Hello my darlings! It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for another installment of the Pink Tutu Vienna Diaries! This week, I'm whisked away to the magical city of Vienna, a place that's been calling to me for ages. And trust me, it's just as beautiful as I imagined!
As I've mentioned before, my latest adventures are funded by my ballet performances, which has taken me across the continent, but it was a train journey from beautiful Derbyshire, England to Austria that truly captured my heart. I think it's the slower pace of train travel that helps me soak it all in. Of course, a pink tutu can't be left behind when embarking on such a stylish journey. And let me tell you, the conductor couldn't have been more thrilled with the vibrant splash of pink in his otherwise typically austere carriage!
And wouldn't you know it, a charming Austrian gentleman asked if I would be the subject of his travel sketch! It seemed that my vibrant pink tutu and my enthusiastic attempts at perfecting a "tour jeté" on the train platform had caught his eye. We had the most delightful chat about the beauty of travelling by train and the wonders of tutus! He even confessed that his granddaughter loves to wear them, even if her "pirouettes" need a bit of work. He went on to tell me about how ballet was such a significant part of Austrian culture and promised to send me an email with local recommendations. Such lovely people, these Austrians!
So, naturally, I'm starting my Viennese odyssey with a trip to the famous Vienna State Opera! Can you even imagine?! It's simply breathtaking! The sheer grandeur of the building itself is almost enough to make your jaw drop. Imagine a perfect mix of grandeur and ornate décor - opulent red velvet, crystal chandeliers, and glittering gold!
But this is no ordinary theatre, no! The Vienna State Opera is steeped in history. It’s an absolute gem, showcasing some of the world's most talented ballet dancers. As I watched the stunning choreography, the beautiful costumes, and the incredible performances, it felt like I'd stepped into a time capsule, transporting me back to the golden age of ballet. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
And just as I had hoped, there was no lack of pink tutus at the Opera House! The ballet dancers looked absolutely divine! And don’t even get me started on the incredible ballet costumes, the feathers, the jewels! Every performance feels like an elaborate spectacle. My notebook was overflowing with inspiration! I spent a delightful time sketching some of my favourite designs to use for a new line of ballet-inspired clothing!
The rest of my time here is already shaping up to be equally charming. I’ve planned visits to the stunning Schönbrunn Palace with its fairytale gardens, the vibrant Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral!
But it's not all sightseeing! Shopping in Vienna is truly a joy! I’m determined to unearth some fabulous new additions for my tutu wardrobe - after all, you can never have too many! A perfectly-cut tutu adds a splash of whimsy to any outfit, no matter the season.
Of course, a good afternoon tea is non-negotiable in a city so famously elegant. After all, my tutus demand a bit of pampering! It's no surprise that the coffee culture here is a sight to behold, especially when served in such exquisite teacups and on delicately embroidered tablecloths. The cafes feel as though they are straight out of a Jane Austen novel - a delightful mix of history and elegance.
But what truly stole my heart is the Wienerwald, a beautiful natural park that's just a short train ride from the city. It was so relaxing to just stroll along the tree-lined paths and watch the local people go about their day. And let’s not forget the stunning architecture. Vienna has so much to offer and is incredibly walkable. I love getting lost in the labyrinth of alleyways, the historic cafes, the squares filled with musicians playing beautiful music!
But this isn’t just any park! I met the most delightful gentleman who told me about a famous tradition where men of all ages wear a pink tutu! Apparently, this act is supposed to bring good luck in both business and romance! Who knew! I’m seriously considering incorporating this into a blog post.
Speaking of lucky charms, I simply had to have a Viennese horse and carriage ride! Can you imagine anything more magical than cruising through the historic streets, adorned in my tutu, surrounded by charming Vienna sights? The gentle rhythm of the horses' hooves felt truly peaceful, and I couldn't help but picture a bygone era filled with waltzing and romance.
Speaking of romance, my heart fluttered a little during my evening stroll through the city. I found a hidden courtyard filled with roses, just begging for a pirouette. A talented young musician serenaded us with waltzing melodies while we watched couples enjoying themselves. It felt like a scene from a musical - a beautifully enchanting scene. I can already tell that I'll be coming back to Vienna time and time again, not just for the fabulous architecture and vibrant history, but for the charm and the love for ballet.
In the end, I know one thing for certain. Vienna will forever hold a special place in my heart. And as my visit draws to a close, I'll be sure to bring home a few souvenirs for my own home studio in Derbyshire, England. A reminder that even a tutu-loving ballerina can find a place of inspiration and wonder in the world’s greatest capitals!
Until next time, darlings! Keep on spinning!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. If you’d like to check out my daily adventures from my Instagram account, you can find me @PinkTutuTravels. Remember, you can be just as fashionable and elegant whether you're rocking a pink tutu in your own home or while traveling around the world!
