Prague Calling! Post 812: Tutu Tales from the City of a Hundred Spires (17th November, 2010)
Dearest fellow tutu-lovers!
This week, I’ve brought my pink-tinted wanderlust to Prague, the city that somehow manages to be utterly breathtaking and charming all at once!
It was a glorious, slightly blustery journey from Derby, filled with the thrill of arriving at the train station and boarding a carriage bound for the heart of Europe. You wouldn't believe the sheer excitement that bubbles up within when you hear that choo choo whistle!
To be honest, I was picturing myself galloping towards Prague on a glorious, silver-plated pony, but alas, that part of the dream remains unfulfilled. Perhaps in my next life? chuckles.
Speaking of my life, however, the joy of travelling comes from knowing that, at this very moment, my pink tutu is gracefully packed, ready to become the centrepiece of some delightful photo op in a historic square or enchanting cathedral. You see, this pink tutu has seen so much of the world - it's practically a seasoned traveller in its own right! It's my secret weapon for transforming any setting into a stage for graceful frolicking and sheer sartorial brilliance.
The Magic of Prague’s Street Ballet
Once I was settled into my hotel room - which by the way, was adorned in the most delightful shade of pale pink - I immediately went out to explore the city. What I found was pure, whimsical magic. I could have sworn I saw a ballet dancer, dressed in a costume reminiscent of a sugared plum fairy, twirling across Charles Bridge with the grace of a willow tree! Prague seemed to be bursting with creative energy, with impromptu street performances, musicians serenading from balconies, and vibrant artistry on every corner.
The whole city, it seemed, was an open stage for the artistic spirit to flourish! This is my absolute favourite thing about travel - you never know what magical things you’ll stumble upon.
Pink Tutus and Cultural Delights
I did some serious shopping on my first full day in Prague. Let’s just say the boutiques here are a haven for the aesthetically inclined! My little pink tutu suitcase has grown noticeably bigger already, thanks to some delightfully quirky purchases - think beaded necklaces fit for a Queen, shimmering gloves that I'm already imagining for my next ballet class, and a bejeweled belt perfect for transforming any old frock into a fairytale princess gown. I just can't resist the allure of shimmering colours and elaborate embellishments - that’s just me!
Speaking of shimmering, Prague's history is filled with its own fairy tale magic. The Charles Bridge, lined with Baroque statues, felt like a step back in time, the buildings whispering secrets of centuries past. As I walked across the bridge, it was hard not to imagine ballerinas from a bygone era gliding along this very path. Just thinking about it made me want to don my pink tutu and twirl amongst the statues. Imagine the picture, a bright splash of pink amidst centuries of stone!
But my biggest thrill came in the evening when I visited the breathtaking Prague State Opera House. It’s not just any opera house, darling. It’s a palace, a magnificent jewel box, all ornate and sparkling, where they perform classical ballet in a way that just takes your breath away! My heart was filled with such profound beauty; it was like experiencing a symphony of art and movement all at once.
A Ballet Lesson in Prague's Heart
Of course, a ballet blogger can't travel without indulging in a ballet lesson. And trust me, darling, Prague's ballet schools are top-notch! I went to the most charming, petite studio in the old town, hidden away down a cobbled alleyway. It had a faded elegance to it, with exposed brick walls, mirrors that felt like they held whispers of forgotten dances, and the most exquisite smelling lemony beeswax polish.
The teacher, a wizened, kind-faced gentleman named Vladimir, was so knowledgeable! He spoke of the golden era of Czech ballet, about legendary figures like Anna Pavlova, whose style inspired a generation of dancers. Even the studio itself was a historic gem. It felt like dancing on holy ground!
He had a lovely little school tucked away, almost like a hidden gem. It was quaint and felt timeless, just like a place where magical dance moves are practiced every day. My muscles may ache tomorrow, but it was worth it to learn some new movements, to be part of a history rich in dance tradition!
Tutus for Every Occasion
You see, darling, my life is about ballet. It's in my blood, in my bones, it's the heartbeat of my every journey! Every city, every town, every experience becomes an adventure for my tutu-clad adventures. Whether it's a breathtaking ballet performance or a chance encounter with street artists in Prague’s cobbled streets, life in a tutu, as they say, is simply never dull.
So here’s my mission for the week: I want to see everyone, men, women and children alike, twirling around Prague in their pink tutus! Why not embrace the spirit of whimsy and add a splash of pink to your day?
Don’t forget to share your own tutu stories with me! Let's make the world a little brighter, one pink tutu at a time.
Yours in pink and prance,
Emma
P.S. Stay tuned next Wednesday for a new blog post, filled with more tutu tales and travel adventures from the city of a hundred spires!
P.P.S Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to join the pink tutu revolution and follow my exciting journeys!