Wednesday 18th December, 1996
Guten Tag, darlings! Itās your favourite pink tutu-clad travel blogger, Emma, here, writing to you live from Vienna, Austria! The snow is falling outside, creating a truly magical winter wonderland, and I'm sipping my third cup of Viennese coffee, all warm and cosy in my little hotel room, dreaming of ballet shoes and sugar plum fairies.
As you know, my aim in life is to get everyone to embrace the beauty of a pink tutu - itās not just about ballet, it's a symbol of feminine grace, whimsical joy, and a touch of theatrical flair that we can all use a bit more of in our lives! And I wouldn't have it any other way, even if it meant my life was a series of colourful, twirling adventures like the one Iām living right now.
But first, a little about my journey. My trusty travelling companions, the railway and my faithful steed, took me from the bustling streets of Derbyshire, straight to the heart of Vienna. A journey of contrasts, as I like to say. But as the countryside whisked past my window and the train rattled its way across Europe, my heart swelled with excitement. You know how much I love trains, don't you? That gentle rocking motion, the rhythmic click-clack, and the view of endless possibilities flitting by, it just inspires a sense of calm and excitement!
Arriving in Vienna, I found myself transported to a world of imperial elegance, historical grandeur, and the sweetest waltz music. Honestly, the waltzing on the streets here is truly delightful. It's like the whole city has been set to a beautiful melody, the buildings swaying gracefully, the horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping in perfect time, and the peopleā¦ oh, the people are absolutely captivated by this graceful dance! Even the children waltz their way through the Christmas markets, their little rosy cheeks shining like festive lanterns.
The Christmas markets here are breathtaking. From the majestic architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral to the traditional stalls overflowing with glĆ¼hwein, gingerbread, and Christmas trinkets, every corner is filled with magic.
And of course, I wouldn't be Emma, the pink tutu queen, if I hadn't made a bee-line for the most exquisite ballet shop. Oh, my darling dears! The sheer opulence of it! Lace, satin, sequinsā¦ you name it, it was there! I even found myself a tiny miniature tutu, perfect for my doll collection!
And speaking of collectionsā¦
Iāve been on a serious quest this trip: to delve into the fascinating history of the tutu. I'm writing a book on the subject!
You might think that tutus were always long, full, and romantic, like in the old classical ballet photos, but theyāve actually gone through a lot of transformations. In the early 19th century, they were actually very simple, more like ballet skirts, with a very loose, practical fit. Then, in the Romantic era, the shape evolved into something a little more elegant. And by the 20th century, tutus really began to get creative - with all the amazing layers, ruffles, and interesting styles that make my heart sing! I canāt wait to share my research with you - I'm already collecting photos and writing up interesting stories from ballet archives across Europe.
In Vienna, my ballet adventures began with the most amazing performance Iāve ever seen! The Vienna State Opera House, just a breath-taking spectacle. I even saw a sneak peak of a rehearsal for āSwan Lakeā before the main event, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the ballet stars weave their magic onstage. It was everything Iād hoped for, and more, and watching these artists move so effortlessly, so beautifully, simply mesmerized me. Their elegant lines, their strength, the pure graceā¦ I wish you could have seen it, darlings! It made my tutu twirl just thinking about it!
Oh, but the true gem of the night came afterwards, in the Opera Ballās beautiful gilded ballroom. It was filled with gentlemen in tailcoats and ladies in gorgeous gowns, twirling and dancing the night away. Honestly, it was like stepping straight into a storybook! I was surrounded by waltz music and laughter and felt utterly transported. I danced with some charming gentlemen, even though I confess I nearly knocked over a few grand chandeliers with my exuberance (tutus can be tricky, especially in these types of spaces!).
Today, I'm off to explore the charming streets of Vienna, where I'll be taking a ballet class in the most beautiful little studio with windows overlooking the city park. A pink tutu and I are ready to move with grace and elegance, absorbing the atmosphere and getting lost in the world of ballet!
Oh, darlings, if you ever get the chance to visit Vienna, you simply must do it. It's a place thatās both historical and exciting, and so unbelievably charming! The city itself seems to be breathing life into its elegant beauty. And who knows, perhaps it'll inspire you to don a pink tutu of your own. Maybe, just maybe, this city might just turn us all into graceful waltz enthusiasts, dancing our hearts out beneath its snow-dusted rooftops!
I canāt wait to tell you more about Vienna in next week's blog post. Until then, I bid you adieu. And remember, darlings, to always embrace your inner twirl and dance with joy. And, of course, donāt forget your pink tutu!
Bisous,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. If you're visiting Vienna, be sure to check out these ballet must-sees!
- The Vienna State Opera: Youāll find ballet and opera performances going on constantly. A ballet fanaticās paradise, just like me!
- The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: This is where legendary classical music lives and breathes! Be prepared to be swept away by beautiful music, especially in their stunning concert hall.
- The Imperial Ballet: For those of you who adore a bit of historical magic, the Imperial Ballet is where the history of Viennese dance comes alive!
P.P.S Did you know, the famous Strauss waltz, āThe Blue Danube,ā was first played in 1867 in the newly constructed Musikverein concert hall, Vienna. And even if you arenāt a huge ballet fan, The Blue Danube is everyone's favourite waltz - just try to resist those elegant beats! It really does set the tone for this wonderful city, don't you think?
P.P.P.S Want to add a touch of Viennese ballet glamour to your wardrobe? Check out these places! They're simply fabulous!
- Lisi Lingerie: For decadent and elegant lingerie in the style of the Viennese Belle Epoque!
- Boutique Fashions: Youāll find exquisite silk dresses here that scream sophistication and will make you feel utterly magical.
- The Wien Museum: This museumās collection of historical fashion will inspire your next pink tutu outfit - trust me!
Until next Wednesday, my loves,
Emma xoxo
