Hello, darling readers! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Prague! I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve touched down in this fairytale city. Seven years, to be precise, and I’m just bursting to tell you all about my fabulous adventures. This trip, of course, was all about ballet, and I’m so glad I chose to experience Prague in July. The warm sunshine was just the thing to give my pale English complexion a healthy glow, perfect for dancing in my newest pink tutu, which, of course, I debuted in the city’s beautiful, historic squares.
Let me start by saying, you just have to visit Prague! It’s truly a feast for the senses, with stunning architecture that could make even the most seasoned ballerina blush. Think winding cobbled streets, breathtaking bridges that look like something out of a storybook, and a charm that just pulls you in. It was all I could do to not twirl into a frenzy every five minutes!
Speaking of twirling, my first stop had to be the magical National Theatre. What a gem! It’s a truly historic building with a vibrant energy that radiates the very essence of the performing arts. The architecture, darling, is something straight out of a dream! Grand, elegant, and a little bit dramatic, just like the performances I love to watch.
I was in Prague for the Ballet in Prague Festival, a stunning celebration of dance, which, of course, I wouldn’t have missed for the world! It featured a breathtaking lineup of performances from some of the world’s best ballet companies, and oh my, the artistry was just astounding! The precision, the grace, the emotional storytelling through dance – it simply blew me away!
Now, I just have to tell you about the experience itself! You’ll not find a more charming setting for a ballet performance than the National Theatre. The elegant auditorium was the perfect setting for a night of enchanting dance, and the air hummed with anticipation as the curtain rose.
And the programme, oh my, it was something special! My favourite was a production of “La Bayadère,” with its breathtaking choreography, extravagant costumes, and romantic narrative. I especially adored the grand corps de ballet. I nearly let out a gasp when they entered, with their flawlessly coordinated movements and the shimmer of their sparkling tutus. I was transfixed, like a moth drawn to a flame, mesmerized by the power and grace of these amazing performers!
It goes without saying, darling, that my pink tutu became a must-have for any ballet enthusiast visiting Prague. I donned my shimmering pink tulle masterpiece to a performance of Swan Lake, a ballet classic. And guess what? The sheer joy and exuberance of my pink tutu complemented the ballet beautifully. It was almost like the pink of my tutu echoed the swans in the water!
It wasn't just about ballet though, darling! Prague, a city filled with exquisite coffee shops and delicious pastries. The coffee was as smooth and rich as the best ballet music! Every day was a delicious journey through pastries, chocolates, and the freshest coffee imaginable. I even found myself picking up a little trinket at the vintage stores nestled away in quaint, winding alleys. Every corner was like discovering a new treasure. I think I left with enough porcelain figurines and beautiful antique jewelry to open a shop back home!
One of my favourite discoveries, though, had to be the ballet bookstore. My journey to Prague, darling, had a little extra special flavour thanks to my own ballet classes. I'd taken to taking daily ballet classes at a wonderful little studio in the heart of Prague! They even let me wear my bright pink tutu to class, darling, which was a complete delight.
Speaking of delightful, the dance studio brought me to the most glorious ballet bookstore, nestled on a side street in the centre of Prague. They had some truly extraordinary finds, from first editions of classic ballet novels to beautifully illustrated ballet books that were absolute works of art in their own right. I bought a precious collection, including a historical volume about the evolution of tutus – how fascinating it is to see how ballet dress evolved and how important the tutu became as part of ballet history and the narrative of ballet!
My journey was of course enhanced by exploring this historic and vibrant city. A beautiful city steeped in history, it was hard not to find myself entranced by the centuries-old churches, cobbled streets, and imposing castles. A delightful discovery for a ballerina like myself were the countless street performances that graced the city streets every evening.
These impromptu ballets weren’t simply confined to theatres; they were scattered throughout the city squares and bridges. It felt like Prague was overflowing with art and expression, a living stage where locals and visitors alike became part of a spectacular performance. One night I witnessed a street performer in full ballet attire, complete with a magnificent pink tutu, effortlessly pirouette on the Charles Bridge.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the romance and glamour of the city is just captivating, darling. And while exploring this captivating city, there’s something to be said about travelling by train. There’s something about the gentle rocking of the train carriage, the passing scenery, and the chance to reflect and simply soak up the atmosphere.
One of the highlights of my journey, besides seeing so much breathtaking dance, was a short trip by train to a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills. The journey was absolutely delightful. I’ve always found train journeys so calming. They allow you to really focus on the journey itself and enjoy the world rolling by the window, while feeling totally relaxed and at ease.
That village? Absolutely enchanting, with a charming central square surrounded by quaint, gingerbread-like houses with brightly colored window boxes, making for a perfect photo op! And darling, as if I planned it, there was a local dance group practicing for their village festival. I had to, of course, ask them about their costumes and if any of their dancers wore a pink tutu, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Although, maybe, just maybe, I could convince them to adopt a pink tutu into their costume repertoire for next year. Fingers crossed!
Now, before you accuse me of forgetting, darling, my love of horses never fades. You know how much I love galloping on horseback and finding equestrian activities whenever possible! The highlight of my trip, besides the Ballet in Prague Festival itself, was undoubtedly the trip to the historic riding school! A majestic venue full of elegance, tradition, and the scent of horseflesh. The beauty of watching these skilled riders expertly manage their magnificent steeds was simply unforgettable! I could have stayed for hours, completely engrossed in the elegance and grace of the horses and riders!
I’ve been lucky to experience a vast array of dance studios during my many travels around the world, from charming studios tucked away in charming Parisian villages to glamorous studios nestled in New York’s heart. However, there's something uniquely magical about Prague. It seems to inspire every form of artistic expression, from music to literature to the dance, which is exactly why it made the perfect stop for my latest ballet journey!
Before I jet off to my next adventure, darling, I wanted to leave you with a little challenge. As I always say, "Live your life like a ballerina. Be strong, graceful, and beautiful." And of course, always wear a pink tutu! It’s time for all of us to twirl through life with grace and beauty. Who’s with me?
See you next Wednesday, darling! Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
