#PinkTutuVienna blog on 1997-09-10

Bonjour, darling darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the magical city of Vienna! Oh, how I adore this city! It's simply bursting with beauty, history, and a touch of imperial grandeur. But don't worry, I've sprinkled my own brand of pink magic all over the place! I'm still so excited I could pirouette right off the page - Vienna truly has it all!

This week has been a whirlwind of activity, filled with tutu twirls and enchanting explorations. I always love coming to this stunning city, and this time was even more special.

This Wednesday, as you know, is my Vienna blog day. So let's get started!

The moment I stepped onto the grand platform of the Wien Hauptbahnhof (the Vienna main station) I knew I was in for a treat. The majestic architecture of this station, with its high ceilings and intricate details, simply took my breath away. Of course, I added a dash of pink to the scene with my latest "Vienna waltz" tutu - a masterpiece of frills and tulle in the softest shade of bubblegum pink! I felt like a princess straight out of a fairytale.

A word about my tutus, darlings: Each one tells a story, reflects a new location or a new emotion, just like my Vienna tutu.

This week has been all about experiencing the elegance of Vienna's past. I started by venturing into the Palais Schönbrunn, a magnificent palace that once belonged to the Habsburg dynasty. It was an absolute dream to wander through its richly decorated halls and imagine the opulent life of royalty, and of course I got some fantastic photos with my pink tutu - I don't think Marie Antoinette ever looked so fabulous! I'm absolutely besotted with Vienna’s royal heritage - what a captivating blend of history and sophistication!

Of course, I simply couldn't come to Vienna without experiencing the iconic Fiaker, a horse-drawn carriage. Let me tell you, the sensation of gliding through the city's picturesque streets, the air smelling of fresh-baked pastries and the gentle clip-clop of horses hooves was just divine! I took a beautiful Fiaker tour that brought me to all the must-see spots in the city, like St. Stephen's Cathedral with its breathtaking gothic architecture. I also got a great picture in front of Hofburg Palace, which is famous for housing the imperial treasury and housing an impressive museum and palace. And my trusty Fiaker, my driver, even let me touch his lovely horses - such gentle souls!

Pro-tip: To complete the perfect carriage ride, always wear your pink tutu, even when your in a carriage with an impressive display of leather and silver. Just add pink!

And what would a visit to Vienna be without an unforgettable ballet experience? On Friday night I was lucky enough to get tickets to a performance of the Vienna State Opera Ballet. I am such a fan of all things dance.

The program showcased classical ballet masterpieces like Giselle and Swan Lake - so utterly romantic! I felt the passion and elegance of the dancers fill the room as they glided across the stage. Oh, to have such grace!

After the performance, I was mesmerized by the gorgeous Vienna State Opera itself - the interiors were adorned with elaborate chandeliers, and the seating was so opulent, almost as much fun as my "Opera Nights" tutu, with its long skirt and glittering details! The ballet company itself has been captivating audiences for almost two hundred years! Such talent, such dedication - a true masterpiece!

But you can't only watch ballet, right?! I simply had to join the Viennese dancers and have a go at a ballet class at a charming, little studio called Ballet in Vienna. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy, but the other girls in the class, they made it such a delightful experience, a fun and exciting experience. Of course, I was in my "Vienna Waltz" tutu, with my shoes neatly wrapped in the pink silk ribbon (such a necessity, to protect our dainty ankles!), and let's be honest, no-one else in the class looked so glamorous.

I made new friends at this adorable ballet school. The instructor, a real ballerina with an incredible history, explained to me that she even trained for a while in Derbyshire, my home! How amazing is that?!

The dance floor is just the right size and the studios have lovely wooden floors with an air of authenticity - like it’s been around forever - just like my love of pink! I was in awe of the incredible beauty and elegance of the steps, and though I’m definitely no ballerina (my grace is more, ahem, whimsical), the whole experience just made me appreciate the incredible art and passion behind this elegant art form.

Of course, this meant that the Vienna Waltz is back in my step and I feel it’s time to introduce you to a ballet secret - did you know that the waltz, the one everyone dances, actually evolved in Austria? What an amazing, beautiful piece of dance heritage that’s become so international, and Vienna’s one of its cradles. What a fun, fabulous piece of trivia to take with you on your trip.

After all those adventures, I had to refuel my love for pink at one of Vienna's most fashionable boutiques, Wiener Werkstätte. It's a delightful store filled with designer clothes and homeware in an eclectic and vintage style, and of course, it just screams pink.

They are also a renowned center of creativity and craftsmanship in Vienna. I even managed to snagged a beautiful scarf in a soft peach hue (perfect for twirling, darling!).

What else has Vienna been showcasing this week, you may be wondering? Well, Vienna is all about fashion and there's nothing that the city has that can top its Vienna Fashion Week - which just started yesterday! The schedule is full of exciting events and shows, featuring leading Austrian and international designers. The runways of Vienna are exploding with new collections. I plan to get down to the Vienna fashion week soon and do a special post for the blog, maybe even include a glimpse at a fashion show and tell you all about the beautiful styles in Austria, the outfits, the models - what makes them tick! I love a new, fresh take on trends, so let’s see what's going to be happening. I'm very, very excited about that!

Oh! and of course, no Vienna trip is complete without indulging in the delicious pastries that are a big part of the Viennese culture. I am talking about divine, melt-in-your-mouth Sacher-Torte, creamy Apfelstrudel, and decadent Sachertorte, of course.

I savoured these delicacies with a cup of frothy Viennese coffee (don't forget, it's got to be Vienna’s finest). It's all about finding a cosy café with a bit of magic - that perfect mix of decadent, indulgent and simply joyful.

My time in Vienna has truly been a dream come true. From the imperial palaces to the charming horse-drawn carriages, from the exquisite ballet performances to the vibrant streets filled with a fascinating blend of modern life and traditional charm, I'm in love.

I always feel so inspired after each trip. I feel the joy, the joy of discovering new locations, the fun of learning about new places and feeling inspired by beautiful things and a great mix of new and old, that just fuels me as a person.

Oh, and for those of you who might be asking… I’m really feeling the love for Vienna! What a delight to experience such beauty, elegance, and an air of sheer charm.

Well, darlings, that’s it for this week’s blog!

As always, keep sparkling and keep twirling. Don't forget, the world is your stage, and I encourage everyone to embrace the world in a pink tutu.

See you next Wednesday, my dears, for another fabulous post on www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, embrace the magic!

Love, Emma ❤️💖✨