Wednesday, 13th November 1996
Good morrow, lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, Emma, writing to you from the glorious city of Vienna! Can you believe it's been a whole year since I first donned my pink tutu in this beautiful city? Time flies when you're having fun, darling!
This week has been a whirlwind of tutus, waltzes, and decadent delights, so settle in, grab a cuppa, and let me regale you with my latest adventures.
A Ballet-Lover's Paradise
Vienna is truly a ballet-lover's dream! Every corner seems to whisper of the rich history of dance. Just this morning, I popped into the Vienna State Opera for a peek at the glorious stage. Itās a magnificent piece of theatre and even standing in the foyer you feel the history of all the talented ballerinas who have graced this stage! Later, I took a tour of the Staatsoperās workshops. The exquisite hand-painted backdrops were just breathtaking, I swear I could see the stories swirling around me. Imagine creating masterpieces that bring the stage to life! Such a talented team - they have truly mastered their craft!
My love affair with Viennaās ballet history extends beyond the stages. I just had to pay my respects at the iconic tomb of Marie Taglioni! Oh, how I wish I could have seen her dance. The āTaglioniā is still danced today, although it looks nothing like it was in the original production. She is an icon, the prima ballerina assoluta - they donāt give that title out lightly! If only those floorboards could talk, the stories they would tell! They saw her take her first bow in her infamous white tulle skirt that shocked the Parisian audience. Imagine the revolution she caused with such a scandalous outfit! And did you know that the āTaglioniā has been revived and performed throughout history by ballet legends like Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn? I've seen it performed by many prima ballerinas in their time - so many memories! This little tomb is where it all began - so iconic! I even slipped into my tulle tutu, twirled once, and paid my respects. She would have approved, Iām sure!
Tutu Tales & Shopping Sprees
And letās not forget the shopping! Vienna is a paradise for fashionistas like me! I found the most exquisite boutique hidden away in a cobblestone alleyway. Oh, the colours! The textures! I simply had to add a couple of frocks and an extravagant feather boa to my wardrobe. After all, every discerning ballerina knows that accessories are essential! Plus, there's nothing better than pairing my favourite pink tutu with a flamboyant outfit for an extra touch of whimsical sparkle!
Whirlwind on Four Hooves
Vienna is a city best explored at a leisurely pace, so what better way to navigate than by carriage? This week I hired a horse-drawn carriage for an afternoon tour of the city centre. The gentle clip-clop of hooves and the rustle of the horseās mane created a symphony of peaceful charm. And as I glided past the magnificent RingstraĆe and the Imperial Palace, it felt as if I was transported back to another era, a time of elegance and grandeur. As we travelled the wide avenues with our friendly carriage driver, we saw such beautiful things: magnificent palaces, the city's parks and gardens, a view of the Danube, and some magnificent sculptures and monuments. I can't imagine a more elegant way to discover the beauty of Vienna. It was the most luxurious afternoon - you have to do it at least once when youāre here!
Evening Glamour at the Schƶnbrunn Palace
Last night was pure magic! The Schƶnbrunn Palace was lit up like a fairy tale. Imagine a balcony overlooking an enchanting garden bathed in moonlight - a perfect setting for an evening of waltzing. That's right, darling! I had the pleasure of attending a private ball at the palace. It was the stuff of dreams, like a scene straight out of āThe Sound of Musicā! All dressed up in my favourite pink tutu and shimmering silk frock, I twirled my way through a waltz with a charming young count who knew the steps like a pro. Even my favourite little teddy bear came along, and he seemed to enjoy his little twirls, as well. He loved having his photo taken in the grand hallway, with the most ornate gilded mirror and an exquisite grand piano in the background!
This evening at Schƶnbrunn Palace has certainly cemented this experience into my memories for ever. Iām dreaming of my dancing adventures every night now! This waltz really had me spellbound!
The Importance of Pink Tutus
Now, darlings, as you know, I'm a firm believer that everyone should own at least one pink tutu! I mean, why restrict ourselves to everyday attire? A touch of whimsy, a dash of colour - that's what makes life interesting!
Just yesterday, I popped into a local shop called āThe Pink Parrotā. They had the most exquisite collection of pink clothing - I fell in love! I had to buy a fuchsia beret to go with my pink tutu for a truly spectacular ensemble. Even the shopkeeper fell in love with the pinkness, she seemed surprised by her own shopās array!
Vienna may not be a ballet Mecca in quite the same way as Paris or London, but it certainly has an appreciation for a beautiful spectacle and performance, whether thatās on the stage of the opera or in a local cafe where I met a young dancer, just 13, showing off some impressive tricks.
Remember to embrace life with a twinkle in your eye and a pink tutu in your heart, darling!
Until next Wednesday!
Your Pink Tutu Warrior, Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
