Hello my lovely readers! This is Emma from Pink Tutu HQ in sunny, (but sometimes rainy!), Derbyshire! I’m so excited to share with you all my whirlwind adventures in Prague, the city of a hundred spires, romantic cobbled streets, and dreamy fairytale architecture!
As a regular on the Pink Tutu Blog, you’ll know this little ballerina has an almost unhealthy love affair with the colour pink. And let's face it, Prague has ‘pink’ down to a fine art! I've been swooning over the soft hues of sunset-drenched buildings and even caught sight of a flamingo-hued ice-cream that made my heart skip a beat! But Prague is more than just pretty pink buildings, oh no! This city is a feast for the senses and a delight to explore.
This week's blog post, dear readers, takes us on a journey that blends a passion for all things ballet with the enchanting spirit of Prague! And as always, let's not forget about the tutus, darling! We've got tulle galore in the city of magical bridges and whispering stories.
Pink Tutu Prague Diary: 2022-11-02
This Wednesday was jam-packed, let me tell you! The morning dawned with a touch of drizzle but even that couldn't dampen my spirits. It was, after all, the day I finally got to put on my favourite hot pink tutu, a piece of tulle-y heaven with delicate pink sequins that twinkled under the Czech sun. It was the perfect attire for my mission – to explore the world-renowned National Theatre!
My journey to the National Theatre involved a thrilling, bouncy pony ride. Now, I'm not talking about the mythical creatures. I’m talking about a ride on the number 22 Tram, fondly nicknamed "The Pony" for its cheery colour! Prague has this extraordinary system of trams and public transport which make getting around absolutely delightful, just like a fairytale ride through charming streets. You'd be amazed how easy it is to move around with their little tickets and maps!
Reaching the National Theatre I felt like I’d walked into a picture postcard! It is majestic with towering pillars, its stunning architecture resembling a grand ballroom. And the stage? Well, it has the air of untold stories and countless performances waiting to be told. The ballet has always held such allure for me. The grace of movement, the artistry of costume design and, of course, the beauty of the tutus, all come together in a story told with the body.
While my main objective in Prague is, of course, to catch a spectacular ballet show, it’s always exciting to dig deeper into the theatre’s fascinating history.
Fun Fact: Did you know, this beautiful building almost faced a serious fire in the early 1900s? Only some miraculous timing and a little ingenuity saved it!
Prague has got the fairytale element to it, even in the stories of the history. This is just what makes this city so exciting, dear readers!
Stepping Out: But today wasn’t all about theatre, Prague called for exploration and adventures in shopping! Now, if you’re a Pink Tutu lover like myself, Prague will absolutely be a dream come true for your shopping escapades.
First, we must go to Parizska Street, where the boutiques lined with glamorous storefronts made my head spin! I confess I could have easily gotten lost in the whirlwind of fashion for hours! But today's objective was to find that one special accessory that would add a little ‘pink’ pizzazz to my ballet outfits, or just make a statement to passers-by. The pinkest of my purchases had to be a stunning velvet beret with delicate feather details – I must confess it was a little pricier than planned, but when a beret is this spectacular, what’s a girl to do?
After shopping, it was time for dinner, so I followed the scent of roasted Czech food and found myself a cozy little café called Cafe Montmartre tucked away in an enchanting square. It has these charming cobblestones which always make me imagine myself as a ballerina gliding through the city like an elegant ghost! Their delicious food, their friendly staff and the candlelit tables all made me feel like a princess.
Speaking of Princesses, I must tell you a bit about Prague’s royal past. They are so closely intertwined with this city. Imagine fairytale-like royalty and that's just the way it feels.
Backstage Gossip: A Night at the Opera:
Of course, a visit to Prague isn’t complete without witnessing the majesty of a ballet show, especially for a little ballerina like myself! Now, here’s where things get exciting: On the date of this post, 2022-11-02, the stage was set for The Barber of Seville!
It was pure magic. I had managed to get a ticket for the best seat in the house. Imagine sitting amongst elegant chandeliers, plush velvet seats, and the atmosphere brimming with anticipation as the orchestra tunes their instruments and the spotlight waits. I was in ballet heaven! The performance of The Barber of Seville left me spellbound. The graceful dancers told their stories with such incredible artistry. Their expressions spoke volumes - a delicate tear in the eyes of Rosina, the mischievous swagger of Figaro. I couldn’t help but be enchanted.
The Beauty of It All: Prague is a truly inspiring city, so full of artistry and elegance! Its cobbled streets are a playground for creativity with its music, street performers and hidden gardens a feast for the senses. Everywhere you look you can spot artistic expression from stunning stained glass windows in centuries-old buildings to street art on walls that speak volumes of the artistic energy of Prague!
It’s a constant inspiration for me. Not just because of its beauty and history but because of its soul – a soul full of culture, artistry, and passion for its identity, and of course, a lot of that is in ballet and theatre. It's so different from England. This kind of city really captures the essence of romance and makes me want to whirl around the cobblestone streets in my tutu!
Tutu-ful Tuesday: Inspiration and Dreams:
I’m a big believer in finding inspiration in everything! It could be the architecture, a painting in a museum or a performance. Every now and then I make it a rule to look at the history of things around me.
In the same way, I’ve fallen deeply in love with the history of ballet and tutus! And I must say, Prague, as always, didn’t disappoint. I found this amazing exhibition dedicated to the evolution of the ballet tutu right here in Prague!
They showcased different styles of tutus throughout history. Imagine from the Victorian era to modern day fashion, with each tutu capturing a distinct era! They even had a special section about the first professional ballerina, Marie Camargo!
I was mesmerized! You can see how the designs have changed, how materials have evolved and how every style of the tutu tells its own story. To imagine how these intricate pieces helped tell stories on the stage throughout history...it truly makes you appreciate their evolution and significance in the world of ballet.
As you all know from the previous posts of my blog, I believe that every woman should wear a pink tutu at some point in their lives!
This exhibition has shown me the immense history behind tutus and how their styles have developed over time. Just like the designs, ballet itself keeps evolving with new stories to be told. But the love for tutus has always been a part of ballet. It's something that can never truly go out of style!
I left the museum feeling incredibly inspired and filled with new thoughts about my tutu collection and how to design my own tutu creations and maybe share it with the world.
What I'm Loving in Prague:
* The National Theatre for its stunning beauty, vibrant energy, and unforgettable stories on stage!
* Prague Castle – I've seen the most incredible views of the city! The historical charm, breathtaking architecture, and the history it breathes all had me in a trance.
* Charles Bridge: An incredible, captivating spot to be when the sun sets over Prague. You can feel the essence of romance and artistry while you gaze upon the enchanting scenery! There are even musicians playing, making you feel transported to a fairytale.
* Old Town Square - This was just brimming with activity and charm, especially the Prague Astronomical Clock. If you happen to be around during its hourly display I urge you to witness the magic. I was utterly captivated!
* Czech food! Everything from the flavourful Goulash to the decadent pastries (I’ve tried a chocolatey sladka potato pie – so yummy!). Food here has definitely added a new dimension to my trip!
Last but Not Least
Prague, my lovely readers, has stolen my heart. And it has me already planning my return - perhaps a performance at the National Theatre dressed in the pinkest tutu you have ever seen would be a perfect excuse!
Now, until next Wednesday, keep your heads high, practice those pirouettes, and never be afraid to embrace a little ‘pink’ in your lives!
Don't forget, my dearest readers, keep an eye on the Pink Tutu blog, I'll be sharing more adventures, outfit ideas and maybe some insider tips about Prague. I'll be back next week with another fun adventure in the magical city!
Until then, happy dancing!
Love,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
