Hello, my lovelies! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another fabulous Pink Tutu Vienna blog post! This week, I've been swept off my feet by the waltzing beauty of Vienna, and I'm here to share all the twirling delights with you!
This past week, I took a little trip by train from England, all the way over here to Austria! (That's right, you guys! It wasn't even by horse, which was a bit disappointing! Maybe next time!) I spent my train journey watching the countryside blur by and enjoying a spot of afternoon tea with a fellow Pink Tutu enthusiast I met on the journey (a charming, retired prima ballerina!) I love travelling by train, it gives me time to write, to observe, to let my imagination twirl free. And of course, no journey is complete without my favourite pink tutu - the one with the sequins that sparkle with the setting sun.
This time, though, I was so excited, darling! Vienna, I had been dreaming of coming here ever since I first saw those glorious swirling costumes in The Tales of Hoffmann (remember the ballerina in the pink tutu?! She stole the show! And I still want that tutu). I mean, I'm obsessed with ballet history! There is nothing I love more than tracing the story of dance, those grand leaps, those pirouettes across the centuries, and discovering the connection with how our love of ballet has changed fashions! Did you know that the tutu itself, as we know it now, evolved through those daringly fashionable dancers in the early 19th century who rejected those long, restrictive gowns of yore? Now that's inspiration! And where better to discover those stories than the birthplace of the waltz and a capital renowned for its balletic history?
Vienna is practically humming with dance! It’s just so vibrant and colourful! Every cafe you turn a corner, you can hear the strains of waltzes and operettas in the air! And then, of course, you have those spectacular ballet performances - so many theatres here!
Speaking of spectacular, last night, I went to see Giselle at the Vienna State Opera. Oh darling! The grandeur, the romance, the sheer power! The entire auditorium was alive with anticipation - you could feel it buzzing in the air. It was almost like being transported to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication - a time when the theatre was more than just entertainment, it was an escape! This is how they celebrated life - with beautiful dances, beautiful music, and a whole lot of sparkle, you bet!
But, of course, any trip to Vienna isn't complete without a good ol'fashioned dose of shopping! Now I love a good ballet class, but when it comes to costumes, my real passion lies in vintage. Oh, don't get me started! Those antique lace bodices and the shimmering silks...they just whisper with stories of bygone eras and grand balls! You really feel that magic when you touch these clothes! And you won't believe it, my dears, I stumbled across an absolute gem! The most breathtaking, feather-trimmed vintage ballet tutu. And in pink, naturally!
Of course, I'm not just a one-woman ballet show here, I have been soaking in Vienna's cultural wonders, from exploring its breathtaking imperial palaces - so many tutus to be seen in those portraits! (I'm planning a special #PinkTutuPalaceTour post later this week - stay tuned!) - to strolling through its magnificent gardens. Honestly, Vienna just seems to inspire creativity! Even the air seems infused with waltzes and dreams.
But let me not keep you, my loves. The weekend's upon us, and there are still a thousand tutu-wearing opportunities ahead. So, darling, if you're ever thinking about going somewhere, let Vienna be your next ballet adventure! Don't forget to bring your favourite pink tutu!
Yours in twirls,
Emma #PinkTutuVienna
Don’t forget to check back next Wednesday for another Pink Tutu adventure!
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