Wednesday 18th August, 2010
Bonjour mes amies!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed, globetrotting blogger. Today we're waltzing through the cobbled streets of Prague, a city thatās practically brimming with fairytale charm! The old world architecture, the shimmering Vltava River, the delectable pastries... this city's a perfect fit for a ballet dancer, wouldn't you agree?
Before I tell you all about the delightful ballet I saw last night, I want to rewind a bit, take you on a little journey, right back to Derbyshire. My little corner of England might be a million miles away from Prague, but this journey began, as usual, with a dream.
You see, dear reader, ever since I was a little girl twirling in my bedroom in my pinkest tutu, Prague has been whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Whispers of majestic castles, ancient churches, andā¦ you guessed it, fabulous ballet! It's no secret, I absolutely adore ballet. And what better place to see it than in the land of Tchaikovsky, DvorĆ”k, and all things classically exquisite?
But hold on a moment, how does one travel to Prague with just the fare from ballet performances and a whimsical desire to share it all with you? Let's just say that a combination of early mornings, enthusiastic fundraising events (donations welcome!), and my beloved trusty pony, Buttercup, proved more than up to the task!
(I know, you're probably thinking, 'pony?!' Well, Buttercup is no ordinary pony. She's a whizz on train tracks! My dad says she's a descendant of the legendary Prague Horses, the magnificent creatures who pulled the cityās trams back in the 19th century. And who am I to argue with a little bit of family legend?!)
This time, my travels brought me to the National Theatre, nestled by the banks of the Vltava. Iād already had a lovely day exploring the charming cobblestone alleys, picking up a few new frocks (more about those in a bit!), and filling my pockets with divine cherry-topped strudels.
My senses were on high alert, and I couldnāt wait to be transported into a world of pure imagination and artistic elegance.
A Ballet Under the Prague Starry Sky
Last night, I witnessed the magic of āLa BohĆØme,ā a timeless tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of Parisian bohemia. It was a performance that truly made my heart sing.
The Prague National Ballet's grace was extraordinary. The story flowed seamlessly from passionate beginnings to poignant endings. Itās no wonder that the National Theatre itself, with its impressive architecture and rich history, felt like it was built specifically to house the perfect ballet performance! The music was absolutely divine, taking me straight into the world of Puccini's masterpiece, where emotions soared through every delicate movement and every perfectly struck note.
I particularly loved the scene set in the Parisian square. Imagine hundreds of shimmering twinkling lights framing a story of life and love, poverty and beauty - it was just magical!
Shopping in the Prague Bohemia
After a wonderful performance, the rest of my evening was spent delving into Pragueās captivating Bohemia. You see, itās not just ballet that fascinates me; it's fashion, history, and all things utterly fabulous! Prague was teeming with boutique treasures just waiting to be discovered, and I was on a mission.
My first stop was a charming vintage clothing shop tucked away in a narrow street lined with gingerbread-style houses. Oh, how I adore vintage fashion! Finding a unique piece of clothing that speaks to your inner diva is the most glorious experience. I snagged a pair of glorious turquoise earrings that I'll be wearing for my next ballet class, as well as a delicate hand-stitched flower crown ā perfect for a little āGiselleā photoshoot!
Next, it was off to a delightful Parisian-inspired bakery where the most scrumptious chocolate tarts seemed to sing their sweet, seductive songs. I couldn't resist a little indulgence.
Pink Tutu Paradise
But the biggest highlight of my evening? That would be my chance encounter with a local ballet dancer, a young woman who has danced since she was a child. We discovered a shared love for all things tutu. And here I thought that wearing my pink tutu while exploring Prague was a bold fashion statementā¦ Apparently not!
We chatted about our shared passion, talked about her latest performance, and agreed to meet at her next ballet class ā me in my trusty pink tutu, of course. The spirit of ballet truly transcends language barriers and cultural differences, itās a beautiful universal language!
My adventures in Prague are far from over. Tomorrow, I'm venturing into the depths of Prague's iconic castles. But thatās a tale for another day!
And donāt forget, darling, if you see me anywhere in the world wearing my trusty pink tutu, give me a twirl and a shout! Maybe you can even catch me in a ballet performance or two... after all, it's the passion that makes every step, every pirouette, and every show truly unforgettable.
Until next Wednesday, keep dancing your dreams and let your love for ballet flow!
Xoxo
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
