Post Number 412 - 26th March 2003
Oh my darlings, I’m back in Vienna! You wouldn't believe the journey – I decided to take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride from the train station, imagine! All those elegant horses clopping through the cobblestone streets, and me in my powder pink tutu, naturally! It was like something straight out of a fairy tale.
Speaking of fairy tales, Vienna truly is a city of enchantment! Just walking around here fills me with a sense of wonder and excitement. It's like a living, breathing art museum, full of breathtaking architecture, elegant squares, and charming cafes. I'm so excited to share my latest adventures with you – let's get right to it!
Ballet Dreams on the Danube
As you know, ballet is my absolute passion, and Vienna is just bursting with balletic goodness! Yesterday, I found myself swept away by a breathtaking performance at the Vienna State Opera House. I mean, what's more magical than a ballet show? Seeing the graceful dancers twirling in their elegant costumes, the delicate music swirling around you... it simply takes your breath away. This particular production was Swan Lake, and the swans looked like pure feathers, their movements a mesmerizing blend of grace and power. You really had to see it to believe it!
Speaking of swans, did you know that ballet and swans have a rather lovely connection? In ballet history, the white swan, particularly in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, has a strong tradition, embodying graceful, serene elegance, but also a longing for freedom and a tragic aspect, particularly when transforming into the black swan. I just love how the ballerina brings such profound meaning through movement!
Tutu Trails: Shopping Extravaganza!
After the performance, I couldn't resist a bit of retail therapy! I mean, you simply can’t be in a city like Vienna without indulging in its shopping paradise. I just had to treat myself to a new tutu - it's simply rude to visit a ballet-obsessed city without at least one tutu purchase. The Vienna fashion scene is incredible! The shops are bursting with stylish outfits, beautiful fabrics, and elegant designs. The shops on Kärntner Straße, with its glittering boutiques, are a real feast for the eyes! I've already got my sights set on a vintage powder blue tutu with beautiful pearls for my next performance. It’s sure to make a splash!
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink (Tutues)
Speaking of tutus, dear readers, my mission in life remains the same: to get every single person wearing a pink tutu. Because pink is the most fabulous colour, and tutus are simply the most joyful and expressive garment ever created! I mean, just imagine how much fun and excitement we could inject into the world! Just think about it!
Dancing Through Vienna: My Day in the City
Now, to continue with my Vienna adventures, I simply can't miss out on the gorgeous gardens. Imagine the soft green of the meadows dotted with vibrant blooms, the gentle rustle of the trees, and the air alive with the scent of roses – just heaven! The Schonbrunn Palace gardens are particularly enchanting – an absolute paradise for wandering, reflecting, and dreaming! It’s such a calming place.
Vienna also has these beautiful historical cafes - imagine rich mahogany furniture, warm light pouring in, and the delicious aroma of coffee and pastries – it's truly the perfect place to enjoy a Viennese coffee and soak in the city’s magical atmosphere. My favourite spot so far is a small, cozy café nestled down a narrow street, hidden away from the busy tourist crowds. The owner, a delightful elderly lady named Frau Schmidt, served me a delicious slice of sachertorte, which I think I’ll be having again!
Vienna really is a treasure trove of architectural and artistic gems! The Hofburg Palace, with its majestic Hall of Mirrors, the magnificent Vienna State Opera House, and the charming Stephansdom are just a few of the many beautiful sights that will surely leave you breathless. Vienna has this old-world charm and sophistication, which makes you feel as if you've stepped into a time capsule!
And oh, don't even get me started on the beautiful, magnificent Vienna Ballet. It's renowned across the globe, and for good reason! I’m hoping to see their production of Giselle later this week! I'm particularly excited about this production as it features the talented young ballerina Anna Ivanova - her ethereal dancing is something truly special, like seeing a feather being carried by a summer breeze. The beauty of her movement is really something you need to see to appreciate!
A Parisian Interlude
Speaking of breath-taking ballet, I couldn’t leave Austria without taking a short detour to Paris – after all, it’s practically impossible to mention ballet without mentioning the city that literally embodies it! The Parisian ballet tradition is one of the most famous and respected in the world! I can't wait to immerse myself in its graceful and elegant spirit, to witness a performance at the iconic Palais Garnier, and, of course, indulge in a spot of tutu shopping at the charming Parisian boutiques!
Next Stop: The Land of Shakespeare
My love for the performing arts also takes me to London, a city pulsating with theatrical energy and buzzing with excitement. London's ballet scene is vibrant, full of diverse and innovative choreographers and dancers. You can sense its history in the very air - from Shakespeare to the Beatles! I'm hoping to see a performance at the Royal Opera House - imagine dancing with history!
Until Next Week
I can't wait to share all my adventures in Paris and London with you next week. Remember, darlings, keep dancing and keep dreaming, and never forget that a little pink tutu can bring joy and sparkle to the world.
Until then, happy pirouetting!
Love,
Emma, your Pink Tutu Vienna ballerina xx
