Hello my dearest tutu-loving readers! It's your favourite ballerina blogger Emma, back with another tale from my time-traveling adventures. This month, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire, galloped us to the 4th of April, 1853. What a glorious spring day it was! The air was full of the scent of blooming flowers, and everything felt delightfully fresh.
This month's adventures have led me to Vienna, Austria, the birthplace of waltz and a city with an incredibly rich ballet history.
Let's hop off Magic Meg, dust off our pink tutus (always good to get in the habit of a quick spruce, dearies!), and see what treasures 1853 has to offer.
The Ballet Scene: A Grand Time in Vienna
You know I'm always on the lookout for the best performances, and the Vienna Opera House was buzzing! 1853 was a year for new talent and innovation in ballet, with dancers from around the world flocking to Vienna. Imagine my excitement as I learned that the young ballerina Fanny Elssler, who had already captured the world's attention, was in the city preparing for a performance! A star who was said to bring a "breath of fresh air to classical ballet", a trailblazer and revolutionary! She was truly a legend of her time. I can only dream of being half as inspiring as she was, my dear tutu-loving friends.
Imagine this, you're in the midst of the waltz, feeling the music sweep you into a whirlwind of passion and grace. A beautiful dancer, draped in a flowing dress and fluttering with ribbons, twirls and dips, and the audience is simply captivated! Oh, wouldn't it be delightful to experience a grand ballet like that, bathed in the golden glow of chandeliers, the smell of roses lingering in the air? The entire theatre a swirl of elegance and delight, the pinnacle of artistic expression!
More than Ballet: Fashion and a Sweet Treat
But it's not just about ballet! Vienna, in the 1850s, was all about fashion. You know, the epitome of stylish ladies! It was an absolute delight to wander through the boutiqe-lined streets and marvel at the extravagant clothing – beautiful silk dresses, charming hats, and intricate lace trimming everything. Now I truly know why tutus are my favourite – a graceful yet playful, colourful fashion that's timeless. And just imagine, I even saw women wearing some very, very early tutus! The history of dancewear is fascinating and a truly essential ingredient in every ballet time traveller's satchel, and something that always inspires my dancewear and style designs. It really is a delight for the eyes!
One delightful discovery this month was the delicious confectionary treats. My, oh my! The pastry shops had cakes that looked too beautiful to eat! Well, maybe not too beautiful. They were a riot of colours and sugar and a complete joy to my tastebuds. Oh, how I do love a good cake!
And the most charming aspect of 1853 Vienna? The locals! The women were kind and engaging. We chatted over coffee and pastries about the opera, and their enthusiasm for music was absolutely contagious. My, how we love a good conversation!
Time Travelling Tips from a Pink Tutu Blogger
To keep your time travels smooth and magical, I have a few helpful tips for my fellow Tutu Travellers:
- Always wear a Pink Tutu: My dear dearies, we all know it's not just about the comfort and the fashion, it's about a little sprinkle of magic. It attracts attention in all the right ways.
- Embrace the Moment: Soak in the sights, smells, and sounds of your chosen era. It's so easy to be overwhelmed by history, but it's important to be present and appreciate the nuances of every moment.
- The Little Details Matter: I always pack my trusty leather rucksack with essentials: my favourite ballet-themed novels, sketchbooks to jot down the inspiration from fashion shows, a collection of ribbons to recreate my favourite ballet costumes and some local delicacies for my future taste test blogs.
Coming Next Month: A French Twist on Tutu Travel
And that, my dear Tutu-loving friends, is my glimpse into 1853 Vienna. I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed experiencing it. Next month, Magic Meg takes us to the land of fashion, history, and a very famous French ballerina, all happening in Paris! Keep a close eye on the website, and don’t forget to sign up to receive notifications for our new blog posts. Now excuse me while I settle in and have a lovely cup of tea with my new best friend – a delicious, pink-frosted cupcake!
See you next month!
Until then, remember,
Keep dancing,
Emma xx
