Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing travel enthusiast, beaming at you from the glorious city of Vienna! This week’s adventures have been a whirlwind of waltzes, wiener schnitzel, and, of course, a delightful dose of tutu history.
As usual, Wednesday’s post finds me perched at my favourite Parisian-style café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air like the scent of a thousand roses. Vienna is simply bursting with charming cafes and I find myself flitting from one to the next, soaking in the ambience and taking a little respite from my busy schedule.
Speaking of which, I arrived in Vienna on Monday after a breathtaking train journey across the Austrian countryside. It was like a scene from a fairytale, with rolling hills, charming villages, and even a few passing horses that nearly made me giggle out loud. (Did you know, darlings, that horse-drawn carriages were once the main form of transport in Vienna? Isn't it magical to imagine ladies like me twirling in pink tutus, their hems swaying in the wind as they pass through the grand avenues!)
Of course, my first stop had to be the State Opera. My darling! The Opera House is an architectural masterpiece, just a glimpse of its grand facade makes me feel like I've stepped back in time. It's said that Mozart himself graced its stage and his spirit still seems to dance within the walls. Imagine the grandeur!
Speaking of grandeur, a tour of the Vienna State Opera provided an extraordinary glimpse behind the curtain. Did you know the chandeliers in the Opera House are so massive they're lowered every single night using hydraulics?! Imagine that, the elegance of ballet performed under such majestic splendour. The tour also provided a sneak peek into the backstage areas where dancers rehearse. They’re such hard workers, every twist, twirl, and arabesque executed with grace and precision. Truly inspiring!
Naturally, I spent much of Tuesday waltzing my way around the shops. This city, darling, is a haven for exquisite vintage fashion. I came home with a stunning embroidered bodice that I’ll wear to my next ballet performance and an entire vintage handbag collection (just imagine my delight!). And, as if that wasn't enough, I finally found the perfect pair of pink velvet opera gloves to match my pink tutu for a future grand entrance!
In the evening, my schedule took a dramatic turn, with a private lesson in ballet history at the famous Hofburg Palace! Oh my, I learned so much. The dancing courts of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the era of Viennese waltz, the incredible costumes… the entire experience was magical!
The palace itself was equally stunning, the grand halls a testament to the opulent lives led by the Hapsburg emperors. I can imagine myself gliding across those ballroom floors, my pink tutu shimmering in the flickering candlelight. Ah, what a dream!
But the best was yet to come. On Wednesday morning, I embarked on a unique ballet-themed walking tour. Our charming guide, who has a delightful moustache and an air of perpetual amusement, took us through the city’s hidden ballet gems.
We saw the location where Johann Strauss's first opera premiered, visited a small square where his statue proudly stands, and walked along the Danube Canal, a beloved spot where locals used to dance under the stars. As we walked, he spun tales of dancers, choreographers, and composers, painting vivid pictures of ballet's historical presence in Vienna.
He explained how Viennese waltzes, with their flowing rhythms, became the perfect accompaniment to the elegant movements of ballet. He even shared a little secret about a hidden underground ballet studio where dancers used to practise. Can you imagine the stories those walls could tell, darling? I could feel my tutu swirling with anticipation!
This little corner of Vienna truly felt alive with the legacy of ballet.
But darling, Vienna isn’t only about the grand past, it is a place where ballet continues to blossom!
As we meandered through the city, my guide pointed out the building housing the Vienna State Ballet’s headquarters, and, my absolute favourite – the gorgeous Musikverein concert hall, known for its stunning acoustics. They are holding a ballet show there this evening and I will be there! My tutus will be dancing along with the performers, I simply cannot wait!
But I haven't even gotten to the best bit yet. On the way back from the tour, my eyes were met with the most delightful sight! Right in front of me was a gorgeous pink bicycle. Just imagine my glee! Naturally, I hopped right on and enjoyed a merry whirl around the streets, taking in the beauty of the city as I went. It truly is a perfect city to cycle around. Every turn brought something new and lovely - cobbled lanes, flower stalls overflowing with colours, charming shops with brightly painted doors… I couldn't stop smiling!
After all that excitement, I am now finally getting ready to share my little pink haven with all of you, and I’ve made a little surprise for my darlings who want to join my love for ballet. For the first time, I’ve launched my own custom ballet tutu line for this week’s special! The tutu line, named the Vienna Whirl, is available on my website www.pink-tutu.com in a variety of colours, and yes darling, my favourite colour is, of course, featured - think pink perfection with sparkling accents and a touch of Viennese charm. I hope my love for this graceful dance form inspires you all to don a tutu and swirl with joy!
And so, I bid you adieu for this week, darlings. But don’t worry, I’ll be back next Wednesday with even more adventures to share. Vienna is still keeping me in a state of complete wonder. The city is truly a magical place, just brimming with artistic inspiration, beautiful sights, and a sprinkle of charming Vienna magic. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for pink tutus, darling, and remember, the world is a dance floor just waiting to be twirled upon!
Until next Wednesday!
Emma
Pink Tutu
www.pink-tutu.com
