#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2002-06-19

Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-tastic blogger Emma, back from a whirlwind week in Prague, and oh my, what a time it was! This beautiful city has stolen a little piece of my heart, and it's not just because of the incredible architecture, the delicious food, or the vibrant street performers – it's because Prague absolutely buzzes with ballet. It truly felt like I was stepping into a storybook, and not just any storybook – a classic fairytale, filled with beautiful ballet moments, breathtaking scenery, and even a touch of mischievous magic!

As always, I took my trusty pink tutu everywhere, and let me tell you, it made a statement! In the charming Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock chimes with whimsical figures, I twirled in my tulle and felt like I belonged in a Tchaikovsky ballet. The pastel-hued houses lining the cobblestone streets felt like the backdrop for a romantic, dreamy pas de deux, and the Charles Bridge, with its gothic statues, seemed to beckon me to pirouette across it, towards the magic of the other side.

The journey itself was magical. My travels began with a beautiful train ride through the rolling hills of Derbyshire, where my journey to Prague started. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the train wheels was a comforting melody, the countryside a kaleidoscope of green and brown, and I couldn't help but imagine I was in a scene from 'The Railway Children'! Then, once I arrived at the station, I realised my dreams really did come true: I took a pony ride to my Airbnb, my new best friend was a tiny chestnut mare called 'Pinkie' who I must say wore the pink the best! She helped me settle into Prague in style. It was like something straight out of a fairytale, just missing the friendly woodland animals and a charming prince!

But enough about me (for now!) Let’s talk about why Prague has my heart, pink tutu and all: the ballet! It truly stole the show, as always. It was just a little over a month since I danced the lead in 'Swan Lake' in Derby (my biggest solo performance to date!) and I couldn't resist exploring more of this graceful world. Prague's National Theatre was just brimming with stories.

Now, you might think Prague is just a beautiful, ancient city. You’d be right – but it’s also bursting at the seams with ballet heritage! Prague's rich ballet history dates back to the 17th century, and it’s had a place in the heart of this city ever since. I couldn't resist a little history lesson during my time there – learning about the iconic ballet "Giselle", born from the city's deep cultural roots and folklore! I even found the oldest preserved ballet manual (can you believe it?!) dating back to 1741 - so incredible!

And I'm not just talking about history! This city is still pulsing with a vibrant ballet scene. From street performances to the magnificent National Theatre itself, I was enchanted by the sheer artistry.

Speaking of the National Theatre, the iconic golden-gilded building itself was breathtaking. It’s considered one of the most beautiful theatres in all of Europe and, well, who am I to disagree? Every step inside took me back to my own dance academy - even my ballerina shoes made a twirling-worthy clinking sound against the marble floor!

There's something special about a ballet performance that draws in a crowd from all walks of life. The excitement, the anticipation – it’s simply electrifying. I felt a tingle run down my spine as I slipped into the plush red seats. Oh, and of course, I got the obligatory photo in front of the iconic National Theatre, with my pink tutu held out like a princess in a grand waltz. (I'm not kidding, everyone should get one of those! The locals thought I was a crazy but lovely English girl with pink hair...they even asked to get a picture!)

The theatre I watched at, with the stunning 19th-century gilded detailing, transported me to another era – imagine an elegant 19th-century grand ballroom, filled with the swirling grace of ballerinas and the soaring melodies of a timeless ballet. I saw a performance of "Swan Lake" - what a truly magical experience! It made my heart sing, with each pirouette and arabesque echoing with the passion of Tchaikovsky's timeless music. The graceful dancers, the elegant costumes, the powerful storytelling—every moment was a captivating masterpiece! The National Theatre had this electric energy and every note made my toes twitch, almost forcing me to step onto the stage myself! I nearly did. I did practice my pirouette in the foyer afterwards...just to make sure my feet remembered!

But let’s talk about something even more spectacular...

One of my favourite things to do, wherever I travel, is to explore the local fashion scene. You’ll never find me without my signature pink tutu (who am I kidding? I have about three in my wardrobe!), and Prague absolutely embraced it. In the heart of Old Town Square, where a kaleidoscope of stalls sell traditional crafts and souvenirs, I was swept away by the charming vintage shops and the abundance of stylish boutiques that dotted the city.

Now, my dear friends, this trip was definitely a pink-a-licious experience! Every turn on the streets of Prague felt like a fashion show, from the bohemian chic to the classic European style that fills these shops, the beautiful Czech crystal that glistened, it felt like a personal treasure hunt! My trip wouldn't be complete without picking up some souvenirs – and no trip is complete without a pink find.

My most prized find? A vintage lace tutu in a deep blush pink that would've been perfect for "Swan Lake". With each delicate lace detail and fluffy layer of tulle, this tutu was truly a masterpiece, reminding me that vintage style, just like a beautiful old ballet, can never truly be out of fashion. You might be surprised to hear I even bought two extra tutus just for my sister back in Derby (she doesn’t even know I am secretly working on getting the whole family into pink tutus – my ultimate aim is for everyone to be a dancing, pink, tulle loving whirlwind).

And then there was the fashion! In Prague, the styles I saw felt like they were dancing from one season to another. It was an amazing melting pot of classic bohemian elegance, sleek city chic and a splash of vintage flair!

But it’s not all just beautiful fashion and twirling about, Prague is an incredibly tasty experience, too!

Prague wasn't just about the ballet or the fashion for me - it's all about delicious moments! Now, it’s time to tell you all about the food I was enjoying while I was there. The vibrant cafés and the rustic pubs filled with the sound of lively chatter – every taste bud in me was on holiday. Let's just say Prague's cuisine had me falling head over heels (and of course, onto my pink tutu)!

From steaming mugs of frothy hot chocolate to trdelník, those irresistible Czech pastries coated in cinnamon and sugar - I tried it all! My heart (and my tummy!) especially fell for their traditional roast goose, the delicate goulash and the decadent desserts, especially their famous sweet dumplings! Every bite was a delicious symphony for my taste buds!

Now, as much as I love a delicious, traditional meal, a good glass of Czech wine really rounds out any visit! And let’s not forget about the Czech beers. It seems as though every pub in Prague serves its own distinctive brew and trust me, every single one I sampled was heaven in a glass. But with a pink tutu, only a certain amount of delicious beer can be taken, so I chose my glasses carefully!

The little alleyways with cute café gardens were another favourite place of mine. Imagine, you are in a corner, a steaming cup of spiced tea in hand, a gorgeous pink tutu looking like the most beautiful ballet backdrop, and surrounded by an ancient cobblestone cityscape. Every corner held a new wonder - I could have stayed forever!

I hope I’ve inspired you to explore Prague and dance your way through its charming streets and soak up the atmosphere with me, darling!

Until next week, darlings!

Stay tuned for my adventures from next week!

Always dancing and twirling,

Emma xoxo