Bonjour, my darlings! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Prague post! And oh my, what a week it's been. This past Wednesday, I made my way to Prague, that enchanting city of cobblestones, clock towers, and a truly exquisite array of shops selling beautiful things - what else could a girl ask for?
Prague is, in my opinion, the epitome of romantic elegance. You practically hear waltzes and whispers of waltz music around every corner - truly the most inspiring location for a budding ballerina like myself! I have, of course, brought my entire collection of pink tutus, each carefully chosen to complement the city's majestic architecture. This trip, I'm in love with a particularly divine tulle creation – a blush-pink masterpiece with an embroidered ribbon that swirls around my waist. It’s as delicate as spun sugar, and absolutely perfect for a city as charming as this one.
My journey here, by the way, was delightful. A scenic train journey through the picturesque countryside of Europe - something straight out of a fairytale, I tell you! As soon as I stepped onto the platform in Prague, I could feel the magic in the air.
I always say, a girl can't go wrong with a bit of preparation when visiting a city. Luckily, my dear friend Alice, an old dance school pal, recommended an excellent hotel close to the Old Town Square – a boutique haven with a delightful garden courtyard. I immediately felt at home. It was almost too picturesque, with its hanging lanterns and rose trellises! I spent a blissful afternoon lounging by the fountain with a pot of tea and a book - the most perfect way to soak up the Parisian-esque ambiance.
Speaking of ambiance, the sheer beauty of the architecture here in Prague is breathtaking. From the majestic Prague Castle overlooking the city, to the Charles Bridge that looks like something straight out of a dream - every corner offers another picturesque view!
Of course, my primary reason for visiting this beautiful city is for the ballet! And the highlight of this week’s adventures? A spectacular performance at the historic Estates Theatre, with a beautifully intricate performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. I took my time with my outfit, of course - I settled on a pristine white tutu with delicate pink accents, shimmering under the theatre's dramatic chandeliers. It felt incredibly fitting for this historic and elegant venue! The stage was an explosion of emotion and beauty, with costumes glittering under the lights and graceful dancers, whose talent left me speechless. It was pure magic!
Speaking of enchantment, I was lucky enough to spot a troupe of street dancers performing in the square. It was amazing! They were dancing the most energetic routine I had ever seen, incorporating moves inspired by traditional folk dance alongside modern street style, and all while sporting some rather flamboyant tutus - some, dare I say, more on the outrageous side, than my usually conservative style. They were incredible, and the crowd was mesmerized, clapping and cheering with enthusiasm.
What's more, the whole experience was like stepping into a vintage ballet scene. This city breathes artistry; you can practically see the whispers of music in the air and the stories of great composers dancing in the cobblestone squares.
You can probably guess my first stop, however. The ballet studio. As it turns out, Prague is practically bursting with ballet schools! I’ve found a truly gorgeous one near the river. My tutor is an expert on all things tutus! He told me, amongst many amazing things about the art, that Prague has a rich and vibrant ballet history dating back centuries, so it seems perfectly fitting that I spend a few afternoons exploring its intricacies and trying out the graceful art myself. I've learned so many interesting tidbits, too! Like how ballet was originally an exclusive court performance. And who knew the earliest tutus were quite bulky, fashioned from layers of stiffened petticoats - a far cry from the modern styles!
However, while I adore classical ballet, and my favourite thing is undoubtedly watching talented dancers spin through their stories on the stage, I have also fallen deeply in love with ballet history itself. And who better to delve into the subject with, than a resident of this elegant city?
For instance, the Czech Republic, being home to several well-respected ballet schools and companies, naturally holds a strong connection to ballet heritage. In fact, there are many fascinating stories about the development of ballet as a performance art! One particular tale caught my attention – that the modern ballerina shoe was inspired by the humble shoe of Czech peasants in the late 16th century! Now who'd have thought that the elegance of pointe work could be traced back to a peasant shoe? I’ll be sure to research more and add these discoveries to my list of fun facts, shared in future blog posts!
While I do adore indulging in ballet, one of my absolute favourite things in this whole wide world (apart from a pink tutu) is indulging in all the wondrous shopping Prague offers! It's quite simply a retail haven! Every charming alleyway and every grand boulevard offers something utterly magical – delicate crystal souvenirs, beautiful vintage clothing and antique treasures that take my breath away. I’m already working on expanding my tutu collection; this shop called "Atelier Bohemia" in the Old Town Square has some incredibly elegant styles with exquisite lace and embroidery that are begging to come home with me.
However, fashion is not only confined to fancy tutus and couture shops. I've taken great pleasure in strolling through the bustling market stalls in the Old Town Square - what an absolute delight for any fashion enthusiast like myself! It’s full of handcrafted textiles and antique jewellery. Imagine my delight when I found a gorgeous antique scarf – it’s a tapestry of rich fabrics and shimmering textures! It just screams Parisian elegance! Oh, and I was lucky enough to stumble across a truly enchanting vintage dress store that offers some incredible vintage pieces for a fraction of the price - I am positively smitten with the soft silk gown I snagged there. You will just have to wait and see! It will, of course, be showcased on my next post. Speaking of next posts, I’m determined to explore Prague’s hidden corners and fashion havens, uncovering gems that only locals know. It’s time to let my inner fashionista go wild!
A true treat? I recently stumbled upon a truly unique shop near the Jewish Quarter that sells incredible porcelain figurines that perfectly depict ballerina costumes, complete with delicate hand-painted designs! One day, my dear readers, we will have our own Pink Tutu Museum where I will have all these wondrous trinkets on display - and many more yet to be acquired. Imagine a magical place dedicated to the elegance of ballet, where each exhibit whispers a tale of tutus and graceful pirouettes!
One thing I’ve realised this week - no matter what corner of the city I explore, there is a story to be told. Each stone whispers a tale, each cobbled path tells a silent story. I find the beauty of this enchanting city just as intoxicating as my favourite pair of ballet slippers, the one with the little pink bows - the ones with the story woven into each stitch, into each elegant twist.
So, if you’re planning your own adventures, add this stunning city to your list! Bring your prettiest pink tutu, dear reader, and don’t forget your dancing shoes. There’s just something about Prague’s ambiance that makes even the most hesitant soul want to pirouette!
See you next week, for more Pink Tutu adventures from the heart of Prague!
