Wednesday, 15th February, 2023
Bonjour, darlings! It's Emma here, and I'm writing to you from the beautiful, historic city of Prague, ready to tell you all about my whirlwind ballet adventure! I know, I know - I'm a bit late this week with the blog. But who could resist an extra day exploring Prague with its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and enchanting architecture?
Oh, and don't even get me started on the fashion! This city's full of vintage shops just waiting to be explored. You can be sure I've been stocking up on all the chicest pieces to add to my growing collection, from gorgeous little cardies to perfect, sparkly brooches. Of course, no outfit is complete without a dash of pink!
But I'm getting ahead of myself! First, let's talk about what brought me to this amazing city...
Pink Tutu & The Ballet of Prague
The inspiration for this trip? Well, I stumbled upon a breathtaking ballet performance at the National Theatre while researching online, and it had my little pink-tutu heart palpitating! My trusty travel companion, my faithful pony called Duchess, galloped right over to the station (a charming, slightly dusty station in Derby), and before you could say "en pointe," we were speeding through Europe!
The train journey was a delight, as always. I'm a big fan of the "Eurostar" ā it's so luxurious and comfy, with views to die for. I've made it a bit of a tradition to slip into a glamorous new pink tutu outfit while I travel. It definitely makes the journey extra special. This time, it was a dreamy, flowing tulle tutu in the palest shade of rose, topped off with a delicate velvet beret. (A little insider tip, darlings: travel size champagne makes for the perfect in-carriage accessory!)
And as I watched the world go by from the window, I thought about what brought me here to this fascinating city, and how far the story of the tutu has come. The modern tutu has such an elegant history, from its origins as an accessory in a ballet called āLa Sylphideā all the way to the dramatic transformations itās undergone in the hands of artists and dancers over time. There are some beautiful collections at the National Theatre museum - it's almost impossible to see without shedding a happy tear or two!
The National Theatre - A Grand Affair
But enough with the train and the history, letās talk ballet! The National Theatre itself is just absolutely breathtaking. The whole building has a grand, dramatic presence, a true masterpiece of the neo-renaissance period. Every corner, every detail oozes with elegance. Even the staff, all dressed in sharp black uniforms, just add to the atmosphere of refined artistry.
The performance I saw was "Swan Lake". Now, if youāve never experienced this classic, youāre in for a treat! Itās a timeless story of love, betrayal, and transformation. But in this case, the ballet company really took it to a whole new level with stunning sets, magnificent costumes, and a breathtaking performance that had my entire audience (myself included) on the edge of our seats! I couldn't help but notice how they incorporated the history of the city's beautiful architecture, particularly the medieval Gothic details, into the design and atmosphere. Just brilliant!
Beyond the Ballet: Exploring Prague's Enchanting Charm
Speaking of history, you simply can't go to Prague without immersing yourself in the cityās rich past. The old town square is simply charming. And speaking of shoppingā¦ my dear friends, you HAVE to see the clothes! The city just oozes vintage style, with shops selling incredible furs and velvet jackets from bygone eras, and even old ballet costumes in pristine condition. And, of course, there are boutiques showcasing stunning, modern designs that bring back those wonderful 50s and 60s fashion trends with a glamorous twist! I swear I nearly cried with happiness as I walked through the stalls, all those delicious colours and fabulous texturesā¦ just my cup of tea, my loves!
And let's not forget the delicious food! This city is a food lover's dream. From hearty, traditional Czech fare to the trendiest restaurants showcasing fresh, modern flavours, there's something to tantalize every palate. Iāve already enjoyed several plates of dumplings with meat, my new favourite, as well as the most delectable apple strudel. You'll be hard pressed to find anything more beautiful (and delicious) than those perfectly woven pastries, don't you agree? I always like to try a few different cafes while Iām in a city, you can never be too cautious in choosing the perfect one!
Dancing Through the City
One of the best parts of exploring Prague has been stumbling upon the little street performances scattered throughout the city. Itās so amazing seeing how art spills out onto the streets and public spaces, showcasing talent and bringing people together! And just because a stage is supposed to be "on stage" doesn't mean there isnāt dancing in the cobbled squares or even in front of a church! It feels like the whole city is just breathing art!
I even caught a local performance of "The Nutcracker" - with a magical little Christmas market atmosphere and street dancing afterwards! I'd love to have learned more about the Czech dance tradition and had a chance to do a little ballet myself, but my schedule was packed! Maybe next timeā¦ I just want to immerse myself completely in this cultural whirlwind of pink tutu dancing and Parisian-style shopping. I just need more pink tutus!
I've really loved every moment of my trip to Prague. It's been a truly pink-tastic adventure.
I have to dash now ā thereās a new dress shop in the old town, and itās overflowing with vintage 1940s floral prints. And you know me - my little heart beats a little faster whenever there's a chance to find another piece of vintage style, donāt you? Until next week, darling! Stay sparkly!
Love always, Emma
