Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident ballerina blogger, ready to kick off the most magical season of the year: Summer Ballet! 💅✨
Vienna, you know, is a city that simply vibes in the summer. With its stunning architecture, gorgeous parks, and the perfect weather for dancing outside, Vienna is the absolute dream location for a ballet lover like me. And this year, there's so much happening, I'm honestly giddy with excitement!
So grab your fanciest tutu (pink is obviously the perfect choice) and let's get this ballet-filled summer started!
1. Dive into Dance: Summer Workshops:
Feeling inspired by the magic of summer ballet? Well, you’re in luck because there are a ton of fabulous workshops running all season long. This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with new styles, expand your skills, and just have some serious fun!
🌟 Vienna State Opera Workshops: They're known for their stunning classical performances, but they also offer fantastic workshops for all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. You can try everything from classical ballet to modern, contemporary, and even musical theatre. The Vienna State Opera truly has something for everyone!
🌟 Dance4All: This vibrant organisation runs classes and workshops at various studios and locations all across Vienna. They are known for their open, welcoming atmosphere and encourage people of all backgrounds to join in. It's a great place to meet new people and discover your passion for ballet, no matter your experience.
*🌟 BalletVienna: *These workshops are aimed at aspiring young dancers. They cover the fundamentals of classical ballet in a fun and engaging environment. And what’s even more fabulous is they offer a chance to perform at the end of the workshop. A chance to show off all you’ve learned!
2. A Breath of Fresh Air: Outdoor Classes:
There's nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you stretch and leap across the open space of a park! Luckily, Vienna has got plenty of outdoor classes to enjoy this summer.
🌟 Tanzschule Frey: This iconic Viennese dance school offers a variety of outdoor classes during the summer months. From contemporary ballet to yoga and Pilates, they provide the perfect opportunity to connect with your inner dancer while soaking up some rays.
*🌟 Donaupark: *Head down to the lovely Donaupark and check out the regular ballet classes that take place here! This spot's a local favourite, so you’ll get a chance to soak up the beauty of the park and feel like a ballerina in a movie!
🌟 The Vienna City Park: Feeling bold? Grab a few friends and organise your own dance session at this beautiful park! Just find a clear spot (it's enormous), and get ready to show off your moves to the world.
3. Hit the Stage: Summer Performances
Okay, here’s where the real magic happens! Summer is overflowing with fantastic ballet performances in Vienna, and this year promises to be one for the books.
🌟 Vienna State Ballet at the Vienna State Opera: Their season is full of breathtaking ballets, showcasing the highest levels of technique and artistry. Make sure to book tickets in advance, though - their performances are always popular and sell out quickly!
🌟 The Vienna International Ballet Festival: This event brings together top international dancers and companies, offering a showcase of incredible talent. There are performances across a variety of genres, so you're bound to find something to wow your senses!
🌟 Open-air Performances: Vienna's a big fan of open-air events, and summer ballet is no exception! Look out for ballets staged in squares, gardens, and even on the iconic Danube Canal! Imagine a night of magical music and ballet against the backdrop of the city. Oh, so romantic!
4. Live It Up! Ballet and the Nightlife Scene
No ballet enthusiast can miss a night out at Vienna’s world-famous ballrooms! These venues are truly magical, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dress up and dance the night away!
🌟 The Hofburg Palace: You can't get more regal than dancing at the palace, right? You’ll experience an amazing mix of historical beauty and stunningly modern performances, making it one of the top ballroom destinations.
🌟 The Kursalon Wien: Situated in the City Park, this beautifully preserved venue is full of ornate charm. Step back in time and enjoy the Vienna Waltz! Be warned – this music is going to inspire you to learn some new moves, so don't be afraid to try!
🌟 Dance the Night Away!: It’s not all classical ballet, darling! Check out the city’s burgeoning contemporary scene, and let loose! I can't imagine a more exhilarating summer!
5. Fuel Your Ballet Dreams:
Don't forget, a fabulous ballet day needs amazing fuel! Here are my go-to places to grab a bite to eat or a sweet treat while celebrating summer ballet:
*🌟 Café Central: *This iconic Viennese café, renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and its stunning Viennese coffee, is a perfect pit stop. Imagine sipping your cappuccino and people-watching while making your plans for your next dance class. The coffee will give you that extra energy boost.
*🌟 Sacher-Torte: * Okay, this one isn’t a location but a must-have dessert, and I mean must! This rich, chocolatey cake is iconic. You can find it everywhere. A Sacher-Torte break makes any dance practice feel even more perfect. I recommend the Sachertorte with a splash of Viennese coffee, darling. So divine.
🌟 The MuseumsQuartier: With its sleek architecture and vibrant outdoor area, MuseumsQuartier is the ultimate place to unwind. Enjoy some delicious Italian fare at one of their outdoor restaurants, surrounded by contemporary art installations. And let’s face it - museums make great backdrop for your ballet Instagram photos, so don’t forget your tutu for a quick chic pic.
6. Don't Forget Your Ballet Must-Haves:
Every ballet girl needs a good arsenal of essentials. Here's what I'd recommend packing in your bag this summer:
*🌟 The Perfect Tutu: * For a classic ballet vibe, a tulle tutu in pink, of course, is my go-to.
*🌟 Stylish Leotards: *I love vibrant colours for summer, from bright emerald green to bold magenta. It gives my wardrobe that pop I need!
*🌟 Dance Sneakers: *For casual outings and ballet classes, a stylish and comfy pair of sneakers is a must. I love sparkly ones!
*🌟 Water Bottle: *Keep yourself hydrated all day long, especially on warm days. This is essential when dancing!
🌟 Ballet Bag: A gorgeous, spacious ballet bag will keep your belongings safe and chic. I recommend ones that you can pack all your accessories. I know I like to be prepared for any dancing situation!
7. Embracing the Community
One of the things I love most about ballet is the amazing community. Whether it’s sharing your passion with fellow dance lovers or learning from experienced dancers, I have met so many amazing people. This is a place where people connect, celebrate their passion and inspire each other! So don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and chat with others!
Make Memories, Shine Your Light, and Spread Ballet Joy!
This is just a glimpse of the vibrant ballet scene waiting to be discovered in Vienna this summer. Don’t forget, darlings, every moment is an opportunity to dance! It’s about letting loose, having fun, and expressing yourself through the art of dance! Make it a fabulous summer filled with tutus, sunshine, and amazing dance experiences.
Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences using the hashtags #tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet and follow my adventures.
Happy dancing!
Emma ✨
