Bonjour, my lovely pink tutu lovers! It’s Emma, your resident ballet-obsessed travel blogger, and I’m back from a whirlwind week in the glorious city of Prague! This post is all about my adventures in the heart of Bohemia, where I finally realised my lifelong dream… of seeing a ballet performance in the iconic Prague State Opera House, wearing my most fabulous pink tutu! Oh, the magic!
I landed in Prague feeling like a princess in a fairytale (of course, my pink tutu helped!) and the city immediately captured my heart. Picture cobbled streets winding past ornate buildings, churches with soaring spires piercing the sky, and the mighty Charles Bridge buzzing with life – a true testament to Prague’s beauty.
But for a ballerina, there’s no greater joy than getting to explore the ballet heritage of a place. So, my first stop had to be the National Theatre, a masterpiece of neo-renaissance architecture, steeped in theatrical history. The building itself is a feast for the senses, from its elaborate facades to its grand interiors, making me feel like I’d stepped into a scene from Swan Lake!
Prague has a long and rich history with ballet. The National Theatre first opened its doors in 1881 with ballet performances playing a vital role. As I strolled around, my imagination conjured images of ballerinas gracefully waltzing across the stage, their tutus fluttering like the wings of angels. I was walking in their footsteps, tracing their legacy.
I just couldn’t wait to get my own dance on! Prague's ballet scene is vibrant and full of energy with everything from ballet companies like the Prague Ballet Ensemble to dance academies like the Conservatory of Music and Dance. But my ultimate goal was to grace the stage of the magnificent Prague State Opera House, and this Wednesday was the day.
The thrill of stepping inside that iconic venue! With its grand staircase, chandelier shimmering like a thousand stars, and plush velvet seats, the State Opera House was straight out of a ballet dream. The energy thrumming in the air as the orchestra warmed up made me shiver with excitement. The performance of Giselle that evening was phenomenal. Every graceful pirouette, every delicate pas de deux, was brought to life with breathtaking artistry. My heart soared as the ballerinas' tutus floated around them like clouds, creating a symphony of motion that had me completely spellbound. I knew then, with a fierce conviction, that this wasn't just a performance; it was a timeless story of love, loss, and redemption, spun into an exquisite ballet tapestry.
Fashion Note: I wore a brand new blush pink tutu, embellished with delicate silver beads, perfect for capturing the essence of romanticism. It twirled gracefully as I twirled my way around Prague, making me feel as though I was floating on air. (Of course, I made sure to snap some fabulous photos of my pink tutu against the beautiful Prague backdrops, and you can see them on my website!)
I must admit, Prague made my tutu obsession flourish! Shopping for vintage tutus in the enchanting Old Town Square became a bit of a daily ritual! The cobbled streets, brimming with hidden treasure troves and charming boutiques, made me feel like I was walking through a glamorous fairy tale. I snagged a pair of exquisite antique shoes with hand-painted pink silk rosettes - so elegant! I’m sure I saw a bit of envy in the eyes of the locals – no one wears tutus as confidently as I do, after all!
It wasn't just the historical ballet that stole my heart; Prague’s cultural heart beat fast with lively music performances and eye-popping street theatre! Seeing artists use their bodies to express such incredible stories with pure raw passion was truly captivating.
One memorable evening, I stumbled upon a captivating group performing “The Little Mermaid" in pantomime on a corner near the Old Town Square. Imagine my delight! It was like being whisked away to a whimsical fairytale with the audience roaring with laughter and applause. I joined the cheering crowd, my heart bursting with the joy of theatre magic.
On my journey, I discovered the magical connection between Prague’s iconic attractions and ballet. For instance, the enchanting Golden Lane , once home to the goldsmiths who crafted jewellery for the Royals, felt like a secret treasure trove of stories about opulent costumes and dancing queens! It even housed the smallest house in Prague, perfect for housing a tutu, don't you think?
Afternoons were spent wandering through Prague's charming cafes, sipping frothy cappuccinos, and absorbing the city’s artistic charm. One cafe even had a ballerina-themed mural that inspired me to create some tutu-inspired latte art! And you know, the art didn't just exist on canvases; Prague’s vibrant architecture, painted in hues of pink, yellow, and peach, seemed to inspire its own dance of colour and form.
Speaking of art, Prague's legendary National Gallery left me breathless with its stunning collection of art. From medieval paintings to Renaissance masterpieces, it was a celebration of creativity and the beauty of human expression, something I could relate to as a ballet dancer. I had to take some snaps of my pink tutu in front of the stunning Prague cityscape! It was all so very dramatic and artistic!
The days were full of artistic wonders and ballet magic, but the evenings were pure bliss. After indulging in scrumptious dinners with local flavours – my personal favourite was the mouthwatering Goulash – I enjoyed watching ballet-inspired movies, like Black Swan in my cosy Prague hotel room. Talking about ballet while indulging in a bowl of pink-hued strawberry ice-cream, the kind of night a girl could dream about.
Of course, no trip to Prague is complete without indulging in its delicious delights! Prague's rich cuisine – with its focus on traditional Czech specialties – is a real culinary adventure, especially for someone as obsessed with sweets as I am! I indulged in creamy, buttery Trdelník, a local sweet pastry with its smoky sugar coating. And you wouldn’t believe the gorgeous, brightly coloured candy shops I discovered! They practically glowed with shades of pink. It felt like being a kid in a sweets shop again – if you ever find yourself in Prague, be sure to make a beeline for the legendary "U Medvidků", an old brewery with its delicious "Trdelnik". (Just don't tell anyone about the ice cream! The pink-hued strawberry treat was the best in all of Prague. )
I travelled by train, of course. It's a wonderful way to appreciate the scenic beauty of Prague – rolling fields, quaint villages, and even glimpses of the fairytale castles scattered across the Bohemian countryside. * And I did go on one of those horse-drawn carriages in the Old Town Square, * although I had a moment of sheer panic when the carriage horse looked at me sideways as if saying, "Hey! We both wear tutus, so no judgments on your wardrobe choice!" * And then, the most unexpected journey, my most delightful adventure was exploring Prague by boat. Imagine gliding along the *Vltava River with the sun dipping below the horizon and casting the city's spires in a warm, golden light – pure magic! It’s almost as if the river itself was flowing with the spirit of the ballet.
As I sit here in my comfy little hotel room in Prague, my tutu safely nestled by my side, I can't help but reflect on the wonderful adventures I’ve experienced. Prague has given me more than just memories. It has ignited a renewed love for ballet, for travel, and, most importantly, for my beloved pink tutus!
My message to you? Go explore the world! Go to Prague! And always, always, wear your pink tutus with pride, as a reminder that life is meant to be lived, danced, and embraced with grace and passion, just like a beautiful ballerina.
Until next week,
Your Pink Tutu Girl,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
