Dearest fellow Tutu-wearers,
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Vienna adventure! This week, I've traded my cobbled Derbyshire lanes for the grandeur of the Austrian capital, and let me tell you, it's like a fairytale come true. Imagine, if you will, a city adorned in charming cafes, overflowing with music, and brimming with an atmosphere of elegance that's positively intoxicating.
This past week has been a whirl of pink, sequins and tutus! And Iāve started my Vienna journey with a bang! I even arrived in style, catching a train that had me reminiscing about those old romantic railway journeys, all thanks to a gorgeous, gleaming locomotive painted in shades of blush and pearl pink ā how perfectly chic, wouldnāt you agree?
Now, let's get down to the real meat and potatoes. This blog wouldn't be complete without a healthy dose of ballet, would it? Oh, the glorious ballets of Vienna! I've been immersing myself in the Vienna State Opera's offerings, savouring each delicate movement, each perfect arabesque, each grand jetĆ©. Vienna is, quite frankly, a ballerina's paradise. And it wouldn't be Vienna without the exquisite ballet history that pervades every corner. Did you know that Viennaās "Court Opera" started in 1741? And that this historic venue continues to be a haven for graceful movement and enchanting dance? My goodness! I could go on for hours! My last show at the Vienna State Opera was Giselle. Absolutely divine, the story of a simple peasant girl who takes a vow to protect a man she believes to be the prince of a magical forestā¦ only to find him disguised as a mere commoner, with a deep dark secret, and to be honest it's as beautiful as it is haunting, leaving me speechless. The dancers' moves were mesmerising, and I could barely contain myself from hopping onto the stage and joining in! I know I probably shouldn't have snapped a selfie with the gorgeous costumes afterwards, but the sheer exquisite craftsmanship is worthy of note ā let alone some great "pink-tutu-grams"!
I simply canāt get enough of these dazzling costumes ā it seems every day in Vienna has a costume exhibition to see and a history lesson to learn. I spent one day at the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which boasts a fabulous collection of historical tutus, from delicate silk to shimmering velvet and beyond.
Of course, I couldn't go to Vienna without experiencing some real-life, Austrian flair. And I can confidently say that it is a place where tutus are totally appreciated! On Saturday, I found myself waltzing with a handsome, charming, very debonair stranger ā who just so happened to be wearing a beautiful, pale-pink top-hat and trousers - at a stunning Vienna ball! (Yes, the real thing!) A grand ballroom with intricate carvings, overflowing with candlelight, beautiful music and dancing couples adorned in an elegant array of black tie and formal dresses! How divine is Vienna? Iāve always found that, no matter where in the world you travel, dancing has this wonderful power to connect us. And Vienna has taken it to an even greater level! The locals were delighted with my tutu! I canāt stress enough how the warmth and love of Vienna make everyone embrace their inner pink tutuā¦ It felt so nice, so beautiful, so free. We were all connected under the moon and the magic of the dance, I can honestly say I had a splendid evening - my feet didnāt stop dancing till 2 am!
In-between waltzes, I made a beeline for Vienna's bustling shops, where the allure of Austrian fashion has simply enchanted me. Vienna has got everything, from classic designs to avant-garde creations. Iāve never felt so chic! The array of fashion stores is as varied as the ballet history, and just as spectacular. I think Vienna may just have stolen my heart, for its charm, elegance and for the most magical and romantic shops Iāve ever seen! In fact, Vienna may just be my next location for finding my very own pink tutu studioā¦.
Speaking of fashion, let's not forget about those famous Viennese coffee shops. Have you ever tried Viennese coffee? Itās simply decadent. Imagine velvety-smooth, steaming, aromatic brews paired with delicate pastries. Talk about a fashion and food-loverās heaven! I found a wonderful vintage cafe down a little street near St Stephenās cathedral, just off a grand street where the street performers are incredible. The cafĆ©ās decor was a vision ā complete with opulent chandeliers, deep crimson booths, and waiters in immaculate attire ā it felt as though Iād stepped into a period drama. Now I just need to find a ballerina, a violinist and a handsome prince and itās ready for filming. Iāve found an excellent violinist (and my new favorite shopping buddy!), who is just so wonderfully giftedā¦ but she prefers to go unnoticed ā and she definitely thinks I am the more ācolourful character,ā so to speak. It's funny - She always calls my outfits bold... But then she always compliments my tutusā¦
It was one of those places that made you feel instantly special. I've been thinking, Vienna has definitely inspired my next blog topic ā perhaps an overview of fashion throughout the years ā with a distinct nod towards tutusā¦ and the very essence of what they represent to me!
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without exploring its captivating history. Every corner has its own tale to tell ā from ancient ruins to grand palaces and magnificent architecture. From Mozart's music, to Strauss waltzes and the Schƶnbrunn Palace to the Belvedere. My feet have definitely seen a fair share of walking in Vienna, and so, for the best of all worlds, I hired a charming carriage-horse, for an evening trot. I couldnāt get over the picturesque cobbled streets, and as we navigated the heart of the city, it was just like being transported back in time ā the magic of horses, carriages, music, tutus and waltz all blending perfectlyā¦ Vienna is definitely my cup of tea (or more precisely, Viennaās fantastic local, milky coffee)!
Vienna has truly captured my imagination! Iām just so delighted by the magical blend of old world charm and modern dynamism. As I head back home, I canāt help but wonder when Iāll return to this pink wonderland. And while I might not always be twirling in my tutu around Viennaās famous streets ā though perhaps a little less so as I go through customs ā its inspiration will remain forever entwined with my dancing spirit.
Until next week, fellow Tutu-wearers!
Much love and happy twirls, Emma
xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
Please note, all information on Emma and this blog is fictional.
