#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2010-09-08

Bonjour, my dearest tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, reporting live from the glorious city of Prague. Yes, I’m here, surrounded by history, cobbled streets, and an abundance of exquisite architecture, and it’s all simply divine. This week’s blog is a bit different than usual. Instead of tutus and performances back in the UK, I’m exploring a new city – a truly enchanting place – and embracing its charm and beauty. But fret not, fellow ballet aficionados! You won’t find me too far from the world of dance! Prague boasts a fantastic ballet scene, and I’ve got a full itinerary of classes, performances, and historical sights, all brimming with ballet connections.

You know how much I adore a train journey. This week, I travelled across the Continent, arriving in Prague after an elegant, comfortable ride on a gleaming train with plush velvet seats, reminiscent of a fairytale carriage. My travelling companion was a mischievous Shetland pony named Buttons, whose hooves pitter-pattered on the train floor as he watched the scenery through the window with wide, curious eyes. (Of course, Buttons has his very own miniature pink tutu for such occasions.)

Prague Station, with its intricate arches and impressive size, was an enchanting sight, and from the very first moment I stepped into the city, it was like stepping into a ballet - a captivating mix of movement, music, and light. And, wouldn't you know it, right in the middle of the station, was a grand sculpture of a dancer - all twirling elegance and captivating grace. A perfect welcome for a tutu-wearing traveller!

Every corner of Prague reveals a different facet of its fascinating past. I’ve spent the past few days wandering through charming, narrow lanes and exploring breathtakingly beautiful churches, each with its own story. Imagine me, twirling in my pastel pink tutu through the echoing halls of Prague Castle, the sun streaming in through stained-glass windows, its vibrant colours illuminating the walls with a kaleidoscope of beauty. Or envision me skipping along the Charles Bridge, the vibrant red of the structure contrasting with the calming waters of the Vltava river, reflecting the majestic scenery.

The history of this city is truly incredible. Every building seems to hum with stories from centuries past, and you can almost feel the weight of its grandeur. There’s a touch of mystery in every cobblestone, and the vibrant cafes and shops lining the streets seem to transport me to a different era. Prague truly feels like a living, breathing history book, a breathtaking tapestry of time, woven with magic and wonder.

Now, for the ballet enthusiast in me. I’m incredibly excited to say I've stumbled upon an exquisite ballet school tucked away in a cobblestone alleyway, just a few steps from a whimsical old clock tower. This school is charming – its walls adorned with images of ballet greats and historical dancers, every inch imbued with passion and dedication. They offer an array of classes, each one buzzing with enthusiasm and creativity. Naturally, I had to attend a beginner's ballet class (it wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu journey without some ballet lessons). The experience was utterly delightful, with an emphasis on poise and graceful movement. I even learned a new pirouette from a wonderfully patient instructor who explained everything with such warmth and humour.

As a fellow tutu enthusiast, it would be sacrilegious for me not to share the beautiful history of ballet here in Prague! I was so enthralled to discover the Prague State Opera house, a treasure trove of ballets, operatic productions, and ballet history. It's been operating since the early 18th century, presenting exquisite ballet performances that showcase the talent and passion of Czech dancers. You can just imagine the grandeur of those performances! This place is truly captivating, its history resonating in every exquisite detail. It even houses the most intricate theatre costumes I've ever seen - a world of stunning colours, glittering fabric, and delicate textures. It was truly a sight to behold. I was simply entranced.

Oh my, dear readers, how do I even begin to describe the sartorial delights Prague has to offer! I’ve lost count of the amount of time I’ve spent exploring charming shops, filled with exquisite fashions, both classic and modern. A girl could lose herself here, quite happily! Prague’s fashion scene is simply captivating – a beautiful blend of historical elegance and modern chic.

Let's just say, I've been living my best “ballerina life”, adorned with gorgeous, whimsical outfits in a kaleidoscope of pinks. I picked up a delicate, flowing floral maxi-skirt perfect for a sunny stroll through the city's hidden alleyways, and an elegant pastel pink silk blouse, with its flowing fabric perfect for twirling in front of Prague Castle's breathtaking façade.

No Prague adventure would be complete without a stop for some delectable coffee and pastries. Picture this: a charming café, adorned with ornate lamps, bathed in soft sunlight. The aroma of fresh coffee is irresistible, and the pastries are little works of art, delicately dusted with sugar, filled with tempting fruits and creams. You bet I was there, swirling in my vibrant pink tutu, savouring each delicious bite, feeling utterly contented in this magical city.

And so, my fellow tutu lovers, Prague has stolen my heart! It's a city brimming with beauty, magic, and a special kind of Parisian romance - the kind that inspires creativity and inspires a new sense of elegance. A true haven for a tutu-wearing girl who dreams big! From exploring cobbled streets to embracing ballet class, I’ve lived it up in a whirlwind of experiences.

I promise I'll return to Prague someday, ready to uncover its further secrets and uncover more of its balletic brilliance. But for now, it’s time for me to head back home, with my heart overflowing with joy and my bag brimming with wonderful souvenirs, both sartorial and sentimental!

Stay tuned, dear readers! My journey will continue soon with more exciting destinations and magical tutu moments!

Until next Wednesday, may all your steps be as graceful as a ballerina’s pirouette, and may you wear a pink tutu with pride!

Love and Tutu,

Emma x