Hello my dearest tutu-loving darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad ballerina, and guess what? I'm in Prague!
The City of a Thousand Spires has been calling to me for ages, and this week I'm finally here, living my ballerina dream. This magical place is just bursting with romance, history, and the most incredible architecture! I can practically see tutus twirling amongst the spires, the cobblestone streets whispering waltzes, and the river Vltava gurgling like the sound of a cello!
Before I delve into my Prague adventures, let's have a quick chat about getting here. I absolutely adore train journeys. There’s just something so romantic about the slow, gentle rhythm of the tracks, the countryside whizzing past, and the quiet clickety-clack of the wheels. Of course, I wore my favourite pink tutu for the trip, the one with the swirling layers of tulle, like a cloud of spun sugar! I got some curious looks from fellow travellers, but you know what? That's the joy of a pink tutu – it always starts a conversation.
As for getting from the train station to my little Airbnb, nestled in a cobblestone alleyway near the Old Town Square, well, let’s just say I embraced my inner ballerina and hailed a “white steed”! You might be wondering, "What white steed?!" I'm talking about a taxi, of course. But why call it a cab when you can imagine yourself as a princess arriving on a snow-white pony?!
Now, you know I'm a sucker for a good shopping spree! Prague, oh Prague, you have so many delightful little boutiques overflowing with delightful treasures. This city is a haven for all things vintage, bohemian, and a little bit whimsical. I have already unearthed some amazing vintage finds: a velvet coat with a giant pink satin bow, a beaded headband, and a pair of emerald green earrings that would have been right at home at a 1920s ballet gala.
Ballet Bliss at the National Theatre
Tonight, however, is all about the ballet! Prague's National Theatre is a jewel, its magnificent Neo-Renaissance façade lit up like a fairytale castle. And it is tonight, the 13th of July, 2011, that I'm experiencing the magic of Czech ballet firsthand. Tonight's show? Swan Lake! The most elegant, classic, and heartbreakingly beautiful ballet of them all. You can't be in a ballet-loving trance like mine without seeing Swan Lake at least once!
Oh, and by the way, it seems there is an exciting history attached to the National Theatre’s construction! When building began in 1868, a terrible flood destroyed most of the work and the construction site was damaged so severely, many believed they had to restart from the beginning. However, they were able to raise more money than the original funding, and the theatre was finally completed on the 11th of June, 1881, and was officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph. There are plans in place for some big, extensive renovation work on this magnificent building over the next few years and, according to some local chatter, it will be completed by the end of 2020! So this amazing ballet house will be shining brighter than ever for all future ballerinas, ballet lovers and general tourists.
I'll fill you in on my Swan Lake experience in my next post. Just imagine: ethereal music, graceful ballerinas, and the thrill of watching classical ballet at its finest. But until then, remember to keep your chin up and your tutus twirling, my dears!
For all things pink tutu and fabulous fashion, check out my blog www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday!
And don't forget, I want to see the world in pink tutus. Spread the word, dear readers!
With twirls and smiles,
Emma xx
