Wednesday, 22nd December 2010
Hello my darlings! Iām Emma, the girl in the pink tutu, and Iām back with a brand new post from Prague! This city is just as charming as its fairytale name suggests, with its cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and a delicious blend of old-world charm and vibrant energy.
It's been a whirlwind week of ballet and fun, and Iāve got so much to tell you! Before I delve into the fabulous Prague ballet world, let's talk about my journey. As usual, I travelled by train - what else could a true pink tutu aficionado do, especially with all that space for fabulous hats and shopping bags?! The carriage was packed with exciting travellers heading for the festive season. I sat next to a sweet elderly gentleman who was heading to visit his daughter for Christmas. He looked absolutely thrilled to be reunited with her. It made me reflect on how even in the hurried pace of modern life, those simple family joys remain unchanged.
Arriving in Prague, the snowy landscape was enchanting! Think perfectly preserved Christmas markets twinkling with festive lights, cozy cafes steaming with hot chocolate and cinnamon smellsā¦ just pure magic.
After a very delicious cup of hot chocolate ( topped with whipped cream of course!), I popped by a few shops for a little āChristmas treatā for myself! The best finds are always those sweet surprises ā an embroidered lace scarf to complete my ballet-inspired look, a gorgeous vintage clutch perfect for an evening of culture, and a few adorable Christmas decorations to decorate my ballet room back in Derbyshire.
Prague: A Ballet Lover's Paradise!
Now, the main reason Iām here is to share my ballet adventures with you. And let me tell you, Prague has a vibrant and passionate ballet scene.
Tonight's treat is a performance at the stunning National Theatre. Imagine ornate dƩcor, velvet curtains, a stage bathed in soft lights - it truly transports you to a bygone era of romantic elegance. I simply adore these old-world theatres, the air is full of excitement and anticipation. The energy crackles in the air, like electricity. I settled into my seat, gazing around in wonder at the gold and plush red seats, imagining the stories these walls could tell.
Tonight's performance is a beautiful, dramatic interpretation of "The Sleeping Beauty". It was everything I hoped for and more. The costumes were breathtaking - rich jewel tones, elegant silhouettes, and a beautiful nod to classic romanticism. The music transported me right into the story, the ballerina's graceful movements telling the tale like an exquisite silent film. It was a captivating performance, full of tenderness, magic, and a little sprinkle of whimsical fantasy that made me smile and weep all in one performance. I canāt wait to share a couple of the magical details with you tomorrow in a post all about the Sleeping Beauty performance. I even managed to catch a little backstage glimpse at the costumes and a quick word with one of the ballerinas - let's just say I might need to expand my collection of pink tutus even more, the possibilities here in Prague are just mind-boggling! I can see why the tutu was made to be this fabulous - itās timeless, and utterly captivating.
The highlight of my week? This wonderful ballet class at a hidden little dance school tucked away in one of Pragueās ancient squares! It was a small class, but oh so elegant and elegant! Thereās something so beautiful about ballet teaching - you can really feel the love and passion the teacher had for the form. My ballet shoes were definitely ready for action. The classes I attended here in Prague made me realise I haven't used all those grand jete, piquĆ©, and fouettĆ© movements since I was much younger, and oh how it reminded me how powerful, beautiful and magical it is to dance. We had an exciting chat afterwards with some lovely fellow ballet-loving locals. There was one young girl who told me all about her plans for a future ballet career - I encouraged her to follow her dreams, just like I am trying to follow mine by sharing my passion with you all, and spreading the message of beauty and joy, through ballet.
After all this wonderful activity I needed to refuel, and whatās more perfect for a ballerina after a long day of dance than some classic Czech cuisine?! So I savored the traditional dumplings and roast pork, a treat for both the body and the soul. It filled me up with all the energy I need for more dancing and exploring this charming city!
Now it's time for a quiet night to reflect on this whirlwind trip, filled with beauty, excitement, and the joyful spirit of ballet! And of course, no evening in Prague is complete without some sparkling Czech wine, as I imagine those famous Prague ballerinas might have enjoyed. Itās such an inspiration to travel to cities where dance has been a beloved part of the culture for centuries. Prague feels as elegant as a tutu floating on a summerās breeze!
Until next time, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
