Guten Tag, my lovely tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, writing to you live from Vienna, Austria! The city of music, waltzes, and…well, let’s be honest, also some truly divine fashion. As I’m writing this, the sun is setting over the rooftops of Vienna, casting a soft, peachy glow over the city, which of course, perfectly complements my own pink tutu!
This week's post is extra special as I've just finished a thrilling week of performances at the Vienna State Opera! Talk about an unforgettable experience! This week’s shows were a whirlwind of costumes, lights, music, and a lot of twirling (naturally!). I even caught myself a sneak peek of a few rehearsals and had a quick chat with a beautiful, pink-tutu clad dancer – I just couldn't resist sharing my love for all things tulle with someone who knew exactly what I was talking about.
Speaking of my passion for the stage, let’s take a little detour and chat about something close to my heart – ballet history! This week I’ve been revisiting the story of Marie Taglioni, the “Queen of the Romantic Ballet”, and a real pink-tutu champion! The legendary ballerina, famed for her breathtaking lightness, was the first to really make tutus fashionable on stage, with her pioneering roles in La Sylphide and La Fille du Régiment. Can you imagine the uproar it must have caused back then? A daring young woman, challenging norms, swirling around in fluffy, pink skirts. How incredibly chic!
After the whirlwind of my ballet performances, Vienna itself called, and let me tell you, the city didn’t disappoint! As you might know, my weakness is a beautiful shop window, and I admit to going a little overboard on a trip to one of Vienna’s grand vintage boutiques. I just couldn't resist snagging a beautiful, floral patterned scarf, a real statement piece for the upcoming season – even if it was only meant for adding some chic Parisian flair to my everyday pink tutu ensemble!
But, enough about the fashion scene. There’s a whole lot more to this charming city. Did you know, on this day, 30th August, Vienna celebrated the grand opening of the Museum of Art History back in 1891? If you’re a history buff, this place is an absolute must-see, a treasure trove of art and historical artifacts. And speaking of treasures, my heart truly belongs to the Schönbrunn Palace, with its magnificent gardens, perfect for a day of dreaming and twirling in a pastel-pink tulle skirt.
But enough about museums! It’s not all about waltzes and waltzes in Vienna. This city, believe it or not, also boasts a vibrant street art scene! I recently stumbled across a gorgeous mural dedicated to ballet – naturally, I posed for a picture in my pink tutu in front of it.
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without exploring its magnificent musical history! My adventure this week included a visit to the Vienna State Opera House. Its opulent architecture and exquisite interiors really transported me back to the golden age of opera. On another day, I explored the world of Mozart by taking a short train ride to the Mozart House, which is filled with the composer’s relics and personal items. And after an incredible trip to the museum, what better way to end the day than by enjoying a little Mozart in one of Vienna’s cozy cafes?
Vienna, truly you’ve stolen my heart, with your captivating charm, elegant beauty and your ever-present scent of freshly baked strudels.
For all you budding pink tutu wearers, I’ve got a special treat for this week’s blog: I’ve compiled a few tips for planning your own tutu adventure in Vienna!
Tutu Tips for Vienna:
Travel like a Ballerina: Opt for a graceful and stylish train journey to Vienna, immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of Austria and enjoying the romantic view of the countryside. The gentle rhythm of the train is practically a prelude to the beautiful waltz of Vienna itself!
Eat Like a Royal: Indulge in the delicious and opulent culinary delights of Vienna! From Viennese schnitzel to Sachertorte, every bite is an adventure! I’m on a mission to taste all the Vienna sweet treats and let you know all the best places to go for them – you’ll hear all about them next week!
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching: While the Waltz is synonymous with Vienna, embrace all of the city’s other amazing dancing styles! The city’s streets and its world-class dance venues are calling you.
Get that Tutu Flowing: Don't be shy! Embrace your inner tutu-wearing goddess. Wear your pink tutu everywhere and be prepared to wow every soul who sees your charming, delicate and, of course, undeniably pink, silhouette.
Explore Like a Local: Ditch the tour buses and delve into the hidden gems of Vienna. Discover local markets bursting with fresh, seasonal produce, cozy cafes where the air hangs heavy with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and quirky vintage boutiques with secrets tucked behind every corner.
Dream Big: Immerse yourself in the artistry and history of Vienna. Let the majestic architecture inspire you, and let the city’s rich musical heritage guide you through your artistic journey. And hey, why not dream up your own performance at the Vienna State Opera, in your perfect pink tutu!
With a waltz in my heart, and a tutu-tastic goodbye,
Emma xx
