#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2023-03-22

Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, bringing you another weekly dose of all things pink and tutu-tastic! This week I'm whisking you away to the magical city of Prague, a place that's simply brimming with romance, history and, yes, you guessed it, tutús! 😉 This is post number 1450 on the Pink Tutu blog – we’re really starting to clock up those numbers now! Can you believe it? 😉 It’s my dream to be a full-time travel and dance blogger and we’re slowly getting there!

I took a scenic train ride over to Prague after performing in Derbyshire (a magical weekend at the Matlock Bath Pavilion - so grateful for the standing ovation!), where I’ll be performing with the London City Ballet later this month (if you are around you should come say hi!), and I am feeling so inspired. This city is bursting with history and stories, much like my favourite tutu from my new vintage collection – more on that soon! I've been planning this trip for months, imagining myself waltzing down cobblestone streets in my favourite pink tutu, and it's even more fabulous than I could have dreamt.

Let's talk about the reason for this whole trip! I have been saving up all my dancer's pennies for the opportunity to attend this world-famous performance: “Swan Lake” at the stunning Prague State Opera. It's a legendary ballet company, steeped in history, and to say I was excited is an understatement!

The Opera House itself is a feast for the senses! From the grand exterior with its elegant arches to the intricate gold detailing inside, this place radiates timeless beauty. Even if you don’t attend a show, you should just visit the Opera house and soak it all in. I could easily get lost in the grand foyer, admiring the painted ceilings and beautiful chandelier. It's just perfect!

I have to admit I was quite nervous, as I usually have such an enjoyable experience when I perform, but it was the opposite on this day! This was the day I got my "dance audition for the stage!" The main cast were simply breathtaking, particularly the solo dancers and the corps de ballet were so beautiful. The way they move, the costumes – so stunning! The artistry and emotion on stage were so captivating.

And of course, no ballet trip would be complete without a visit to the National Theatre – another iconic piece of Czech culture. It's a gorgeous venue with an amazing history, and I could see a future production happening in that space - I wonder if it’s time to pitch my first ballet piece to a prestigious theatre like that one! I just need to get a tutu with a touch more gold than my usual pink, it’s a great color for making an entrance! 😉

I had a few hours to explore Prague after the show, and I just fell head over heels for its charming character. There’s something so captivating about exploring cobblestone streets with ancient buildings towering above you. It felt as if I was stepping back in time. Every corner seemed to reveal a hidden gem – colourful houses, fairytale-like bridges, and a general feeling of wonder.

I’m such a lover of historical fashion, so I spent an afternoon lost in the charming boutiques of the Old Town Square. I am a firm believer that a great outfit, whether it's for shopping or a ballet performance, requires the right accessories – I’m talking hats, shoes, gloves and jewellery. And this town is perfect for finding statement pieces. Oh my! What a treat! You all know my obsession with sparkly brooches! This trip added another three or four to my ever-growing collection - so decadent! It felt like a scene from "Sound of Music", especially after spotting some pink lace dresses, perfect for a waltz on the Charles Bridge! Speaking of bridges, have you ever heard the legend about Prague’s bridges and love locks? If not, well, that’s for another blog post! It’s almost time to get ready for my evening at the ballet…😉

No trip to Prague is complete without indulging in their mouthwatering cuisine. Of course, the Czech food was delicious! I opted for traditional Bohemian fare with creamy goulash, buttery potato dumplings and local beers (it wouldn’t be a ballet performance without the right drinks for the post-show celebrations!). And of course, the pastry selection – from apple strudel to delicate honey cakes - simply irresistible! A true treat for my sweet tooth! I can’t forget about the chocolate and the cakes. And as always, my love for all things pink meant that there was a wonderful time to be had at the patisseries and chocolate stores.

The day after “Swan Lake” was just a wonderful morning and I explored this magical place with an even bigger smile than yesterday. A coffee in the Old Town Square followed by a spot of “street ballet.” There’s no better feeling than sharing my passion for ballet with the people who love it as much as I do!

The city is so captivating; a mix of old and new, a blend of fairytale charm and contemporary flair. This place just makes you want to twirl! Honestly, the cobbled streets seemed to be made for ballerina shoes! The only thing I really missed was a pony to ride to each of these venues – but I'll keep my dreams alive for future travels!

I know I’ve been teasing a lot about tutús, and it is Prague, the “City of 100 spires,” so you may be surprised to hear that this city truly does have something for everyone, even if you're not a pink tutu fan! (Although I can’t see why you wouldn’t be. If I can convert the world, it’s happening here.) 😉

I can’t wait for you to share in the next adventures as I bring you along on my journey! Until next week, make sure you visit the pink-tutu.com blog. Be sure to follow my blog, where I'll be posting my daily musings on all things pink, fabulous and tutu-tastic! It’s my way of inspiring the world to live life in full tutús! 💖

Yours in Pink & Tutu,

Emma