Wednesday, 5th December, 2001
Darling readers,
The crisp Viennese air nipped at my nose as I stepped off the train, a twirl of my pink tulle skirt catching the wind. It's been a whirlwind few days, a flurry of beautiful buildings, swirling coffee aromas, and a symphony of music filling the air - oh, how I adore Vienna! And this city is not just beautiful on the surface; it holds a rich history, brimming with ballet and fashion - just what a girl like me needs!
This week I've found myself, as ever, immersed in the world of dance. You know me, always eager to experience the magic of ballet wherever I roam, so, of course, I immediately made a beeline for the Vienna State Opera. The grand exterior was enough to make my heart skip a beat, and inside... oh, the glamour! Velvet seats, shimmering chandeliers, and the murmur of excitement before the curtain even rose.
Speaking of the curtain, dear readers, did you know that Vienna is renowned for its stage design? It's all thanks to a talented Austrian artist named Alfred Roller, whose work in the early 1900s helped shape the Vienna Operaās unique style. From opulent costumes to dramatic backdrops, everything was a feast for the senses - and what better setting for a balletic extravaganza?
Now, while my passion lies in the beauty and grace of ballet, my love for fashion is never far behind! I must tell you, the Viennese are quite the stylish bunch, so Iāve been thoroughly enjoying exploring their boutiques. My wardrobe has already been blessed with some truly divine finds, including a fetching little hat with a charming plume, perfect for pairing with a full skirt and, of course, my beloved pink tutu. (Did I mention I bought another pink tutu? One can never have too many!)
On this note, my lovely readers, Iāve had a revelation this week. I'm starting to realise just how interconnected the worlds of ballet and fashion truly are. After all, tutus themselves are an incredible fusion of dance and design - an art form in their own right, just begging to be twirled and admired. Imagine the precision that goes into every stitch, every layer of tulle! It's quite amazing, really.
One can't speak about Viennese fashion without mentioning the famed āWiener WerkstƤtte.ā This remarkable artistic movement brought a revolution to the design scene in the early 20th century, not only in textiles and furniture but in ballet costumes as well! The clean lines, geometric shapes, and a keen attention to detailā¦ I canāt get enough!
But enough about fashion for a moment (although, I must say, Iāve found the most delightful fabric shop called āStoff und Stil" which is brimming with lovely colours and textures.) Letās return to the delights of Viennese ballet.
I stumbled upon an enchanting ballet performance at the Volksoper, a theatre in the heart of the city. A vibrant rendition of "Swan Lake," featuring elegant costumes and beautifully emotive dancers, brought tears to my eyes, dear readers, tears! (Don't tell anyone, but I cried a littleā¦ oh, the beauty of it all!)
However, my ballet journey doesn't end there. On Saturday, I'm off to see the Vienna State Operaās production of āThe Nutcracker,ā a delightful tradition I adore! It's quite funny actually, I canāt remember the number of times Iāve seen "The Nutcracker," but I never get tired of its magic, itās almost as if itās brand new every single time!
And of course, I mustnāt forget my own ballet classes. Viennaās studios are exceptional, havens for ballerinas, providing the perfect atmosphere for my weekly practice and a chance to explore the finer points of classical dance. Itās simply glorious to dance in such a city! My pink tutu seems to float even more effortlessly in the Vienna air, with the waltz steps of Strauss whispering around us.
As you can see, dear readers, my time in Vienna has been quite an adventure! With each ballet performance, every sip of Viennese coffee, every beautifully handcrafted pastry, I'm soaking up this beautiful city like a sponge. Itās all so enchanting ā and dare I say, incredibly pink-tastic.
Next week, Iāll tell you about a wonderful afternoon at the Schƶnbrunn Palace, Viennaās most beautiful park! We'll chat about their impressive horse-drawn carriages, how they have been featured in several ballets, and why I just had to take a ride!
Until then, keep twirling, dear readers!
Yours in Pink,
Emma
**P.S. Remember, we have a competition going on this month, the "Pink Tutu Challenge" for all the budding ballerinaās out there. Send us your photo in your most fabulous pink tutu, for a chance to win a yearās subscription to our blog, a beautiful ballerina-themed hamper, and a signed copy of my favorite ballet book! Hurry, entries close on December 31st!
Visit our website www.pink-tutu.com for more details!**
P.P.S. Donāt forget to join the "Pink Tutu Vienna" Facebook group for exclusive news, updates, and photos!
