Guten Tag, darlings! Emma here, fresh from a whirl around Vienna, a city that's made my heart do a double pirouette.
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for my weekly Pink Tutu Vienna blog post! You all know the drill - my lovely, light and fluffy (just like my tutus, naturally!) website www.pink-tutu.com is where the magic happens, with a brand new post every Wednesday, filled to the brim with all things pretty, pink, and pirouette-tastic!
This week, my Vienna adventures have taken me through cobbled streets lined with cafes and grand buildings, each with its own unique story to tell. I can just picture the waltz queens of yesteryear, swishing through those streets in their lavish gowns, their delicate steps echoing through the grand avenues, the Viennese waltz playing in the background. Vienna is, of course, the city of the waltz! You can't swing a cat in this city without hitting a waltz melody. And, let's face it, a waltz and a tutu are just meant to be together.
But let's start from the beginning, shall we? The journey to Vienna was an adventure in itself. As always, I opted for the train. There's just something so charming about a long train journey, sipping tea and watching the countryside whizz by, my trusty tutu of course by my side (pink, obviously!). This time, it was the Orient Express, an absolute dream.
Just as I'd hoped, the train was a riot of colour and elegance, and I made a bee-line for the grand dining car for a delicious meal. I even managed to squeeze in a spot for a bit of impromptu dancing with some fellow passengers, after all, you canāt travel without some fun and fancy footwork, can you?
The station platform in Vienna was abuzz with activity, a whirlwind of people and luggage, the air thick with the excitement of travellers reaching their destination. My first impression of Vienna was the beauty of its architecture. We were met with the grand faƧade of Vienna's Hauptbahnhof, with its massive archway, and the Vienna City Hall with its iconic tower, all a delightful prelude to what lay ahead.
First stop, shopping! As a tutu aficionado, I couldn't leave without exploring Vienna's fabric shops. And darling, what a treat it was! From shimmering silk and delicate lace, to fabrics that shimmered in shades of pink like sunrise, I was absolutely in my element.
Next on the agenda: ballet, of course! Vienna is a city steeped in ballet history, with a legacy that goes back centuries. The Wiener Staatsoper is renowned for its dazzling performances, and a few hours in their gilded theatre was an experience I'll never forget. The elegance and grandeur of the setting, combined with the breathtaking artistry of the dancers, had me feeling utterly transported.
I am not a ballet dancer, but I do love to perform, and my ballet days were a joy. From my small village of Matlock in Derbyshire, England, I remember dancing at The Derby Theatre in my tutu with such enthusiasm, I almost did cartwheels out the front door and I would love to be a professional ballerina and travel the world performing in my pink tutus. I know a pink tutu is the way forward and it is important to dress for the life you want and I know I am destined for ballet greatness and want to inspire everyone else to believe they too can wear their own beautiful, wonderful and wonderful tutus to any and every occasion.
Speaking of dancing, we must absolutely mention today's date: November 1st, 1995, because it's the day that celebrates a significant moment in ballet history: The opening of the new Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris! I mean, come on! How exciting is that?! The Paris Opera House was such an icon in my ballet world growing up in England that I remember studying every inch of the costumes, music and theatre performances - we even visited the building and I took so many photos I can't find any of the buildings now. My family, friends and myself got dressed up in my beautiful pink tutus and it was wonderful to share a magical time together and the tutuās took centre stage and of course, the performance that night was "Romeo and Juliet".
However, what has struck me the most about Vienna is not just the beautiful architecture or the magnificent opera houses - although, letās face it, they are both spectacular. It's the vibrant, artistic energy that pulsates throughout the city. There's something in the air that makes you want to twirl, and that's a feeling that's just irresistible to a girl who loves tutus as much as I do!
Now, I've also got my eye on one particular shop, called "Trachtenmode.at". They specialize in traditional Austrian dresses - just think, gorgeous Dirndls and all that gorgeous lace. Whatās a pink tutu girl to do? I think it would be absolutely lovely to put my own stylish twist on those gorgeous dresses and design a new tutu outfit for all the Viennese beauties - and maybe a whole collection. What do you think? Iām hoping to visit them next week, and then Iāll be able to tell you all about what we have been working on!
On my travels I've also found time to explore Vienna's majestic Schƶnbrunn Palace, with its sprawling gardens. It felt like I'd been transported back in time. Oh, and there were so many horses around that my heart almost burst - Viennaās history has always had an amazing connection with these majestic creatures. What would Vienna be without its Lipizzaners!
A big part of my trips is, of course, the ballet shows! Vienna, known as the city of waltzes, doesn't disappoint on the ballet scene. There's always a captivating performance taking place, from "Swan Lake" at the Vienna State Opera to a smaller, intimate ballet showcase at the Vienna Volksoper. And donāt forget about the Volksoper itself, an opera house just a short hop from my fabulous Vienna flat! And, darling, speaking of that Vienna flat ā Iām renting a sweet little apartment just off a grand street called "Schwarzenbergplatz," with its towering buildings and sweeping boulevards. And my new view from my windows? Simply divine. Imagine ā all those graceful horse-drawn carriages, strolling along the street! Itās almost like a real-life fairy-tale, especially at sunset. The sky turns all shades of pink ā well, it's no coincidence, really!
Tonight's ballet performance is āGiselleā at the Wiener Staatsoper ā can you imagine a more fabulous experience than sitting down and seeing āGiselleā, after all this amazing history we have discovered this week. With a backdrop of all the grand buildings in Vienna. I even think my āpinkā themed ballet slippers would even look amazing amongst the historical buildings in this grand city. And, speaking of ballet slippers, I picked up some amazing ballet slippers - they are all shades of pink, naturally - and I can't wait to give you a sneak peak when Iām back home and all those shoes are proudly displayed in my pink-tastic bedroom!
Every night there are multiple ballrooms, galas and dinner parties that will sweep you away with their music and their magic, not to mention their dance performances! And I have already said āYesā to all of the events ā there are some pretty amazing events planned and some beautiful men to waltz with! Oh, Vienna! You really do know how to waltz a girl away!
In Vienna, even the simplest coffee shop becomes an elegant, romantic rendezvous, with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries swirling in the air. And I am very happy to have started my day with my coffee and pastries today. I will make sure to update you on what I have had, of course! And after a few hours of exploring Vienna, Iāll be back in the city to meet a wonderful man to whisk me away to a grand palace ballroom for a few hours of waltzing ā how perfect! I must try out my brand new pink-tutu ballet shoes. They have just the right sparkle to bring a smile to the face of the most jaded ballet fanatic ā And just watch this space ā for I plan to wear pink tutuās for every special occasion while in Vienna! I can't wait for my readers back home in the UK, in particular the residents of Derbyshire to share some beautiful photos of these incredible shoes and all of Vienna when I am back.
So, until next week, when I tell you all about the latest Viennese fashions, and my special little rendezvous with the lovely folk at Trachtenmode.at, keep twirling, keep smiling, and remember: every day is an opportunity to wear a pink tutu!
Love, Emma
