Hello, darlings! Itās Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, writing to you live from the heart of Prague, a city as enchanting as a waltz in the moonlight! Iām positively smitten with this place, and not just for its beautiful architecture and charming cobblestone streets, but also for its rich ballet history and vibrant culture that makes even a humble pink tutu feel right at home.
This week, my blog post is bursting with all the pink-tinted excitement from my latest adventure. As you all know, I'm an avid ballet enthusiast, so my trip to Prague wouldnāt be complete without experiencing the cityās celebrated ballet scene. Luckily for me, February 16th, the day I landed, saw a captivating performance of āSwan Lakeā at the National Theatre. I was positively transported to a realm of elegance and emotion, twirling alongside the graceful swans and stoic princes in my mindās eye. Oh, how I yearn to join them, twirling gracefully on the grand stage, my pink tutu swirling like a flurry of cotton candy dreams!
But before the enchantment of the theatre, let me share a bit of the journeyā¦
Iām not much of a jetsetter, but you see, I'm a firm believer in slow travel. No stuffy airplanes for me! It was the journey that captivated me most: a picture-perfect train ride through the picturesque landscapes of Europe, my pink tutu adding a dash of colour to the green countryside. I even indulged in a rather peculiar adventureāa ride through the Czech countryside on a spirited pony! Itās quite different from my usual mode of transport, a vintage, pale pink bicycle that I lovingly named āRoseā, but even a little bit of a ponyās charm makes it all the more fun!
Now, letās delve into Pragueās beautiful Ballet History
Prague boasts a rich history with ballet. The very first professional ballet performance in the Czech Republic happened here back in 1657! And while it may not seem so obvious today, the Czech Republic has a vibrant dance heritage, influencing contemporary styles. From baroque operas to early dance spectacles, Prague has a storied past in this enchanting art form. You can even find evidence of "folk dance" ballet back in the early 19th century. Just imagine, ladies! Tutu's twirling across cobblestones hundreds of years ago...
Pink tutu paradise: Shopping spree in the Old Town Square
Pragueās old town square is an absolute dream for a fashionista like me. It's an array of charming shops and bustling markets, teeming with bohemian vibes and a palpable creative energy. This was my playground. From hand-crafted tutus bursting with colour (oh, the pinks! It's like a tutu-lover's dream!) to bespoke jewellery and local crafts, there was a world of wonder waiting for me.
As always, I took the opportunity to dress the part. For this occasion, I had a vibrant, coral pink tutu custom-made in Derbyshire just before my trip. A blush pink lace top completed my ensemble, and to bring the whole outfit together I wore an elegant pair of antique coral and pearl earrings that were passed down from my grandmother. The colour scheme was simply breathtaking, making me feel like a ballerina who had stepped out of a dream!
I found some of the most beautiful tutus in one delightful boutique. Hand-stitched by local artisans, these beauties showcased delicate, vintage fabrics and were absolutely bursting with vibrant hues. My inner fashionista rejoiced! Of course, I didnāt leave empty-handed.
* A Ballet lessonā¦ from the very best! *
Of course, no trip to Prague would be complete without a proper ballet class. After all, what is a ballet enthusiast to do in a city renowned for its grace and artistry? My search for the perfect teacher led me to the charming Ballet Academy Prague. I was blown away by the instructor, a former ballerina from the esteemed Bolshoi Theatre, with the grace of a swan and a presence that commanded the room. Her class was rigorous, yet playful, reminding me of the strength and discipline it takes to bring ballet to life. And what was my favourite part? Well, obviously, my beautiful pink tutu was perfectly in tune with the dance floor! It just seems that Prague embraces the whimsy of my little sartorial statement.
* And for dessertā¦ a magical ballet performance at the Estates Theatre *
After a day full of shopping, culture and delightful ballet practice, the evening was calling for something special, and oh did I have a treat in store! The Estates Theatre is a renowned venue for opera and ballet. I decided to see a captivating performance of āThe Nutcracker.ā The ballet is considered to be a true classic, beloved across generations for its whimsical storyline, delightful characters and the intricate choreography. The costumes were nothing short of spectacular. Each dancer, both young and experienced, embraced their role with heartfelt grace. It felt magical watching the audience captivated by the dancersā every step. Itās one thing to appreciate ballet in the hallowed halls of prestigious theaters, but experiencing it in this beautiful historic building made it even more enchanting.
* The Pink Tutu Prague is a vision of beauty and enchantment *
From enchanting performances to a charming cobblestone city, my adventures in Prague were pure bliss. Oh, and the tutuās love story continues... the entire trip had a soft pink glow. Every place, from my charming little Airbnb flat (complete with a balcony for pre-ballet stretch sessions), to the enchanting, historic cafes I frequented was simply overflowing with charm.
If you ever find yourself seeking a magical escapade, take a leaf from my book and visit Prague. Let your imagination soar as you explore this enchanting city and embrace its rich cultural heritage.
Until next time,
Your Pink Tutu Queen, Emma
*Coming next week! *
In my next post, I'll be taking you with me as I delve into the captivating world of traditional Czech cuisine. We'll explore charming eateries and uncover hidden gems, discovering flavors that will have your tastebuds dancing a waltz of delight. Iām dreaming of creamy goulash and traditional desserts... And of course, youāll see the outfit! I just got the cutest floral pink dress from a delightful little boutique and I think itās going to be my new Prague dress!
* Donāt forget to catch my weekly post! *
* Subscribe to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com on Wednesdays* and let's embark on a fabulous journey together. And if you love tutus as much as I do, feel free to share your photos and stories on my social media pages - Pink Tutu on Twitter and PinkTutu on Instagram. Letās create a pink tutu revolution, one twirl at a time!
