttering in the wind. It's Wednesday, which means another instalment of my weekly travel blog for you! Today's adventure takes us right back to July 4th, 2001, where the magic of Prague and the enchantment of ballet collided.
This past week has been filled with so much lovely loveliness, from exploring Prague's captivating architecture, the enchanting cobblestone streets, and of course, indulging in the delicious Czech cuisine - heavenly dumplings, anyone? But you all know what my favourite part of travelling is - the ballet, darling! It's practically an unwritten rule in my life - no trip is complete without a stunning ballet performance.
This trip, however, had a different kind of ballet magic in store for me. Prague's rich cultural history had a particular draw for me. You see, Prague holds a special place in the history of ballet, having hosted the first ballet performances ever in the Czech Republic way back in the 16th century. Oh, how my inner ballet historian squealed with delight! Can you imagine witnessing the origins of something so powerful, so graceful, so... pink? 🩰
This week, I was completely enchanted by a delightful show at the famed National Theatre in Prague. "The Nutcracker" always has a special place in my heart. As a ballerina, it was a ballet I fell in love with as a little girl, and seeing it performed so flawlessly here was magical. The dancers were absolutely divine, the costumes, exquisite, and the stage design truly transported me into the enchanting world of Christmas. Seeing Clara and the Nutcracker pirouette across the stage, in my own bright pink tutu, I felt as though I could pirouette along with them!
Of course, before any show, my dear friend (and fellow ballet aficionado), Henrietta, and I like to do a little bit of shopping. Henrietta had a magnificent turquoise satin tutu in her suitcase, and we found some perfectly gorgeous sequined gloves at a quaint shop on Charles Bridge. We are now the epitome of Prague-chic, don't you think?
There’s a special buzz in Prague – something so unique, so filled with life. Everywhere you go, there’s a new sight, a new sound, a new scent, and it all somehow whispers ballet to my heart. The city has been buzzing with street performances too. Yesterday, we came across a troupe of street dancers - and one of them even had a bright pink tutu on! 🎀 How delightful. I may even start collecting pink tutus from all over the world!
Today, after indulging in a scrumptious lunch of Trdelník pastries (absolutely divine, by the way), we visited the National Gallery. Prague's history of ballet was simply fascinating - the way they transformed old Baroque balls into something grand, elegant, and just pure fun, reminded me of my days back at the Derbyshire ballet academy! Every twirl in a tutu became an exquisite piece of history, don't you think?
Of course, a trip to Prague is incomplete without a visit to the iconic Prague Castle! The majesty of the castle, the views from the ramparts, the sheer energy of the place - I felt a certain connection to history, a connection that reverberated in the steps of my own dancing soul.
On the way to Prague Castle, we went for a leisurely carriage ride through the beautiful Old Town. Our gentle little horse was so beautifully groomed, I felt like a princess. Now, who needs a car when you can travel through Prague in such elegance? The slow pace gave me the opportunity to admire all the beauty surrounding me.
Prague, truly a city to love! My heart is full of the beauty and energy of Prague. The rhythm of the city, the enchanting music, the rich history, and of course, the magic of the ballet, have me already planning my next visit!
And now, darling readers, it's time for a ballet class! We've got to stay fit for all those upcoming performances, don't you think? Do pop back next Wednesday to see my pink tutu fluttering in a brand new location. Don't forget, my little lovelies, always embrace the pink tutu!
Until then,
Emma xx 🩰
