Hello my lovely tutu-tastic friends! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Prague! I absolutely adored this magical city and am bursting to tell you all about it! This week on Pink Tutu I'm going to be sharing some of my adventures and ballet experiences, from the most stunning theatre I've ever seen to exploring cobbled streets with my very own "Prague Princess" moment!
As always, you'll find this post packed with plenty of pink tutu-tastic photos to inspire your inner ballerina! I promise this post is extra sparkly because Prague, well, it's simply the stuff fairytales are made of!
From Derbyshire to Prague... via Pony and Train!
It all started with my usual Wednesday afternoon ballet class in Derbyshire. I felt so inspired after nailing a particularly difficult pirouette that I just knew I needed a bit of travel inspiration. I opened my old "Wish List" notebook and the page with "Prague" sprawled across it seemed to glow.
A quick internet search later, and I'd found the perfect weekend trip. I was determined to make this a magical journey, so I booked the fastest train I could find and (after lots of searching!) finally discovered a delightful pony livery just outside the station.
Let me tell you, the train journey was the perfect way to set the scene. It felt like something out of a Jane Austen novel! All fluffy clouds, lush green fields whizzing by, and of course, me tucked into my corner, mesmerised by the stunning landscape. I just had to grab my iPad for a little ballet tutorial - you never know when you'll get the inspiration to practise those fifth port de bras in the carriage, right?!
When the train arrived in Prague, it was like stepping straight into a fairytale. Imagine cobblestone streets, majestic churches with soaring spires, and colourful buildings painted in every shade imaginable. I immediately popped on my most beautiful pink tutu and "borrowed" a friendly-looking black horse from a local stable for the perfect photo op (don't tell my bank manager about the extra cab fare back!).
Tutu Dreams Come True!
After a quick rest, I was ready for a spot of Prague's legendary cultural scene! This city has everything from charming street performers to world-class theatre. My ballet-loving heart had its sights set on The Estates Theatre (originally the "Stavovské Divadlo" for you history buffs!).
This historic theatre is one of the oldest in Europe and is considered one of the most significant opera houses. And I have to say, my inner diva absolutely lost it when I saw the gilded interiors! Talk about a fairy-tale stage!
The acoustics were spectacular, and the performance itself (that night, a mesmerising production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni") transported me into a world of classical drama and sheer beauty. Every detail, from the hand-painted frescoes to the intricate chandeliers, was breathtakingly exquisite. It was one of those "pinch-me" moments that made the whole trip worth it!
A Touch of Bohemia
Of course, no Prague trip is complete without a stroll through the Old Town Square. I found a delightful little cafe and enjoyed a cup of coffee while watching the colourful clock tower unfold its mystical magic. This clock is not just a clock, it's an entire mini theatre of its own, with moving figures and all! I imagined all those people watching the show over the centuries, and how it must have felt to experience that wonder in the "golden age" of Prague!
And oh, the shopping! Prague has a stunning variety of boutiques that cater to every fashion lover, especially those of us who love the fabulous colours of life! You could get lost for hours wandering through its quaint little shops. And you bet I did! I couldn't resist a beautiful handmade beaded bag from a hidden artisan shop near the Charles Bridge - it perfectly matched my pink tutu and made me feel like a bohemian ballerina straight out of a fairy-tale!
Finding a Piece of Prague Magic
My trip ended with a lovely little sunset walk along the riverbank, surrounded by those impossibly beautiful historic buildings, with the Prague Castle bathed in the golden light. It was simply magical!
Prague stole a piece of my heart! It's a city that truly embraces the joy of the arts and the beauty of life's simple pleasures, and those are two things I really connect with. The experience reinforced my passion for travelling and finding ballet-tastic adventures all over the world!
As I promised, here's a snippet of what's coming up on the Pink Tutu website:
Wednesday 10th October - Behind The Tutu: This week, I'll be diving into the world of tutus! We're going to be discussing everything from the history of tutus (from their origins in the Victorian era, through to the famous tutu designs in iconic ballet performances!), and some tutu design tips you can use for your own outfits! Don't forget to grab a teacup and a slice of your favourite cake – this is a "tutu-tastic" journey you won't want to miss!
A Pink Tutu Promise!
Until next time, keep spreading the joy of ballet and stay radiant, my dears! I hope I've inspired you to embrace your own inner ballerina and to venture out into the world with a sense of adventure. And remember: the world is your stage, and life is meant to be lived in a pink tutu!
Keep Dancing!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
