Hello, darling! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu adventure! This week, I've been living the dream in the heart of Europe - Prague! And trust me, there's nothing more delightful than a city as beautiful as this one with a dash of pink tutu magic thrown in.
I arrived in Prague last Saturday, and oh my, the journey itself was an absolute treat. I, of course, opted for the train. I mean, who wants to fly when you can leisurely watch the world zoom past in a charming old-fashioned train carriage? Plus, there's something incredibly romantic about travelling by train, don't you think? It feels like stepping into a classic novel.
Speaking of romance, Prague is an absolute vision, a city bursting with history, charm and beauty. Every corner reveals a hidden gem: ancient bridges draped in fairy lights, Baroque palaces adorned with exquisite sculptures, and cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured houses. It's a city tailor-made for pink tutus!
And, of course, no trip to Prague is complete without a ballet performance. On my first day, I danced my way to the Národní divadlo (the National Theatre). It was pure magic, darling! I mean, who doesn't love a stunningly decorated old-fashioned theatre, complete with plush velvet seats and ornate chandeliers? It felt like I had stepped back in time!
Tonight, though, I have a date with the stars... a literal date, that is, because I'm heading to the Prague Astronomical Clock. I hear it's simply breathtaking at night, especially with the lights twinkling. The perfect backdrop for a new blog post - Pink Tutu and Prague: A Starlit Romance! I can already picture the photos.
And then, of course, there's shopping! Every window is a dream, overflowing with sparkling jewels, handmade souvenirs and delicate Czech glassware. I've been making sure to take in the vintage boutiques too. The other day, I found a stunning silk scarf with a pattern that reminded me of the elaborate, swirling patterns of a traditional ballet skirt. I just had to buy it.
Ballet Inspiration Everywhere
Being in Prague, I can’t help but get lost in the sheer volume of art and architecture that surrounds me. It's no wonder it's nicknamed 'The City of a Hundred Spires.' It really does feel like a fairy tale setting - one of those dream-like environments where anything is possible. And, you know what else? I think this entire city has a strong connection to the magic of ballet!
The elegance of the buildings, the way the streets curve and flow, even the stories told in the ancient castles all seem to have a rhythmic quality. Imagine Swan Lake danced out against a backdrop of these majestic palaces, or Giselle pirouetting through the misty gardens of Prague Castle!
It truly is an inspiration, and I can't help but see it in my mind's eye... swirling pink tutus, dazzling performances, the magic of Prague, all dancing in harmony.
Speaking of magic, my trip has been filled with it. The food is amazing (though I have been a tad obsessed with the local trdelník pastry, it’s SO good! - they're those delicious, warm, cinnamon rolls with sugary swirls, heavenly!) and the locals are all incredibly friendly and welcoming.
And you know what else? I haven't even mentioned my favourite part yet... Ballet Street! I discovered this amazing place earlier this week, nestled amidst the vibrant cafes and boutiques of Prague’s Old Town.
Ballet Street – Where Ballet Meets Everyday Life
It was like walking into a ballet paradise, filled with incredible dance shops bursting with pink tutus! Oh, and so many wonderful accessories and shoes, I almost cried tears of joy! They had everything you could possibly need to feel like a true ballerina!
And the most delightful part? Every day, at lunchtime, the shops on the street hold a fun open-air 'Ballet Showcase', where different dancers take to the streets for some impromptu performances! Think waltzing through the crowds, skipping with whimsical flair and throwing in a pirouette for good measure!
My absolute favourite, however, has to be their weekly "Tutu Tea Party." Imagine, afternoon tea, champagne, dainty sandwiches and little ballerina cakes served in a setting that oozes glamour and a sprinkle of magic. They’ve even got these delightful vintage tea cups, a complete ballet collection from The Nutcracker, and a live string quartet that plays a gentle, romantic rendition of Swan Lake. I mean, talk about perfection!
And here is something really exciting! The shop is holding a Tutu Ball tomorrow night! I’ve already signed up for their dance workshop beforehand, and I just know the evening will be a glamorous blast!
This place truly has captured my heart. It feels like a perfect microcosm of everything I love about ballet: The glamour, the history, the beauty, and the magical spirit that it encapsulates.
Prague's Ballet Legacy
I know you’re going to love it! Prague has always been a haven for dancers, with its strong ties to the world of ballet going back centuries! There’s so much history and charm to be found - the stories of choreographers who found inspiration in this city, of the incredible ballet performances that have captivated the nation, and even the elegant costumes that adorned the dancers from long ago. It's fascinating, and it adds a whole other dimension to this magical city!
As I stroll through these historic streets, I can almost picture choreographers like Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, composers whose work became synonymous with ballet, walking those very same streets! Their musical genius gave rise to many memorable ballets like the Carnival in Prague, whose beautiful music and stories became ingrained in Czech ballet culture! I just have to see a performance soon!
Oh, I simply love exploring the stories that unfold with each historical building I visit, each corner I turn, each theatre I admire!
And you know what? It truly feels like this whole city is getting caught up in the tutu craze! I mean, when I started my journey, a pink tutu seemed a little extravagant for a trip to Prague.
But guess what?
It was my mission this week to make Prague pink. And the locals love it! Everywhere I turn, I'm finding delightful boutiques filled with tutus of all shapes, colours and sizes! There are even ballet classes where students can choose to wear pink tutus to class (no more strict school regulations, finally!).
The other day, I walked past a group of Prague University students who were gathering outside to go on a city trip, and guess what they were all wearing? That's right, they all donned pink tutus! Even a few of the men were embracing the trend, wearing a more casual, street-style version with denim and bomber jackets. The world is becoming a pink tutu dream, and I just love it!
My Pink Tutu Legacy
Remember, darlings, my dream is for every person to find their inner pink tutu. My hope is that one day everyone will experience the magic of ballet, and even embrace the fun, whimsical style of wearing a pink tutu.
It's all about expressing yourself, about celebrating individuality and joy! I’ve been teaching a ballet class here in Prague - an advanced Tutu Tech workshop, as I call it - and the participants just loved it. The whole class, from experienced ballerinas to newbies, all embraced the pink tutu magic!
Now, with Prague falling under the pink tutu spell, maybe it won’t be long before this trend takes over the world!
I have one last evening in Prague tonight, and you know how I love to dance! So, my final dance this trip will be La Bohème at the beautiful National Theatre. The story is a truly romantic one set in 19th century Paris, with its story about love, poverty, dreams, and the beauty of art, which are themes I’m sure will resonate with anyone. I hope it won’t be my last time dancing under the spell of this truly breathtaking city.
Don’t forget to check my blog next Wednesday! Until then, remember to live life in pink and never be afraid to express your true self!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
