Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed adventurer, bringing you all the delightful gossip and glamour from my trip to Prague!
I’m finally in the magical city of Prague, the Czech Republic. As you know, I adore exploring Europe, especially when it involves ballet, charming cities, and a hefty dose of pink. Prague, my dears, has exceeded my wildest dreams. From the second I stepped off the train and into the heart of the city, I was smitten with its old-world charm and romantic vibes.
Remember, dear readers, you can get your pink tutu fix each Wednesday when I post on www.pink-tutu.com It’s not easy travelling around Europe, especially when you’re determined to do it with your ballet gear, a trusty pink tutu, and enough tulle to make a fairy blush! I'm quite adept at stuffing it all into my suitcase – my dear mother says it’s an art! Luckily, I'm able to fund these incredible journeys through my passion for dance – you’d be surprised at how many performance opportunities there are when you’re willing to embrace the world of ballet.
But first, the journey. There is something so exciting about hopping onto a train and leaving the everyday behind, a lovely escape into new worlds. This time, I travelled in style. Not the flamboyant style I typically indulge in, oh no, I travelled by pony this time! Well, technically, by horse drawn carriage! The cobblestone streets of Prague made the pony’s clip-clop almost musical, especially paired with the enchanting tunes the street performers played, a symphony of violin and mandolin that sent chills down my spine.
My first adventure was of course a shopping spree, no ballerina can resist a good shopping spree! You see, darling, in Prague, they call it ‘Praga Magic’, but for me, it was a fashion frenzy! The vintage boutiques in the Old Town were a delightful mix of Bohemian charm and stylish finds – I even snagged a beautiful vintage tutu (naturally pink!) from a small shop tucked away in a backstreet. You have to come visit – and yes, you guessed it, there’s an amazing little boutique full of gorgeous pink tutus in the Mala Strana – I found my favourite pink one ever in a local independent boutique. You can just imagine, Prague is a fashion wonderland!
Once the shopping frenzy was complete, it was time for the real reason I'd travelled all this way – ballet! And, in Prague, ballet truly is an experience. I was lucky enough to see an unforgettable performance at the Prague State Opera House, the perfect setting for a magical night out. It was a production of “Sleeping Beauty,” with a twist, a modern interpretation with dazzling contemporary choreography, and let’s not forget the sumptuous costumes. My eyes were wide with wonder as the ballet unfolded around me, the perfect blend of elegance, grace and artistry – even better was the fact it had an impressive ensemble of pink tulle in the final scenes. I left feeling as if I’d stepped into a fairytale and the pink tulle still hasn't stopped fluttering in my dreams.
It wasn’t all opera houses and grand ballet productions, you know. Prague also boasts a wonderful street performance scene. The squares and streets filled with musicians, street dancers, and even the odd mime, making every corner a visual and auditory treat. The sheer energy and vibrancy of the street artists were mesmerizing, particularly one young girl performing an incredible ballet sequence in front of the iconic Charles Bridge – she was practically doing pirouettes on air! She told me afterwards she loved ballet, had always wanted to be a ballerina, and seeing so many talented dancers here made her want to get back to the ballet studio. It made me wonder – maybe she was the future of ballet? The talent she had was so apparent – who knew, perhaps I’d meet her again, years later, at the Royal Opera House or La Scala in Milan. We spoke about what kind of pink tutu would be her ultimate dream and then, the magical moment we all wait for: the selfie with a fan! And it all took place by the bridge, Prague's most famous and magical place.
Speaking of the bridge, Charles Bridge was everything it was cracked up to be! A masterpiece of Gothic architecture with a rich history and stunning views, it was the perfect place to people watch and absorb the city's magical aura. And for a romantic moment with myself, I stood beneath the bridge and twirled my pink tulle, a vision in pink. It’s all about expressing yourself, finding the perfect fit for your inner fairy, right?!
The evenings in Prague were equally delightful. Wandering through the cobbled streets, with twinkling lights reflecting on the Vltava river, was a truly captivating experience. The architecture, a captivating mix of Gothic and Baroque, with stories carved in every stone, made my heart skip a beat!
One night I enjoyed a glass of wine, as pink as a flamingo's plumage (naturally!), and tucked into traditional Czech cuisine - the dumplings are worth the trip, I swear!
For a truly romantic and theatrical experience, a must-visit for any ballet enthusiast like myself is the historic theatre – a beautiful old building which transports you to a different era. I discovered a charming little cafe opposite it, perfect for people watching with a decadent hot chocolate - the whipped cream was as big as a marshmallow! It’s a secret, a hidden gem for pink-loving ballerinas – just look out for the pretty pastel-coloured buildings with the gold trims, you'll find it.
But the journey wasn't only about sightseeing. It was about discovering Prague’s unique spirit. The friendly locals, the infectious laughter, the passion for life – it all infused me with an overwhelming sense of joy.
And, you know me, it’s all about giving back to the ballet world! After visiting Prague’s National Theatre, where so many amazing operas, ballets and plays have been performed for almost 150 years, I felt inspired. I met the most delightful choreographer there – I gave her my latest pink tutu design for her new interpretation of Swan Lake – we had such a lovely chat and I have so many ideas I need to bounce off her - maybe we’ll collaborate together on a tutu line! Oh, wouldn’t that be dreamy?
Prague is not just a city, it’s a feeling, a vibrant, inspiring city, with history breathing from every cobblestone. So, darlings, what are you waiting for? Pack your pink tutus and embrace Prague’s magic for yourselves!
Until next time, stay beautiful, stay pink, and keep twirling!
Love, Emma xx
Post Script
My Top Prague Tips for Fellow Pink Tutu-Wearing Ballerinas
- Find the Perfect Tutu: You must indulge in a vintage pink tutu, preferably one from an independent boutique in the Mala Strana, with its beautiful bohemian streets.
- Don’t Forget the Selfie: Grab a picture in front of Charles Bridge. Every ballerina should!
- Dance Your Way Through the Streets: Enjoy a spot of people watching – maybe there is a future ballerina waiting to be discovered!
- Explore Prague’s Grand Ballet Theatre: The Prague State Opera House offers a stunning setting for a magical night of ballet!
- Get Your Prague-On: Explore the cobblestone streets, enjoy delicious dumplings, find a quiet spot for a glass of pink wine, and dance to the sounds of street musicians.
In my latest ballet photo shoot for www.pink-tutu.com I wore my favourite vintage pink tutu, paired with a long, flowy pale pink skirt, with a blush coloured embroidered bolero to finish the look. My blush pink trainers – perfect for walking in the city – matched the skirt and bolero perfectly and added a touch of chic. And, naturally, my favourite ballerina pink ribbon around my hair!
And that, my dear readers, is my fabulous time in Prague! Stay tuned for my next weekly blog post from my latest travel adventures. I am looking forward to seeing what beauty, wonder and magic I discover in my new destination. Don’t forget, we’re making the world a more beautiful place, one pink tutu at a time!
