Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back from another fabulous adventure! This week, I've been waltzing through the gorgeous city of Vienna, a symphony of baroque architecture, imperial history, and, of course, a haven for all things ballet! This is my third time visiting this majestic city, and each time it feels like stepping into a fairytale - think Vienna Woods, decadent Sachertorte, and stunning palaces!
As you know, Vienna has been the heart of European ballet for centuries, boasting a long, glorious tradition. Every time I visit, I make sure to pay a visit to the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), and this time was no different! This incredible venue is simply breathtaking, and I'm thrilled to be sharing some of the magic with you all today.
A Night at the Opera (with a Pink Tutu, Naturally)
This week's performance was a dazzling rendition of The Sleeping Beauty. The grandeur of the venue combined with the classical ballet style created an almost mythical atmosphere. The beautiful, hand-painted murals on the ceiling made the whole experience even more magical!
For this special occasion, I opted for a voluminous tulle tutu in my favourite shade of pink (naturally!) - a vibrant cerise that perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of the ballet. To accentuate the pink, I paired it with a beautiful silver blouse that had intricate embroidery. This look combined the elegance of classic ballet with my signature flair!
The performance itself was sensational! The choreography was exquisite, full of passion, grace, and dramatic intensity, with each step telling a story. The music was, as always, simply captivating, and the whole experience truly left me speechless. I was utterly enthralled by the delicate movements, the expressive gestures, and the pure artistry of the performers.
After the performance, the feeling of euphoria lingered, and I felt so incredibly inspired. It's moments like these that remind me why I adore ballet so much. The beauty of the art, the passion of the performers, the magic of the stage - it all just captivates me completely!
The Importance of Tradition (And a Little Bit of Pink!)
Stepping into the Staatsoper felt like a step back in time, with its lavish dƩcor, elegant chandeliers, and a sense of tradition that permeates the whole place. It reminded me just how much ballet means to so many people - how it has been passed down through generations, each one building on the legacy of those who came before.
Now, I wouldnāt dare change this amazing heritage. But, it does make me ponder - what could a little bit of Pink Tutu energy do for ballet, eh? Imagine adding some bright colours, more playful pieces, and perhaps even a flash of modern dance, mixed with that timeless tradition? The potential is truly exciting, donāt you think? I can see it nowā¦ pink tulle in the Royal Ballet, and the Vienna State Opera! Perhaps this is something we should explore together!
Ballet & Shopping (Two of my Favourite Things!)
And what is a trip to Vienna without indulging in a bit of retail therapy? After the show, I decided to browse through some of the city's lovely boutiques. I was on the hunt for some ballet-inspired clothing and accessories, and boy did I find some amazing gems! Thereās a whole new generation of ballet-inspired fashion - elegant lines, flowy silhouettes, and touches of āballerina-esqueā detail ā itās really captivating!
One of the stores I found (that will stay in my memory forever!) was āDie Ballerinaā. It was filled with the most beautiful tulle dresses, velvet ballerina slippers, and even an adorable, sparkly crown. Of course, I had to grab myself a beautiful new pair of ballet flats in my favourite hue (a vibrant coral that matches the lining of my brand new, slightly oversized, pink handbag!), which will look utterly fabulous when Iām wandering through the city this week.
I canāt tell you how much I adore the ballet inspired street style Iāve seen so far - elegant Parisian women with ballet-inspired jackets and berets, trendy lads sporting chic ballet-print trainers and slimline, long, knitted cardigans! Everyone has such fantastic individual style.
Where I Found my Vienna Pink Tutu Paradise!
But that's not all! If you're looking for some ballet-themed souvenirs, make sure to head to Kunsthistorisches Museum ā they have a wonderful shop brimming with gifts, including ballet books and posters, elegant china plates, and hand-painted boxes - so decadent! And if youāre feeling peckish after your shopping trip (and who wouldnāt after finding those delightful gifts!), then wander through the bustling Naschmarkt, where you'll find delicious treats, vibrant fruits, and everything in between. I particularly enjoyed the selection of exquisite pastries, made with fresh ingredients and real care.
But if youāre feeling really adventurous, then I would encourage you to head towards the Schƶnbrunn Palace. Not only is this majestic palace an architectural beauty (and one of the biggest attractions of the city), but it's also home to a delightful miniature horse breed, the Lipizzaner, which were, until the last few years, regularly used in classical ballet productions. Imagine it ā pink tulle and these beautiful white horses, gliding across the stage togetherā¦ what a delightful visual! (Okay, maybe Iām getting a little carried away againā¦). But wouldnāt it be gorgeous to see these graceful horses, who were once central to a great art form, now walking amongst the visitors, showing them the beauty of this special place?
Speaking of horses, one of my other great finds in Vienna was this incredible fiaker ride! I have a special connection with horses, as you know (my mother used to ride as a child and was always taking me to stables), and this traditional horse-drawn carriage ride was just pure magic.
On The Road (By Train, Naturally!)
One of the most fun and memorable parts of this trip was the train ride from Derbyshire to Vienna! I am a complete and utter fan of the train ā you can really soak up the scenery. I particularly love watching the landscapes change as you travel from one country to another. The journey took me through several charming towns and picturesque villages, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of central Europe! And of course, I didnāt let the journey interrupt my pink tulle routine! I donned a sparkling pink dress and my classic, ballet inspired beret, with bright, silver ballet shoes. This, along with the excitement of travelling, added even more fun to the trip.
Why You Must Visit Vienna - Pink Tutus, Ballet & All!
Vienna truly has something for everyone. You can be swept up in the romantic aura, witness the vibrant street performances, delve into the city's rich musical heritage, discover hidden courtyards, explore captivating art museums, or get your dose of ballet.
But let me be clear ā Vienna is a MUST VISIT for all you tutu enthusiasts! The cityās rich history, coupled with the stunning architecture and amazing venues for all forms of art, will simply make you say āVienna, you have my heart!ā
This city is truly one of the most magical destinations I've ever visited. If you havenāt been ā you must! Just don't forget your pink tutu, my lovelies!
Iāll be back with another enchanting post next week.
See you all soon!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
P.S. Iād love to hear from you about your thoughts on a pink tutu, or anything about this trip to Vienna! Drop a comment on the website!
www.pink-tutu.com
