Bonjour, my dears! It’s Wednesday, which means it's time for a new Prague post from your favourite pink-loving, tutu-touting, ballet-obsessed blogger! I’m in my favourite spot, perched on a window seat overlooking the cobblestone streets, writing in a café just a hop, skip and jump away from Prague’s historic Old Town Square. And let me tell you, darlings, Prague is a fairytale come true, complete with towering spires, twinkling bridges and, of course, more delectable pastries than you could possibly dream of.
As you know, my travels are always fuelled by a love for all things ballet. Last week I danced my way through the elegant cobblestone streets, following a winding path of cobbled lanes to The National Theatre. Imagine, dear readers, a stunning Neo-Renaissance building with magnificent frescoes and a facade so grand, it was enough to make any ballerina giddy with excitement! Inside, the theatre is pure opulence, with velvety crimson seats, intricately carved balconies, and the most dazzling chandeliers you’ve ever seen. It was truly a dream!
As a ballet aficionado, I am particularly taken with Prague's ballet history. There is an elegant sense of ballet lineage, a thread connecting the ballerinas of the past with the talented dancers of today. Prague's ballets are a real melting pot of cultures and styles, a whirlwind of classical, neoclassical and contemporary ballet, all seamlessly blended. This captivating combination, alongside a backdrop of breathtaking venues and rich history, makes a visit to Prague an unforgettable experience. The sheer passion for ballet, that I find throughout this city, is quite incredible.
On the theme of history, dear readers, I must tell you about my latest tutu treasure. I was rummaging in the antique shops on the edge of Old Town Square (you simply MUST have a look around these treasures, by the way) and discovered the most beautiful antique tutu, tucked away like a secret in a dusty box. Imagine this: pale ivory silk, layers of exquisite tulle, all adorned with tiny pearls that glimmered like moonbeams. It is the most ethereal, vintage tutu I have ever found. I felt a connection to the dancer who wore it all those years ago, a fleeting glimpse of ballet’s enduring legacy. I have even worn it to several events, the whispers of the past following my steps! The shopkeeper assured me that the tutu had graced the stage of the National Theatre many, many moons ago and, my dear readers, it was worth every single crown I spent! And that's not the only treasure I found, I have filled my luggage with silk scarves, vintage jewellery and a beautiful set of handmade balletic ornaments for my dressing table.
This city is such a treat for the senses, but my trip has not been just about history and heritage, darlings, there has been more than enough time to indulge my inner shopaholic! I’m particularly fond of the boutiques in the Jewish Quarter, each one a treasure trove of designer creations and unique, handcrafted goods. I am sure my blog readers can imagine what sort of boutique goodies have caught my eye. It's hard to resist the lure of gorgeous fabrics, decadent lace and exquisite craftsmanship. And while I may not be a seamstress, I'm convinced that every wardrobe can use a touch of Prague’s sartorial flair!
While the lure of shop windows and fashion finds is tempting, my life would feel incomplete without a ballet lesson. Luckily, Prague has some of the finest ballet studios in the whole of Europe. This week I took a masterclass with a wonderful teacher, Madame Josephine, whose movements are as fluid as the water of the Vltava river, gushing by her studio window. I can tell you, it was like watching a master craftsman, a pure expression of ballet grace. And while my pirouettes may need a little extra practice, the inspiration I received from Josephine was worth its weight in gold!
I even caught a charming street ballet performance this week, where two dancers - in an unexpected burst of graceful movement - redefined the cobblestone streets with their elegance. As if taken from a classical fairytale, the pair weaved between visitors, tourists, the horse-drawn carriages and street performers who seem to effortlessly take their place as the entertainment stars of Old Town Square. Their grace was both elegant and a little bit cheeky! They truly captured the essence of the Parisian and Bohemian influences that flow through Prague like a beautiful melody.
My adventures, darling readers, are not only about the performance and ballet itself. This trip has also been a journey into the history of fashion, a peek behind the curtains of the theatre and ballet world's evolution. There is truly so much to uncover - I am beginning to feel like Alice in Wonderland, a little lost and endlessly captivated by this charming world! I’m talking tutus, costumes, dresses, you name it, and this city holds a truly extraordinary legacy of all things ballet-inspired, which, of course, is why I have had to extend my trip a little!
And on this lovely Thursday morning, the scent of cinnamon and coffee filling my Parisian style cafe and a light dusting of early summer sunshine glinting through the glass - I'm starting my day with a walk through Prague’s famous Charles Bridge, which is always overflowing with art and colour, not to mention musicians and a smattering of artists creating impromptu sketches and portraits of its ever-changing cityscape.
Prague truly captivates all the senses - the delicious smells and tastes, the history-rich sights, the graceful movements, and the rhythmic melodies. Each day I continue to discover something new, a secret hidden in a shop window, a tale whispered on the cobbled streets or a glimpse of a bygone era tucked into a charming theatre or shop. And there, of course, is the beauty of the language. I am even attempting to speak some Czech words – even though they can be a mouthful! I am sure, however, with my tutu as my compass, Prague and I will understand each other beautifully soon!
Speaking of understanding, I have learnt so much on this trip. This beautiful city of golden spires, cobblestone paths and sparkling bridges reminds me why I am on this journey to share the world’s stories with you through the lens of pink tulle and ballet grace! Prague has a unique rhythm and an elegance that I find impossible to ignore!
Well, I am going to end this post now and, of course, there will be another update from my #PinkTutuPrague adventures next Wednesday. Do write in to my website and let me know if there is anything you would like to hear more about - perhaps my ballet masterclass at Madame Josephine’s or the shop where I found my tutu!
Until next week my darlings!
Emma xx
