Hello darlings! It’s Emma from Pink-Tutu.com, back from the cobblestone streets of Prague with a whirlwind of ballet-filled memories, pink tulle, and enough sartorial inspiration to fill a fairytale! As you know, I’m a firm believer that every city has its own magical dance, its own whisper of history, and its own way of making you twirl just a little bit faster. Prague was no exception, and I’m ready to share every gorgeous detail with you!
The Journey Begins
My journey started in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England. You might wonder how I managed to reach Prague, given my penchant for ballet shoes and a life lived in the delightful world of tutus. Well, the secret lies in the magic of a trusty steed, my beloved pony, Priscilla, and a penchant for finding the most fabulous ballet opportunities across the globe. For a week, Priscilla carried me through fields and meadows, pulling my pink tutu-adorned suitcase behind her. It was a lovely slow burn journey through charming English villages and towns until I reached the Eurostar station where I met a handsome chap with a charmingly ironic handlebar moustache and a knack for talking with trains. After a few laughs, I hopped onto a beautiful sleek bullet train - all chrome and leather seats – heading toward my Parisian destination. Paris, as always, was magical, full of café au lait, boulangerie smells, and, of course, a quick stop at my favourite ballet bookstore to collect some historical treasures. But then it was onwards to the charming city of Prague, where I finally met up with Priscilla, who had a fancy for horses, and was having a grand old time in her stable at a beautiful country estate!
Pink in Prague: Ballet and Fashion Fusion
As I stepped off the train and into the heart of Prague, a vibrant, historic tapestry of pink, blue and gold, I felt a spark of inspiration. I immediately popped into my favourite vintage clothing store in the city. Finding the perfect outfit to showcase the grand history of the city felt so important. My mission? Find a statement piece for my evening at the opera.
Hours spent trying on opulent dresses, feathers, vintage silk and tulle. Oh, darling, the delights of Prague's vintage stores were incredible. It took me hours to find the right dress, and when I did, well, let me tell you! It was a long-sleeved, elegant lace affair in a colour that shimmered from rose gold to apricot. A perfect partner to my pale pink tulle ballerina shoes and my statement sparkly belt that caught the light as I walked. It was my ode to Prague’s historical ballet scene - and it felt good.
The Prague Ballet Company: History in Every Step
My journey into the ballet heart of Prague started, as always, at the grand Opera House - an architectural masterpiece with gold-leaf accents, breathtaking chandeliers, and a history steeped in music, drama, and dance. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
It's the sort of theatre that fills your senses with awe just as the lights come down. The first act, set to Mozart, felt as grand as the historical buildings surrounding us, a seamless combination of timeless grace and modern storytelling. Then came the moment I’d been waiting for - The Prague Ballet Company. Their dancers were ethereal. Every move flowed from a quiet understanding of the history of dance, a language they carried in their muscles and their eyes. Each pirouette was an invitation to feel the city’s past unfold beneath our very feet.
I sat on the edge of my seat. And just as I thought I couldn't love them any more, they took the stage in this beautiful pastel pink ensemble. Tulle floating in their wake, it looked like clouds made flesh, dancing to the most beautiful violin solo. Their pointe shoes, elegant and perfectly poised, perfectly set off the stunning ensemble, a beautiful celebration of all things elegant. Every movement, from the smallest gesture to the most breathtaking jump, flowed with the natural beauty of the city and the strength of centuries of dancing souls. I'm convinced you can still feel the whispers of centuries of ballerinas and dancers within the walls of the old theatre. The energy in the theatre made me believe it all over again - there’s something special about Prague’s history of dance that flows out of every theatre, out of every stone, and straight into your heart.
Tutu Adventures on the Charles Bridge:
Now, the real fun of Prague, you ask? Why, that's exploring, darling, exploring! From my vintage dress adventures to discovering cafes and bookstores tucked away in hidden alleyways, Prague, as a city, just whispers its stories through cobbled streets and along the edges of its canals. My walk across the Charles Bridge, for example, with my perfectly fitting ballet tutu billowing in the light wind, took my breath away. This historic stone archway stretching over the Vltava River, lined with baroque statues, was everything a picture postcard dreams of. With Priscilla, my faithful equine companion, beside me, we even braved the tourist crowds for a glimpse of the iconic Prague Castle. As you can imagine, we caused quite a stir – Priscilla in her black, plush velvet coat and I, with my blush-pink tutu flowing behind us! But hey, it’s all in a day’s work for a tutu-wearing ballerina.
I spent the rest of the evening getting lost in the bustling, lively energy of the city. Every street, every square, and every ancient house held a new story - a whispered secret from a forgotten time. It's easy to fall under Prague's spell, but it's just as easy to lose yourself in its fashion! It's a city of style. I mean, we can’t forget about fashion, right? Where else can you find everything from traditional Czech handcrafts to designer labels in an antique boutique? Prague's streets are like a ballet stage of different fabrics, styles and eras. Just perfect for someone like me with my eye for an outfit and love of colour!
A Symphony of Tutus and Culture
Prague’s culture, you see, is woven into every inch of this magical city. Whether it’s a vibrant puppet show, or a street performance showcasing the city's rich history of dancing, Prague gives life to stories of joy and heartbreak in every form of art. And every single art form is just an excuse for people to come together, celebrate the moment and be themselves. I was lucky enough to catch a whimsical puppet performance in the Old Town Square, the vibrant energy and craftsmanship made the show even more enchanting! I learned all about how puppets, from a traditional Bohemian origin, became synonymous with the city of Prague, a celebration of cultural traditions and a way to preserve the charm and the humour that makes the city come alive. And you know I love that – preserving heritage and culture through dance, history, theatre and fashion!
Tutu Tips for your Next Prague Ballet Trip!
Darling, I always encourage everyone to plan their trips in pink - because pink makes everything a little bit more glamorous and fun. And what's more glamorous than Prague in January? Just perfect! If you're dreaming of your own Prague ballet escapade, here's a few things you might want to note:
* Ballet in the City:*
- Catch a show: Make sure to check the schedules for the Czech National Theatre, The State Opera and the National Theatre. Prague is absolutely brimming with amazing shows all year round, not just ballet, darling, but musical theatre, and operas.
- Dress Up! Take inspiration from the city, the beautiful, historic architecture, the pastel tones of Prague’s streets, the fairytale buildings and, of course, embrace your own style! Whether it's a dramatic ballgown for a grand evening at the theatre, or a sassy, sparkling tutu dress for exploring Prague’s street, don't be afraid to embrace the glamour!
- Ballet history: Make sure to stop by the Czech National Theatre, this magnificent architectural masterpiece. There is so much history within those beautiful walls. Take the time to truly experience this space.
A touch of Fashion:
- Explore Vintage: Every vintage store in Prague has something waiting to be discovered. Let’s find the most stylish ensemble in the city and make Prague our ballet runway!
- Lace, embroidery and feathers – there are stores that specialize in these beautiful fabrics, let your creative self go wild with inspiration, find something exquisite.
- A little tutu, just for a bit of whimsy: The magic of a tulle skirt never fails. Take the iconic photos at the Charles Bridge with a twirl-worthy tutu skirt or two. I’ll let you in on a secret – tulle and tulle dresses are everywhere, it’s almost impossible not to get your hands on at least one perfect ballerina skirt while you’re in the city.
- Let the City Dress You: This city is all about taking inspiration from the stories on its streets. This will become your personal “ballet-inspired-travel diary!”
Embrace the Magic:
- Treat yourself to something special whether it's a piece of jewellery, a Czech craft, a vintage find or, yes, another stunning ballet inspired outfit. Don't just look, feel and own a piece of the magic of this incredible city.
- Experience the Culture Prague, with its diverse arts and theatre scene, is full of wonderful experiences to enjoy. So, enjoy a puppet show, listen to street musicians, go to a musical performance at a local pub, try the traditional beer or the local “knedliky.” This beautiful city comes to life in these moments, where traditions live on and new art forms are born.
- Dance Your Heart Out: As a ballet lover, I always make sure I fit in a dance class. In this city, with such beautiful studios, with the amazing teachers, and the city's history of dance. There’s a studio for you! Don't forget to stretch, embrace every pose, and twirl in the magic.
- Get inspired: Prague is an amazing place for getting lost, finding new artists, new dances and new ballet stories that will stay with you.
Remember, every moment is a chance to find your own style, to share the stories that move you, to twirl with abandon. As always, my darlings, live life with joy, elegance, and, of course, a little bit of pink!
That's it for Prague, but keep an eye on my next adventure. Until then, I hope you're all embracing your own ballerina spirit, and, of course, rocking your very own pink tutu. Remember, life is meant to be twirled.
Keep Dancing!
Emma from www.pink-tutu.com.
And just before I leave, it’s important to remember this post is about you and your own journey in a ballet-loving, fashion-forward world. Find your style and celebrate it – be fearless, darling!
This is my passion - a passion for ballet, a passion for history, a passion for travel, and most importantly, a passion for sharing the stories of the most incredible tutu-wearing journey, yours!
Love and twirls, Emma x
