Guten Tag, my lovely readers! It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another installment of Pink Tutu Vienna, and oh boy, do I have stories to tell you about my whirlwind week in this magical city!
Last Wednesday I arrived in Vienna, a journey made even more magical by a lovely train journey through the German countryside. My fellow travellers all agreed – the carriage seemed to sway in time with the passing scenery, a silent waltz with the passing countryside.
It might seem unusual to start a week’s blog post about a trip to Vienna without mentioning the opera, but I assure you, dear readers, my heart has been filled with a different kind of music!
For this week, I found myself transported back to the romantic heart of the late 19th century through the world of the ballet. In a word, it was truly wonderful.
You know, my dear readers, there’s just something so beautiful about ballet. It’s a dance form steeped in history, each movement meticulously crafted and conveying an intricate story through gestures and expression. I've been captivated by it for as long as I can remember - from those early childhood dance classes in Derbyshire to the first time I saw a full ballet performance in London. Every time I’m watching a ballerina pirouette across the stage, I feel that magical feeling of graceful movement and storytelling, and my heart simply leaps!
And oh, the costumes! From the flowing gowns of Giselle to the elegant tutus of Swan Lake, ballet offers such a rich tapestry of styles. They're more than just clothes - they're an integral part of the storytelling, enhancing the emotions and portraying the character's essence. Speaking of tutus… mine is currently adorned with a bevy of miniature Viennese waltzing pastries – perfect for snacking during rehearsals.
Now, back to my whirlwind of waltz! This week, my explorations of Vienna began with the city's most celebrated performance, a grand, elegant, classical ballet featuring a vibrant red tutu adorned with golden sequins. I can't tell you exactly which ballet, because dear reader, my passion is fuelled by seeing the emotion and stories dance onstage, not the actual names! Suffice it to say that this dance spoke of joy and despair, of loss and hope, and for a while, I felt like I was right there on stage with the ballerina.
As the final notes echoed through the grand hall, I could have sworn I heard the audience sigh collectively as they stepped into the cold night air, still caught in the magic of the performance.
Vienna, as you can tell, isn't just a place to visit – it’s a place to truly feel.
The following morning, my heart still buzzing with excitement from the night before, I went on a delightful exploration of the Vienna State Opera House, marvelling at its stunning grandeur and opulent details. There I had the most delectable slice of Viennese apple strudel (just thinking about the crisp, cinnamon-scented pastry makes my mouth water) while surrounded by the rich history of ballet. Every nook and cranny held echoes of dancers' whispers, the rustle of silk tutus, and the echoes of applause for great performances.
As the day turned into evening, I found myself wandering down Vienna's cobblestone streets, drawn by the vibrant lights of street performers and the sounds of laughter echoing from bustling cafes. Of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in the local cuisine – a delicious Wiener schnitzel (so fluffy and light! - don’t worry, I made sure to twirl in my tutu afterwards to ensure I wasn’t overdoing the calories!) followed by a decadent Viennese chocolate cake. Oh, dear readers, if you find yourself in Vienna, I highly recommend this indulgent experience.
My weekend continued with more enchanting adventures - from attending a historical dance workshop where I learned the art of the minuet to strolling through the Stadtpark with a hot cup of coffee, my mind brimming with ideas for my next pink tutu creation. I even found a local haberdashery store that is now supplying my new pink tulle, inspired by the colour of the rose gardens in the Stadtpark!
It seems my heart's longing to twirl in a Vienna waltzing ball was fulfilled by an invitation to a grand ballroom event! Oh, dear readers, to say it was magical is an understatement. I even received a special permission from the event's organizers to twirl in my pink tutu. There was no denying that my tulle made an impressive entrance. Let’s just say, I made sure the floor shimmered with a lovely pink shade under the twinkling lights of the ballroom.
Of course, my love for fashion doesn’t stop with the ballrooms! I've spent the past week immersing myself in Vienna's vibrant shopping scene. Vienna, you see, is a treasure trove for those who love classic fashion and stylish boutiques. There are enough charming independent boutiques in this city to keep any ballerina-turned-fashionista happily occupied for days, which is precisely what I have done!
And what do you know? I've fallen in love with the colours of the Austrian Alps, in particular a soft lilac. I simply had to bring back some gorgeous hand-woven lilac silk for a special tutu creation. The perfect lilac shade, delicate and shimmering - and a lovely addition to my colour palette!
But for now, I must leave you, my dear readers. Another busy week beckons with more adventures and explorations to come! As I write this final line, the setting sun bathes Vienna in a golden light, a perfect backdrop for one last twirl in my pink tutu.
Stay tuned, darlings! Next week I'll tell you about the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, my encounter with the graceful Lipizzaner horses, and the latest addition to my collection of ballet shoes…
Until then, remember to always embrace the magic of life, be kind, and twirl with joy!
Love, Emma
