Dearest readers,
Well, hello from Vienna! I've been so busy exploring this enchanting city that it feels like weeks, not days, have passed since I stepped off the train. My pink tutu, which as always, felt just perfect for my travels, is slightly dusty from the train ride, but thatās a small price to pay for such a wondrous adventure!
This trip is a delightful blend of everything I adore ā ballet, history, and a touch of glamorous shopping. It seems this city is tailor-made for my pink-tutu-wearing adventures.
As a ballerina, it is essential for me to explore all corners of this magical world. Vienna is a true treasure trove of ballet history. It's the city where the legendary ballet dancer Anna Pavlova once danced! Imagine, her grace, her elegance, moving across the stageā¦ it fills me with a mixture of awe and inspiration.
So naturally, one of my first stops was the Vienna State Opera House. Its sheer beauty was breath-taking. I felt like I'd stepped straight into a fairy tale, a setting fit for a magical ballet performance. The exterior was just magnificent, but insideā¦ oh, my darling readers, inside it was even more stunning! The ornate chandeliers, the velvet-covered seating, and the stage itself - all aglow with such intricate details. It truly transported me back to the golden age of ballet.
Before arriving, I had been doing some research about the Vienna State Opera and had learned that their repertoire has a large selection of classical ballet. What joy it was to see the dancers perform āGiselle.ā Every graceful movement, every expressive gesture, brought me to tears! It reminded me of how powerfully dance can tell stories and connect with the heart. The exquisite costumes added another layer of beauty. Perhaps it was just the enchanting atmosphere, but even I, with my years of training, couldn't take my eyes off the stage. I felt like I was flying, as if I was part of the dance, a delicate wisp of silk moving amongst the dancers!
Tutu History
Vienna is truly a haven for tutu-lovers. I found the most charming boutique called "Lace & Feathers" that specialises in antique dance costumes. My heart practically skipped a beat when I saw the tutus displayed ā all those layers of tulle, each a perfect expression of delicate artistry. I can tell you that the delicate ruffles, hand-beaded sequins, and hand-sewn rosettes, each stitch imbued with passion and precision - truly a love story written in silk and satin. It's quite incredible to think of all the beautiful stories these tutus hold. Each a testament to the enduring allure of the dance and its enchanting costumes.
Naturally, I had to try on a few. I am absolutely smitten with the ethereal grace of tutus and just adore the way they flow around me. I imagine twirling on the grand stage at the Vienna Opera House and imagine being as renowned as Anna Pavlova - thatās my dream!
This city is full of romantic side streets, quaint cafes, and charming little boutiques, all brimming with unique trinkets and treasures. A little while back I told you I am a little obsessed with shopping for pretty shoes and clothes - itās just such a delightful way to fill my days, and let's face it, all ballerinas need beautiful, flattering clothes. Viennaās shops haven't disappointed!
You see, dear readers, a new challenge I set for myself a few months back was to find a shop in each country that would carry pink tutus. To make my task a little bit easier, itās gotta be a tutu that would look pretty good with a matching pink satin hair ribbon, or maybe even some matching shoesā¦ but that might be asking too much. Well, today I finally hit the jackpot at a store named āBallerina Boutiqueā. It was a little oasis of beautiful fabrics and dance gear and they had the most wonderful collection of tutus. Just imagine, a full-length, pale pink, flowing tulle tutuā¦ perfection! Now I must decide what kind of pink satin hair ribbon and matching shoes to add!
Vienna's Romantic Charm & Horseback Riding Adventures
When youāre not immersed in the dance world, Vienna is the ideal setting for leisurely walks and relaxing afternoon tea in grand old cafes.
And whatās a trip to Vienna without taking in the magical setting of the Schƶnbrunn Palace? It's simply breathtaking. Just the way the sunshine hits the golden facade is pure magic. Imagine it ā me in my pink tutu strolling across those majestic grounds! This picture in my mind already feels incredibly enchanting!
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without a carriage ride around the beautiful gardens of Schƶnbrunn. I decided to try something a bit different this time ā I ventured a bit further from the palace and headed out into the Austrian countryside. What I loved most about it was the exhilarating feeling of galloping across open fields. It reminded me so much of my first dancing lessons as a young child.
This horseback riding journey was such a magical, immersive experience. I even got to visit a small stable where I met the friendliest little chestnut mare - the stable master named her āRoseā, which I simply thought was delightful! She was truly a graceful creature, a gentle soul - just like a ballerina! And in all my time with Rose, she just seemed so happy, I believe she was born for a life like this ā to dance across those grassy fields! The beauty of her mane, like silken tresses blowing in the windā¦ oh, she reminded me so much of the little girls who took my beginner classes years agoā¦ they all had long hair flowing like this too.
So now Iām back in my little Viennese apartment and my ballerina feet are just starting to ache from my exploration. Tomorrow I plan on a long soak in the bath, wearing my matching pink satin bathrobe - what more could a ballerina need? And as I soak my aching feet Iāll think of Rose as she dances amongst those beautiful green hills. Iāll also dream about more enchanting adventures, all wrapped up in my trusty pink tutu.
Until next week, darlings,
Emma.
Remember to visit the website, www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for the latest adventures in pink and ballet!
You can also find me on Instagram at #pinktutuvienna - send me photos of your latest ballerina creations and tell me about your dance adventures!
