Hello my darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another whirl through the wonderful world of Pink Tutu Vienna! This week, I'm writing from the heart of Vienna, a city overflowing with charm, history, and oh, so much inspiration!
As you all know, my adventures are fuelled by a passion for dance, a love for the colour pink, and a life-long obsession with tutus! So, it was practically inevitable that my travels would lead me to Vienna, the city of waltzes, opera, and, believe it or not, the birthplace of the tutu!
(Remember, darlings, if you'd like to see pictures of all the fantastic tutus and places mentioned in this post, simply hop on over to www.pink-tutu.com/gallery )
A Train Journey & A Tartan Tutu
This week, I travelled to Vienna by train, and I absolutely adore the journey! Something about the rhythmic clattering of the train tracks and the sweeping landscapes passing by fills me with inspiration. Plus, a train journey is the perfect excuse to put on my latest sartorial acquisition: a gorgeous tartan tutu. The perfect combination of tradition and whimsy, if I do say so myself!
Vienna, The Home Of My Dreams (and The Tutu)!
Stepping off the train in Vienna felt like stepping into a fairytale! The grand architecture, the elegant parks, and the scent of Viennese coffee swirling through the air - truly a dream come true! My first stop, naturally, was the Wiener Staatsoper - Vienna State Opera. Did you know that the Wiener Staatsoper houses one of the most impressive collections of ballet costumes in the world? Imagine my delight when I found out that they even have some of the original tutus, the very first tutus, from the Giselle era, a ballerina's dream come true!
The Birth of The Tutu: A Touch Of History
Vienna is practically synonymous with the waltz, a dance which requires fluidity and a lightness that only a tutu could provide! Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was actually a Viennese ballet master, Marie Taglioni, who designed the first tutu back in 1832! Inspired by the simple, airy tunics of the classical Greek era, she designed a revolutionary, knee-length garment that revealed the dancer's graceful lines and movements. I spent hours poring over sketches and descriptions of those early tutus, admiring the sheer elegance and the impact they had on the dance world.
A Trip to Schönbrunn Palace
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the glorious Schönbrunn Palace. And what did I discover inside, you might ask? Well, nestled within the grand halls, I found a whole treasure trove of ballet history! There was even a beautifully preserved dance hall from the Habsburg era, just begging to be twirled in!
The "Schönbrunn" Waltz & The Pink Tutu!
For my impromptu ballet performance in Schönbrunn, I decided to wear a vibrant pink tutu. A touch of pink against the intricate gold decor and soft, pale pastels of the palace? Absolutely stunning! The waltzes that flowed through those halls a century ago just seem to dance right into your heart. I even picked up a vintage Austrian postcard for my "Pink Tutu Vienna" collection!
My Evening With The Waltz Kings
To truly soak up the Viennese atmosphere, there's nothing better than a performance at the Wiener Musikverein. And last night, I saw a breathtaking performance of Strauss waltzes. The melodies danced through the grand concert hall, sweeping the audience up in a whirl of music and emotion! The Wiener Philharmoniker really know how to get everyone moving!
Dance & Shop 'Till You Drop
I, of course, managed to squeeze in some serious shopping for my beloved tutu collection! I found the most adorable, delicate, hand-beaded tulle skirt in a shop just off Graben, with the perfect pink shade. Of course, it simply begged to be paired with my new, ivory ballet shoes and a gorgeous pearl necklace. Now that's a true Vienna ensemble!
My Ballet Classes With The Stars
Oh, but there was so much more! Did you know that Vienna boasts some of the most respected ballet academies in the world? And yes, my lovelies, I took the opportunity to step into their beautiful studios for a series of unforgettable ballet classes! These classes are legendary - they draw dancers from all over the world, and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric! It’s such a delight to watch these future stars learning the artistry of the ballet world. I even got to share a tip or two with a few budding young ballerinas (who were a little startled, I have to admit, by the pink tutu.)
An Evening With The Staatsoper
Of course, my trip to Vienna couldn't be complete without seeing a performance at the iconic Staatsoper itself. And I was absolutely blown away! They just don't do theatre like this anywhere else! From the dramatic opera singers to the stunning choreography and costumes, I felt completely swept up in the magic! I have to admit, though, my eyes were glued to the gorgeous ballerinas. Those elegant tutus, the beautiful lines, the grace – it's no wonder that the tutu is a symbol of femininity and elegance.
"Pink Tutu Vienna: My Dance With The City"
This week's Pink Tutu Vienna blog has truly been a journey of exploration and inspiration! Vienna is a city that has captured my heart with its stunning architecture, rich history, and passionate spirit! It's the perfect place to immerse oneself in the world of ballet, and to be inspired by the elegance and the magic of the tutu!
Until next week, darlings! Remember, "Never be afraid to twirl in your own style!"
Love,
Emma
(Don't forget, darlings, if you'd like to see pictures of all the fantastic tutus and places mentioned in this post, simply hop on over to www.pink-tutu.com/gallery)
