Dearest tutu-loving friends,
It’s Wednesday again, and that means it’s time for another pink-tutu-tastic blog post, straight from the heart of Vienna, Austria! This week has been a whirlwind of waltzes, wiener schnitzels, and oh, so much pink!
This post marks my 372nd post, which is rather amazing when I think about it. All those little bits of tulle-filled magic I've shared with you, from Derbyshire to the streets of Paris, Vienna, Prague, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam… The list just keeps growing! But let's not get too sentimental. Let's dive right into what’s been happening in my life as a pink-tutu-clad, travelling ballerina!
Riding in Style
Let me tell you, there is nothing quite as delightful as arriving in a new city by train. The click-clack of the tracks, the rush of the wind as you leave a station, the excitement building as you watch the countryside fly by… It’s magical! And to top it off, I got to travel in the first-class carriage. Such extravagance! I was practically bouncing in my new, powder-pink silk tutu with a matching pink felt hat. All those waltzing lessons in Derbyshire came in handy to avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions!
Wiener Schnitzel & Sweet Temptations
Vienna is truly a city of exquisite delights. Firstly, the food! Oh, the food! I couldn’t resist trying the famous Wiener schnitzel, a breaded cutlet that practically melts in your mouth. There’s also a wealth of Viennese pastries that are almost too pretty to eat (almost!). But when it comes to pastries, it's all about the delicious layers of flavour, the crunchy crumbly crust, and the creamy fillings. So, I gave in and indulged!
Vienna State Opera: Ballet Ballet Ballet!
I simply cannot come to Vienna without attending a performance at the magnificent Vienna State Opera. Imagine a stunning building with gilded decorations and grand balconies overlooking a majestic stage, bathed in the golden glow of chandeliers. And let me tell you, the ballet performances are truly a sight to behold! My heart skipped a beat as I watched the dancers effortlessly gliding through the air, performing incredible leaps and turns that had me practically gasping. Every single movement told a story, every single dancer was an artist in their own right.
Dancing Dreams
My time in Vienna is short, but I am absolutely soaking it all up. After a morning of waltzing around the Hofburg Palace in my favourite tutu and picking up some fabulous vintage gloves at a charming antique shop, I found myself strolling along the beautiful, bustling streets, mesmerised by the architecture, the music playing from every shop, and the vibrancy of life. And yes, my pink tutu was of course turning heads, earning compliments and smiles. It seems my pink-tutu mission is alive and well in Vienna!
Fashion & Inspiration
My trip to Vienna also led me to the iconic MuseumsQuartier. A contemporary art haven set amongst historic buildings, it is simply buzzing with creative energy. One gallery featured an exhibition of costumes from various historical periods, which sparked my imagination and inspired some new design ideas. My notebook is already brimming with sketches, and I can already see the vibrant pink colours and tulle shapes flowing from my fingertips!
History Whispers
Speaking of history, one of the things that struck me most in Vienna was the sense of history everywhere you go. The grand buildings, the museums, the streets themselves whisper tales of centuries past. It felt like I was stepping into a page of a historical novel. But what’s even more fascinating to me is the way the city blends the past with the present. The traditional architecture sits beautifully alongside contemporary buildings, the modern street art pops out against the old city walls. This beautiful contrasting aesthetic really makes Vienna a truly fascinating place.
Ballet Roots
One thing that’s quite remarkable about the city of Vienna is its rich ballet history. It’s not just a city for waltzing and grand opera houses; it’s also a place that's deeply connected to the heart and soul of ballet itself. There are so many stories to be told, from the era of the great Marie Taglioni, a celebrated ballerina who introduced the revolutionary lightweight tutu and redefined ballet as an art form, to the world of the Imperial Opera and its long, illustrious legacy.
This has been another incredible week, filled with so many special moments in Vienna! The city has such a vibrant cultural scene, I couldn't have imagined a more fitting place for this week’s pink tutu blog post. As always, thank you for joining me on my pink-tutu-filled adventure.
Don't forget to catch me next week for a new post, and remember, every day is a reason to wear your tutu and embrace life's little waltzes!
With a twirl and a smile, Emma x
