#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2013-12-25

Dearest readers!

Merry Christmas to you all from sunny, festive, oh-so-beautiful Prague! 🎄 I've arrived in the Czech capital fresh from Derbyshire, after a journey that involved a rather exhilarating pony ride across the Peak District (more on that later!) and a gloriously comfy train journey. As always, my trusty pink tutu has been my constant companion, adding a splash of whimsical joy to every adventure.

This trip is all about the ballet. Yes, Prague is famous for its enchanting old town squares and delectable gingerbread, but for me, the real magic lies in the legendary National Theatre. It's an architectural masterpiece, with such beautiful decor, and it has been hosting the ballet for over 150 years! I’ve got to confess, the anticipation is already bubbling over in my heart!

But before we delve into the enchanting world of Prague ballet, let’s take a quick peek at what’s been keeping me busy in the world of fashion and tutus since my last post.

Oh, my darlings, the world of tutus has been absolutely abuzz with exciting news. I spotted the most divine little vintage tutu at a vintage market in Buxton! Imagine, delicate blush tulle with dainty lace trimming. It whispered secrets of bygone ballerinas and enchanted Victorian dreams. It was a complete bargain, and it’s already making appearances in my ballet class. Speaking of which, my ballet teacher, Miss Lavinia, introduced us to a new type of pirouette called the “en pointe pirouette,” and let me tell you, it's quite a challenge, but SO much fun! It’s about finding that perfect balance of power and grace, a truly captivating feat.

And now, back to the magical streets of Prague.

Stepping off the train, the moment I caught sight of the imposing Charles Bridge, adorned with statues, I knew this was a place for my tutu to shine. It's hard to find words to capture the city’s charm - think winding cobblestone streets, the aroma of fresh gingerbread in the air, and baroque churches with ornate facades. Each turn reveals another marvel, a kaleidoscope of historical treasures. Prague truly lives up to its name, the "City of a Hundred Spires," and its captivating atmosphere, steeped in history, feels like walking through a ballet performance set.

Speaking of historical marvels, one of my must-do things in Prague was a trip to the National Theatre. This majestic edifice, right on the banks of the Vltava River, is truly a testament to Czech artistry and grandeur. Just stepping into its opulent foyer was a breath-taking experience, a cascade of gold and scarlet and intricate carvings. The air crackled with excitement, buzzing with anticipation. I imagined the history that these walls had seen - generations of ballerinas in their pink tutus dancing their hearts out on that hallowed stage.

The highlight of my trip, of course, was the ballet performance at the National Theatre. The performance I saw was "The Nutcracker", a truly magical ballet which took me back to childhood dreams. Watching the dancers glide across the stage with grace and precision, their pink tutus billowing like clouds, it felt like magic. The intricate costumes, the elaborate sets, the captivating music, all combined to create a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle.

After the performance, I stepped into the hushed darkness of the night. The air smelled like Christmas magic and hot chestnut vendors, and the streets were illuminated by glowing lanterns, the atmosphere truly enchanting. I felt like I was inside one of those enchanting ballets that I always dream of being a part of!

Christmas is a particularly special time to be in Prague. The city transforms into a winter wonderland. Markets pop up in every square, filled with artisan crafts, delicious food, and an intoxicating aroma of roasted nuts and cinnamon. Everywhere I go, it feels like I’ve stumbled into a festive fairytale! The beauty is in the details: twinkling lights adorn the buildings, snowflakes fall delicately on cobblestone streets, and carols echo through the crisp winter air. Even the classic Christmas carol "O Holy Night" seemed more magical here!

To truly embrace the holiday spirit, I indulged in some festive Christmas shopping. I found a delightful little shop tucked away in a narrow alleyway, filled with hand-painted porcelain ornaments, whimsical wooden toys, and hand-crafted knitwear. I snagged a little reindeer figurine, adorned with tiny pink snowflakes, as a souvenir of my Prague Christmas.

And the highlight of my shopping adventure was stumbling upon a stunning antique shop in a hidden courtyard. Amongst the dusty relics of the past, I unearthed a vintage pink tutu, oh-so delicate with tulle layers that were more than a century old. You could almost hear whispers of waltzing ladies and forgotten ballets coming from its antique fabric. It’s definitely the perfect piece to add to my ever-growing tutu collection!

Prague, oh Prague! You truly have a place in my heart! It was more than just a city, it was an immersive experience of beauty, history, and artistry. It’s the perfect mix of sophisticated charm and festive warmth, with just the right amount of fairytale magic.

Next week, my tutu travels will take me to the grand city of Vienna. There’s so much to see and do there - grand operas, imperial palaces, waltzing through the streets, I am already looking forward to documenting the many elegant outfits that Vienna will inspire!

And of course, I will continue to keep you updated with my ballet adventures, fashion findings, and travel tips right here on my blog, www.pink-tutu.com. Remember to pop by every Wednesday for new adventures and plenty of pink tutu magic.

Until next week, may your days be filled with sunshine, twirls, and a sprinkle of pink!

Your devoted tutu-wearing friend,

Emma

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