Dearest fellow tutu-wearers and lovers of all things frilly,
Happy Wednesday! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring blogger here, ready to take you on a magical journey through the cobblestone streets of Vienna.
This week, I've decided to whisk you all off to the heart of Austria, where music fills the air, coffee is served in porcelain, and a whiff of old-world charm lingers around every corner. You can probably tell by the title that the waltzes are flowing, and let me tell you, my dear friends, my feet are practically dancing on their own!
The Journey
My travels this week were most delightful, filled with the gentle rocking of the train. It was the perfect time to enjoy a good book (currently "The Ballet Goes to War" by Lydia Cooke, utterly fascinating) and my go-to travel companion ā a cup of Earl Grey tea. This time, the train journey took me through the emerald green rolling hills of Bavaria, Germany, a perfect picture-postcard setting. I even had a friendly chat with a gentleman who was returning to his childhood home, just outside Munich. It was lovely hearing his stories about his youth and the changes he'd seen over the years. He'd never seen a tutu, he said! Such a pity - I hope I inspired him to get one! He told me of a lovely old wooden carousel there - so I've noted it down for my next trip.
Arriving in Vienna was like stepping back in time. Thereās just a wonderful atmosphere about the place, a lingering energy of its grand past, and the beauty of the architecture really leaves me speechless! From the elaborate facades of the Vienna State Opera to the towering columns of the St. Stephenās Cathedral, every building tells a story. I felt as though I'd stepped right into a movie set for one of those classic Hollywood musicals!
Oh, The Fashion!
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without indulging in some serious shopping. Now, Vienna is no stranger to haute couture, and my heart skipped a beat as I entered the city's bustling shopping streets. From quaint little boutiques tucked away in cobbled lanes to the elegant window displays of the grand department stores, I found myself captivated by the rich colours and elegant designs.
While I indulged in a delightful velvet cape (a deep shade of rose, of course!) my eye caught the eye-catching designs of a truly stunning collection of ballerina shoes at a delightful little shop called "Dance Atelier." They were works of art in themselves ā sleek and delicate, with intricate embroidery and gorgeous satin ribbons. The shoemaker, Herr Schmidt, was a true gentleman, and shared stories about the cityās renowned ballet scene. He actually danced at the Vienna Opera himself years ago! We had a grand conversation about shoes - he loves the pointed toe. Weāre not entirely aligned there - a bit too sharp, Iād say, but still lovely shoes. And, with a twinkle in his eye, he insisted I try on a pair of his most elegant creation ā a pink silk point shoe adorned with shimmering sequins.
Dance, Dance, Dance!
No trip to Vienna would be complete without a ballet performance. And I was lucky enough to catch a show at the world-famous Vienna State Opera. I chose "La BayadĆØre" with its beautiful romantic tale and gorgeous set designs. As the lights dimmed, and the curtain rose, I was transported to another world, swept away by the power of music, movement and spectacle.
The dancers were breathtakingly graceful, each movement fluid and perfectly executed, but it wasn't just the technical skill that moved me. It was the passion that shone through each gesture, every glance. I found myself swept up in the romantic story unfolding on stage, tears welled up in my eyes as the star dancer performed a hauntingly beautiful solo, her movements expressing a depth of emotion that words simply couldn't convey. I could only describe the performance as a poem in motion, and when the final notes faded away, I felt a deep sense of contentment, like a cherished dream that lingered long after the curtain had fallen.
A Day In The Life
Let's rewind to my Wednesday morning arrival - what an exhilarating day it was! I couldnāt wait to see all that Vienna had to offer. And let me tell you, thereās a lot! After dropping my bags, I immediately set off to explore the heart of the city. The historic Hofburg Palace, the grand imperial residence, took my breath away with its grandeur and exquisite architecture. Every window, every turret whispered stories of emperors and empresses, royalty, and past glory. The palace also happens to house the incredible Imperial Treasury. Filled with treasures of every description from all over the world, I spent hours losing myself in its dazzling splendor. Of course, I found myself drawn to the glittering tiaras and opulent jewellery! But my favourite had to be the tiny porcelain tutu for the imperial ballerina in the Imperial Chapel! The sheer beauty and fragility of it stole my heart. A perfect testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of times past.
As afternoon sunlight began to flood the city, I decided to try the Vienna Sacher-Torte, a Viennese tradition at Hotel Sacher. It was incredibly delicious! It certainly deserves the name "Imperial Torteā!
Later that evening, I strolled down the charming streets to take in a traditional Austrian concert, a perfect end to the day. Itās safe to say, Vienna has stolen my heart! Thereās such an effortless elegance about it ā even the way people walk and talk gives you a glimpse into the rich history of this vibrant city! If you love romantic history and grand opera then Vienna truly is a dream destination. And, for all of us tutu-wearers, it offers a perfect opportunity to spin and twirl, not just in the theatre but in any of its charming piazzas. Itās a city for embracing your inner ballerina.
And what will I wear to our Vienna adventures?
Iāve been thinking of making a splash with a beautiful shade of pink that truly makes you feel like a Vienna princess, an utterly captivating ballerina in a delicate pastel pink tutu ā think the colour of a rose bud, but with a shimmering finish, maybe with delicate white lace ruffles. To complete the look, a soft pink cashmere wrap for a hint of elegance and the perfect blush of colour! Of course, some sparkling ballet flats with delicate ribbons in perfect pink to compliment my tutu! I just love that feeling of lightness and freedom ā the soft twirls and effortless grace of a true ballerina!
My next adventure in Vienna is coming soon, but if you fancy a sneak peek in the meantime, you can see me spinning around the historic squares on www.pink-tutu.com/blog, or pop over to www.pink-tutu.com/gallery and discover the fabulous tutus from the shops Iāve found around Vienna. And as always, I canāt wait to share my journey with all of you! See you all next Wednesday!
Emma x
