Hello Darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina blogger, and this week, I'm writing to you straight from the enchanting city of Prague! 🇨🇿 It's the capital of the Czech Republic, but to me, it's a fairy tale come to life, full of charming cobblestone streets, breathtaking architecture, and an undeniable artistic buzz. It's a place that just whispers, "Put on your most fabulous tutu and dance!" And that's exactly what I'm doing!
This is my very special Prague blog, post #440! Every Wednesday, I write for my devoted readers all about the pinkest, prettiest, most pirouette-worthy experiences on the planet. This week, it's Prague's magic I'm sharing with you!
I’ve always loved travel. I find nothing more romantic than whizzing through the countryside by train, my pink tulle skirt fluttering in the breeze, or hopping onto a graceful pony, its coat as shiny as a new ballet slipper, to explore new places. But this time, the journey was extra special.
Prague, for me, represents the heart of European ballet. It's where my love affair with this exquisite art form truly began! My dear mother, bless her heart, told me the most wonderful tales of ballet's history, of shimmering tutus, breathtaking leaps, and the stories they danced onto the stage. And this city is overflowing with such stories!
It was back in 2003 (you'll find my full diary on www.pink-tutu.com!), on a date so special it feels like yesterday: the 1st of October, that I first fell under Prague's spell. I was 20 years old, just embarking on my professional ballerina career, when I stepped out of the train, its platform vibrant with pink suitcases and hopeful young dancers like myself. My first time at Prague’s renowned National Theatre was magical! From the moment I stepped into that grand theatre, I felt like a character from one of my favourite ballet tales - Cinderella, maybe, or a whimsical ballerina in a production of Coppelia.
Today, Prague still holds its position as one of the leading destinations for ballet, not just in Europe but the whole world. And you'll find my beloved tutus everywhere I go! I adore combining history with fashion, and every single day in Prague, it's a wonderful spectacle! The colours are truly delightful. The terracotta roofs and ancient facades of Prague’s Old Town blend beautifully with the pastel colours of my wardrobe, and you know me - my wardrobe is brimming with everything from baby pink tulle to the most magnificent magenta silks. I think of every trip as an opportunity to explore and expand my fashion horizons!
So, what have I been up to?
Firstly, the National Theatre. Just being here is truly inspirational! It’s a beautiful building in neo-Renaissance style, with its exquisite painted ceiling and the warm glow of the chandeliers. I had to visit, of course, and was so excited to watch a performance of Giselle. Giselle is an exquisite ballet – the tragic heroine, the delicate steps, the ethereal white tutus… It made me dream of swirling onstage in Prague’s legendary setting!
Secondly, the charming dance studios in the heart of the city! There’s a real air of creativity, of striving for artistic excellence, in the old world corners of the city where talented dancers are perfecting their craft. I’m just a few hours away from a magical evening at the ballet, and the dancers’ dedication is so inspirational, just like the incredible, intricate designs of the tutus they’ll wear.
Thirdly, Prague’s magical, old world streets. I had to go on a lovely long stroll across the Charles Bridge! Imagine, this bridge, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, was built in the 14th century! It feels as if you could travel back in time, seeing artists creating portraits in the cobbled streets and witnessing the grand spectacle of the theatre just a stone's throw away.
Fourthly, exploring the charming boutiques! Prague is a city that practically whispers the names of fashion designers and fashion blogs! This is my haven of shopping heaven. I was just delighted to discover this incredible boutique with the most magnificent ballet-themed fabrics! Silk satins with delicate ballet scenes woven in, dazzling chiffons with elegant dancers dancing on their fabric…I already know what to wear for my next evening at the ballet! Every time I pick a fabric, I can already see how stunning it would look as a beautiful tutu, perfectly designed for the stage.
But what would Prague be without a little touch of whimsy? I absolutely loved the fairytale atmosphere, just walking around the cobblestone streets. The whole city feels like it’s stepped out of a magical book. And don’t get me started on the Prague Castle, a beautiful medieval marvel nestled atop a hill – its towers are majestic and elegant! The perfect fairytale setting for a little pink tulle ballet show!
The shops in this enchanting part of the city are truly something special! I managed to snag myself a stunning, bright pink coat, with an intricate, feminine silhouette, perfect for pairing with a soft ballet pink tutu, with a delicate white overlay – so elegant, so magical! I already have my eye on a breathtaking new tutu for my next performance, all ready to bring that pink, graceful fairytale feeling to the stage!
But as the night falls and the golden lights of Prague sparkle, a different kind of magic comes alive - the magical enchantment of a night at the opera! I felt completely spellbound by this unforgettable experience. The intricate melody of the music seemed to take flight alongside the delicate elegance of the choreography, creating a vibrant symphony of light, music, and movement that held the whole audience in its spell! And I found a perfect little bakery nearby where I devoured some delicious Czech pastries, each one sweeter than a waltz!
Of course, no journey to Prague would be complete without visiting the famous astronomical clock. Its colourful moving figures come alive every hour, narrating the tale of life, death, and time – and oh, the little details! They just brought the beauty of this magical city to life!
Speaking of beauty, let’s talk tutus! In Prague, I have found a treasure trove of vintage tutus, some tucked away in hidden antique stores, others in exclusive boutiques catering to dancers. The craftsmanship is truly astonishing! Some with meticulous embroidery, others adorned with layers of graceful ruffles - each tutu telling a story of elegance and creativity! I could get lost for hours browsing, imagining the graceful ballerinas who danced in them long ago.
Every day I wear my pink tutu as I explore, I imagine those historical ballerina’s wearing tutus just like mine, twirling their way across Prague's cobblestone streets! I can imagine a ballet performance where a dazzling dancer would twirl down these romantic streets. Every shop window with delicate pink lingerie is an invitation to dream of graceful dancers!
This journey to Prague has truly awakened the inner child within me, making me remember all the little wonders that made me love ballet from a young age - the sheer elegance of tutus, the captivating beauty of storytelling through movement, the excitement of a performance that allows your soul to dance. It's a place where you can't help but feel like a fairytale character yourself, gracefully stepping onto the stage of your own life story!
As my Prague adventure comes to a close, I'm feeling incredibly inspired. My mind is brimming with new choreography, new tutu designs, and of course, a wardrobe fit for a ballet queen, with the most delicate, vibrant colours and tulle imaginable! I’ll return to Derbyshire, my home in the English countryside, with a renewed passion for dance. And who knows, maybe someday I’ll even perform here in Prague. This city truly resonates with me! And I want you all to experience the same magic I have! Let’s start a pink-tutu revolution, my darlings!
Stay tuned for more dazzling blog posts on www.pink-tutu.com!
With love, Emma. 💕
