Well, hello my lovely dancers! Itās Wednesday, which means itās time for another Pink Tutu blog post! This week Iām straight from the cobbled streets of Prague, the city of a hundred spires, and I've been absolutely enchanted!
After an incredibly picturesque train journey from Vienna (I may have had a cheeky pony ride through the vineyards!), I arrived in Prague just in time for a rather special evening ā a ballet performance that made my tutu practically twirl with excitement. But before I get into that, let me tell you about my adventures so far!
Prague: A fairytale city
As soon as I stepped out of the station, I was swept away by the cityās magical atmosphere. The cobbled streets, the majestic Prague Castle perched on the hill, the intricate architecture - it all felt like I'd stepped into a fairytale! Everywhere I looked, there was something stunning to photograph ā my camera practically begged to be used! I especially loved the Old Town Square, with its iconic Astronomical Clock and the storybook houses. It felt like the perfect setting for a romantic waltz, even better if I was dancing with a handsome princeā¦ though alas, he has yet to materialise!
A Fashionable Fiesta
Prague is a real fashionista's paradise! I havenāt been able to resist popping into some of the charming boutiques, admiring the Czech designs and indulging in a few Pink Tutu worthy purchases. There were so many incredible clothes, but I especially loved the delicate, romantic designs with intricate lace details. Imagine, if you will, my glee when I found the most perfect pair of pink shoes, they were practically screaming to be paired with a fabulous tutu. (Of course, I couldn't leave without them.) And wouldn't you know it, I discovered a quaint shop full of the most beautiful vintage hats, ideal for completing the āParisian ballerina in Pragueā vibe I was going for!
The Ballet Experience
But of course, my primary mission in Prague is always ballet! This week, I was lucky enough to see The Nutcracker performed at the breathtaking Estates Theatre. Itās said to be one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe, and honestly, they were right. The interiors were exquisite, with golden details, plush red velvet seating, and crystal chandeliers. I just wanted to twirl across the stage myself!
As for the performance? Letās just say I was swept away by the beauty and artistry of the ballet. I loved the intricate choreography, the graceful dancers, the gorgeous costumes (oh, and did I mention, the dancers looked positively ravishing!), and the wonderful music that made my heart skip a beat. And wouldn't you know it, the most breathtaking moments were punctuated by the perfect musical cues. Itās just amazing how something as beautiful and intricate as ballet can so effortlessly pull you in!
Ballet History:
Every city I visit is filled with history, and Prague is no exception. This city has an incredible legacy when it comes to ballet. From its very beginnings, ballet has been an integral part of this vibrant city's cultural identity. Just think of the rich, storied traditions, and you will start to imagine just how impactful it has been. After my show, I made my way over to the National Theatre to check out their ballet heritage! From its glorious 19th-century architecture to the iconic performances held on its stages, the history of ballet in Prague truly fascinates me. Even more exciting, I found some antique ballet programs tucked away in a bookstore. I am just delighted to be adding them to my ever-growing collection. It really brings the history of ballet to life!
Pink Tutu Fun Facts!
Speaking of history, did you know that Pragueās iconic Astronomical Clock is actually one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world? I know it sounds a bit strange for a ballet blogger to talk about clocks, but it actually reminded me of one of my favorite stories from ballet history. Do you remember how we talk about ballet as an art form born from courtly dances? Well, many historical documents record the origins of ballet being heavily connected to time. The first ballet performances often were performed on specific, courtly holidays and were specifically crafted around royal life. Talk about the ballet being ātime-keeping!ā Now, how fascinating is that? Maybe this could explain why I feel a particular affinity to the clockwork elements of the Nutcracker?
Tutu Love in Prague
As you can tell, I'm falling absolutely head-over-tutu for this charming city. It feels as if Prague was designed to be the ultimate ballerina playground! It has everything I could possibly want: beautiful buildings, stunning ballet performances, fashionable stores, and just a touch of history to make it all even more captivating.
The past few days have been full of delicious food (I had the best apple strudel EVER!), and beautiful, breathtaking walks through Pragueās captivating medieval heart. Iāve already marked several spots on my map to explore ā the Dancing House (looks just like a ballerina twirling!), the Jewish Quarter, and the enchanting Charles Bridge are just a few places on my to-do list. The weather is perfect ā crisp, cool air, but not too chilly (it helps that Iām wearing a tutu! That always keeps me warm, right?). So far, it's been a ballet fairytale adventure come to life!
But before I leave you, a little announcementā¦ I'm on the hunt for some incredible pink tutu styles to add to my wardrobe while Iām in Prague! After all, what better place to find new, delightful ballet-inspired pieces than the land of fairytale romance? And of course, I can't wait to share my fashion finds with all of you! (Stay tuned!)
Well, I better get going ā there's a whole city waiting to be explored, and maybe a secret pastry shop tucked away on a hidden alleyā¦ or possibly a little-known pink tutu shopā¦ Who knows, there are always adventures to be found in Prague.
Until next time, happy twirling!
Love,
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
