Wednesday, 29th October, 2003
Hello my lovelies! 🩰
This week I’m writing to you from the enchanting city of Vienna! After a glorious train journey across the continent (first-class of course, pink velvet seats!), I finally arrived in this haven of music and culture. 🎶🎻
I have to admit, I’m a little bit in love. Vienna is so elegant and beautiful – the architecture, the cafes, even the cobblestones! Every building whispers with history and grandeur.
It feels like I’ve stepped back in time! Just imagine: waltzing with emperors and empresses in glittering ballrooms! (Oh, I wish!). I even had my first ever strudel in a cute little cafe near the Opera House - delicious! (And pink, naturally, because why would it be any other way?) 💖
Vienna is a city that really lives up to its reputation for artistic genius. My weekend was filled with ballet, music and shopping! My little heart fluttered with excitement when I realised there was a production of Swan Lake playing at the Staatsoper! Swan Lake is one of my favourite ballets – the ethereal story of Odette and her swan-like grace just brings me to tears every time!
But of course, the excitement didn’t end with the show! Vienna is simply bursting with exquisite shops! The shopping was a real treat! I found the most divine, shimmering pink tulle skirt – just imagine a tutu gone posh and glamorous! (I’m already dreaming of how I’m going to style it!) 🤩
Before I share more details on the shop and my discoveries, let me tell you about this little dance haven in the heart of Vienna. It was magical! The State Opera House, you know the one with the ornate ceilings and gold accents! It felt like stepping into a storybook, and not just any storybook – the grandest fairy tale of them all! Every detail felt luxurious - from the velvety crimson seats to the swirling chandeliers. The air buzzed with anticipation before the curtains even rose.
Speaking of which, can I tell you a little secret? My heart did a little pirouette when the conductor took the stage! Oh my word, my darlings, I have to share – it was maestro Riccardo Muti, one of the most renowned conductors alive! 💫
As for Swan Lake itself… It was pure poetry! Each graceful movement, every flutter of tulle and flick of the wrist – it truly encapsulated the essence of classical ballet. I have to say the ballerina dancing Odette was breathtaking - her effortless leaps and expressive elegance just blew me away! (And did I mention she wore a shimmering pink tutu?) 💖
Later, in my tiny hotel room, I took out my notepad and sketched the elegant line of her moves, trying to capture that delicate ballet magic on paper. And what do you know, dear reader? The muse decided to grace me with an inspired ballet poem – (I’m still working on it, of course, I will let you know when I've polished it!) ✍️
It seems my stay in Vienna is going to inspire my dancing, as well as my wardrobe! And speaking of which, dear lovelies! Let's dive back into the wonders of Vienna’s boutiques. My heart fluttered with glee as I wandered the streets, a true Parisian princess with my pink tulle skirt, which, to my utter joy, I managed to match with a new pair of shimmering ballet flats. They're both a lovely blush-pink colour, just like the most delicate flower bud! 🌸
For my first Vienna blog post, I had to explore a shop called “L’Art du Tutu”, you know it has to be a pink tutu girl’s dream right?! I think they heard my ballet shoes whispering when I stepped into their showroom! This little store is full of every kind of dancewear imaginable, it felt like I was back in the dressing rooms at the Royal Ballet School, except with much, much prettier colours! And let’s just say there wasn’t a single black tutu in sight – all pinks, pastels and a whole rainbow of tutus in every shade imaginable! I absolutely loved browsing the elegant tutus, especially the exquisite tutus hand-stitched with intricate lace and beading! And don’t even get me started on the fabulous selection of pointe shoes! This store is simply a tutu heaven – all things ballerina with a touch of European elegance! I almost couldn’t bear to leave! 🩰👠
It turns out there’s so much to see and do in this wonderful city, but one thing that definitely made me feel right at home was my visit to the “Imperial Riding School”. I confess, the elegant white Lipizzaners horses had me completely spellbound! They’re truly like ballet dancers on four legs, the way they glide across the training arena, they reminded me so much of the ballerinas on the stage, except you can ride these majestic creatures, which brings me to the final highlight of my Vienna weekend, horse riding. 🐎
It turns out my dancing shoes don’t make for bad riding shoes. After my first tour of Vienna on the Imperial Carriage, the riding instructors were keen for me to test out their most spectacular steeds - a majestic bay stallion named "Apollo." Let me tell you, the ride around the beautiful Vienna Woods was magical! He moved like a dream, almost floating over the paths and paths, we seemed to be soaring above the woods with a glorious sunset behind us. I can’t wait to visit again and have another wonderful adventure in the saddle with Apollo!
Well, my dearest ballet-loving friends, I am off to find more treasures and adventure, and of course, to plan for my next show. Remember to keep your tutus twinkling!
Yours in pink,
Emma 🩰💖
P.S. I am so grateful for all your sweet messages! I promise to share photos and more of my adventures in Vienna next week! Until then, remember to twirl with joy and love! 💖✨
