Bonjour from the cobbled streets of Prague, my darlings! It’s Wednesday, and as per usual, I’m back with another Pink Tutu blog post, this time straight from the heart of Central Europe. This week's adventure is a whirlwind of magical moments, majestic architecture, and of course, breathtaking ballet.
Let's rewind back to Derbyshire. Last Sunday, after another glittering performance (I performed Giselle at the Peak District Dance Festival, did you see me? My Tutu was a triumph of shimmering pink!) I was feeling utterly exhausted, but a delightful post-show email pinged into my inbox. It was an offer to dance with the National Theatre Ballet in Prague! You can imagine my squeals of delight, followed by frantic packing and a tearful goodbye to my darling pony, Penelope.
Arriving in Prague was like stepping into a fairytale. Imagine the most beautiful gothic architecture adorned with fairy lights and sparkling with an otherworldly magic - a perfect backdrop for a tutu-clad adventure. It feels like every corner whispers a story, from the intricate stonework of the Charles Bridge to the towering spires of Prague Castle.
Now, I know what you're thinking – pink tutus and Prague? How on earth do they fit together? Let me tell you, darling, the pink tutu has found its perfect home here. From the sweet shops selling sugar-pink gingerbread hearts to the rose-tinted hues reflecting off the Vltava River at sunset, everything here screams 'ballet ballerina'. I even found a vintage tutu shop hidden amongst the cobbled lanes! (More on that later).
The magic of Ballet in Prague
But let's talk about the heart of this trip – the ballet! The National Theatre Ballet is renowned for its excellence and elegance, and their production of "Swan Lake" is one I’ll be dreaming about for days. Every delicate step, every graceful gesture – it felt like watching a symphony unfold before my very eyes. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, so the final pas de deux had me practically weeping into my program.
Before I even arrived in Prague, I’d done a ton of research on the history of ballet in this city. Turns out, it’s got quite the rich history. Did you know that ballet first arrived in Prague way back in the 16th century? The city has a tradition of opera and theatre going way back. It's a city that has always embraced the arts. That passion resonates even now, you can see it in the sheer devotion of the dancers and the genuine appreciation of the audiences.
Speaking of history, I'd be remiss not to mention the breathtaking Prague Castle. This grand old building is brimming with royal tales, architectural marvels, and just a hint of mystery that gets my tutu twirling. Wandering through the golden lanes, it's impossible not to feel a little bit of magic in the air.
Fashion finds and a ballerina’s haven
Now, no trip to Prague is complete without indulging in a bit of shopping. Prague's charming shops and boutiques have become my personal sartorial haven. My suitcase is bursting with new pink-hued delights, including the most gorgeous sequined skirt that would make Cinderella jealous.
And those vintage tutus! Imagine a tiny shop crammed with layers upon layers of delicate silk and tulle – heaven on earth! My pink-tutu senses were positively tingling. I spent the better part of a day rummaging through the racks and even found a vintage pink tutu (think pastel perfection!) It is a delicate whisper of tulle and satin, with exquisite floral detailing – I’m dying to pair it with my favorite pair of pink velvet ballet flats for my next performance!
Beyond the cobblestones and castles:
But beyond the shopping, ballet and historic beauty, there's a soul to this city, a rhythm that sings beneath the surface. It’s a city of laughter and conversation, of cozy cafes brimming with warmth and joy, where even the most mundane things feel like a tiny piece of a fairytale.
And to top it all off, I spent a few magical hours riding through the countryside on a beautiful grey pony! It was like something out of a picture book - sunshine dappled through the trees, a soft breeze through my hair and the soft clip-clop of horse’s hooves on cobblestone streets… Pure bliss.
I may have traded my English village for a fairytale city, but one thing remains the same - I'm still spreading the joy of the pink tutu! Everywhere I go, I hope to inspire others to embrace their inner ballerina and wear a pink tutu. So go forth, my lovely readers, and let your own inner fairytale bloom. Don't forget, a pink tutu can take you anywhere, from a ballet performance in Prague to a pony ride through a fairytale forest. Now that’s what I call a truly magical adventure!
See you next week with more stories and pictures! Don't forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com to stay up-to-date on my adventures and, as always, let your light shine!
Yours in tulle and glitter, Emma, the Pink Tutu Ballerina.
