Post 3795: www.pink-tutu.com
Dearest Tutu-ettes,
Well, here I am, back from another enchanting time-travel adventure, and this month's journey was a truly special one! You know how much I adore a grand entrance, and what could be grander than the world of ballet on the 3rd of March 1977? The air buzzed with anticipation – oh, I can’t wait to share it all with you!
This month, Magic Meg (who, by the way, is looking positively dazzling in her new pink sparkly bridle – it really brings out her golden hooves) whisked me away to Vienna, the city of waltzes, coffee and, yes, you guessed it – BALLET! As I settled onto Magic Meg’s back, my pink leather rucksack was ready for another burst of ballet history. Vienna – the city of the Vienna State Opera, where legend has it, the waltz was born and a beautiful history of ballet unfolded over centuries.
Now, you might be wondering why this particular date – 3rd March 1977 – was so special? Well, this was the date for the grand opening of the Vienna State Opera's newly restored building. It was an evening overflowing with excitement and grandeur, and, believe me, I wasn’t going to miss a single moment. The whole city felt alive, pulsating with a unique blend of traditional Viennese charm and vibrant contemporary energy.
Picture this: cobbled streets, carriages clinking and a light sprinkling of snow (yes, it was still winter!), all bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. I felt as though I'd stepped into a vintage ballet poster come to life! I practically skipped through the streets in my signature pink tutu, my anticipation mounting with each step.
The Vienna State Opera was just breathtaking. Think grand, sweeping staircases, soaring columns, ornate chandeliers – the perfect backdrop for a night of pure theatrical magic. The opening night featured a dazzling performance of Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, a Viennese operetta full of light-hearted romance and captivating melodies. And you just know a tutu is never out of place for a musical performance!
What struck me most was the energy within the building – the hum of excitement from the audience, the crisp crackle of the musicians tuning their instruments, the whispers and excited chatter as people found their seats. It was a truly unique feeling – being part of something grander than oneself, something timeless.
While the opera was the grand opening event, the excitement surrounding ballet in Vienna that night was palpable. The Vienna State Opera boasted a magnificent dance company known as the Wiener Staatsoper which has a long and rich tradition, going right back to the imperial era. I mean, just imagine! Tutu history practically vibrating through the floorboards!
I managed to slip into the backstage area (Magic Meg always makes the best travel buddies) to have a quick chat with a young dancer named Helga. Her eyes sparkled as she described the incredible experience of performing on the grand stage of the Vienna State Opera. Her love for ballet was contagious – it truly made me feel that ballet is a universal language that transcends time and cultural barriers.
But the most delightful discovery of the evening was not a dance performance, but something even more thrilling: I stumbled upon a little vintage boutique hidden away in a quiet side street. This is what I live for! Filled to the brim with beautiful ballet shoes, tutus, and costume fabrics in all shades of pink (naturally!), I could hardly contain my excitement.
I found myself falling head over heels (or should I say toe over toe?) for a silk rose pink tutu with delicate hand-beaded embellishments. It was simply divine! You bet I snagged it for my collection back at Pink Tutu headquarters (the secret hidden portal at the bottom of my Derbyshire garden, naturally).
As I made my way back to the present, the soft light of the moon cast an ethereal glow over Magic Meg’s pink-tinted coat, illuminating her white mane and tail as she gracefully navigated the night. And while I may be back in my own time, Vienna remains vivid in my memory, reminding me of the enduring magic and passion that lies at the heart of ballet.
Oh, and you might be wondering, what’s my big ballet plan for this month? I've decided to spread the pink tutu love and share my experience of this dazzling night. To inspire all my tutu-loving friends, I'm planning a grand ballet party here at Pink Tutu HQ. Think pink tulle decorations, a delectable array of Viennese treats, and of course, a little waltz (or a ballet demonstration - take your pick!) to celebrate the wonder of ballet! You’re all welcome – the more the merrier, as they say. Just don’t be surprised if you catch me practicing my pirouettes. I just can’t resist!
Until next month,
Emma xx
