#PinkTutuPrague Ballet in Prague 2027-10-06

Hello my lovely tutus! This week I'm whisking you all off on a magical journey to the heart of Europe, to the beautiful, bohemian city of Prague! You may have guessed by my rather flamboyant travel style that I took the train! My dear, dear pony Ginger (yes, I name my travel ponies!), just doesn't quite have the legs for a journey as long as Prague, especially after a gruelling week of performing 'Giselle' in the Derbyshire countryside.

Oh, the magic of travelling by train! I can truly indulge my penchant for pink and twirliness. This week I was sporting a delectable shade of 'Bubblegum Blush', paired with a floaty, floral print tutu (a complete bargain from a darling little boutique in Paris). As you know, dear readers, a ballerina's travel essentials are:

1. Pink lipstick, in multiple shades. Never can be too careful, darling!
2. An ample supply of ballet shoes, both en pointe and character shoes.
3. A pair of well-worn ballet tights. The secret to comfort is worn in, trust me!
4. An elegant pink shawl. To add a touch of glamour on any journey, even if it's just the buffet car.

Anyway, enough of the travel essentials, let's talk about the actual highlight of my Prague adventure - the Ballet!

I arrived in Prague just in time to catch the tail end of the Czech Republic's annual ballet festival. A whirlwind of waltzes, leaps, and dramatic costumes swept me off my feet! It was absolute bliss to be immersed in such a creative and passionate environment, where everyone seemed to be buzzing with ballet fever.

Oh, and speaking of fever, darling! The Ballet National Praha has this absolutely gorgeous programme of contemporary pieces called 'Firebird Fantasy', performed on Friday evening, and I am dying to go.

Honestly, can we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer artistic brilliance of ballet, my dears? It's more than just leaping around; it's a world of emotion, movement, and stories whispered through gestures. This festival is truly celebrating all forms of ballet, from classical to contemporary.

The 'Firebird Fantasy' program boasts an array of internationally renowned dancers, including the dazzling Dmitri Stepanov, who I've had the pleasure of dancing alongside in the past! (If you don't follow my social media, do pop on over and see me flaunt my new Instagram reels - I think I've finally mastered a grand jeté!)

Anyway, back to 'Firebird Fantasy' - this program is like a modern fairytale, filled with fantastical costumes, mesmerizing choreography, and that fiery energy we all crave. The Firebird itself (a mythical creature from Slavic folklore, don't you know!) is a captivating figure in both dance and visual imagery, and I just know this performance will be breathtaking.

Prague itself is as fairytale-like as the shows, my darlings. Just the cobbled streets, winding alleyways, and magnificent castles are enough to inspire dreams. But for me, the highlight of Prague is its history of ballet, and not just the performances. You know me, I adore a little bit of tutu history.

Prague has an astonishing ballet history that dates back to the 16th century, with its origins entwined with court dances, aristocratic festivals, and the influence of the Italian Renaissance. These grand ballrooms, often adorned with sumptuous silks and lavish costumes (just think: all the best for a pink tutu, my dears!) were the cradles of Prague ballet.

Now, this wasn't the classical ballet we know and adore today, oh no. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Prague started experiencing its own unique style of ballet, influenced by travelling troupes, the emerging Romantic era, and the innovative spirit of Czech composers.

It was in the mid-19th century that Prague started developing its own national ballet identity. A true testament to this dedication is the beautiful National Theatre, built in the late 19th century. Now, let me tell you, it's simply breathtaking: ornate interiors, intricate mosaics, and a grand stage that has witnessed decades of theatrical magic, including many iconic ballet productions.

Now, fast forward to the 20th century! The world changes, and so does the dance scene! We're talking the birth of modern ballet, with a move away from the rigidity of classical techniques towards freedom of expression, powerful emotions, and bold movements. Prague was at the forefront of this change! They established the Ballet National Praha in 1955, ushering in a new era of creativity and artistic exploration in the Czech ballet world.

And how's this for fascinating, my dear readers? The Prague ballet scene is one of the most vibrant and dynamic in Europe, constantly reinventing itself while celebrating its heritage. The performances blend traditional elegance with innovative contemporary choreographies, which is simply something you have to see for yourself.

But, the thing that truly connects me to Prague's ballet is not just its performances or its history, it's the spirit of it all. You'll find little studios tucked away in alleyways, dance schools flourishing in the heart of the city, and even casual performances popping up on the most charming squares. Ballet is simply part of the life here, and you can practically feel it in the air!

Speaking of feeling, let's not forget about the fashion scene here! I mean, what is Prague if not the epitome of style and creativity? The fashion is bohemian chic, darling! Think billowing floral dresses, vintage leather jackets, and bold colours combined with playful details. But let's not forget: a ballet performance, it is truly an excuse to embrace your inner goddess.

There is an eclectic mix of fashion shops in Prague! We're talking everything from haute couture boutiques, trendy vintage stores to local artisans selling handmade jewelry. Oh, and it would be rude to not mention those iconic Czech crystal stores; nothing like a pair of sparkly earrings to elevate your ballet-themed outfit, eh?

My favourite store discovery? 'A Little Bohemian' - tucked away on a side street, you wouldn't find it if you didn't look! This shop is bursting with bohemian vibes and a unique selection of handcrafted tutus, made from vintage lace, silk, and velvet, some even embellished with hand-painted florals. Naturally, I indulged in a beautiful tulle number, perfect for a Parisian afternoon waltz!

Now, let's talk outfits for Prague:

• Bohemian Flair: Imagine layers of delicate fabrics like silk, linen, and lace; delicate lace camisoles, maxi skirts, or even flowing jumpsuits paired with statement jewelry (oh, you know I can't resist a crystal-studded headband). This style oozes the romantic energy of Prague's charm.
• Edgy Vintage: Prague's edgy side calls for a more structured look! Leather jackets (perhaps in a delicate pastel, a touch of pink, naturally) combined with flowy skirts, black lace dresses, or edgy vintage jeans. It’s the perfect way to stand out in this city.
• A Touch of Tulle: Remember, my darlings, every look can be elevated by a bit of tulle! Don't be shy! Think about incorporating a tulle skirt, a ballet-inspired crop top, or even a floaty tulle scarf to complete your look.

The possibilities are endless, my dear readers.

It is time for me to depart Prague, darling. My heart is full of joy from the beauty and spirit of the city, not to mention those fantastic performances. I'm taking home not just wonderful memories, but a handful of amazing tutus to keep my inspiration flowing for my next performances.

Prague has this enchanting, fairy tale quality, and you know me: I absolutely thrived in that atmosphere. If you ever find yourself in Europe, you simply must make Prague a stop on your journey.

I'll be back next Wednesday, darlings, for my next post - until then, happy twirling, and may all your days be filled with pink tutus!

Yours always,

Emma.