Wednesday, 8th April, 2009
Hello my lovely readers!
Itâs Emma, your resident Pink Tutu wearing ballet enthusiast, and Iâm so excited to be sharing another week of adventures with you, this time from the utterly charming city of Prague!
If youâve been following my blog, you know that I love a good train journey, and this time, the clattering carriages whisked me from the rolling hills of Derbyshire right into the heart of this beautiful Bohemian capital. It truly felt like stepping into a fairytale, the city rising like a delicate crown from the river Vltava, with its pastel coloured houses, spires, and bridges.
A Tutu's Love Affair With Prague
I always find that a city's true magic lies in its heart - in its people, its culture, and in the whispers of its history. Prague's heartbeat is certainly a lively one, bustling with tourists and locals alike. The cobbled streets and alleyways echo with music, laughter, and the click-clack of my dainty shoes on the stone (yes, I did bring a brand-new pink tutu to match the pastel hues of the city!)
This time, I wasn't just visiting Prague to revel in the sheer beauty of the city, but for a reason very close to my heart: ballet!
Ballet Under the Bohemian Moon
You see, darling readers, 8th April marks a special date for the National Theatre in Prague: it's Opening Night for "La BayadĂšre"! You simply cannot miss this breathtaking spectacle - the delicate costumes, the swirling arabesques, and the vibrant storytelling woven into each elegant movement. I spent a whole afternoon prepping, selecting the perfect shade of pink tulle for the occasion. A gentle blush this time, a reflection of the soft light filtering through the gothic stained glass windows of the theatre.
But before the grand performance, it was time to immerse myself in Pragueâs ballet scene! After all, a tutu deserves some exercise before a big night out, doesn't it?
Spinning Through Prague with a Tutu
I started my day at the graceful TaneÄnĂ KonzervatoĆ Praha, where the future stars of Prague's ballet world practice their pliĂ©s and grand jetĂ©s. I even had the honour of watching a few classes and offering some tips. Trust me, when it comes to graceful twirling, your Pink Tutu Girl has a few secrets up her sleeve!
The scent of polish and rosin filled the air, a familiar ballet-school fragrance that whisked me back to my own training days. It was there, amongst the gleaming barre, the delicate silks, and the young, passionate faces that I felt a surge of nostalgia for my own early ballet days.
From the school, I went straight to a stunning studio called Divadlo Ungelt. A tiny space tucked away in an alley, it was once home to a 14th-century pharmacy, with vaulted ceilings adorned with medieval murals and cobblestones underfoot. This theatre's history practically whispered in every creak of the floorboards and sigh of the wind. It was the perfect place to witness an intimate ballet performance â an adaption of âGiselleâ. A modern take on this classic story about a tragic ballerina and her phantom lover â it made my heart ache with both sadness and joy.
After my ballet immersion, it was time for a bit of indulgence! A girl's gotta shop, even when in a tutu!
Pragueâs Fashion Spree - Pink and Beyond
One of the most exciting things about Prague, in my opinion, is its fashion scene! From vintage boutiques and bohemian markets to stylish designers and artisan workshops, it's a feast for the senses. Youâll find anything and everything you could dream of â exquisite, intricate lace, handcrafted jewels, vintage brooches, hats with flamboyant plumes, gorgeous velvet and silk fabrics that just begged to be transformed into new tutus⊠and of course, plenty of pink!
I am an ardent collector of pink tulle, and let me tell you, darling, Prague was a veritable wonderland for my sartorial dreams! Youâll find hidden treasure troves overflowing with pastel hues, lace details, and a delightful vintage charm in shops tucked away in alleys and arcades.
For the ultimate fashion fix, you simply have to stroll through Old Town Square, a maze of beautiful buildings, stunning architecture and historic cafes. Youâll spot so many styles and looks that you'll find yourself scribbling ideas in your sketchbook. This squareâs the heart of Pragueâs charm â a must for every visitor and an inspiration for any tutu lover.
I confess I spent an afternoon there, surrounded by the smells of baking cinnamon buns and sweet coffee. I fell in love with a magnificent pink, silk, vintage shawl in a hidden little shop tucked away in a side street, perfect for adding a touch of old world glamour to my performance outfits! It just felt so perfectly Parisian â I can't wait to twirl with it.
And no trip to Prague would be complete without exploring its magnificent castles!
Tutus & Fairy Tales - Exploring Prague Castle
This is more than just a castle; it's a breathtaking tapestry of history, art, and beauty! From the moment I crossed the imposing Charles Bridge, with its medieval statuary and picturesque views, I felt as if I had been transported into a storybook.
The Prague Castle is, quite frankly, awe-inspiring. The grand halls and manicured gardens tell stories of ancient emperors, powerful queens, and turbulent times. You can just imagine elegant balls, glimmering gowns, and intricate dances swirling beneath these grand chandeliers. Every step was a thrill - especially when I found myself lost in a secret passage or hidden garden.
Pink Tutu Power - Spreading the Magic
Let me tell you, dear readers, travelling through Prague with a pink tutu made everything feel magical. Every day was an opportunity for a ballet adventure.
Whether I was pirouetting on Charles Bridge for delighted tourists, striking a graceful pose by the Astronomical Clock (it chimed the hour, echoing the sound of my own dancing shoes!) or catching a glimpse of a young girl wearing her own handmade tutu while skipping through the square⊠It felt like I was truly part of the Prague tapestry.
But the biggest highlight? Oh, it's impossible to choose! Every corner held some unique surprise, every encounter a small moment of delight. Maybe it was a chance encounter with a local ballerina at a café, sharing stories and tips with an excited glint in her eyes, or the laughter of a group of children as I spun in the golden light of the setting sun, reminding me why I love spreading a little pink magic wherever I go.
You see, dear readers, wearing a pink tutu isn't just about fashion, it's a statement - it's about believing in your own inner ballerina, embracing joy, spreading positivity, and celebrating life through the language of movement. And what better place to experience that magic than in a city that embraces the beauty of history, the thrill of performance, and the joy of discovery, like Prague?
That's all for this week, but remember to visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com each Wednesday for my next adventures. I can't wait to share more fashion tips, ballet secrets and travel inspirations with you!
Until next time, dance your way to happiness!
Your Pink Tutu Girl, Emma
