Wednesday, 19th April 2023
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad blogger, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be back with you today, straight from the cobblestone streets of Prague. As you know, my heart beats for ballet and beautiful places, and Prague is certainly ticking all the boxes!
This week, I've been absolutely consumed by the city's enchanting energy – it’s so vibrant, so full of history, and so wonderfully steeped in artistic spirit! And my latest ballet adventures have, as always, been utterly magical.
I arrived in Prague, of course, by train. It’s my absolute favourite way to travel! There's just something about the rhythm of the tracks and the view changing so effortlessly that fills me with such a sense of excitement and adventure. This journey was no different – I settled into my first-class carriage with a glass of prosecco and my trusty copy of "The Ballet Companion."
As the scenery rolled by, I couldn’t help but picture ballerinas performing against this breathtaking backdrop. I swear I even saw a pink tutu fluttering past the window! Okay, perhaps I was a bit daydreamy, but hey, when you're surrounded by such beauty, who wouldn't get carried away?
I was staying in the Old Town – absolutely gorgeous, with those stunning medieval buildings and cobbled streets that make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. Honestly, it felt like I'd landed in one of my favourite ballets – "The Nutcracker," with its magical setting, the wonder of the Sugarplum Fairy and her enchanting palace…
And of course, what would a trip to Prague be without indulging in the local cuisine? I started with the traditional Czech goulash, a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for the crisp Prague air. I couldn't resist a giant pretzel (you know me, a weakness for baked goods) with some rich, hot chocolate – absolutely heavenly!
Speaking of heavenly, the highlight of my week was seeing "Swan Lake" at the Prague National Theatre. This stunning, ornate theatre, with its intricate architecture and vibrant history, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Stepping into the theatre was a truly awe-inspiring experience!
I was completely transported by the performance. The dancers were breathtaking! Every graceful movement, every poignant expression – I was lost in the story, swept away by their skill and artistry. There were so many layers of beauty - from the incredible costumes and makeup, to the magical set and lighting. It was a masterclass in visual storytelling.
Did I mention the tutus? Absolutely magnificent. A whirlwind of swirling tulle in pristine white, it was an absolute feast for the eyes! You could practically hear the delicate whispers of the tulle as it danced across the stage. I was mesmerized! Of course, I imagined myself swirling around in my own vibrant pink tutu, feeling the sheer delight of performing on that very stage.
Speaking of pink, Prague didn't disappoint. The charming cafes, the vintage shops bursting with whimsical trinkets, the parks where the cherry blossoms were blooming – it was like stepping into a fairytale. And I, naturally, wore a vibrant pink tutu everywhere I went, embracing my love of pink and dance.
A pink tutu is always a great conversation starter – it's a symbol of joy and creativity, a beacon of femininity and fun, a reminder to embrace the beauty within. Prague welcomed my pink tutu with open arms – or should I say, with open cafes and welcoming cobblestone streets? It’s just such a charming city with a unique character, filled with a joy of living that just makes you feel good. I can't imagine a better place to let my tutu fly!
But a trip to Prague wouldn't be complete without embracing a little ballet history. I made a pilgrimage to the Dance Academy of Prague, one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet schools in the world! This is a true ballet paradise, and I felt the thrill of ballet heritage as I walked the corridors.
And of course, I took a few ballet lessons, feeling the thrill of a new dance routine while surrounded by Prague's elegant architecture and history. The graceful movements and challenging steps brought me closer to the spirit of dance that runs so deep through this beautiful city.
I also took a delightful detour to Prague's ballet library, filled with treasures of the past – books and documents detailing centuries of ballet history and the incredible development of ballet technique and performance.
You know I love a little bit of ballet fashion history, and Prague was bursting with inspiring finds. From antique tutu patterns and vintage ballet shoes in antique shops, to discovering fascinating insights into ballet fashion at the city’s fashion museum. I’ve started collecting vintage tutu patterns and already imagined them reinterpreted in my own vibrant pink version! (Don’t worry, you’ll be the first to see the designs… once they're perfected!).
After all this dance-tastic exploration, I made sure to indulge in a little Prague shopping spree. The shops in Prague are a wonderland of fashion and beauty. I treated myself to a stunning vintage floral skirt, a chic straw hat, and a few hand-painted Prague-inspired souvenirs (and, of course, a few more pairs of ballet shoes – can a girl have too many?). I’ll definitely be sporting my vintage finds with my pink tutu when I return to Derbyshire!
Before I bid you farewell (for now!) I have to share a few tips with my darling readers who are planning a trip to Prague:
- Book your tickets early, especially for ballet shows The Prague National Theatre is very popular, and you don’t want to miss the magical experience!
- Indulge in a walk across the Charles Bridge at sunset A breathtaking experience that perfectly captures the beauty of Prague.
- Visit the Old Town Square: A stunning example of medieval architecture with the historic astronomical clock, a must for any photography enthusiast!
Until next week, darling readers, remember that life is a stage, and we are all dancers in this magnificent show. So twirl, sway, and shine – let your inner pink tutu bloom!
Love and Twirls,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
