Hello darlings! Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina, and this month's post is bursting with Christmas cheer, sparkling snow, and, of course, a fabulous pink tutu! It’s December the 12th, 1880, and my time machine, my magnificent, magical pink Shire horse Meg, with her dazzling golden hooves and shimmering white mane and tail, has brought me to the grand city of Vienna, Austria!
The air is crisp, a touch of frost dances on the cobblestones, and a delicate dusting of snow sits on the rooftops. Christmas is just around the corner and the streets are aglow with lanterns and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. There's a bustling energy to the city as the citizens rush around with their last-minute shopping. Oh, I love the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!
Today, though, my pink tutu is not for a performance (although I will be making time for a local ballet showcase later this week - the reviews of the Vienna State Opera are simply divine!) But for today's adventures, my tutu serves a more personal purpose. It is, as you know, my signature, my symbol, and today, it allows me to blend in seamlessly with a particularly wonderful fashion trend I discovered during my research: pink. It’s the colour of romance, of joy, and of course, of the ballet! I swear, I even caught a glimpse of a beautifully crafted ballet shoe store window display – the shop window itself was adorned with pink ribbons and bows. Oh, my darling readers, how I long for those shoes, even more than the amazing Viennese Sachertorte I just devoured!
Anyway, today I’m heading to the imperial Court Opera to witness something truly special – a rehearsal for Die Fledermaus! A joyous operetta, darling, absolutely bursting with delightful music and enchanting melodies. Imagine, opera and ballet! The ultimate indulgence for this ballerina.
This month’s backpack collection is already looking spectacular – I managed to score a wonderful pamphlet about Die Fledermaus itself, with fascinating historical tidbits on its production and composer, Johan Strauss Jr. Plus, the cover features a lovely, almost fairy-like illustration, and even a miniature Die Fledermaus ballet programme. My collection is truly blossoming with the wonders of the past!
Speaking of wonder, wouldn’t you know it, I stumbled upon a delightful Viennese dance school that was having a Christmas-themed performance! Oh, darling, the adorable young ladies in their sweet white tutus with their soft pink ribbons – pure ballerina magic! Imagine my joy when the instructor welcomed me to participate! Not only did I get to dance a delightful polka and waltz with some darling Vienna residents, I even learned a new Christmas-themed ballet move, perfect for this year’s pink Christmas card!
My day continued in an enchanting whirlwind – after the ballet, Meg carried me through Vienna's quaint, narrow cobbled streets where the houses were decorated with fairy lights and festive garlands, each window twinkling with warmth and charm. And can we talk about the food, darling! There’s nothing more delightful than the smell of cinnamon, gingerbread and the delicious smell of fresh roasted chestnuts on the crisp December air.
Oh, the joy, the deliciousness! I couldn’t resist buying a whole pile of freshly baked gingerbread hearts. Maybe Meg and I can sneak some for the Christmas stockings of all my Derbyshire relatives when we get back, hmm?
But this journey, my darling, was much more than shopping, although who could resist a few little gifts for myself? Oh, a silk fan with delicate pink flowers, the perfect compliment to my new pink feather boa! I also snagged the cutest pair of silver ballerina shoe charms for Meg’s bridle (though she’s sure to be upset if she ever sees me dangling ballet shoe ornaments from her majestic mane!).
And who can resist a good dose of festive ballet tradition? As a Derbyshire girl, it is Christmas season and we must have mince pies – but, imagine my glee at finding a Victorian version in a local cafe! Imagine a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry filled with dried fruit, spices and a generous spoonful of brandy. My, what a lovely treat for a time-travelling ballerina on a festive adventure!
Today’s journey reminds me why I adore time travel, darling. It's about discovering new stories, finding unexpected treasures, and celebrating the shared beauty of dance and its historical evolution, no matter the time period. It's about sharing those stories and those treasures with all of you, and about spreading my pink tutu magic far and wide! After all, what better gift for a Christmas than the magic of dance and the joy of spreading pink-tutu love, wherever it takes us.
Remember, darlings, follow my journey on www.pink-tutu.com. Subscribe to my blog for updates on my monthly time-traveling escapades. Join me as I dance through history, sharing my love for ballet, pink tutus and the delightful, vibrant history of this captivating art form!
Until next month, my darlings, remember to spread the pink tutu magic!
With twirls and kisses,
Emma
P.S. You can find some delightful snippets of Die Fledermaus music here: [Link to a reliable music streaming site] Get ready to twirl your way into a Christmas filled with joy and sparkling pink-tutu cheer!
