Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, reporting live from the enchanting city of Prague. This Wednesday, I'm bringing you a delightful dose of pink-tinted Prague magic! And this week’s theme? Oh darling, it has to be the enchanting world of ballet.
This city is simply oozing with history, culture, and architectural delights, all set against a backdrop of charming cobbled streets and twinkling river reflections. It truly is a fairytale setting, just waiting for a pink tutu to dance through.
My train journey here was as picturesque as you could imagine. Rolling through the countryside, the rolling green hills gave way to a smattering of snow-capped peaks, which really is the most idyllic way to arrive, don’t you think? I find travelling by train offers such an enchanting perspective; I'm a big believer in letting the world pass by you slowly, allowing you to truly appreciate the journey. Of course, I did my utmost to turn heads as I waltzed through the train carriages – my signature pink tutu was naturally my travel outfit of choice. (Why not add a dash of colour and whimsy to the usual grey of train travel?)
Oh, before I go any further, do allow me to address the elephant in the room: yes, this trip to Prague has been funded by my latest ballet performance! I was delighted to be invited to perform a short piece for a local community arts event back in Derbyshire, and it truly warmed my heart to see so many excited little eyes (and some bigger ones!) enjoying my performance. The sheer joy on their faces filled me with such delight, and it’s this energy that propels me to keep spreading my love for the arts and, of course, tutus!
So, what does a ballerina do when she’s in Prague? Well, you'll be delighted to know I started the week with a visit to the National Theatre! This is a glorious piece of architecture that’s synonymous with Prague. Built in 1881, its majestic exterior stands proudly on the banks of the Vltava River, its iconic neo-Renaissance style a stark contrast to the city’s more whimsical Baroque buildings. But let's be honest, the real beauty lies within the grand theatre halls, with its magnificent stage and opulent décor. Sadly, they weren’t performing a ballet on this particular evening (I’m sure you can guess my disappointment!), so I settled for a thrilling theatrical performance instead. I mean, one cannot just visit Prague without catching a show!
The play itself was a dramatic affair, packed full of intrigue, love, and, dare I say it, a touch of Shakespearean melodrama. I admit to having been a bit apprehensive, as my preferred artistic form will always be ballet, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself engrossed in the drama and truly captivated by the incredible talent of the performers. It really reminded me of the sheer power and magic of storytelling, no matter the form it takes.
And talking of ballet, my trip wasn't complete without a visit to the Prague National Ballet Company! These dancers are incredibly skilled, and the movements were a masterpiece of precision and fluidity, leaving me completely captivated. You just have to feel the energy of those dancers on stage, the passion, the talent – they truly are the crème de la crème of Czech ballet.
Prague itself feels like a grand ballet set. Every cobblestone street and intricate architecture feels designed for a pirouette, a grand jeté, a slow, graceful adagio. As I strolled through the heart of Prague, I found myself mentally transforming into a ballerina in a glittering tutu, floating across the squares and ancient bridges. Every ornate window, every gothic spire, seemed to inspire my inner dancer. You just know a ballerina, perhaps me, will be waltzing across this cityscape, leaving trails of pink tutu in her wake.
To delve a bit deeper into the artistic essence of this enchanting city, I even decided to attend a private ballet class in one of the most beautiful studios I’ve ever seen. Located in a beautifully renovated building overlooking the historic Old Town Square, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. The dance studio itself had large, expansive windows overlooking the city below, casting an ethereal glow across the dancers. And my fellow ballerinas, all of them equally elegant and full of graceful spirit, just made the whole experience feel incredibly special. We were all so different, yet united in our love for the art of ballet.
This enchanting city is full of hidden gems – literally. I stumbled across an exhibition on the history of ballet in Prague, held in a tucked-away museum on a side street. The collection housed historical photographs, costumes from legendary ballets, and even hand-written scripts from choreographers past. It was an absolute delight for any ballet fanatic like myself!
As you all know, my obsession with ballet often extends to the realm of tutu history! Luckily, my time in Prague didn't disappoint in this area either! I spent an afternoon in a charming vintage store hidden amongst the quaint alleyways of Prague. As I wandered through the aisles, filled with rows upon rows of stunning garments, I was greeted by a truly breathtaking vintage tutu. A beautiful shade of ivory lace, its ethereal tulle layers billowing like a delicate cloud. You just have to hold a vintage tutu, feel its history woven into the fabric, to truly understand its magic! This is, after all, more than just clothing. It’s an embodiment of artistic expression, creativity, and history! It is an honour to hold such pieces, feeling the energy of past ballerinas who twirled within their folds.
Oh darling, how I love discovering hidden gems in any city I travel to! And speaking of gems, did you know that Prague has a very rich history of opera? For those who enjoy the theatre like I do, Prague Opera House (which you can tell is one of my favourites, with its spectacular baroque facade) offers the perfect evening of musical escapism. You simply cannot miss the grandness of this building!
In the spirit of discovery, I ventured out beyond the city centre to the National Gallery. This extraordinary space, with its captivating Renaissance, Baroque, and 19th century works of art, gave me a sense of Prague’s rich history, its artistic heritage that spans centuries.
Now, I cannot discuss Prague without mentioning its food scene! You’d be forgiven for assuming that Czech food is heavy, greasy, and bland…but trust me, I was surprised! It’s full of flavour! This weekend, I plan to sample the delicious local dishes like traditional roast pork, dumplings, and cabbage stew – a bit more on those delightful flavours in my next post! But, naturally, I did treat myself to a sweet, decadent treat. Prague is a haven for those with a sweet tooth!
One of the most unforgettable things I have to share about Prague is the kindness and generosity of its people. Every cafe, every bookstore, every little boutique I wandered through, I felt such warmth and welcome. There's truly a magic in the air! And honestly, who doesn't love a bit of magic? I can't wait to return!
Remember, darling, my aim is to inspire you all to find the tutu that fits your heart. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, colours, lengths, and most importantly, be bold! You don't need to be a ballerina to feel the magical spirit of dance. Wear it for fun, for freedom, for that little extra bit of confidence to tackle any challenge life throws your way. You never know when you’ll find yourself waltzing down a cobblestone street, in a beautiful city, with the wind whipping through your tutu.
This week's final words? Prague: A fairytale for the soul, a city of charm, and the perfect stage for my favourite pink tutu.
Until next week, darling, and happy twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for a new adventure, straight from the heart of my latest journey!
