Bonjour mes amies!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another exciting instalment of my Pink Tutu travel blog! This week, I'm whisking you all away to the magical city of Prague, a place that stole my heart with its cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and (most importantly!) abundance of enchanting ballet performances!
Now, you all know my love for tutus knows no bounds, but even I was a little surprised by the number of beautiful, extravagant tutus I saw in Prague! Maybe it's something in the air - that heady blend of history, art, and a certain fairytale magic - that inspires such a vibrant ballet scene.
Getting There: The Joy of Railway Travel
Before I delve into the world of Prague's ballet, let's talk about the journey itself. My journey began in Derbyshire, a place where my love of ballet blossomed amidst rolling hills and charming villages.
I opted for the traditional and rather elegant way to travel - by train. There's nothing quite like watching the world slip by through a window, my own personal silver screen displaying an endless ballet of fields, forests, and charming towns. Of course, I wore my go-to travel look - a chic pink tutu, naturally, with a flowing silk scarf for that touch of elegance.
The City of Dreams: Arriving in Prague
Arriving in Prague, I felt an immediate sense of enchantment. I'd read about the city's dramatic history and seen photos of its gothic towers, but nothing could prepare me for the feeling of being swept back in time the moment I stepped off the train.
A Dance Through History: Prague's Ballet Legacy
Now, onto the reason I truly came to Prague: its thriving ballet scene. Prague boasts a long and illustrious ballet history. I spent a delightful morning in the National Theatre, where I felt like I'd stepped into a beautifully preserved fairytale. I stood awestruck before the imposing Neo-Renaissance architecture, and imagined the legendary ballerina, Anna Pavlova, gliding across the stage over a century ago.
That afternoon, I indulged in some classic ballet history. My favourite tutu shop on Old Town Square - "Le Tutu" (because of course, they couldn't just be called Tutu!), boasts a fascinating collection of vintage ballet shoes and tutus from across the ages. It was like stepping back into the very beginnings of ballet, a place where the story of my own passion was told! It was a wonderful glimpse into the world of tutu history.
Finding the Perfect Tutu: A Prague Shopping Adventure
No visit to Prague is complete without a little indulgence, and my indulgence, of course, is tutus! Prague's boutique scene is nothing short of fabulous, brimming with fashion-forward designers and ateliers, many featuring creations inspired by ballet and dance. I found myself swept up in the atmosphere, trying on exquisite outfits, dreaming of dancing through Prague's ancient streets. I ended up buying the most divine tulle-skirted dress with a beautiful, pearl-studded belt that whispered, "ballet," even if it wasn't technically a tutu!
Seeing the Stars: The Ballet Performances I Fell In Love With
But my time in Prague wasn't just about shopping and dreaming! The real treat was, of course, the ballet performances. My top pick on this trip was a production of Giselle at the beautiful Estates Theatre, an elegant historical jewel. I was completely blown away by the dancers' passion, the ethereal beauty of the choreography, and the stunning sets and costumes. The entire evening felt like a dream.
I also caught a stunning modern ballet performance at the charming Prague Dance Centre. I love the way contemporary ballet explores new movements and emotions - it was almost like a visual poem in motion.
And of course, what visit to Prague would be complete without a visit to the world-famous National Theatre? The sheer majesty of the building left me breathless! And to think, countless generations of dancers and audience members have graced those steps. I feel truly honoured to have witnessed its grandeur!
Ballet in Every Corner: Prague's Ballet Streets
Beyond the official ballet venues, Prague's streets pulsate with a vibrant energy. Evenings on Old Town Square felt like they were bursting with a symphony of music, laughter, and lively performances. Street dancers - some dressed in brightly coloured costumes and others with an edgy urban flair - kept everyone entertained, from a delighted grandmother to a young couple hand in hand. Their artistry inspired me. I felt like I could even join in, just a girl in a pink tutu adding a little ballet magic to their performances!
Pink Tutu on the Move: Travelling in Prague
I have to admit, it can be a bit of a challenge travelling around Prague with a tutu, especially as a little bit of me loves to dance everywhere! But my new tutu-skirt dress became my go-to outfit! Not only was it practical and comfortable for exploring cobbled streets, but it also allowed me to twirl and twirl my heart out. Prague’s beauty just demanded it!
I felt incredibly lucky to witness the city from different vantage points: The panoramic view from the Prague Castle overlooking the city was breath-taking - my pink tutu blended perfectly with the sunset colours, and even on my evening horseback ride through the ancient city, my trusty tutu kept me both comfortable and perfectly princess-worthy.
Ballet for Everyone: My Pink Tutu Mission
Prague’s ballet scene made me think a lot about why I wear my pink tutu everywhere. My aim in life is to get everyone wearing pink tutus! It's more than just a whimsical fashion statement - it's a symbol of passion, of embracing joy, of letting our inner artist shine through. It’s about reminding everyone, regardless of their background, that ballet, at its heart, is about creativity, expression, and ultimately, pure, beautiful movement.
So next time you’re in Prague, step out of your comfort zone and put on a pink tutu. Trust me, you’ll feel the magic! Don't just walk through Prague's cobbled streets, dance through them! And when you find a cobblestone street that you want to just twirl on, don't stop, dance!
Don't forget to check out the latest posts and pictures on my Pink Tutu Instagram! @PinkTutu_Emma
Until next time, dear readers, keep dancing and keep sparkling!
Yours in tulle, Emma
