Wednesday 13th January, 2016
Greetings, darling tutu lovers!
It's Emma here, reporting live from the heart of Prague! My pink tutu is positively sparkling in this enchanting city. The cobbled streets, the majestic architecture, the sound of music echoing in the air - it's a ballet lover's dream! I have been hopping about like a sugar plum fairy, taking in every magical sight and sound.
This week, my adventures began in Derbyshire, a chilly morning commute through frosty fields before my usual Wednesday morning ballet class. Nothing warms up the soul like pirouettes and fouetté to a beautiful waltz. Afterward, with my pink tutu tucked into a suitcase and my heart brimming with excitement, I hopped aboard the train. I love train travel - there's something so romantic about gliding through the countryside, watching the world go by from the window, penning notes in my journal, sipping tea, and dreaming of future performances.
Prague, My Fairytale City!
Arriving in Prague was like stepping into a storybook. The train station was filled with a buzzing energy, a melting pot of tourists and locals. The air was crisp, the scent of gingerbread wafting from the bakery stalls, and the sight of the Prague Castle rising majestically over the cityscape simply took my breath away. My trusty steed, a lovely little white pony named Rosie (more about her adventures in future posts!), took me through the cobbled streets of Old Town, past the iconic Astronomical Clock, and up to the castle hill, its ancient towers keeping a watchful eye over the city.
The fairytale ambience continues in Old Town Square. A dazzling Christmas market is still in full swing, bursting with colour and festive spirit. The smells of cinnamon, roasted nuts, and spiced wine filled the air, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Pink Tutu Meets Czech Dance Traditions
My first stop was the magnificent National Theatre, a stunning neo-Renaissance masterpiece that exudes elegance and history. This majestic building houses one of Europe’s most respected ballet companies and plays host to numerous prestigious dance performances. The Theatre itself is a story in itself, with tales of emperors, intrigue, and the powerful forces that conspired to bring this majestic building into being. I'm itching to catch a show! The programme includes a mix of classical ballet classics, contemporary pieces, and innovative interpretations of beloved tales. And speaking of innovative...I can’t help but think about what it would be like to bring the spirit of Pink Tutu to a classical piece like Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake! Maybe a new take on the choreography, with an explosion of shimmering pink tulle, incorporating a modern feel with hints of tradition. Ooh, the possibilities are endless!
But back to the heart of Prague, with its charming bridges, beautiful gardens, and cosy cafés... After wandering around the Old Town Square and getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the Jewish Quarter (with Rosie, of course - she's the best companion a ballerina could ask for), I found myself in the magical heart of Prague: the Charles Bridge. This stunning medieval bridge, adorned with baroque statues and lined with street artists and vendors, offers breathtaking views of the city. The story of the Charles Bridge, with its origins dating back to the 14th century, is woven into the tapestry of Prague itself.
Fashion Focus: A Prague Shopping Spree
Now, every ballerina knows that a well-curated wardrobe is a crucial part of the art form. And a trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the bustling shopping streets! There's a vibrant mix of independent boutiques, luxury designer shops, and vintage havens in this city. I fell in love with the intricate jewellery crafted by local artisans, and, of course, I'm on the hunt for some beautiful accessories to match my new pink tutu. And you know what? My new ballet shoes from the tiny boutique tucked away in the Old Town are simply perfect! I’m particularly intrigued by the shops around the Charles Bridge and the charming squares just beyond, filled with beautiful local wares. I'm thinking I might need a new tutu bag – a delicate fabric tote emblazoned with a graceful ballerina silhouetted against the Charles Bridge, wouldn't that be a statement piece?
Pink Tutu's Cultural Notes
A trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without embracing the city's rich culture and traditions. I spent an afternoon at the National Gallery, immersing myself in the history of Czech art, a truly inspiring journey. Then it was off to the quirky quirky museums like the Kafka Museum (did you know that Franz Kafka was actually a Prague native?), and a unique, hands-on puppet show, featuring puppets wearing elaborate tutus (oh, how I wish I could have borrowed a few of those for a photo op!), I learned about the Czech tradition of puppetry, and how it is intricately interwoven with their culture. I could tell you how I bought one, the cutest puppet dressed in a tiny pink tutu - but I think I will just leave that as a treat for a future post!
Tutu Travels & Reflections
Of course, every trip calls for a special memento, a keepsake of the moments that make each adventure unforgettable. And I have discovered a real gem of a find! The oldest toy museum in Prague - filled with toys from ages past, every item imbued with an extraordinary tale, with charming handmade toy tutus, perfect for my ballet history research! My current goal? I am hoping to track down the most delicate handmade pink tutu I can find in Prague, maybe from a local craft shop or one of the independent boutiques - wouldn't that be perfect for a photoshoot on the Charles Bridge, the cobbled streets a beautiful backdrop, the fairy tale charm of this enchanting city echoing in every snap!
I’m back on the train now, but with my heart filled with Prague's beauty and wonder. The sights and sounds of this extraordinary city, along with the warmth and friendliness of its people, will remain etched in my memory, and on the pages of this blog.
Until next Wednesday, my darling tutu lovers! Keep twirling and stay pink!
Love,
Emma
