Oh, hello darlings! Fancy seeing you here. It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for my weekly Viennese escapades, straight from the heart of the city of waltzes, Strauss, and (of course) fabulous tutus.
This week, Vienna has been absolutely buzzing! My adventures began in the grandest of fashions, with a delightful carriage ride through the heart of the city. Let's face it, what's more elegant than being swept through the cobblestone streets of Vienna, a pink tutu billowing in the wind, with only the gentle clip clop of hooves to guide us? I'm simply a sucker for a bit of old-fashioned glamour!
After a spot of sightseeing (and a brief, but glorious detour to a charming little shop that sold the most exquisite tulle!), I found myself at the Vienna State Opera House. A breathtaking masterpiece in itself, it's simply impossible not to be mesmerized by its opulence. But, I'll confess, the real reason for my visit was something quite special: a performance of "Giselle."
This ballet, as many of you know, is an absolute favourite. The story is as timeless and heart-wrenching as a Viennese waltz. It tells the tale of Giselle, a young peasant girl whose heart is broken by a prince who deceives her. In the end, Giselle finds redemption and acceptance through love, sacrifice, and the grace of the ballet itself. Honestly, even though I've seen this ballet a million times, I find myself swept away with every performance.
As for the tutu situation at the State Opera - well, let's just say I was not disappointed! The ballerinas were all adorned with shimmering tutus, the skirts flowing with each graceful move. One tutu, a beautiful cascade of pale pink tulle, stole my heart completely. I just had to imagine myself waltzing on that very stage, twirling in the spotlight, a pink cloud of pure loveliness!
After the show, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a wonderful tea party at the Grand Hotel. I even had the chance to share some tutu talk with some other ballet-mad enthusiasts, complete with enthusiastic conversations on the history of the tutu, the differences between classic, romantic, and neo-classical styles, and even some discussion about which colours are best! I won't name names, but some were decidedly less adventurous than my own fuchsia-filled wardrobe!
Before heading back to my delightful, charming little apartment - located near a fabulous patisserie which boasts the most exquisite little raspberry pastries (simply divine!) - I found myself drawn to a local museum exhibiting a fascinating collection of early 20th-century ballet costumes. Imagine, ladies! You haven't lived until you've seen the history of the tutu from its first incarnations! There were so many interesting examples - from the earliest simple gauze tutus to the more elaborate and heavily decorated styles of the later years, and I was particularly enamored by one particularly ornate pink creation that brought a definite sense of Parisian charm!
So, there you have it - my week in Vienna! I’m already looking forward to exploring more of the city's wonders, from exploring the hidden treasures of the Vienna Woods, to experiencing more amazing performances. And, of course, my favourite pastime of searching for even more pink tutus to add to my ever-expanding collection!
Oh! But before I forget - for those of you keen to know more about Vienna and all its secrets, I highly recommend "The Complete Guide to Vienna" by DK Publishing - packed with historical facts, architectural insights, and stunning photographs of the city's iconic sights! It's been my little guidebook throughout my adventures here, and a fab companion for planning those must-see experiences!
See you next week, dearies!
XOXO,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
