#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2006-04-12

Bonjour mes chères amies!

This week, I'm writing to you from the most charming city in Europe... Prague! 🩰✨ It's like a fairytale come to life, with cobblestone streets, towering castles, and a river shimmering like liquid silver.

But first, a confession: getting here was quite the adventure! Remember that fabulous vintage pink tutu I bought last week? Well, I couldn't resist wearing it for my train journey from Derbyshire! (Of course, I tucked it carefully inside a suitcase so it didn't get crushed. A pink tutu deserves the utmost respect, wouldn't you agree?)

Now, if you think taking a train across Europe is all about sleek, modern carriages, think again. My journey involved a rather delightful carriage with wooden panels and intricate carvings. It felt like stepping back in time! But not to worry, my beloved tutu and I enjoyed the trip, with the rhythmic sway of the train acting as our personal waltz.

Once I arrived in Prague, I immediately felt like I was home. The city has such a beautiful mix of the old and the new. It's bursting with artistic energy and just the sort of place where you can let your imagination run wild. And as a ballerina, I can tell you that inspiration is everywhere here - from the majestic architecture to the vibrant street performers who dance right in front of you.

But first, let's talk about the most important reason for my trip: The Ballet! And, of course, my beloved pink tutu was the perfect companion. 💖

Tonight, I’m experiencing the magical world of PinkTutuPrague - a local ballet company with a beautiful and innovative take on classic ballets. They truly know how to put on a show, ladies! The performance took place in the stunning Národní divadlo (National Theatre) - a truly stunning space. I was swept away by the talent of these dancers - such incredible fluidity, emotion and pure passion! They’ve done an extraordinary job blending classic ballet with modern interpretation – something that truly excites me as a ballerina.

I’m in complete awe of the performers here in Prague. They are truly ambassadors of the ballet world. This evening’s ballet featured a beautiful production of The Nutcracker with new and imaginative choreography. There were so many elements to love. The dancers embodied the essence of the Nutcracker tale. From the whimsical sugar plum fairies to the energetic waltzing toys - it was simply mesmerizing. The costumes were gorgeous – glittering and vibrant. It's a classic ballet, of course, and the costumes and the setting were just right, keeping it beautifully authentic, but also taking a playful step out of the box for modern audiences, and for me.

You'll have to wait for next week's post for a proper review of the performance, my dear readers. There's so much to tell! But trust me, this is a must-see if you're in Prague and love the ballet, like myself. And in case you didn't know, my friends in the city assure me this show is perfect for families too, because everyone seems to absolutely adore The Nutcracker.

But wait, there’s more! Besides the incredible performance at the Národní divadlo, the entire city seemed to be a stage for ballet-lovers.

Ballet on the streets... Yes! As I walked through Prague’s beautiful Old Town Square, I noticed some street performers doing a graceful interpretive dance routine in front of the historic Astronomical Clock. It was truly charming. The performers were exquisite. They added an enchanting touch to the ambiance. They used props and utilized the historical beauty of their backdrop to full effect, which is an important element for any performing arts group, especially dancers.

Later that day, I also caught an unexpected performance in one of Prague’s lovely little alleyways. A trio of young ballet dancers performed an elegant waltz just outside a bustling café. It was quite an impromptu affair, with onlookers stopping and smiling. They were absolutely enchanting and drew in passersby like magic! These were impromptu shows. But they were simply charming, and such beautiful moments. It was beautiful to see their dedication to their art and how they brought so much beauty into such ordinary places, without seeking any applause, without expecting a performance fee.

It felt like I had walked straight into a storybook, where dancers and musicians could just appear and enrich life, at any moment! Oh! Prague you have such an enchanting spell over me.

Even when not attending performances, ballet and tutus are on my mind, naturally. You wouldn't believe the wonderful finds I've had in Prague's hidden shops and vintage stores. I've scored a stunningly beautiful, pearl grey vintage tutu and some beautiful ballet-inspired pieces for my own little “pink-tutu” wardrobe. My current favourite, my readers, is a gorgeous ivory tulle skirt that will go perfectly with one of my pink ballet sweaters, which you saw in my last blog post. I know my darling readers will be so jealous when they see how beautiful this outfit will be for our upcoming spring season! I have an appointment to make some modifications, adding a delicate little pearl brooch I bought on a walkabout yesterday - one of the more expensive things I have purchased this trip but you can never go wrong with pearls, wouldn’t you agree?

Of course, no visit to Prague is complete without visiting a charming cafe. My current favourite is "Tři Růže" – nestled in a lovely side street in the Old Town, with its charming cobbled stone walkway, a sweet little haven of delight in this beautiful city, it serves the most decadent cinnamon rolls I’ve ever tasted. And wouldn’t you know it, there is a quaint little pink-tutu inspired dance studio tucked away in an attic above, so that was a very pleasant coincidence too! I spent several delightful hours enjoying the atmosphere, people-watching, and getting to know some friendly local dancers. My visit here reminded me that dance isn't just about professional performances, it's about the joy of movement and expression, whether on a stage or in a quiet corner cafe. The pink-tutu spirit really is alive in this enchanting city.

Prague has captivated my heart, and not just because of the exquisite performances, but because it’s just the sort of place I can really be myself, even though this is not “me-home” (that will always be my dear Derbyshire) . I don't feel shy about wallowing in the romantic charm, the artistry, the elegance, and the beautiful city itself! This magical European city feels like my second home - a place where the ballet dreams are always vibrant.

Oh my goodness, readers! It seems my time in Prague has already flown by. I'll have to tell you more about the captivating city of Prague, in my next post. I have so much to share with you, and of course, I'll be sure to keep you updated about my tutu adventures and all the exciting fashion discoveries I make along the way. Until next Wednesday, stay curious and dance through your day.

With love and pirouettes, Emma 💖