Bonjour, my lovelies! It's Wednesday again, which means another adventure from yours truly, your pink tutu-clad travel companion, Emma. And this week, I've taken my pointe shoes (and, of course, a fabulously pink tutu!) all the way to the heart of Europe – Prague!
As you know, I love exploring cities by train. It's such a relaxing way to soak in the countryside, with all its charming villages and breathtaking scenery. I especially loved catching a glimpse of the majestic Alps, all snow-capped and glistening in the sunlight. The train journey itself was a delight, with delicious pastries and a view that changed with each passing minute, leaving me mesmerized.
Prague welcomed me with open arms (and a delightfully fresh breeze). I had a bit of a giggle when I stepped out of the station - I couldn't help but notice the "Pink Tutus" tour bus parked nearby! I think I’m starting to make a name for myself…
But let's be honest, the real highlight of this trip is, as always, ballet! Oh, how I adore it. I feel my heart soar with each pirouette and leap, and I'm utterly captivated by the story, the costumes, and the exquisite choreography.
A Night at the Opera
My first stop in Prague was the magnificent National Theatre. I mean, can we talk about this building? Absolutely stunning! Built in the late 19th century, it's a true architectural masterpiece with all its grandeur and beautiful carvings. The exterior practically begged for a photo shoot in my favourite shade of pink!
I was lucky enough to get tickets to a show that night – "The Nutcracker", but this time with a modern twist! The choreography was divine, all sweeping movements and emotional storytelling. And the music! It was absolutely magical. I had a lump in my throat several times, just so swept up in the narrative and the dancing.
The stage itself was quite special. You wouldn't believe it, darling! A giant rotating platform, designed like a clock face with ornate figures circling it. The ballet dancers performed a delicate dance with a doll that was as big as me, and a giant, illuminated nutcracker (all glitter and sparkling magic!)! Oh, I just loved every second!
But the real icing on the cake was the costumes, my darlings! So intricate and elegant! The Sugar Plum Fairy's tulle was so soft and dreamy, all pink and purple sparkles. And the ballerina playing the Mouse King? A fabulous creation – an elegant, grey-tinged ensemble with a hint of whimsy, perfect for the little villain.
I must confess, the "Pink Tutus" theme came in very handy on this trip! The theatre staff thought my tutu was adorable, even giving me a cheeky "well-dressed!" from across the theatre as they hurried around during a costume change! And even the little girl in the row ahead, clutching her very own ballerina doll, kept staring at my tutu and giving me shy, wide-eyed smiles throughout the whole performance! It felt like my pink tutu was acting as a sort of ice-breaker, creating a little pink-hued connection with other ballet enthusiasts in this beautiful city.
Prague’s Pretty Places
Between ballet performances, I had some delightful explorations of Prague. One of my favourite moments was wandering through the historic Old Town Square. Cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture – it really felt like I’d stepped out of a storybook! The clock tower in the centre of the square is a sight to behold. I even saw the astronomical clock come to life! A puppet show at the top, followed by the figurines of the apostles marching across its face – pure magic!
Then, I treated myself to the most wonderful afternoon at a tea room I stumbled upon on the Charles Bridge. They had the most delectable pastries, a wide array of teas, and – you guessed it – a delicious pink tea set, of course! The view over the Vltava river, with its vibrant yellow bridge and charming cafes, was so breathtakingly beautiful I simply had to capture it in my travel diary. I do love finding hidden gems tucked away in charming corners, like this little tearoom in the heart of Prague!
Fashion Fling
Of course, I couldn’t travel all the way to Prague without indulging in some exquisite fashion! Prague has a real flair for vintage fashion, so naturally, I had to visit the Old Town Square market for some unique treasures. I snagged a stunning vintage lace blouse for my next ballet performance (pink, naturally!) and a lovely pastel-coloured, floral-printed silk scarf for the perfect touch of elegance.
Now, I’ve always wanted a pair of ballet shoes painted with a whimsical, intricate design. I even wrote about this fantasy in one of my blog posts – about getting bespoke ballet shoes painted with a design based on your dreams! I had no idea this was possible until I found a fabulous art studio tucked away in a small cobbled street here in Prague! They had all sorts of gorgeous shoe paintings – even ones inspired by classical paintings.
But they also took on my vision – my dreams and my favourite things. They wanted to help me create a "pink tutu dream shoe", which was basically my "Pink Tutus" vision in paint and leather! So they’re crafting a pair of pointe shoes for me – soft blush pink leather, embellished with gold trim, hand-painted with the iconic pink tutu motif. My heart practically skipped a beat. I think these ballet shoes are going to become a personal favourite for a long time to come.
Ballet On the Street!
In a wonderful twist of fate, I discovered a street ballet performance in a hidden little courtyard behind one of Prague’s most beautiful baroque churches. Imagine – a little orchestra tucked in the shadows, surrounded by colourful street lights. Then a lone dancer took centre stage. A male ballet dancer with stunning, powerful grace and an amazing repertoire of movements that literally stopped traffic. The local residents surrounded him, enthralled by his dancing. A magical experience that was full of beauty and grace, all just under a clear night sky! It reminded me again of the universality of dance. We’re all united in the story, the movements, and the emotions a talented performer can convey.
Onwards!
It's a bit bittersweet to say goodbye to Prague. I'm so full of the energy, beauty and the love of the city! But I can already tell this is just the beginning of many wonderful visits. I’m even toying with the idea of taking ballet classes in Prague – the teachers here are amazing! Maybe that's for my next trip… but for now, I'm eager to head onwards on my European adventure, with a pink tutu packed and my heart full of ballet! I’ll leave you with a thought – every single one of you is beautiful and special! Embrace your uniqueness, go chase your dreams and never let go of your passion for life, especially the passion for beauty!
Until next Wednesday!
Emma, www.pink-tutu.com
