Bonjour mes chères ballerinas!
This week I'm channeling my inner Czech princess, all thanks to the most magical city I've ever set foot in. Prague, oh Prague, how you stole my heart!
Now, let me tell you, getting here was an adventure in itself. Leaving Derbyshire behind (yes, still cold and windy in October, even for a seasoned tutu-wearing traveller), I found myself perched upon the plush seats of a shiny red train, my pink tutu rustling in the rhythm of the journey. A touch of Parisian glamour on my way to the city of a thousand spires – perfection!
And speaking of perfection, Prague lives up to every fairytale promise. Stepping out onto cobbled streets bathed in the golden glow of sunset, my tutu twirling a merry tune, I was utterly smitten. The towering Gothic architecture, the whispering river, the cobblestones that echo with stories from centuries past - Prague is a true testament to timeless beauty.
My quest this week? To uncover Prague's hidden ballet secrets! This beautiful city pulsates with the legacy of artistic giants like Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana – the music of legends echoes in the very air!
But where to start my tutu-filled exploration?
Well, naturally, the majestic National Theatre, Prague's grand dame of theatrical performance. This stunning neo-renaissance building has been dazzling audiences since 1881. Can you imagine performing on that iconic stage, surrounded by ornate gilded detail? Just the thought gives me shivers – but in the best way possible!
Tonight, though, I’m embarking on a different kind of journey – to a magical world of Czech ballet heritage. The Národní divadlo's repertoire for October 26th features a piece I've been yearning to experience – a magical ballet spectacle entitled 'Don Juan'. This is the original version, by **František Šamberger, choreographed in 1914. I'm already feeling goosebumps at the sheer romanticism of this choice! Just imagine, tales of seduction, passion, and of course, love - it’s the perfect setting for my pink tutu to make its debut in Prague. A touch of Derbyshire grace in the heart of Bohemia? I wouldn't have it any other way!
Of course, no ballet adventure is complete without a little tutu-tastic fashion exploration. I spent the morning wandering through the maze-like streets of Prague, my eyes darting from charming boutiques to quirky vintage shops, on a mission to discover the city's hidden sartorial gems.
My first stop: the enchanting House of Dancing Fairies, a delightful haven tucked away in the Old Town square. This little haven offers everything from exquisite, handmade costume jewels and accessories to the most beautiful and elaborate vintage pieces – just what a pink-loving ballerina like me needs to spice up my ballet repertoire.
Then, it was a quick detour to the whimsical The Magical Dress Shop – their stunning array of bohemian chic is quite simply irresistible! This shop embraces bold colour, beautiful textures, and above all, comfort, the perfect blend for my off-stage life. And who knows, maybe one day they'll even be inspired to add a touch of pink magic to their collection! (You heard it here first, darling!).
Later in the afternoon, after a delightful, light and tasty (very pink!) lunch, I found myself drawn to the enchanting world of Old Town Square. This heart of Prague, filled with colourful houses, is simply charming – the astronomical clock is definitely worthy of note, even the squirrels seem to dance here!
As I watched the clock’s figures parade in their intricate little show, a whimsical thought struck me. What if, instead of mechanical figures, we had a cast of tiny ballerina figures dancing on this charming clock face? That's something for Prague to think about!
Now, don't you worry, dears. There will be plenty more to tell about this enchanting journey - think of the charming, cobbled alleyways, the romantic bridges adorned with love locks, the exquisite glass beads of the bohemian quarter, and more! I will even try a little of the local speciality – the irresistible Czech dumplings – maybe my pink tutu can stay perfectly still, but I doubt it!!
Until next Wednesday, my dear friends, when I’ll be regaling you with tales of ‘Don Juan’ and more Prague pink moments.
Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all my blog posts – remember to spread the pink tutu love wherever you go, darling!
Bisous!
Emma xo
