Pink Tutu Vienna: Post #240 - December 8th, 1999: A Waltz Through Vienna
Darling readers, it's Wednesday, so it's time for another Pink Tutu Vienna blog post! This week, I'm waltzing my way through the stunning city of Vienna, Austria. My pink tutu, naturally, is twirling with delight – what's not to love? The grandeur, the history, the music… and the shops! Let's get this post started, shall we?
From Derbyshire to Vienna: A Train Journey for the Ballet Bon Vivant
I must tell you, darling, a train journey to Vienna is nothing short of a fairytale! After a swift departure from Derbyshire (where I, of course, picked up a new blush-coloured cashmere scarf at the station’s delightful little shop - I just can’t resist a bit of pre-travel pampering!), I settled into a spacious first-class carriage, where the scent of lavender and jasmine lingered in the air, inviting dreams of waltz melodies and decadent cakes. My fellow travellers were a colourful blend of people – charming Viennese couples on weekend trips, elegant ladies heading for shopping sprees, and even a mischievous schoolboy attempting to learn a fancy card trick!
But my journey wasn't just about the people, you know, darling. It was about the landscape - the rolling hills and quaint villages whizzing by, all bathed in the golden glow of a winter afternoon sun. I couldn't help but be captivated by the changing scenery. And you just know I captured the whole magical journey on my trusty camera for you lovely readers to share!
The Imperial Waltz: The Vienna State Opera
Speaking of magic, darling, it’s simply impossible to be in Vienna without taking in the Vienna State Opera. My visit last night was utterly exquisite. The grandeur of the opera house was beyond anything I've ever seen – plush velvet seating, shimmering chandeliers that seemed to reach for the heavens, and a majestic stage ready for the magic of ballet to unfold. I donned my most striking pink tutu for the occasion – naturally!
We saw “Swan Lake” - a timeless masterpiece. I simply can't tell you enough about the choreography, the artistry, and the raw emotion! Every movement was like poetry in motion. As a dancer myself, it was inspiring to witness such refined grace and precision. I simply sat in awe for most of the performance, letting the beauty of it all wash over me. It really did feel like I had been transported to a world of elegant dreams!
A Ballet Bon Vivant's Paradise
And after such an extraordinary performance, what better than to follow it up with a delicious dinner and some shopping, darling? Vienna has truly been the perfect mix of cultural delights and retail therapy. I stumbled upon the most amazing shop in the heart of the city - "Le Petit Ballet". It was bursting with delicate tutus, sparkling dance shoes, and a rainbow of ballet-inspired accessories. Imagine my delight, darling, when I discovered they also had a gorgeous selection of pink tutus! How could I resist adding a few pieces to my collection?
From Dance History to Pink Tutu History: Vienna's Ballet Delights
Today, darling, I’m off to delve into Vienna's rich ballet history. Vienna, you know, was a cradle for ballet in the 17th century! You’d be surprised how much the tutu has evolved, from its humble beginnings in the 16th century, when it was actually more like a padded undergarment, to its evolution in the late 1800s into the romantic, light, and elegant tulle tutu that we love today. It’s fascinating! Vienna holds so many important memories for the dance world!
I'll share more about my journey into Viennese ballet history and perhaps some charming little anecdotes about my shopping adventures tomorrow! For now, it's time for a Viennese coffee and a slice of Apfelstrudel!
Until next week, darlings!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com