Dearest readers,
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another installment of Pink Tutu Vienna! As you know, I'm absolutely besotted with this beautiful city. Every corner is filled with history, culture, and oh, the pastries! But today, I want to share a particularly magical adventure.
Remember how I said my aim in life is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu? Well, darling, Vienna has certainly embraced this mission with open arms!
The train journey here from Derbyshire was absolutely dreamy. I boarded the train, all twirling and sparkles, and a lovely chap opposite me exclaimed, "Oh, how utterly delightful! A pink tutu on the Orient Express - how civilised!"
We spent the whole journey chatting about his time as a diplomat in the Far East and my ballet career. It turns out he even performed in a few amateur theatre productions! Now, who would've thought I'd find a kindred spirit on a train? This truly embodies the magic of travel.
When I arrived in Vienna, I knew I was in for a treat. The city oozed charm, like a waltzing symphony in every building, every cobbled street. I promptly changed into a gorgeous cherry-red lace tutu, a perfect choice for exploring the iconic Hofburg Palace. You wouldn't believe the beautiful outfits the princesses wore! It felt like I was stepping back into a ballet history book!
The next day was all about culture and fashion, darlings. I attended a beautiful ballet performance at the Vienna State Opera. Imagine my delight, when the main ballerina was sporting a gorgeous pink tulle tutu - my colour, of course! The show itself was breathtaking, and the orchestra sounded like angels singing in a heavenly realm.
Vienna is absolutely buzzing with live performances. From the Vienna Boys' Choir's angelic voices to the stunning street dancers near the Albertina Museum, I felt like every corner held a different theatrical experience. You know how much I love watching street performers, particularly if they incorporate ballet into their routines - there was so much grace and joy on display.
Vienna, you're a real winner for a pink tutu loving ballerina like myself!
Of course, I had to indulge in some shopping therapy, after all, a ballerina can never have too many tutus! The city boasts some incredible boutiques with stunning designs and colours. I found a new collection of lavender and rose-coloured tutus, just the thing for a ballerina's wardrobe.
For today's post, darling, I wanted to share a little piece of ballet history with you. You see, the history of the tutu is as glamorous as its wearer! Did you know that the original tutu, that stunning form-fitting design, was invented for dancers at the French Ballet Opera? That's a Parisian fashion triumph right there!
Of course, my own pink tutu is not quite like the traditional ones. You see, mine's much more practical for everyday life! It's soft and breezy, perfect for twirling around the cobblestone streets, catching up with a few fellow tutu enthusiasts.
There's a delightful pink tutu shop just a stone's throw from my apartment - imagine my joy! The owner is a delightful older woman with stories of every famous ballerina.
Speaking of stories, darling, I've met a whole bunch of inspiring women during my trip. One is a lovely baker, she makes the most gorgeous rose-petal cakes that taste like a dream. And another is a seamstress, she handcrafts the most exquisite costumes, like something straight out of the ballet.
The people here are just as lovely as the architecture. From the friendly buskers who regale passersby with Vienna waltzes to the chatty waiters in traditional coffee houses, this city truly knows how to make you feel welcome.
One of the things I've been looking forward to doing in Vienna was taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Schönbrunn Palace gardens. Oh, it was like being in a fairytale, gliding through lush gardens while a handsome carriage driver led the way!
Vienna has so much to offer, and I'm only just starting to discover its secrets. My ballet journey here has just begun, and I'm sure it will be filled with exciting performances, new experiences, and of course, lots of twirling in my beloved pink tutu!
Until next week, darlings.
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to share your favourite ballet memories with me on our Pink Tutu Facebook page! We're a fabulous community of ballet-loving ladies and gentlemen, so do join us!
P.P.S Did you know, Vienna was the birth place of ballet dancing icon Wilhelm Reich, whose dances took the world by storm! If you have a spare day this week, take a walk over to the Belvedere Palace and explore!
