Wednesday, 2nd March 2011
Bonjour mes chères tutus! It's Emma here, back from the magical city of Prague and just brimming with stories about my whirlwind adventure! This week, I'm swapping the cobblestone streets of Derbyshire for the stunning architecture of Prague, a city that simply begs to be twirled through. It's a place where the cobblestones themselves whisper secrets of bygone ballerinas and the very air tingles with the romance of a forgotten waltz.
Let's begin with my journey here, because for this little ballerina, the travel is almost as magical as the destination! As usual, I made the journey from Derbyshire in style – the glamour of the train is a must, you see! This time, I was in the first-class carriage with its luxurious seats and plush velvet armchairs, so fitting for a ballerina in her pink tutu, don’t you think? The gentle rocking of the carriage almost felt like being on pointe! The journey, punctuated by picturesque villages and a sunrise over the rolling Czech countryside, set the perfect mood for my Prague adventure.
Of course, I couldn't have come without my trusty pink tutu – this one, with its delicate ruffles and shimmering tulle, seemed to reflect the fairytale quality of this city. Even the old men on the platform gave it a smile of approval, their eyes crinkling with good humour!
The Heart of Ballet in Prague
My primary mission for this Prague trip, darling, was a show I had been absolutely dying to see – the Prague Ballet Company’s Swan Lake. I’ve adored Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece since childhood, and knowing this version would be at the glorious National Theatre added another layer of excitement.
The National Theatre is truly a stunning architectural triumph, its towering gothic facade set right on the Vltava River. Just getting inside was a breath-taking experience; the grand marble lobby and dramatic staircase were like something straight out of a fairy tale!
As the curtain rose on Swan Lake, I was utterly mesmerised. The Prague Ballet dancers were exceptional! Their movements flowed like silk, their grace effortless and breathtaking. Each step was precise and infused with an intensity that left me utterly spellbound. The music – oh, the music! It swirled and whispered around me, transporting me straight to the world of the swans. I found myself swept away, tears even brimming in my eyes, as the tragic love story unfolded before me.
It wasn't just the performance that charmed me. The theatre itself was a sensory experience, filled with a gentle rustle of elegant dresses and a hushed murmur of conversation before the curtain rose. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sheer anticipation of seeing ballet in all its glory.
I’ve discovered that Prague has a fascinating ballet history, and the National Theatre holds a very special place in its history. Ballet has a rich tradition in the city dating back centuries, with numerous schools and performances flourishing throughout its history. My mission is to see them all – who knows, perhaps next I will visit the magnificent Czech National Theatre!
The Tutu & Fashion Inspiration
After the performance, I was positively buzzing with inspiration! It’s fascinating how a single show can so profoundly influence everything around you – even my own style!
A lovely couple beside me at the performance wore the most darling outfits, both sporting delicate colours in soft pastel hues. She had a chic black coat over a flowing blush pink skirt, her shoes shimmering in a silvery champagne colour. He, in his classic grey suit, looked dapper indeed! Their sense of understated elegance was utterly inspiring, so reminiscent of the ballet I’d just witnessed. I’ll be experimenting with more pastels and textures in my wardrobe this season – this will make my ballet wear feel less out of place back in Derbyshire. I imagine pairing them with an opulent velvet shrug and some elegant heeled ballerina pumps!
But my dear tutus, you’ll understand this: seeing a ballet always throws my tutu buying plans into a tailspin! The swans’ beautiful black tutus were so beautifully dramatic, the tutus worn by the swans had a captivating and simple elegance to them, which truly inspired me. I have just got to get myself some beautiful black tutus – imagine them in a dark and sultry black – utterly captivating! I can see them paired with a black lace shrug and some sparkly ballet shoes!
And while I’m on the subject of tutu-hunting, I simply must take you all to Prague’s beautiful boutiques and fashion havens! Prague is a true delight for any tutu aficionado!
Firstly, there is the Pařížská street, lined with designer shops, charming cafes, and boutiques galore. There's a fantastic range of style here – a little Parisian chic, a touch of the Bohemian, all wrapped up in the beautiful architecture of Prague! I spotted a divine shop – I can’t remember the name, but it was right in the centre and sold the most gorgeous fabrics and trims. Imagine all the wonderful tutus you could create with fabrics like that!
My tutu-wearing fashion senses were particularly pleased by the gorgeous shops on Vodičkova Street. I must admit, I bought some stunning velvet, a shade of sapphire blue that will look exquisite against my pale skin! I'm already dreaming up new tutus that would make a swan weep with envy!
Oh, I must also mention a fabulous fashion marketplace near Charles Square, full of interesting vendors with gorgeous handmade clothes, jewellery, and crafts. It’s a haven of treasures, and I even snagged myself a gorgeous pearl necklace with a dainty pink ribbon! It will look so chic with a sparkly black tutu, don't you think?
A Day of Wonder in Prague
The day after the ballet was equally magical, with a trip through the fairytale streets and squares of this magnificent city! I’d heard of the Prague astronomical clock, and I was positively spellbound by it! It's a magnificent mechanical clock, set into the tower of the Old Town Hall. Every hour, a parade of small figures enact a moving play! It is both awe-inspiring and truly delightful to watch – the sheer craft and artistry behind it were unbelievable! I spent a long time there, just mesmerized by its intricacy and the magic of the parade, watching the figures move around the clock’s face.
As my journey continued through the cobbled alleyways, I found myself in the historic Jewish Quarter of Prague. There are a lot of beautiful, quiet corners here with intriguing architecture, old shops and charming courtyards. There was something about the ambiance that reminded me of old cobbled towns in Derbyshire – with its age and stories woven through the buildings – and in that moment, I knew this city held a very special place in my heart.
My last stop of the day was to the magnificent Charles Bridge, with its statues and gothic architecture stretching across the Vltava river. The views from the bridge are incredible – there is something so captivating about the silhouette of the cityscape on one side, and the grand Baroque church buildings of the other side. This magical panorama was just what I needed to complete this beautiful day.
As I wandered around, lost in the magic of Prague, a thought struck me - perhaps, I'll make Prague my new haven for ballet! What a wonderful thought, wouldn't it be wonderful to spend some time dancing in the beautiful studios of Prague! I can imagine the cobblestones of this charming city echoing the delicate tap of pointe shoes!
But my darling tutus, you know me! There are other adventures waiting for me. And a tutu must never stay in one place for too long!
The train back to Derbyshire is already calling. I will leave this magical city, but its beauty will forever be etched into my memory and I know it will inspire my next steps. Perhaps my next journey will take me to the magical shores of France – Paris awaits me, and oh my! The ballet there… well, you must forgive me for dreaming of a whole new adventure in pink, a Parisian rendezvous that only a ballet-loving, pink-loving girl like myself can truly comprehend.
See you next Wednesday for more tutus and travels!
Emma xx
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