#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2025-12-24

Hello, my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, bringing you all the pink-tastic news from the magical city of Prague. It's December, the air is crisp with a hint of snow, and the streets are buzzing with festive cheer. You know what that means, right? It’s almost Christmas! And what could be a better way to get into the festive spirit than a trip to one of the most stunning cities in Europe?

But before I get into all the delightful details of Prague’s twinkling Christmas markets and charming cobbled streets, I just have to tell you about my most recent ballet escapade. Yes, you guessed it – ballet in Prague!

Now, this city isn’t known as a major ballet hub like Paris or Moscow, but let me tell you, Prague is a secret gem for ballet enthusiasts like myself. This week, I was lucky enough to see The Nutcracker at the National Theatre, and let me tell you, it was spectacular!

The theatre itself is a sight to behold – a magnificent neo-Renaissance building with an ornate façade and a majestic interior. The grand staircase is a dream, and the auditorium, adorned with gold-leafed embellishments, transported me right back to the golden age of ballet.

The performance itself was divine. The dancers were simply captivating, their movements so graceful and expressive that it was like watching a fairytale come to life. And the music! Tchaikovsky's score was a symphony of emotions, perfectly complementing the enchanting choreography.

As I sat there, surrounded by the grandeur of the theatre and the magic of the ballet, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to experience these incredible art forms. It’s one of those moments that truly makes me feel alive! I may be a tiny bit biased, but ballet is hands down the most beautiful and emotive art form there is, and there's nothing quite like being part of a vibrant ballet scene.

Of course, no trip to Prague would be complete without a dose of fashion fun! Prague’s old town, with its winding streets and charming boutiques, is a fashionista’s dream. I’ve been indulging in a bit of Christmas shopping and found some absolutely delightful pink accessories – think dainty feather boas, sequinned headbands, and oh, a blush pink cashmere shawl that I simply had to have.

But the highlight of my shopping spree was finding a tiny vintage store tucked away in a back street. I stumbled upon it purely by accident, but it was like a dream come true! It was filled with beautiful vintage tutus in a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, including, of course, my beloved pink! And the prices? A steal, darling! I picked up a glorious vintage tulle tutu – a classic pouter skirt silhouette in a stunning pale pink hue with a touch of delicate sequined embellishment.

This beauty is going straight to the top of my tutu wardrobe! Imagine, dancing around the magical Prague streets, twirling in this exquisite tutu. It's an absolute dream, darling.

Did you know that the history of the tutu, that delightful and often daring piece of clothing we dance in, goes way back, like really back?

While we tend to associate the tutu with romantic ballet in the 19th century, it's a far older piece of clothing. You know that famous image of the early ballet dancers in those flowing skirts, gracefully leaping and pirouette-ing? Well, that was a far cry from the short, tutus of today.

The modern tutu has its origins in the early 19th century. Marie Taglioni, an iconic ballerina, played a key role in popularising the use of the shortened skirt, ditching the restrictive, floor-length dresses that dancers previously wore. The change allowed for more freedom of movement, highlighting the beauty of their graceful, elegant dance forms. This was a huge moment for ballet and dance history, ushering in the era of the “classical” ballet we are all familiar with.

Fun Fact: Did you know that a "tutu" in ballet slang is not just any old skirt? It actually refers to a short skirt made from layers of stiffened netting, often with an elegant cone shape that complements the movement and beauty of a ballet performance. A “tutu” truly allows the dancer to fly!

However, the history of the tutu, in its various forms, is an even deeper and more fascinating story. In fact, it all began long before the romanticised Victorian era, and it can be traced back, drum roll please, to the early 1700s in the Czech Republic, or rather Prague itself!

This was the era when a different form of ballet, the danse d'unité emerged – an earlier style of ballet with less complex choreography than the classical ballet we are used to, often with playful and dramatic interpretations of folk tales and legends.

You see, the dancers in danse d’unité began wearing loose, flowing skirts – not exactly a "tutu", but still a definite move away from the tight-fitting costumes of the day. They began adding layers of fabric, similar to modern petticoats, which created fullness, volume and movement in the skirts – a major step forward from the simple, close-fitting clothing that dancers had been restricted to.

And the best part? Many of those danse d'unité performers were women – a sign of the liberating power of dance, empowering them to move freely and take center stage!

Isn't that amazing? To think that the legacy of this style of dance is still evident in the intricate, intricate design and construction of the modern "tutu" today – and it all started right here in Prague. I'm sure the dancers from back then would be so proud!

And now, let's talk about getting to this magical city! There's really no other way to do it for a real vintage fashion feel – by train, darling!

My recent journey was an absolute delight! The train ride was so scenic, with the countryside whizzing past and breathtaking landscapes that changed with each passing mile. And of course, there was a charming and romantic carriage for the elegant train traveller - a perfect spot for me to pull out my sketch book and start planning my future pink-tutu adventures.

When I got to Prague, I knew this was not just a trip to a city, but a trip to another era. The moment I stepped out of the train station and saw the majestic castle towering above the city, I was swept away! It's so evocative, almost like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era.

Prague feels very alive. From the enchanting Old Town Square with its colourful houses and ornate clock tower to the atmospheric streets lined with cozy cafes, it is a city that oozes romance and history. And the beautiful Prague Castle – oh my, it’s just so captivating! You could easily get lost in its beautiful courtyards and wander through the gardens for hours.

I found a little carriage pulled by a beautiful white pony waiting for me. So sweet. This was to take me around the cobbled streets and to get to all the important areas in Prague that would give me time to think about how I was going to do my new tutu routine for my next performance.

Oh my goodness, I'm thinking of tutu-fying all the churches here, maybe a Prague ballet dance routine, and having it be all about pink... what a fun idea. Think ballerina tutus, but maybe with *some sort of gothic-style in the mix - you just never know!

Well, today is a special day, of course, being Christmas Eve. Here's what you can look forward to if you're spending Christmas in Prague:

• Festive Markets: Prague's Christmas markets are something truly magical! They’re spread throughout the city, bursting with wooden stalls overflowing with beautifully handcrafted goods, aromatic food stalls, and festive music. From the aroma of roasted chestnuts to the twinkling lights and the joy of holiday shopping, these markets will surely enchant you.

• Candlelit Concerts: If you’re in the mood for a dose of classical music, Prague offers many beautiful churches and venues hosting special Christmas concerts. These events often feature traditional Czech carols as well as more familiar Christmas tunes, performed in a beautiful, candlelit atmosphere. It's a truly heartwarming experience! Maybe I'll go!

• The Bethlehem Puppet Theatre: You've probably heard about the tradition of puppets being a major part of Czech history - from Czech opera, theatre and all the way through the film industry. It's an important tradition, and there are many puppet shows to enjoy here.

The Bethlehem Puppet Theatre presents a beautifully traditional show with vibrant, intricate puppet performances that depict the Nativity story. A visit to this enchanting theatre is a great way to get into the festive spirit, while learning a bit about Czech culture at the same time.

I have to tell you, my love for Prague is really growing, darling! There's just something magical about the city's cobbled streets, the historic architecture, and the warm and friendly people. And with the added touch of ballet, vintage shopping, and those spectacular Christmas markets, well, what more could a pink-tutu-loving girl ask for?

Stay tuned for more pink-tastic adventures from my trip, and I'll be back next Wednesday with a new blog post, so don’t forget to check in at www.pink-tutu.com . And until then, be sure to stay fabulous! Happy holidays and remember - it's all about pink!