Hello, my lovely tutu-loving friends! This week, we're leaving the quaint rolling hills of Derbyshire and hopping on a train (no ponies this time, alas, although I’m working on it) to a city that’s brimming with history, culture, and - you guessed it - fabulous shopping! Prague, darling Prague!
My suitcase is bursting with tutus of every shade of pink (it’s a tough life, but someone has to do it!), and my excitement levels are off the charts. This city is not just known for its magnificent architecture and the world-famous Prague Castle, it’s a hotbed of ballet! This week, we're going to delve into the world of Prague's ballet scene and discover why it's truly a ballerina's dream. And of course, we’ll be looking at some truly gorgeous shops, because every trip must include a shopping spree. It’s how I get my inspiration!
Now, for those of you who haven't yet taken a peek at the www.pink-tutu.com website (where, as you know, I post my blog every Wednesday, without fail!), my name is Emma and I'm on a mission. My life's ambition? To get everyone wearing a pink tutu, even if it's just once. Why pink? Because pink is, quite simply, the colour of pure joy and happiness. Just the sight of it makes me want to pirouette, and with my tutu billowing out around me!
So, where does Prague fit into my grand plan? Well, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale, honestly! And I'm here for all the fairytale ballet things, because that's my thing - you already know! This city oozes charm and history. You’re walking through medieval streets, past gothic spires, with pastel coloured buildings dotted with baroque details and cafes filled with the sound of clinking glasses. My heart was literally bursting out of my sequined pink tutu (because it’s my absolute favourite).
I’ve been here before, but this time, it’s about more than just the beauty of it all, it’s about the magic of dance, the grace of a dancer, and, of course, the beauty of a tutu. That’s what drew me here, actually - the ballet.
But, before we talk about the Prague ballet scene (I know you’re all on pins and needles, pun intended, but bear with me!) Let me paint you a picture. This morning, I awoke in the Hotel Pod Veží - think gorgeous, old-fashioned Prague style. Then, I wandered into a cosy, little cafe in the Old Town Square for some delicious pastries (the fresh-baked croissant and a latte with a shot of honey, swoon! - it’s Prague life!) While the locals and tourists buzzed around me, I just wanted to pull out my ballet shoes, find a clear space, and just do some barre exercises. This place inspires ballet. Maybe it was the beautiful pastel coloured buildings that I was admiring from the cafe or the enchanting view from the Charles Bridge that caught my eye later on. But whatever it was, it made me want to leap.
Anyway, enough of me rambling, we are here for ballet! Let's talk about the Czech National Theatre. Oh my heavens, this beautiful theatre! And this is what brought me to Prague today, because tonight I’m off to the opera! You just have to see the Czech National Theatre; it’s an awe-inspiring structure!
The building itself is like a storybook castle (think Sleeping Beauty, but way more gothic and grand, you know?). And guess what? They're having a new production of Giselle. Of course they are. You can’t travel to Europe without watching at least one production of Giselle! It's a must! (and for any ballerina, an absolute dream come true - a rite of passage if you will). So, tonight, I'll be settling into my velvet seat in that magnificent theatre, surrounded by the music, the dancers and the drama. Honestly, can life get any better?
After seeing Giselle (and I promise to tell you all about it, every detail!), we’ll be hitting the boutiques! The vintage shops on the streets of Prague are heaven! Imagine hand-crafted tutus, with lace, satin, velvet and plumes that could bring a Victorian lady's fainting couch back into the fashion arena! You know I'll be adding to my collection! I’ll also be heading to some of Prague's trendy shops - I'm talking bespoke boutiques filled with the most delightful outfits. (It’s the perfect place to buy an outfit or two to go to the ballet, which I’ll tell you all about. It’s a long time until the next time I’ll be here, so I must grab some treasures!) I’ll let you know what I find.
Oh, and the food here! Every street is filled with the tempting smells of cinnamon rolls, Czech sausages and potato salad - what’s not to love?! But we all know I have a sweet tooth, and these bakeries! I’m trying them all. Every kind of dessert (Czech cake is divine - the fillings! They’re my favourite kind). And then of course, there’s all that scrumptious coffee... Oh Prague, you have me wrapped around your little finger (and let’s be honest, it’s a pink one - don’t forget that).
For now though, I must leave you! My favourite little boutique, with the most delicate tutus, opens at ten! The day ahead will be filled with tutu adventures and fabulous shopping, and a little ballet (can't leave Prague without a ballet class! ). It’s going to be magical, just like this city! And you know I will be taking lots of pics, so don’t miss my Instagram! It’s @pinktutu_emma. And, of course, do join me next week, when I tell you all about my night at the ballet - I have a feeling you’re going to love the pics!
Until then, dance to your hearts' content, stay beautiful, and remember - every day is an opportunity to twirl and shine in a pink tutu.
*Love, Emma * (The Pink Tutu Ballerina).
