Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, writing to you live from the most magical city in the world – Prague!
As you know, I'm always on the lookout for a new adventure. A new city to explore, a new show to watch, a new tutu to twirl in! And what better place to combine all these things than the heart of Europe?
This week, I’ve been in a flurry of tulle and tutus, soaking up all that Prague has to offer. It's not just the fairytale architecture (complete with gargoyles and turrets, darling!), it’s the atmosphere. There's something about this city, something so charming, so captivating, it feels like you’ve stepped into a ballet production!
This trip is all about celebrating ballet and embracing that beautiful, ethereal elegance that’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
A Tutu-ific Journey to the City of a Hundred Spires:
As always, my journey to Prague started in Derbyshire. This time, I was lucky enough to have the option of choosing between a charming vintage train carriage, a classic London double-decker, or even a fluffy white pony! I must say, a trip on a pony did cross my mind – wouldn't that be an absolute dream?! Sadly, the practicalities of life – namely, luggage weight restrictions - did mean I opted for the classic double-decker.
It's a classic choice, and one I certainly wasn't disappointed by! There's just something about sitting on a red double-decker, watching the world roll by outside, that gives you such a sense of travel excitement.
Prague’s Grand Ballet Stage:
Once I reached Prague, it was time for my main attraction – the ballet show! It was something very special, an unforgettable performance I knew I had to include in my itinerary!
Tonight, we’re seeing “Don Juan,” a Spanish dance drama that’s absolutely perfect for exploring Prague’s vibrant, colourful, and even sometimes-chaotic energy. The National Theatre is the centrepiece of Prague's ballet scene, a glorious historic building filled with elegance and grandeur, and I’m absolutely smitten with the grand interiors. I have to admit I did do a little twirling, even though I was told a gentle curtsy was a more appropriate response. Let's be honest, tutus were designed to be twirled!
Tutu Treasures of Prague: A Shop-aholic’s Paradise
Prague has been the perfect blend of cultural immersion, incredible performances, and – of course! - plenty of shopping! Let’s face it, a trip to a new city simply wouldn’t be complete without a little retail therapy.
From vintage clothing stores hidden down charming cobbled alleyways to high-end boutiques adorned with fairy lights, I've discovered a fashion scene just as vibrant and charming as the city itself.
The Prague boutique, ‘Atelier Lilla,’ has been a particularly wonderful discovery. They carry all kinds of fabrics - silks, satins, chiffons - and you can actually design your own tutu! They offer a personalized fitting session and will bring your vision to life with a selection of intricate embellishments and lace trimmings, so it’s like your own fairytale princess tutu dress – truly bespoke! They were even kind enough to let me borrow a few for a mini photoshoot in front of the iconic Charles Bridge.
You know how much I love vintage fashion, and Prague is just teeming with hidden treasures. My top finds: a stunning lilac tulle dress in a small antique shop tucked away on Old Town Square, a beaded handbag that looks like it was worn by a bohemian ballerina a century ago, and a pair of stunning vintage earrings – absolutely perfect for a trip to the opera!
Food, Fashion, and Fancies:
But the best part of this whole Prague experience, of course, has been experiencing this wonderful city through all my senses.
The aroma of cinnamon buns filling the air – so sweet, it felt like being whisked back to childhood! The gentle tinkling of bells on a passing tram. A walk along the Vltava River, its reflection glistening under a moonlit sky… Oh, how the inspiration flows! It’s just the most incredible setting, even more beautiful when you dress for the occasion!
I found a truly divine tea salon, tucked away in an alley. Its walls were covered with paintings, each one more whimsical and eccentric than the next – like something out of a fairytale, my darlings! We ordered hot chocolate, whipped with marshmallow fluff – what a decadent treat. I spent the afternoon writing, dreaming, and planning my next fashion escapade in this wondrous city.
Prague has completely stolen my heart. It’s like a ballet itself, a magical whirlwind of romance, art, and wonder, wrapped in a charming pink tutu of fairy tale beauty!
Stay tuned, my lovelies, as I take you on more pink tutu adventures – from ballet-inspired fashion to magical moments under the Prague moonlight. Until next Wednesday, remember to embrace the beauty of life and always twirl in the pink!
Love and Tutu-itude,
Emma
