Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina-turned-travel-blogger, bringing you the latest instalment from my adventures across the globe – a whirlwind journey to Prague, the enchanting City of a Thousand Spires. This week's post is all about dreamy cobbled streets, magical performances, and a little dose of tutu-licious fashion – naturally. After all, what better way to explore a city than with a swirl of pink tulle, a cheeky pirouette around a historic square, and a sprinkle of fairytale magic?
From Derbyshire to the Czech Republic
Packing for Prague was a real treat. I carefully selected the perfect pink tutu – a blush-coloured confection of layers and tulle, with shimmering sequins cascading down the skirt. It's the one I wear for special occasions, the one that always makes me feel like a fairytale princess. I tossed in my trusty ballet shoes (the ones with the ribbon laces – I simply adore the way they look with a flowing tutu) and then came the fun part: the clothes shopping!
Prague, like any good fashionista, is a city full of quirky shops and designer boutiques. From vintage lace to contemporary cuts, I managed to fill my suitcase with fabulous outfits: floral dresses, billowing blouses, and delicate scarves, all chosen to perfectly compliment my pink tutu, of course! But let’s be honest, I have a real penchant for a good hat. For Prague, it was all about a wide-brimmed straw hat with a playful pink ribbon around the band. Just imagine me, a splash of pink against the backdrop of Prague’s famous astronomical clock, a sight to behold, wouldn't you agree?
A City Steeped in Ballet History
Now, darling, we can't talk about Prague without diving into its rich cultural heritage, and for me, that means exploring the city’s beautiful ballet history. Prague is an enchanting hub for ballet enthusiasts, it’s like a time machine taking you back to the Golden Age of ballet. The city played host to some of the greatest ballerinas of their time, the likes of Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky graced its stages with their incredible talent. Even today, Prague embraces ballet, and every year the city welcomes world-class productions to its prestigious stages, like the National Theatre, a veritable palace of the arts, a grand old dame of Prague's cultural landscape. This very night, I’m stepping out to enjoy the National Ballet Theatre's production of 'Giselle,' and trust me, I've never been more excited.
The Splendour of the 'Giselle' Performance
Tonight's performance was nothing short of breathtaking! I had butterflies in my tummy, a giddy sort of excitement I get when I put on my tutu. The National Theatre's grandeur made a dramatic entrance; towering pillars, plush red velvet seats, and that scent of age and theatre. It was magical.
Then the lights dimmed and the music began. It’s like stepping into another world; the artistry, the passion, the sheer joy of movement that unfolded on stage captivated me. The prima ballerina, with her ethereal grace and expressive movements, brought the character of Giselle to life with such tenderness and depth. It was so heart-wrenching!
Of course, I couldn't resist taking a few photos for my Instagram. A pink tutu at a ballet performance – now that's what I call a truly magical experience!
Prague’s Cultural Treats
After the performance, I headed straight for the theatre's gift shop, naturally. A new pink tutu never hurts! I snagged a delicate ballerina-themed necklace, an elegant piece that speaks of graceful curves and artistry. And oh my, have I told you about my adorable vintage ballerina print I discovered in a tiny shop tucked away in the Old Town Square? The perfect little souvenir for my home in Derbyshire, it's already nestled perfectly above my ballet bar.
Prague is such a feast for the senses! It’s a whirlwind of medieval architecture, vibrant markets, cobblestone streets that beckon you to wander, and delightful cafés that entice you with pastries and fragrant coffee.
And oh, the shopping! The fashion in Prague is a delicious mix of the traditional and the avant-garde. I discovered a vintage boutique tucked away in a hidden cobblestone lane. The store was overflowing with beautiful silks, velvets, and lace. I was particularly smitten with a 1950s-era ball gown – a delicate shade of lavender with sparkling sequins. I just knew it was a perfect match for a Parisian tea party (that's a post for another day, darlings).
Discovering Hidden Gem of Ballet Performance
As my adventure continued, I found myself exploring the cobblestone alleys of the Old Town, searching for hidden artistic treasures. I stumbled upon the Divadlo Viola, a small theatre nestled within the labyrinthine heart of the city. This jewel box of a space has the magic of a hidden ballet performance. To my delight, the next week, the Divadlo Viola was featuring the Czech ballet collective, a group of young dancers blending classical technique with modern and contemporary themes. It was a fantastic display of creativity, a perfect example of the beauty of dance breaking barriers and connecting with audiences from different cultures.
Prague’s Enchanting Evening Walks
Every evening, I love to take a long stroll through the enchanting city centre. It's the time for the city to put on its evening attire, its charm heightened by twinkling lights. It's like walking into a fairytale as the streets shimmer under the glow of streetlamps. I can't resist the charm of the city's picturesque bridges, especially the Charles Bridge. The setting sun creates a symphony of golden hues and reflections in the Vltava River. I imagine dancing through the streets, a ballet of colour and movement.
I’ll leave you now, darlings! Tomorrow, I have a delightful rendezvous with the National Ballet Museum – another must-do for every ballerina travelling to Prague. The museum showcases the rich history of ballet in Czech lands. There are original ballet costumes, photos from past performances, and some absolutely breathtaking sculptures of dancers. They even have an interactive exhibition, with a full-length mirror where you can practice your moves and channel your inner dancer. I’ll be sharing a review next week after a morning of swirling pirouettes and taking in the beauty of ballet history.
As always, remember to be kind to yourselves, find your inner sparkle, and always keep your pink tutus close. And if you have a chance, step into the wonderful world of ballet! You won't be disappointed!
Love and pirouettes, Emma xxx
P.S. I have another little announcement – next week's blog post is all about the most magical place in Prague, the famous Tyn Church. A true fairytale castle! You wouldn’t believe the history – but that’s a secret I’m going to reveal next week.
