#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2004-03-24

Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for another post from your favourite pink-obsessed ballerina, yours truly, Emma.

This week, I'm writing to you from the magical city of Prague! I’ve always dreamed of visiting this beautiful, historical place, and it’s even more stunning in person than I could have imagined. The architecture is like something straight out of a fairytale, and the cobbled streets are lined with quaint cafes and shops – it’s like stepping back in time.

But you know me – I can’t go anywhere without a ballet-related adventure, so this week I’m here to tell you about my incredible trip to the Prague National Theatre. And oh my, let me tell you, it was a real dream come true.

I arrived in Prague on Sunday afternoon, my trusty travel case bursting with my favourite pink tutus. The journey was an absolute dream – I hopped on a train in Derbyshire, the rolling hills and quaint villages blurring by as I sat with my nose buried in a book about the history of the tutu (a guilty pleasure, but a very important one!). The train ride itself was like stepping into a bygone era – the compartments were luxuriously furnished with plush velvet seats and intricate carvings. The kind, older gentleman across from me, who happened to be an architect, regaled me with stories about the grand architecture of Prague. I'm always learning about fascinating things when I travel.

After an overnight stop in a charming Bavarian village, my train journey continued onwards. As the morning light kissed the fields and woods outside, my spirits soared, eager to soak up the atmosphere of the majestic city. As the train pulled into Prague's central station, the sound of laughter, chatter, and the clanging of trams filled the air. The sheer buzz of the city immediately captivated me!

I checked into my hotel, a charming boutique guesthouse tucked away on a cobbled side street, right in the heart of the Old Town. The décor was a delight: florals and pastel hues galore, creating a lovely welcoming atmosphere. And my room, oh my, was decorated in a chic vintage style, complete with a balcony overlooking a vibrant marketplace bustling with vendors selling fresh fruit and hand-made goods.

I unpacked, threw on a bright pink t-shirt with a playful ballerina print, and slipped into a sparkly silver ballet skirt (it felt so appropriate for a city this stunning!) Before exploring the city further, I stopped for a delicious cinnamon-bun-filled breakfast at a café, then set out to discover all the magic Prague had to offer.

Prague's cobbled streets, charming bridges, and quaint shops beckoned, and I spent the afternoon exploring its historic wonders. The city's glorious architecture, a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles, just captivated me. Every corner presented another beautifully decorated building to admire. And everywhere you look, there's the beauty of the Vltava river, shimmering like a ribbon of silver.

As dusk painted the sky with soft shades of pink (my favourite!), I meandered my way towards Charles Bridge, which was simply breathtaking bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. The bridge was alive with street artists and musicians creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere. I treated myself to a hand-painted miniature portrait from a street artist as a souvenir. It captures me standing by the bridge, in a bright pink tutu of course, a perfect reminder of my magical time here!

My evening was filled with the most wonderful ballet-related joy. A fabulous tutu shop just off the bridge (can you believe it!) was the ultimate pink-tutu paradise. It was absolutely packed with gorgeous tutus – in every colour of the rainbow and every length imaginable. The shop's owner, an effervescent woman with twinkling eyes, had a deep passion for the history of the tutu. She shared stories with me about the evolving styles throughout the decades. It’s an inspiration, a reminder of the long and captivating history of the ballet world!

Of course, I couldn’t resist treating myself to a little something to bring home. I bought a stunning blush-pink tutu – it’s the softest pink, like a beautiful sunset, and it’s trimmed with sparkling diamante, just like the jewels on the architecture here!

After a quick but delicious dinner, my evening culminated in the highlight of my trip – an extraordinary ballet performance at the magnificent Prague National Theatre. Standing before its beautiful neo-renaissance facade, I felt like I had stepped into a beautiful fairytale.

Inside, the theatre is breathtakingly beautiful – grand columns adorned with intricate carvings, lush velvet seats, and an expansive stage that promises an unforgettable show.

Tonight, I saw a ballet based on Mozart's magical "The Magic Flute," it really was quite enchanting! The costumes were opulent and full of movement – there was such a whimsical touch to the tutus! They swirled and floated effortlessly on stage. It's moments like this that really bring out the magical aspect of the dance, a kind of ballet-powered magic that inspires us to dream.

The show transported me into a world of pure enchantment and wonder. It was like stepping into a vivid dream! I truly love that sense of freedom and expressiveness you find in the ballet world – the grace and elegance of the dancers truly captivated me!

As the show ended and the curtain fell, the audience rose to give a resounding applause. It was one of those powerful, unifying moments, where the energy in the theater seemed to surge into the rafters. It left me breathless.

This trip is truly proving to be magical!

There’s one thing I always do on a new trip, to find that local magic and inspire people around me. I always search for a street corner, or a particularly stunning spot in the city where I can do a short little tutu ballet routine – you know, my own “flash-mob-style” dance – just for fun.

So, today, I found my perfect spot on a narrow, winding street near the astronomical clock in Prague’s Old Town Square. The buildings were a jumble of pastel pink, sunshine yellow, and muted terracotta tones - they blended so perfectly with my tutu!

To a medley of street musicians and clock chimes, I twirled, leaped, and arabesqued my way into a small ballet number, adding a dash of pink tutu magic into Prague. And to my delight, the local residents loved it!

They smiled, applauded, and joined in! It was such a joyous experience! I was delighted to inspire other people, showing that tutu love isn't just for ballerinas and professional dancers! A tutu can make anyone feel special. It's about freedom, movement, and a love for all things lovely and beautiful!

Oh, and I’m absolutely in love with the coffee here! The aromas of fresh coffee beans, the creamy cappuccinos, the perfectly frothed latte art. The coffee shops here are just delightful – so much of the beauty of the city is wrapped up in those charming cafes with their pastel tones, dainty pastries, and lively chatter. A perfect spot for people watching.

Tomorrow I’ll be venturing to a vintage clothes store I’ve heard wonderful things about – imagine all the incredible pink and vintage finds that await! Oh, how I can't wait! Perhaps some new shoes will be added to my collection, and possibly some lace-trimmed petticoats for an evening by the river. It’s going to be an extravaganza!

As always, stay tuned, darlings! I can’t wait to share more pink-tutu inspired fun from the magical city of Prague next week!

Remember, it’s all about embracing your inner pink-tutu ballerina and spreading joy wherever you go!

Love and pink tutus,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com