Wednesday, 23rd January 2019
Darling readers,
How's everyone? It's Emma, your pink-loving, tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, back with another adventure! This week I'm taking you with me to the magical city of Prague, a place where history and beauty collide, just like a perfectly executed pirouette!
The Journey Begins...
It's a crisp January morning in Derbyshire and the snow is swirling, but I'm tucked away in a warm train carriage, eagerly anticipating my arrival in the Czech capital. My trusty pink tutu is snuggled safely in my suitcase (of course!) along with my ballet flats and my absolute must-have, a vintage book about the history of tutus. Honestly, who can resist the evolution of dancewear? I simply adore finding out how the humble tutu has gone from the fluffy meringue skirts of the Romantic era to the sleek, streamlined designs of today.
The Prague Arrival
As my train glides into Prague's magnificent main station, I'm captivated by the grandeur of the architecture. It's like stepping straight out of a fairytale! The station itself is a breathtaking example of Art Nouveau, with its swirling lines, delicate mosaics, and soaring vaulted ceilings. The Czech Republic seems to be whispering to me "Embrace your inner ballerina, darling, you're home."
My first port of call is the Old Town Square, and I’m not at all surprised by its charm. There’s a warmth in the air, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills my senses, and festive music weaves its way through the cobblestone streets. And just to top off the enchanting atmosphere, a traditional Christmas market is in full swing – I’m practically guaranteed to find some exquisite, fairytale-worthy Christmas decorations for my flat back home.
Pink Tutu in Prague
Before embarking on a grand tour of this fabulous city, I need to locate a shop specializing in exquisite dancewear. Every ballerina deserves a perfect pink tutu, and what better place to find it than a city with such vibrant energy?
You wouldn’t believe my luck! Nestled in a quiet corner of the Old Town, I stumbled upon a shop called ‘Prima Ballerina’, its storefront shimmering with pastel colours. Inside, a plethora of pink, pink, and more pink! And you guessed it – the most magnificent collection of tutus. I immediately felt like I’d walked straight onto a Parisian ballet stage! I spend a blissful hour sifting through the racks, finally settling on a delicate tulle tutu with shimmering pink sequins. You’ll see this little beauty featured in many of my Prague pictures, my darlings!
The National Theatre
Tonight’s highlight, my readers: A captivating ballet performance at the magnificent National Theatre. A grand neo-Renaissance building perched proudly on the banks of the Vltava River, it's one of Prague’s most striking landmarks, with a history almost as grand as the tutus on stage. The moment I stepped inside, I could almost hear the echoes of the greats, like Anna Pavlova and Nijinsky. My breath caught as I entered the beautifully adorned auditorium, where intricate golden detailing and velvet seats adorned with plush burgundy cushions transported me back in time. The stage was alight, an inviting stage that beckoned for a dramatic performance. And, of course, my pink tutu was a star alongside the professional dancers, adding an extra layer of fairytale enchantment to this incredible night.
Dinner Delights
After a most exquisite performance, it’s time for a quintessential Prague dining experience. The streets buzz with life, every restaurant glowing with the warm light of welcoming fireplaces.
I’m tempted by the numerous Bohemian beer houses, but for a more elegant touch, I decided on a charming restaurant tucked away on a side street, serving traditional Czech cuisine. Imagine my joy as I savor delicious goulash, washed down with a glass of local Czech wine.
Prague by Day
I’m waking up early this morning to explore the city by day. A golden light paints the cobbled streets and ancient architecture a dazzling spectacle. And, to make it truly magical, I’m taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town, swaying gently and imagining myself as Cinderella’s carriage, en route to a grand ball. The air is crisp, with a touch of frost, making the vibrant colours of the city’s buildings seem even more stunning. Every twist and turn reveals a picture postcard vista, perfectly framing the magnificent architecture of the Charles Bridge or the ancient Astronomical Clock. It's hard to resist a pink tutu moment and twirling in the street in front of such an impressive backdrop. The city seems to embrace it! And I can’t help but dream of the magnificent ball I am about to attend this evening.
The Ballet Inspiration
In the afternoon, I find myself standing on the grand stage of the National Theatre. What a thrilling opportunity to feel the magic of the place. Imagine me in my pink tutu, taking my final bow, soaking in the roar of the appreciative audience! It's not just a dream though, it’s an ambition. Each trip fuels this flame.
Tonight's show promises to be the final flourish of my Prague trip. I'm all dressed up and ready for another breathtaking performance at the National Theatre. A stunning piece about the life of the world's greatest ballerina. This performance touches me on a whole other level. It's not just ballet, it’s about the power of dreaming and taking your passions and turning them into your life. It’s a sentiment that really resonates with this pink-loving tutu-wearing blogger. After the show I know I must keep dreaming. Keep following my passion. Keep spreading the message of ballet in my own small way. And keep wearing my tutu!
This isn’t the end of the Prague fairytale! In my next blog, I’ll share more of my adventures in this captivating city.
Keep those twirls going,
Emma x
