Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Oh, Prague! You’ve stolen my heart – a glorious whirlwind of cobbled streets, gothic spires, and an aura that whispers of fairytale. As I sit here sipping my hot chocolate (a little early for mulled wine, I’m afraid!) in a cafe that looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook, I feel an overwhelming urge to twirl – in a pink tutu, naturally!
But before I get carried away with Prague’s charm, let’s back up a little…
From Derbyshire to Prague: The Train, the Pony, and the Pink Tutu
It's been a rather lovely journey here, just as much as the destination itself. The train from Derbyshire (a gentle swaying lullaby as we cruised across the countryside) was a delight! It felt very “Gone With the Wind” with a touch of "Murder on the Orient Express," all glamour and mystery.
However, it wasn't a typical high-speed Eurostar or ICE; I opted for a slightly slower, more picturesque route, that let me fully immerse myself in the change of scenery. There's something truly magical about watching the world slip by from your train window, particularly when the golden light of dawn breaks over sleepy villages and rolling hills. And let's not forget my pony, Blossom, who helped me get to the station. She’s not a typical mode of transport for most, but a part of life back in Derbyshire, a wonderful and unique tradition that my family has kept for generations! (Yes, we keep the odd pony or two grazing in our family field for this reason - quite a sight for a London taxi driver on the way to the station! )
Of course, no trip to Europe would be complete without my trusty pink tutu. I felt rather silly hauling my dressmaker’s dummy and an oversized suitcase of fabric and frills across the platform – but it was definitely worth it! I simply couldn't bear the thought of my tulle gown being crushed amongst other luggage. I'm a ballet dancer, a true aficionado of all things dance and twirl-worthy.
The Prague crowds were delighted to see me, even more so when I gave them a twirl on the station steps - I always feel my pink tutu brings a smile to everyone’s faces, makes a small world of difference in brightening a sometimes mundane commute!
Prague - The City of Dancing Ghosts
The first thing that struck me as we drove through Prague was the sheer grandeur of its architecture. The city is practically an open-air museum, adorned with a fascinating mix of historical influences; Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque – and even a sprinkle of Art Nouveau, and each with its own distinct flair and story. It's as though the city itself is performing a grand, age-old ballet – an intricate, timeless, and elegant display.
Prague is absolutely bursting with historic charm, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Europe. You can feel history weaving its way into the very fabric of this city. I particularly loved Prague Castle, the vast medieval complex sprawling over a hilltop - It's just stunning; imagine medieval warriors, princesses in gowns of velvet and lace…and yes, maybe even a pink tutu! I saw ghosts everywhere. Well, in a very lovely, romantic kind of way, of course!
I love that there's so much more to discover beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. On one charmingly cobblestoned street I found the charming little studio where the renowned Prague Ballet school is based – it was absolutely magical, almost like a fairytale! Watching young ballerinas gracefully navigate the barres and glide through intricate sequences filled my heart with such joy, and made me crave a class of my own! There’s always so much to be learned in a studio!
Speaking of ballerinas…
Pink Tutu Prague: A Choreographed Delight!
And then, finally… my raison d’être! The grand ballet performance: “Giselle”, a Romantic classic, beautifully executed with a touch of haunting drama that left me utterly enthralled.
The Prague State Opera House (one of the oldest opera houses in Europe, which dates back to the 1700s, what an extraordinary time capsule!) was truly breathtaking; a majestic architectural gem overflowing with history. Every intricate detail, from the soaring gilded ceiling to the velvety seats, was steeped in charm and theatre. I almost felt as if I'd stepped back in time – imagine how people dressed in those days… how fascinating it would be to watch an old fashioned ballet production, back then, at the premiere!
This evening's show was truly moving. As a ballerina who is forever obsessed with the story of "Giselle," this was truly one for the bucket list. There was a truly special magic in the air, like a dreamlike symphony swirling across the stage – beautiful, heartbreaking, captivating – everything I love about ballet in its truest form! It felt almost as if they were dancing right in my living room, although, to be honest, the dancing seemed more like a heavenly dream!
Naturally, I had to wear my most prized possession for the occasion…my sparkly pink tutu. I wouldn’t be a true tutu-wearing blogger otherwise! It fit perfectly with the theatrical magic of the night. After the final curtain, I received an incredible response; my bright pink tutu made me an instant local celebrity amongst fellow theatregoers. People were excited to see me and snapped my photo – as if I were a star myself!
And who knows, maybe one day, I'll dance upon the stage, twirling in that gorgeous pink tulle – a dream come true!
Fashioning Prague: A Touch of Bohemian Glamour
What would a trip to Prague be without a little retail therapy? As I wandered the maze of cobbled streets and boutiques in the heart of Old Town, I was overwhelmed by the city's effortless style, the blending of old and new - it felt just right, in a slightly bohemian kind of way, without any over-the-top flamboyance! I discovered hidden treasures everywhere: antique shops tucked away on narrow, cobbled streets brimming with fascinating finds, designer shops showcasing stunning modern fashion and trendy accessories – there was simply something for everyone!
I found the most beautiful antique brooch at a little vintage shop just around the corner from the Old Town Square – a delicate silver dragonfly delicately set with iridescent turquoise gems - so lovely I almost cried with happiness! The perfect addition to any ballerina's outfit - and an excellent way to make a tutu feel even more glamorous!
The city felt almost like one giant, swirling ballet. Everywhere I turned, the locals were as graceful as the dancers on the stage – as if each footstep were a step in an ongoing choreography, each move flowing into the next. From the way they glided through bustling markets to the way they sauntered through park paths… their movement was as graceful and enchanting as anything I’ve seen in a professional studio! And then, I realised… their elegant style seemed like the perfect ballet dress-up box: The city’s own uniquely glamorous wardrobe! I can imagine a city full of tutus – an army of graceful ballet enthusiasts!
Speaking of my pink tutu, you simply can't wear a pink tutu in Prague and not enjoy a delicious local Czech cuisine, with every bite conjuring up images of dancing sprites!
The traditional “sviˇcˇkovaˇ na smetane” - beef sirloin with creamy sauce - tasted like a symphony in my mouth! It truly satisfied my inner ballet dancer! My favorite Czech wine – a delightful and refreshingly sweet local vintage – went down a treat! Of course, I made sure my pink tulle skirt didn't spill any of my “smetana” – the art of careful eating is essential to any true ballerina’s wardrobe.
The highlight of my culinary adventure had to be the traditional pastries at a little bakery in Old Town, an experience in itself, as the shop windows displayed an array of intricate designs and delightful pastries – every piece a miniature work of art, just waiting to be consumed by my eager taste buds. Of course, they’re perfect after a busy day exploring Prague!
From Pink Tutus to Ballet Dreams:
As the days slipped into nights and Prague’s charm lingered, I spent hours daydreaming, pondering life and dreams - what could a future full of ballet, tutus, and travel hold? Perhaps it is possible that someday, I could have my own grand, majestic theatre; a world filled with tutus and twinkling lights, all fuelled by a vibrant, dynamic passion for ballet!
My journey isn’t just about exploring the world – it's about living it, embracing it, and allowing its colours to inspire me. Prague is an amalgam of artistry, architecture and graceful movement, an inspiring reminder to cherish the extraordinary beauty in life, no matter where your journey takes you.
Until next Wednesday…and my next adventures! (Stay tuned for next week’s post! My blog is available at www.pink-tutu.com, a fabulous place where all tutus come true!).
