Greetings from Vienna, darlings!
It's Wednesday, the day for my Vienna adventures, and today I'm writing from a charming café, just steps away from the Vienna State Opera. The air here is filled with music, a vibrant buzz that makes my heart sing! This week's blog, number five in my Vienna odyssey, will be a delightful waltz through history, fashion, and of course, ballet, the love of my life!
As always, I'm rocking a pink tutu, of course, this time with a chic, ruffled design, inspired by the decadent Baroque architecture that graces Vienna. It's the perfect shade of pink, too, echoing the pastel pinks and pale blues of the city's floral displays, so very romantic and sophisticated!
I arrived here in Vienna via the most fabulous train journey, gliding through fields of emerald green and golden sunflowers. There's nothing quite like a train trip to inspire the muse, the rhythmic clickety-clack a soothing soundtrack to my thoughts, giving me a chance to dream and design.
The city of Vienna itself is an absolute fairytale, brimming with cobbled streets, imperial palaces, and exquisite cafes serving dreamy cakes. My dear Aunt Beatrice, who is here on her annual summer sojourn, sent me a telegram a fortnight ago inviting me to visit. I immediately bought tickets, booked a room in a sweet little hotel with rose-covered balconies, and packed my dancing shoes, along with the ever-essential tutu!
Ballet Beginnings
Last night, I finally saw my first performance at the magnificent Vienna State Opera, a dazzling production of "Giselle," a ballet classic I've been dreaming of seeing for ages! It was simply exquisite. The costumes were stunning – intricate details, romantic designs, a symphony of fabric and colour – oh, the inspiration it gave me! The dancers, their movements like poetry in motion, brought tears to my eyes, especially during Giselle's final pas de deux, a masterpiece of heartbreak and grace. I caught myself mouthing every single pirouette. The music was so rich and emotionally charged – it just stole my heart away. You can find me, dear readers, adding "Giselle" to my ever-expanding ballet wish list – I must learn the choreography!
I just love being surrounded by ballet history here, and discovering the incredible stories that brought Vienna its incredible dance legacy. Today, I'm off to explore the Viennese Opera House, where so much dance history was created. The very walls seem to reverberate with the echo of dancing feet, and I'm going to immerse myself in its beauty and absorb all the history that oozes from every elegant pillar and gilded statue. I’ll be posting photos, naturally, on my pinktutu.com Instagram account (@pinktutuvienna). I'm excited to share this amazing journey with you all, darlings! I will even try and include some tips for anyone who wants to visit, too!
Fashion Fantasies
The shops here are bursting with fashion, of course! You all know how I adore the perfect dress. Vienna is an absolute delight for that, overflowing with exquisite vintage boutiques and designers with truly unique collections. Imagine my glee – Vienna's most popular street for clothes shopping, Kärntner Strasse, has the most spectacular displays, all pastel pinks and ruffled skirts, my favourite, just bursting with whimsy and femininity. The very air feels infused with chic and glamour, and I, with my little pink tutu, simply melt into the fashion landscape. I think I've already snagged a beautiful chiffon number, inspired by the ballet itself, with a tulle underskirt that gives it a delightfully airy silhouette. I just knew I had to buy it the moment I laid eyes on it, the perfect blend of delicate femininity and elegance that would make a perfect addition to any dancer’s wardrobe!
Of course, you know how I love my accessories! Today I'm pairing the tutu with my vintage pearls and a delicate ribbon in the sweetest shade of pink – I found it tucked away in a hidden gem of a vintage shop, tucked down a cobblestoned street! The perfect accessory for an elegant ballerina-inspired day out exploring the enchanting streets of Vienna.
A Dream of Tulle and Travel
Vienna is a dream, darling! There's something about this city that just fills me with inspiration, joy and pure loveliness. From its stunning architecture, filled with romantic balconies adorned with creeping vines, to its world-class dance heritage and, oh, those delightful shops, there's something for everyone. It’s almost too much to absorb, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I can’t wait to spend more time exploring the city, immersing myself in the waltz of Viennese life and letting my creativity soar with the waltzing waltzes on every street corner. Perhaps I’ll even take a carriage ride, complete with my little tutu and a gentlemen in top hat and tails.
You can follow along on my journey here at www.pinktutu.com – I will continue my Viennese odyssey next Wednesday! Until then, keep your feet tapping, your heart dancing, and your tutus at the ready.
Emma xx
