#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2013-10-30

Hello, darling! It's Wednesday, which means a new post for my beloved www.pink-tutu.com! This week, I'm writing to you from the enchanting city of Prague, where my heart has already fallen head over heels for its charming cobblestones, medieval castles, and, of course, its ballet scene.

This is my 966th blog post – can you believe it? It feels like only yesterday I was a shy little ballerina in Derbyshire, dreaming of travelling the world and spreading the joy of pink tutus. Now, here I am, living my dreams, one twirling, tutu-filled adventure at a time. And Prague, oh Prague, you’re making it all the more magical.

Speaking of dreams, my journey here began, as always, with a ballet performance. A stunning, sold-out show of Swan Lake in Leicester last week. The applause of the audience was a wave of warmth that propelled me straight to the train station. It's remarkable how ballet can fuel my love for travel. Every pirouette and jeté carries me further away, to a new destination and a new adventure.

This time, it was Prague calling. I booked myself a compartment on the overnight train, imagining the fairytale setting awaiting me in the Czech Republic. My travel essentials, as always, included a vibrant pink tutu (it was my favourite, the one with the sparkling silver accents – a perfect nod to Prague's glimmering history!), a pair of rose-gold ballet shoes, and, of course, a pile of exciting books on ballet history.

The train journey itself was an experience, full of delicious, fresh pastries, chatter in multiple languages, and the most charming conductor who offered me a cup of warm tea in a beautiful bone china cup – a sweet moment that cemented my love for Europe.

And when I arrived in Prague, my heart skipped a beat. It was just like the beautiful pictures I had seen: cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, towering gothic spires piercing the sky, and, everywhere you looked, enchanting details to be discovered. It felt like a living, breathing fairytale.

As I stepped into my lovely little hotel, decorated in a romantic, bohemian style, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. My heart fluttered, not only for the incredible adventures ahead, but also for the wonderful dance experiences that awaited.

You see, Prague has been dubbed "The Dance Capital of Europe" - a title I believe is well-deserved. There’s just a tangible passion for dance here, a real pulse of artistry in the air. From the beautiful National Theatre to intimate, hidden-away ballet studios, Prague seems to buzz with the rhythm of movement.

Today, however, I wasn't in the mood for grand theatre productions. I yearned for something more intimate, a glimpse into the soul of the local ballet scene. So, I found myself in a tiny ballet studio tucked away in the cobblestone labyrinth, a space full of the enchanting aroma of polished floors, sweat, and sheer determination.

As the class began, I watched, mesmerized, as the students moved with an energy that felt raw, passionate, and utterly captivating. The teacher, a beautiful woman with fiery red hair and kind, patient eyes, guided her students with a gentle yet firm touch, encouraging their every movement. It was as if she were sculpting their bodies with grace and strength, imbuing them with the magic of ballet.

Oh, the tutus here! Each dancer seemed to have their own unique style, each tutu telling a story in shimmering silks and lace. There were classic pink tutus, delicate white ones, and even a daring fiery red tutu that felt like a blaze of passion against the wood floor. I, of course, felt right at home surrounded by all this beautiful pink fluff. And even if I couldn't join in, I soaked up the atmosphere with my heart full.

I felt drawn to the essence of Prague’s dance scene, where classical ballet meets modern, urban street dancing in the most unexpected, playful ways. It’s as if Prague, this ancient, beautifully preserved city, invites you to dance, whether you are a professional ballerina, a street performer, or just a tourist strolling through the cobbled streets.

The following day, I felt an undeniable urge to get in on the action myself! The thought of staying away from my daily ballet routine, even for a moment, felt… unthinkable! So, I decided to take a detour from my planned exploration of Prague Castle to explore the "Dancing House," a breathtaking architectural marvel that, in a twist of playful artistry, resembles two dancers.

Standing there, in front of the Dancing House, feeling the energy of the city all around me, I had a revelation. My life is about more than just attending prestigious ballet shows, or studying history, or even meticulously collecting beautiful pink tutus. It’s about experiencing the world with a ballerina’s heart, always ready to embrace new discoveries with open arms and twirling toes.

I discovered the "Dancing House" is actually a stunning mix of modern offices, a trendy restaurant, and even a hotel. Of course, I couldn't resist stopping for lunch on the rooftop terrace, where the view of the city felt like a mesmerizing panorama of magic and elegance. I even took a spontaneous dance break – with the whole of Prague as my stage!

I spent the next few days letting myself be swept away by the magic of Prague, exploring the historic Old Town Square, marveling at the magnificent Charles Bridge, and losing myself in the winding alleys of the Jewish Quarter. I even visited the famous Prague Astronomical Clock – such an amazing blend of clockwork mechanics and poetic beauty. Every step in Prague was an inspiration!

Even the history here feels like a story of fashion and elegance! Did you know the Renaissance in Prague was a time of exquisite gowns, elegant dances, and a passion for art and beauty? This era, which flourished in the 16th century, was a glorious chapter in ballet’s history. The era was filled with refined, flowing court dances, graceful waltzes, and theatrical presentations. This all led to a flourish of exquisitely crafted costumes. And imagine, my love, that’s where our modern tutu’s origins lie. Imagine dancing at a Prague court in a fabulous tulle skirt – how much fun would that be!

I spent hours exploring Prague Castle, marveling at its history. From the stunning architecture to the beautiful art, I felt as if I’d stepped back in time – and I loved it! There is just such a powerful and vibrant atmosphere in those historic walls – as if they have witnessed countless stories of love, passion, and the eternal beauty of ballet.

And speaking of beauty… I simply had to spend a few hours browsing Prague’s magnificent boutiques, which offered everything a girl could possibly dream of, from beautiful vintage treasures to avant-garde designs. I found a lovely vintage store that made me feel as if I’d been transported back to a Parisian salon in the 1920s, where elegant women wore fabulous hats, beautiful frocks, and stylish accessories. They even had a darling collection of tutus – naturally! And as fate would have it, they even had one in a stunning shade of pale pink – a perfect souvenir from my trip!

Of course, I also couldn’t resist indulging in some Czech cuisine – from traditional pork roast with dumplings and creamy sauces to the incredible sweets on offer, my taste buds went on an exciting culinary adventure! Every mouthful tasted like history, like love, like pure enjoyment. And all this time, my pink tutu gracefully followed along, the ultimate statement of femininity and adventure.

On the evening of October 30th, I found myself at the breathtaking National Theatre – Prague’s famous “crown jewel” and the home of ballet in the Czech Republic! I arrived, feeling all aflutter in my most elegant pink tutu – the one with a touch of black lace that always made me feel so very French!

I confess, darling, this was the show I’d been dreaming of attending all week. It was a gala performance of "The Nutcracker," with all the magic you could possibly imagine. And when the curtain rose, revealing the stunning set and the beautiful dancers, my heart almost stopped with wonder!

The dancers, a magnificent ensemble of graceful, talented souls, were a pure delight to watch. Every pirouette, every jeté seemed to float on air, every arabesque told a story with elegant fluidity. Their beautiful costumes shimmered in the spotlight – tutus that looked like wispy clouds and intricate male costumes that suggested bravery and courage. I loved it!

There were dazzling set changes and special effects. You’d never believe how they were able to make snowflakes fall onto the stage so realistically – pure magic! It was the perfect celebration of imagination, storytelling, and, of course, ballet.

But it was more than just the performance that captivated me, darling. It was the magic of the National Theatre itself, this magnificent building filled with layers of history and charm, with intricate decorations that made me feel as if I’d been transported to a bygone era, an era of poetry, elegance, and passion! The atmosphere was one of excitement, joy, and a deep, almost sacred, respect for the art of ballet.

It was a night that felt as magical as a dream – a perfect culmination of everything that Prague holds dear – its history, its artistry, its passionate embrace of the beauty and power of dance!

I’ll never forget my time in Prague. It’s a city that will stay in my heart, a place where every corner seemed to whisper a new story of beauty and elegance. I can’t wait to come back, my darling, to twirl, dance, and explore more of the city’s hidden treasures, wearing, of course, my favorite pink tutu!

Until then, let's all twirl on, spreading the love of ballet, beauty, and the power of the perfect pink tutu!