Hello, darlings! It's Emma, back from a whirlwind week in Vienna, Austria. 🇦🇹 I just had to share my adventures with you lovely lot! This is blog post #100 - can you believe it?! Thank you all for being such wonderful readers and supporting me on this pink tutu journey. Let's raise a glass (of sparkling elderflower cordial!) to a hundred posts full of dance, fashion, and travel! 🎉
As always, my travels are fueled by the magic of dance, so this week I was busy performing in a delightful ballet piece in Salzburg. It was all about the beauty of the Alps - soaring mountain peaks and pristine lakes – which I’d like to say we replicated wonderfully with stunning costumes and the most intricate choreography. After the performance, we treated ourselves to the most heavenly schnitzel at the local Gasthaus – so very Viennese!
Of course, being in Austria, I simply had to visit the world-renowned Vienna State Opera House. Imagine the grandeur! A symphony of gilded ceilings, velvet drapes, and even more dazzling chandeliers than I could ever have imagined. It’s truly a theatre for dreams! My heart simply sang when I thought of all the ballet legends who have graced its stage - Carlotta Grisi, Marie Taglioni, Anna Pavlova, and oh, so many more! ✨ I was quite overwhelmed by it all – you'd think I'd be used to it by now, but even after all these travels, that sheer majesty leaves me speechless!
And what's a ballet fanatic like me to do in a place overflowing with dance history? Why, I simply had to take a few classes at the Vienna State Opera Ballet School! These talented young ballerinas are a joy to watch. I felt positively rejuvenated by their enthusiasm and discipline – what a gift it is to share a passion like dance with other people. They even had some lovely tutus on display - some dating back to the early 20th century, absolutely charming!
Vienna's charm, of course, extends beyond the ballet studio. Shopping, as you know, is my weakness, so I had a simply splendid time at the Naschmarkt. The market stalls are a symphony of colours - brightly-hued fabrics, vibrant vegetables, delicious spices, and so much more. The air hums with laughter, chatter, and the friendly, enthusiastic greetings of the vendors. It felt just like a dance – the joyous chaos of bodies swaying and colliding as we all navigate the market's intricate maze. It felt truly alive, a wonderful contrast to the refined grace of the Vienna State Opera.
My adventures would be incomplete without some glorious food! The cafes, ah, the cafes! They're charming little havens with elegant tables and warm pastries – the Viennese take on tea time. And you simply cannot leave Vienna without trying the traditional Sachertorte, with its decadent chocolate filling and apricot jam layer. A masterpiece!
Even the everyday life of Vienna was brimming with enchantment. The locals are just so incredibly polite and courteous! Everyone I met - from the barista who made my morning latte to the old gentleman who shared a bench with me at the Schönbrunn Palace - were so kind and helpful. The energy here is almost… magical, with a gentle, melodious rhythm that carries everyone along like a waltz.
Naturally, my pink tutu made a splendid debut in this vibrant city! I strolled along the Ringstrasse in a light, blush pink tutu, perfectly complemented by a chic cream cardigan and white ballerina shoes, and, of course, my favourite pink parasol to shield me from the glorious Viennese sun. Every now and then, I’d pirouette through the park, attracting wide-eyed smiles and excited gasps. They simply adored my pink tutu - so very Austrian! 😉 But then, I must confess, some folks looked quite perplexed! The old gentleman in his traditional attire was even startled. Oh well, there are tutus for everyone - some are simply a little slower to come around to the idea! Maybe someday I’ll have Vienna swaying in a tutu - you've got to dream big! 😉
Of course, the perfect afternoon wouldn’t be complete without a gentle ride through Vienna's streets by fiacre – Vienna's horse-drawn cab. A little indulgence in timeless charm, I must confess. The city felt magical as I saw it through the wide eyes of my magnificent horse. The world slowed down, the city’s beautiful architecture standing proudly under a crystal clear sky, as though I’d been whisked back in time.
I think this week I’ve had a real taste of Viennese life – an irresistible blend of old and new, graceful artistry and lively spontaneity. It was like a captivating ballet itself – elegant steps with dramatic pauses and a flourish at every turn. And so, I depart this charming city, full of joy and memories, and, of course, still full of love for tutus, dance, and all the beauty this world has to offer!
Don't forget to visit the Pink Tutu website every Wednesday for more exciting travel and tutu-tastic adventures!
Love always,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
