#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2021-06-09

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the most beautiful city in the world...Prague! Yes, Prague! My beloved Prague! This magical, fairytale-esque city is steeped in history and overflowing with beauty, from its charming cobbled streets and medieval architecture to the vibrant cafes and charming riverside views. And of course, it's a veritable paradise for a tutu-loving ballerina like me.

This week's blog is a special one because I’m combining two of my biggest passions: travelling and tutus! My travels are powered by my performances, of course - wouldn't be anywhere else than on a stage right now! But, when I can, I sneak off to far-flung places for inspiration. I know, how glamorous!

This trip I'm lucky enough to have flown into Prague to see an extraordinary ballet production, but my schedule wouldn't be complete without a dose of delightful, dreamy Prague shopping! Oh my goodness, Prague is an absolute treat for the senses – particularly when it comes to the abundance of designer boutiques. This time I'm hunting for a specific pair of shoes – some delicate white kitten heels, and of course, a fab new pink tutu to celebrate my arrival in this romantic city!

It's my birthday this week (whoop whoop!) so I had to have a cake! Oh my gosh! You just wait until you see it. The chef created a most amazing birthday cake - decorated with the most exquisite spun sugar ballet shoes! They were truly magnificent. But first, before my grand arrival in the Czech capital, a quick bit of history! Did you know Prague boasts a proud ballet tradition that goes way back to the 18th century, long before tutus made their glamorous entrance! It's an absolute delight, all that history swirling around.

Anyway, now that I've had you up to date, I need to catch you up on my day and the highlights of my visit so far! It all began with my arrival by train from Derbyshire, where my family home and dance studio is. Travelling by train is a wonderful, atmospheric journey; I even squeezed in a bit of practice! That said, the best part is that you can arrive in town feeling perfectly prepared to strut your stuff, all those train rides are so great for working on that ballet core!

The whole point of my Prague escapade is of course, to get to see some stunning performances. After all, there's nothing like being completely mesmerized by talented dancers swirling and leaping across the stage, and of course I have my Pink Tutu blog to keep up! The most iconic theatre in Prague is, without a doubt, the grand and majestic National Theatre. It's a cultural landmark and the most significant centre for performing arts in all the Czech Republic, which of course is why I’m here, ready for the ultimate theatrical experience! And this trip has definitely lived up to all expectations.

But the National Theatre isn’t the only stage where Prague comes alive, oh no! Prague has the most vibrant cultural scene! A great example of this is the magical Prague State Opera – another theatre brimming with history. This one is housed in a beautiful Renaissance building that's truly striking! I was enthralled by the exquisite artistry and captivating stories unfolding on the stage. And the opulent interior is an absolute masterpiece, a veritable feast for the eyes!

You see, when I plan these little getaways, it’s all about giving my mind a little escape and indulging in the pleasure of the performing arts. But let’s get real, I love a good backstage story, and the real highlights for me this week were actually back stage! I’m very much a "get in there and find out!" kind of girl. This week was no exception! The opera's back stage tours really bring the history of performance to life – it's fascinating! Seeing the secret passages and hidden spaces behind the main stage, with glimpses into the workshops and dressing rooms, makes you realize what a hidden world of magic the ballet and opera are! There’s something quite magical about these behind-the-scenes glimpses. And let me tell you, the opera dancers I met, wow! So lovely! You just can’t beat that intimate access behind the curtain!

My own love of dance isn't just about watching other artists at work; it's also about letting my own creative spirit soar! It wouldn’t be a Prague visit without visiting the Dancing House – another architectural masterpiece, and a testament to Prague’s cutting-edge art scene. But the real beauty for me was meeting with a local tutu-maker who gave me some top tips on where to buy some of the most incredible designs. It was fantastic to get such an insider's view on the craft of tutu-making, plus, I found the perfect vintage tutu and some amazing little treasures in a local vintage shop. They have an amazing selection of shoes in every size imaginable (I did find the perfect pair of kitten heels! So pleased!), all kinds of fancy headwear and even antique costume jewelry. That’s what I love about Prague – there's so much unique character hidden in its cobbled alleyways and grand buildings. It really is a fairytale come to life.

After a spot of sightseeing, I knew I had to go to see something, so I decided to treat myself to the most gorgeous ballet class at the Prague Ballet Theatre. And guess what? I went in full ballerina mode, wearing my prettiest pink tutu, a cute white top, and of course, the prettiest ballet shoes. I even snagged a few ballet shoes for the trip! After all, it’s an excuse to find a new pair for a new city, isn’t it?

It's so hard not to get caught up in the magic of ballet, the grace, and artistry of the dancers and the pure delight of movement! Of course, I had to capture it all for Instagram – my friends loved it! They were so excited to see my latest escapades. It’s great fun sharing my journey with all of them! It definitely was my kind of workout – definitely helped to keep those muscles strong for the return trip home! You see, I do like to think of my tutu-loving travels as my personal performance! It’s how I try to encourage my followers to get their own creative flair going, and to start rocking the pink tutu, or, if pink isn’t their vibe, whatever they feel great in! Just because I adore pink tutus doesn’t mean I don't understand that everyone loves different things – it’s just so great that we can all be unique.

By the way, speaking of unique! You're probably wondering why I am obsessed with tutus. It's simple. I love them. Not just for their grace, beauty and power to make me feel like a princess – it’s something much bigger! A pink tutu doesn't just symbolize dancing, it stands for self-expression. It’s an attitude, an embracing of color, and for me, a symbol of individuality. This passion, however, doesn’t come from nowhere! Growing up, my obsession was fuelled by the grand costumes I’d seen on the grand opera stage and, most especially, by the ballet, the one that got me truly into tutus – the Sleeping Beauty. As a young dancer, I dreamed of being a princess on the stage in a spectacular pink tutu and of course, a crown – every girl’s dream! Of course, tutus have an exciting history, a very fascinating history too - I am a bit of a history buff! All that incredible Victorian glamour – just amazing!

I’ve worn my tutu for a long time, now, even on a pony! Remember my Shetland Pony adventure? You know, on my recent trip, I had so much fun exploring the streets and hidden cafes of Prague in my tutu – the local people I met have such a warm welcoming vibe to them. It was the perfect dress for a stroll around the Prague castle gardens, and of course, perfect for a lovely, long bike ride through the park. That said, the Prague Castle is an amazing sight to behold – the architectural wonders just draw you in. All that amazing stonework, centuries of craftsmanship on display, just takes your breath away! And if you want some amazing, Instagram-worthy pictures, this place has some seriously good scenery – it has everything from stunning views over the rooftops to lush gardens to cobbled alleyways and quirky, independent stores! And I'm sure you've noticed that all my outfits include pink tutus – it's really just my trademark.

So, my friends, this week’s journey through Prague has been a real treat. But it’s time for me to say goodbye to the city for now. It’s not really goodbye though – I’ll be back! Now, I have a train to catch, an epic performance in Dresden this week and of course, loads more pink tutu stories to tell! I’m back here in Derbyshire, my dance studio awaits, I’m so excited to share more! Until then, get out there, live your dream and rock your own brand of individuality! Until next week!