Hello my darlings, and welcome to my weekly Pink Tutu escapade! This week I'm waltzing through the cobblestone streets of Prague, a city steeped in history, architecture, and, you guessed it, ballet! As the Czech capital swirls around me in a romantic waltz, I'm ready to share all the pink tutu adventures with you, my faithful readers.
Now, as many of you know, I'm a big believer in following your heart. And my heart led me here, straight to Prague! The journey itself was an adventure – a train journey, of course. Something about the gentle rhythm of the tracks, the landscape flashing by, it feels like a perfectly timed pas de deux with the world. I can’t help but get lost in the dreamy atmosphere. The feeling of escaping Derbyshire for a few days - divine!
And oh, darling, Prague! This city is truly enchanting. From the spires of Prague Castle reaching for the heavens, to the bridges gracefully arched across the Vltava River, every corner seems to whisper stories of bygone eras. The air itself seems filled with the notes of Mozart and the whispered echoes of princesses in ballgowns and - of course - pink tutus!
Speaking of tutus, Prague, my dears, has become my own personal haven for everything ballerina-inspired! I found the most adorable vintage shop tucked away in the Old Town Square – just overflowing with pastel delights, beautiful antique costume jewellery and those little, velvet boxes that used to hold dance shoes. The shopkeeper, a sweet lady with a silver bun and twinkling eyes, told me all about the ballet traditions of Prague. She said that Prague, like most European capitals, is an important ballet city – an extraordinary place to find beautiful fabrics and even some historical treasures! I left with a delicate vintage hat – in shocking pink, naturally! It’s the perfect addition to my tutu collection – I already have a few special events lined up for it this week.
This week's show? The Nutcracker, of course! As you all know, December and January is the time for beautiful performances of The Nutcracker, the story we all adore! I'm utterly smitten with the Prague Ballet Theatre – it's located in a breathtaking building with an incredible interior. I even managed to sneak backstage – it was like being in a magical, swirling cloud of tulle and glitter, and oh my, the tutus…they are exquisite! They even have a collection of costumes dating back to the 18th century - can you imagine? Absolutely exquisite! It's the perfect opportunity for a little photoshoot, don't you think? I'm hoping to be there for a dress rehearsal too. Of course, I will share all of it with you! I just know the photos will be wonderful in the old-world theatre atmosphere. I must admit, though, that the true highlight for me was the breathtaking dance performance! I can still hear the delicate music in my head and the graceful movements of the ballerinas seem like they're dancing before me still! I left the theatre feeling completely enchanted, as if I'd stepped out of a fairytale. A performance I will remember forever.
As you can imagine, Prague is just begging to be explored, and of course, I couldn't resist indulging in a little retail therapy! I picked up a stunning lace shawl – a very chic piece perfect for chilly Prague nights – and some lovely new ballet flats that just shimmer with tiny sequins. These are the kind of shoes you wear for ballet class and feel perfectly at home in them at a classical concert. You just know that a ballerina of quality is wearing shoes that would have a double life as performance footwear! I've also treated myself to a beautiful, pink crystal bracelet at a hidden gem of a shop, nestled behind the astronomical clock! I love collecting pretty things, and every time I go shopping I buy at least one thing that’s not clothes or shoes or a dance accessory – that little treat makes me happy. Prague, so far, is winning in that respect, you have to hand it to the city, there’s really no end to its wonders!
This morning, after a breakfast of warm apple strudel (you have to try it! I even took a pink tutu to a pastry shop with me – the shopkeeper giggled and insisted on getting me one for free – so kind!) I decided to embrace my inner adventurer and visit the famous Charles Bridge. It's stunning – just a romantic bridge built in the 14th century, full of vibrant street performers and artists, each creating a unique atmosphere for every visitor. It’s hard not to wander around taking it all in, feeling a touch of romantic inspiration - you’re on holiday in the most wonderful place - a beautiful, timeless city - and you’ve brought your own special magic, your love of ballet. That magic, the one in your tutu, comes out all over your photos too. You don't even need to say much! Every picture screams "Pink Tutu Girl" and says, "My time, my travel diary, my world". The Charles Bridge even reminded me of a ballet story! Did you know, Charles Bridge, or Karlův most in Czech, was actually completed in the same year that the Italian ballet master Carlo Blasis was publishing the famous ballet instruction manual ‘Code of Terpsichore’. How amazing is that?
Of course, as a Pink Tutu ambassador, my mission is to spread the joy and fashion of pink tutus far and wide! My dear friend Clara, who you may remember from my Venice posts last year, is a fashion blogger from Florence, joined me here in Prague today! The first thing she said was "Oh, you always travel in pink!" But that is the best compliment in the world to me - it means that you're true to your personality. Being true to your style, being your unique, authentic self… this is what makes the Pink Tutu life so great.
Today Clara and I took a little ride on a carriage, pulled by two gorgeous horses. How fun it was to experience this city in the style of princesses from centuries ago! Clara’s an accomplished ballerina herself and naturally, her tutu wardrobe is fabulous – her travel outfits were divine! It was hard not to strike a few poses while we were going through Prague’s Old Town - a true ballerina photoshoot in motion, I’m so excited for those shots. Clara even found the time for a little fashion blog in her busy schedule - I told her that the perfect outfit should include a pink tutu!
Prague's been an absolute ballet dream so far, my darlings, with delicious pastries, enchanting cobblestones, beautiful ballet shows and even some fabulous shopping adventures! Stay tuned for next week’s Pink Tutu update! There are some exciting ballet-themed treats coming up, and of course, there will be plenty of shopping. It’s just so hard to resist – it would be rude not to, especially when your ballet fund makes sure it’s all sustainable. There are so many beautiful, pink tutu-worthy moments to come in Prague, and I am so ready to share them all with you!
So, if you're looking for a getaway to be inspired and be wowed by incredible art and architecture, Prague’s the city to book tickets for - and don’t forget to bring your pink tutu - it will go beautifully in this fabulous, bohemian city! You’ve just got to find a horse-drawn carriage, a pink tulle confection, and make those magical pictures – don’t forget to share those, too! And remember my little Pink Tutu lovers - the joy of wearing pink is always there.
Until next time from Prague - don’t forget to share this post - spread the Pink Tutu Love!
- Emma *
