Wednesday 21st December 2016
Bonjour mes amies! Welcome to my Prague blog - a new city and a whole host of ballet delights to share with you!
The Train Journey
The journey from Derbyshire, England, to Prague was truly magical. I simply adore train journeys. I love that feeling of anticipation, watching the landscape whiz past. You never know what you might see. And as I gaze at the fields, towns and villages I dream of pink tutus adorning the inhabitants. Of course, I had to dress for the occasion – what else would a ballet blogger wear than a stunning blush pink tutu adorned with pearls and matching ballet pumps? I'm quite sure a few faces lit up with smiles as we travelled past - pink tutus are a real conversation starter!
Pink-Tutu Travels on Horseback
A train journey would never be complete without a touch of adventure, wouldn't it? Well, when we arrived at the charming town of Pilsen, my beloved travel companion, my dashing pony, was waiting! He’s called Romeo and he's a champion. Yes, my dear readers, I'm travelling by pony across Europe - what other way is there to experience its heart? A side saddle and a velvet cloak to match the deep magenta shade of my tutu and I was ready! We trotted through picturesque landscapes – picture storybook villages nestled amongst hills, fields painted gold by the late afternoon sun, and sparkling streams reflecting the azure sky. The wind tousled my hair, carrying with it the scent of pine needles and the promise of magical adventures.
A Ballerina's Delight: The Czech National Theatre
Tonight, Prague welcomed me with the most beautiful ballet show! Imagine the National Theatre bathed in twinkling Christmas lights, the air filled with the melody of Strauss waltzes and a stage bursting with dancers dressed in breathtaking costumes. Yes, I'm in heaven!
My heart skipped a beat the moment I walked into the theatre, feeling its historical presence all around me. Built in the 1880s, it boasts a neo-renaissance architecture that simply takes your breath away. Imagine ornate gilded sculptures, exquisite frescoes, plush velvet seats, and the stage itself a canvas for a ballet masterpiece!
The performance? “Swan Lake”, of course! Who doesn’t love Tchaikovsky's sweeping score and the timeless story of Odette and Prince Siegfried? It's simply magical - every twirl, every leap, every gesture of the dancers is a dance of dreams, evoking a world of graceful swans and enchanting forests. The grand finale with its stunning corps de ballet left me speechless.
After the curtain call, my heart still singing with joy, I discovered that there was a beautiful display of ballet costumes on display, housed in the theatre itself! My pink tutu almost squealed with delight - and mine, it must be said, pales in comparison to the incredible artistry and beauty of these costumes. Each stitch, each bead, every delicate feather - it’s all a celebration of the power of ballet. You know me, a passionate dancer myself. I spent a good deal of time marveling at their intricate beauty!
Prague: A Shopping Paradise!
But Prague isn't just about breathtaking performances! This city, with its medieval cobbled streets, historic buildings and vibrant culture, is a haven for shoppers – and especially a pink-tutu lover like myself.
After my heart-stirring ballet evening, it was time to explore Prague’s fashion scene, of course. A quick hop to the elegant Parizska Street - and oh! my goodness. Prague's Old Town is like stepping back in time with beautiful boutiques crammed with beautiful clothes and exquisite fabrics - my pink tutu was bouncing in glee!
This town boasts everything for a ballerina. Delicate silk scarves, feather boas (the perfect finishing touch for any pink tutu ensemble), beautiful silk nightgowns, even tiny little ballet shoes - it was pure ballet bliss.
As a ballerina, one simply can't pass up a shop specialising in bespoke ballet outfits. Here, I saw the most delicate fabrics imaginable. Imagine an ombre silk fabric, transitioning from blush pink to lavender and then to the most glorious blue, all shimmering with fine silver threads - I just knew I had to add it to my collection. This delicate fabric, my readers, is destined to become my newest pink tutu creation! I know exactly what I'm going to make with it: a dazzling ombre pink tutu - you just wait and see, my dears!
Finding My Pink-Tutu Muse in Prague
Oh! And you'll never guess what I discovered whilst shopping! It’s quite simply the most charming little store filled with exquisite ballet memorabilia - pink tutus and shoes aplenty - oh my heart! The owner was the most wonderful old woman, all smiles and wisdom. She has this extraordinary twinkle in her eye and tells me her whole life has been dedicated to the magic of ballet. We bonded over my love of pink tutus - hers, of course, was vintage lavender!
“Ballet,” she said, her voice filled with the melody of the stage, “it's not just a dance, it's a way of life, my dear!” She pulled a little antique ballerina doll out of a case. “My favourite! ” she declared with pride. “I’ve had her since I was just a child. And now, with my help, she can inspire you too! ” Oh, and did I mention the doll was wearing a miniature, truly fabulous pink tutu?
The day has flown by, leaving me swooning over the sheer magic of this incredible city. And I haven’t even explored the stunning castle, had a romantic boat trip down the Vltava River, or experienced the legendary local nightlife!
But tonight, my friends, my pink tutu, my darling pony Romeo, and I are preparing to enjoy an intimate little Czech Christmas market in one of Prague's prettiest squares, enjoying roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, traditional gingerbread hearts and enjoying the magical festive atmosphere.
So, my dearest readers, don’t miss my blog next week - I’ll be telling you all about the Prague Christmas market, the delights I discovered on a wander around this charming city and the enchanted ballet show I enjoyed! Stay tuned!
Until next Wednesday,
Your Emma.
