Dearest readers!
Itās Wednesday, which means itās time for a new Pink Tutu Vienna blog post! This week Iām whisked away to Vienna, a city brimming with history, music, and an abundance of elegant charm.
Letās face it, my pink tutu and I have been dreaming of this trip for ages. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
The journey was just as exciting as the destination itself. It all began with a dash to the station in Derbyshire, my heart aflutter with anticipation. A train ride, as you all know, is a fantastic way to travel. Thereās just something so romantic about watching the countryside rush past as you sit in a plush, comfy carriage, sipping on tea and munching on delectable sandwiches.
As we traversed the rolling fields of Europe, I felt a sense of pure delight. Every passing village and countryside seemed to be tailor-made for a fairytale, just the sort youād imagine starring a spirited young ballerina in a bubblegum pink tutu, travelling across Europe for a ballet performance!
And then, after an adventure on the continent's rail lines, we arrived in Vienna. This magnificent city greeted me with open arms, its cobblestone streets adorned with historical buildings that spoke volumes of a bygone era. There was a hint of the past swirling in the air, the scent of fresh bread and Viennese pastries, a gentle hum of waltz music echoing through the alleyways ā it was enchanting!
The first thing on our agenda? Shopping, of course! I've always believed that exploring a city through its fashion is an excellent way to experience its heartbeat. And Vienna, my dear readers, is a haven for a fashionable girl like me! We found ourselves navigating through charming shops overflowing with exquisite clothing and accessories. There was something magical about browsing through the racks of fine silks and satins, the whispers of tulle rustling gently with every step.
I may have gone slightly overboard in the shoe department, picking up a few pair of delicate ballet flats and some glamorous pumps. There was a delightful store selling vintage attire - the sort that would make a blushing princess swoon! You bet I snagged myself a beautiful pearl necklace and a gorgeous Victorian-inspired lace shawl for a special occasion! And you'll never guess what I discovered hiding at the back of a little artisan shop? A miniature ballerina statue ā it was in the most fabulous pink! I couldnāt resist, so I snatched it up and added it to my ever-growing collection.
Oh! But the excitement doesnāt stop there. I had the honour of watching a beautiful ballet performance at the famed Vienna State Opera. Imagine a room bathed in candlelight, the velvet seats cushioned like clouds, and the symphony orchestra tuning their instruments, their melodic melodies creating an ethereal ambiance. And then the curtain rises, revealing a magnificent stage, showcasing the grace and beauty of classical ballet. I've never seen a production quite so breathtaking.
This production featured one of my favourite pieces, āSwan Lake,ā the balletās graceful swan queen mesmerized the entire audience with every step. Seeing it again here in Vienna, amidst the romantic atmosphere of this grand city, brought it all to life even more.
Vienna itself is almost a living piece of ballet. As you walk through the streets, the stately buildings seem to echo the elegance of traditional ballet moves, with their intricate facades resembling a delicate ballet costume design!
Of course, I simply could not be in Vienna without paying a visit to the esteemed Schƶnbrunn Palace! Stepping inside this grand residence was like taking a journey through time! You can just imagine elegant ladies adorned with feathers and fur, waltzing through those magnificent halls. Itās easy to see why this palace was once home to the illustrious Habsburg family, their lives filled with such charm, music, and refined sophistication.
Did you know that Emperor Franz Joseph's daughter, Empress Elizabeth of Austria, was said to have been quite the skilled horsewoman, a daring and determined equestrian.
In fact, during my Vienna trip, I treated myself to a unique experience, a journey on a beautifully trained white horse. With a delicate tulle skirt swirling around my pink tutu, I felt a wave of exhilaration riding through the nearby park, with a stunning vista of Viennaās lush landscape spread before us.
My readers, let me assure you, this is no ordinary pink tutu. Itās a tutu imbued with a sprinkle of Viennese magic. With every whirl and pirouette, it twirls me around to a symphony of vibrant impressions, reminding me that each moment is a precious ballet, a dance in time that we are all free to move with passion and joy.
You know what they say: a touch of pink goes a long way! And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Until next Wednesday, when I'll share more delightful Vienna discoveries. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for the latest adventures from yours truly, Emma!
See you next week!
Love,
Emma x
What was on 23rd July 1997:
- Fashion: The "Grunge" trend was still going strong in fashion, with many still favoring distressed denim and plaid.
- Music: The Spice Girls continued to dominate the charts with their upbeat pop hits, but Nirvana, Oasis, and Radiohead also held their own in the rock world.
- Film: "Titanic" (a masterpiece that still captivates moviegoers today) was on its way to becoming one of the biggest box office hits of all time!
- News: Diana, Princess of Wales was embroiled in public scrutiny as the media followed the ongoing breakdown of her marriage with Prince Charles.
- The Pink Tutu: Of course, the trend I follow - Pink Tutues - wasn't really in fashion back in 1997! That's what I'm hoping to change one ballet, one shop, one trip at a time.
You can learn more about what happened in 1997 on the History website!
I always like to share historical fun facts so, for today, here is a tidbit from the history of ballet:
- Fact: The iconic tutu began its life in the 1830s, when Marie Taglioni (one of my heroines!) created the Romantic style of ballet and wore a short, diaphanous skirt. It didnāt take long for the short skirt, later called ātutuā to catch on! Imagine what the world of fashion would be like without the glamorous tutu. It would be so sad and uninspired!
I hope you enjoy your Wednesday! And please, remember to tell everyone about the joy of pink tutus - the world would be a better place with more of them!
Your Emma.
