Wednesday 5th May, 2021
Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, fresh off the train from Derbyshire, England, and landing straight into the fairytale that is Prague.
I know what you're thinking - "Prague? Why not Vienna or Paris?" But Prague is a hidden gem for the discerning ballet lover, trust me! It boasts a rich history of dance, captivating architecture, and a delightful blend of tradition and contemporary spirit. And yes, plenty of fabulous shops! 😉
This week's blog post will take you on a journey through the captivating ballet scene of Prague, along with all the pink tutu-tastic delights I discovered along the way. So grab your favourite pink beverage, settle in, and let's get started!
Train Travel - A Tutu's Best Friend!
My trip began, as always, with a delightful train ride. There's nothing quite like watching the countryside whizz by from a comfy carriage, while I meticulously adjust my perfectly pink tutu, making sure every layer is flowing flawlessly.
Speaking of tutus, this time I went for my "Prima Ballerina" design, a classic confection in the most perfect shade of pastel pink. You know me, gotta stay on theme! To give it that extra 'oomph' I accessorised with a vintage pink straw boater hat and a pair of delicate, pearlescent ballet slippers, the perfect balance between practical and glamorous.
My journey involved a couple of stopovers for tea and pastries - always a necessity! In Germany, I sampled the most delicious "Kirsch" tart, all creamy cherry and sweet pastry goodness! The train carriage was a great place for sketching - I always find the most amazing ballet inspired outfits for my upcoming pieces from fellow travellers.
Prague: A Ballet Lover's Wonderland!
And then, Prague, in all its glory. Stepping out of the train station, I was immediately swept into the city's magic! The historic architecture is straight out of a storybook. Every street corner seems to boast a beautiful, colourful building or castle. The Czech Republic really does take "fairytale architecture" to another level!
Speaking of "fairytales" we're actually smack-bang in the middle of Czech Fairy Tale Week in Prague! (Isn't that just too adorable?). This festival runs for a fortnight and features theatre shows, puppet shows, dancing and even special exhibitions. So much to see! I have to sneak a peak at some of the performances later!
A Ballet Boutique Paradise!
Of course, my first stop had to be the beautiful "Dancing Ballerina Boutique" It's this gorgeous little shop with antique tutus, ballet shoes, and an array of pink and ballet-themed clothing that has my heart singing! After much deliberation, I snagged a gorgeous vintage pink tutu with pearl-beaded straps and a pair of velvet ballet flats adorned with sparkly stars! Pure girly heaven!
But Prague is not only home to ballet fashion - the shops are bursting with all things beautiful and "fashion-y"! From designer boutiques to cute independent shops - I could happily wander for days!
On the Trail of Tutus: A Cultural Ballet Dive
No trip to Prague is complete without experiencing its incredible cultural offerings, especially for a ballet enthusiast like myself!
We're talking historical buildings with stunning ballet histories, majestic opera houses with magnificent acoustics, and street performances that showcase the talent and energy of local artists!
I actually learned about a hidden little Ballet School - called "The Dancing Flame" in the Old Town - right near the Astronomic Clock! And of course, I couldn't resist popping in.
I even got the chance to chat with one of the school's talented teachers! We had the most fascinating discussion about the origins of the classical tutu. You would never believe this, but the design is linked to 19th century fashion trends - who would've thought? It just goes to show, even ballet history is connected to fashion history.
I love discovering these hidden cultural gems. For me, it's not just about seeing ballets and dancing - it's about absorbing the city's ballet soul, its heritage and passion!
Prague: Where Tradition and Modernity Meet
Later today, I'm planning a trip to the magnificent National Theatre! I can't wait to soak up the grandeur and soak up the atmosphere! It is on a prime location by the Vltava river and there are many things to see near by, from cafes, parks and historical attractions. There are beautiful bridges connecting the city across the river - it is such an impressive sight. I will share all the details from the theatre on next weeks post, stay tuned for a fabulous photo-shoot!
Now, don't think I forgot about the contemporary ballet scene - I definitely didn't! Prague's contemporary scene is alive and kicking. I discovered this incredible dance group performing right in the heart of the Old Town Square. The dancers moved with such fluidity and passion - it was just captivating. It showed me that ballet is a beautiful expression of creativity - whether it's classic or contemporary, there's magic to be found in the movements and the emotions.
Don't Forget to Embrace Your Inner Ballerina!
Now, while I've been busy with all this ballet goodness, I haven't forgotten about the fun factor! My tip for enjoying Prague to the fullest is to just embrace your inner child and your love for tutus! That's what it's all about - finding the joy in every moment! Whether it's spinning on a cobbled street, striking a pose in a fairytale courtyard, or simply twirling under the twinkling Prague skyline, make sure you let loose your inner "tutu-belle" - you deserve it!
I’ve fallen head over heels for Prague - and it truly feels like a city waiting to be discovered, layer by layer, like a delicate tulle tutu. From ballet heritage and contemporary expression to those delightful pastel-coloured houses - this city is all about embracing life, imagination and beautiful, feminine dreams!
Stay tuned for next week's "Pink Tutu" Prague adventure - with a little help from the gorgeous National Theatre, the fairytale architecture, and maybe even a pony ride (watch this space!), I plan to explore more hidden corners and share all the "Pink Tutu magic" I discover!
See you next Wednesday,
Love, Emma 💖 www.pink-tutu.com
