Oh my darling readers! It's Wednesday again, and your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer is back with another glimpse into the enchanting world of Vienna. As you know, I've been absolutely besotted with this city since I arrived. The charm! The elegance! The architecture! It's practically designed for a pink tutu, really! And you wouldn't believe the selection of shops...I've found some real gems.
Now, if youāve been following my adventures this week, youāll know that Iāve been waltzing through the history of dance. On Monday, I attended a truly remarkable performance by the Vienna State Opera. They performed Wagnerās Lohengrin, which was absolutely phenomenal! The singing, the costumes, the sheer artistry...it transported me to another time, a time where a tutu and I could effortlessly float across a grand stage. I must confess, darling, that for a brief moment, I found myself wondering if my life wasn't supposed to be filled with dazzling opera performances and breathtaking ballrooms. Maybe one day, dear reader, just maybe!
On Tuesday, I went back to the Imperial Apartments, and oh my word, the costumes they wore back then... I mean, how could we even pretend to do ballet nowadays without proper training?! All the history really made me want to go back to basics, so you know what I did? I took a waltz lesson! Well, several waltz lessons actually. At the very least, itās a great way to meet charming Austrian gentlemen and maybe snag a couple of scones and clotted cream to have afterwards. And what could be better than a waltz lesson than a waltz lesson followed by a stroll around the Hofburg Palace in my most delightful, sparkly, and perfectly pink tutu?
But enough about me. Let's talk about you!
Yes, you! My dearest readers, have any of you been inspired to don a pink tutu lately? Let me know! My dream is to make the world a pinker place, and what better way to do that than with twirling and pirouettes in beautiful, fluffy tulle?
Now, speaking of twirling and pirouettes, how exciting is this: today is August 11th! And do you know what's amazing about August 11th? Well, thatās the day my darling Grandmother Edith was born! Happy Birthday Nana! She has inspired me with her love for dance, her spirit for travel, and her utter fascination with anything sparkly. I am, after all, her granddaughter. It was she who first instilled in me this boundless love for ballet, which continues to colour my world, to this very day.
Speaking of pink, speaking of sparkles, did you know the pink tutu wasn't always associated with ballet? The first ballet costumes were often made of white satin and had no fluff or feathers at all. A little later, the white tutu made an appearance in ballets like "Giselle," a romantic ballerina style featuring delicate, diaphanous skirts with romantic, swirling skirts that moved beautifully on stage. In the late 19th century, ballet costumes started to include more decoration. Then pink tutus finally arrived! The early pink tutus had a simple structure but started incorporating bright, flamboyant colours and dramatic detailing to bring even more personality to the dancers' stories! Isnāt that fabulous!
Speaking of history, you canāt forget Marie Taglioni, my favourite ballet dancer of all time! She's not just the "Godmother of Tutu" (who isnāt named āMrs Tutu,ā though? I bet weād be BFFs). La Taglioni, she truly embodied everything graceful and elegant about ballet. Her dancing was so light, so ethereal. As a ballerina myself, it is truly my biggest wish to perform on a grand stage and move across the floor with that kind of artistry! Just imagineā¦ The audience, their applause, and I am spinning, a symphony of soft, pink tulle... Oh, the dreamy memories are truly amazing!
And speaking of dancing, I am so delighted to tell you all that Iāll be performing again next week. I will be heading to the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera). Itās absolutely dazzling, with gorgeous decor and incredible, historic rooms and galleries that will be brimming with life. The experience is so very glamorous! But what is most captivating of all is that the State Opera, which houses so many wonderful ballet traditions, actually uses horses and coaches to arrive! Now, you know what my favorite means of transport is, so obviously, Iāll be heading to Vienna to explore the magnificent world of ballet, by horse, of course. It will be magical, I am certain.
Today, the 11th of August, the streets of Vienna are abuzz with the bustle of the most beautiful city on Earth. There is magic in the air! Vienna itself feels like a real fairytale ā every cobbled street, every historic palace, even the sweet little cafes. It makes me so happy, truly! And it is perfect because tomorrow, Iāll be venturing out with a delicious, pink cupcake to explore even more of this lovely city! Thereās nothing better than the sweetness of a cupcake!
Do you have any favourite cupcake bakeries near your town or city? Let me know, darling, Iām always looking for suggestions for my travels. I hope you all are as excited about the week ahead as I am, darling!
And never forgetā¦always be fabulous and keep twirling!
Love,
Emma.
