Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers! It's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for another instalment of my adventures, direct from the heart of Vienna! And oh, Vienna is so dreamy right now, bathed in sunshine, filled with the scent of freshly baked pastries, and bursting with beautiful music! As you know, my dear readers, my life revolves around ballet and everything beautiful - and Vienna simply epitomises it all! This week I've been swept off my feet by the most wonderful blend of classical grandeur and contemporary fun, all while keeping it pretty pink, naturally!
This week, I'm stepping into a truly magical experience. I've had a blast travelling from Derbyshire - it's amazing what you can discover by hopping on a train in my sparkly pink tutu, and just letting the world whizz by! It took me straight to the heart of the city, and I found myself falling head over heels in love with Vienna's majestic architecture - the ornate facades and pastel colours make this city such a joy to explore. My tutu just pops against those amazing buildings, it's truly delightful!
A Symphony of Fashion, History and Ballet
Of course, being in Vienna, I've been busy indulging in the grand world of Viennese fashion - it’s exquisite! I adore Vienna’s chic boutiques and designer labels – each dress, coat and skirt I've seen is like a piece of art! But there’s so much more to Vienna than its stylish shops and opulent designer clothes. This city breathes history, culture and a timeless elegance that permeates every corner.
Tutus, Time Travel and Tradition
My explorations took me to the Vienna State Opera, a monument to grand theatre, elegance, and breathtaking performances. I was blown away by the ornate interiors, adorned with plush velvet seats and ornate chandeliers. The opera's grand facade alone was worthy of my Instagram feed! Of course, I was especially keen to get a glimpse into the world of opera ballet costumes, but those remain a mystery – hidden within the secrets of the costume department! Perhaps one day…
I found myself caught in the magic of Vienna's "Ballsaison," or "Ball Season", which starts after Christmas and stretches all the way to Lent. Vienna’s balls are famed for their opulent beauty, strict etiquette, and graceful dances! It felt like stepping straight into a historical ballroom, filled with beautiful dresses and glittering diamonds. Of course, it wouldn’t have been a complete experience without me donning my signature pink tutu for a few twirls! After all, there’s no time better to bring a dash of whimsical elegance to a historical setting than when you’re surrounded by grandeur and glamour.
And let's talk about tutus, because they are simply essential, aren’t they?! As every dedicated ballerina knows, the history of the tutu is truly fascinating. While in Vienna, I had a chance to discover the remarkable work of Carlotta Grisi. Can you imagine a world without tutus?! Grisi's revolutionary dance wear completely transformed the stage. Now, my beloved tutu, with its flowing lines and beautiful colour, brings an unparalleled elegance and artistry to ballet performances. This week, my research into Viennese fashion even uncovered that in the late 1800s, pink tutus were the height of elegance - how fitting!
Horse-Drawn Dreams and a City Filled with Pink
Another magical part of my Vienna adventure? The glorious Fiaker, the city’s traditional horse-drawn carriage! The moment I stepped inside that elegant, wood-paneled coach, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience. I spent hours gliding along Vienna’s stunning boulevards, wrapped in the soft embrace of velvet cushions, with my pink tutu swirling in the breeze. Every turn and twist, every clickety-clack of the horses' hooves - pure fairytale magic!
To say Vienna has captured my heart would be a dramatic understatement! And to make the city even more delightful, there's something very special about Vienna: it's full of pink! Pink flowers bloom everywhere in the city, even the buildings seem to shimmer with pink hues. It feels like Vienna’s own magical whisper of a secret love for my favourite colour!
Ballet and Breakfasts
My visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Staatsoper. The magnificent architecture alone was enough to steal my breath away. The performances I saw this week were dazzling! And just a tiny detail to tell you: The ballet company has dancers with absolutely the best ballet shoes – not a single scratch or mark on them! The graceful precision of the dancers was a pure delight to behold. It's so inspirational!
Speaking of ballet and the graceful artistry of life, a true Viennese treat is a visit to a "Heuriger" - a charming, family-run tavern. There, I had delicious local dishes alongside sparkling wines, often under the glow of twinkling fairy lights. My perfect breakfast - the delicious Viennese coffee – rich, creamy and full of warmth - was the perfect way to start each day, followed by fresh Viennese pastries so deliciously light and fluffy. It’s truly amazing what the bakeries here do with a single croissant – truly, the ultimate symphony of flavor!
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
I have so much inspiration, I feel truly inspired by Vienna! From the charming cafes brimming with creative energy to the stunning art galleries showcasing the work of world-famous artists, every corner is bursting with imagination!
And this is how I leave you, my dear Tutu Twirlers – full of inspiration, full of deliciousness, and full of dreams! Now, I need to share these delightful discoveries and experiences with you, so I must get busy writing this blog! Remember, a touch of whimsy, a dash of fashion, and the power of pink will turn every day into a fairytale. Don't forget to twirl into your week, with your head held high and your smile wide! I'll catch you all next Wednesday! XOXO.
Emma
This is a continuation of Emma’s Vienna Blog
Thursday
Shopping at Vienna’s Chic Boutiques
Yesterday, I couldn’t resist exploring Vienna’s chic boutiques - what a wonderland of style! Each shop seemed to overflow with the most exquisitely crafted clothing. And of course, a tutu-loving ballerina can’t pass up a chance to find some gorgeous accessories! Vienna’s shops, unlike most, embrace a romantic and feminine spirit – I discovered breathtaking gowns from top designers that were truly works of art. They have such a unique flow, elegance, and captivating beauty that's hard to resist!
I was surprised and delighted to find that my pink tutu blended perfectly with Vienna’s elegant fashion. I found myself trying on a number of stylish ensembles and, of course, accessorising with a dazzling array of tiaras, a pearl necklace and, most importantly, my beloved tutu.
In every shop, I felt the city’s history whispering secrets into my ear, reminding me that Vienna’s fashion has always been about celebrating artistry and craftsmanship. That evening, I indulged in the traditional Viennese Schnitzel at one of the city's historic cafes, its crispy breading and tender meat reminding me that even simple meals can be made extraordinary!
Friday
Vienna’s Magical Palaces
It’s impossible to visit Vienna and not explore the city’s magnificent palaces, which are testaments to history and grand beauty. My exploration took me through the glorious Schonbrunn Palace – its ornate facade and cascading gardens transport you back in time, but the interior still breathes modern-day charm and energy! It was as if each palace whispered stories of past lives lived within those walls - and I knew that, in their opulent halls, I was standing in a history that captivated and inspired. The majestic rooms and perfectly manicured gardens are worthy of any fairytale – and, needless to say, I couldn’t resist adding a little sparkle with my tutu as I explored them.
The Hofburg Palace, another majestic marvel, is an impressive blend of architectural grandeur, opulent interiors and a powerful historical legacy. I even managed to catch a glimpse of the opulent imperial treasury, where gems, golden carriages and crown jewels whispered a tale of a bygone era of glamour. And to round off a truly glamorous day, I dined on a perfectly prepared steak at one of the city's oldest traditional restaurants - the hearty fare paired perfectly with Vienna's vibrant history!
Saturday
Art and Music –Vienna's Soul
It's amazing how this city blends history and modern living so seamlessly. This morning I visited the Albertina Museum – a treasure trove of world-famous masterpieces – I was taken aback by the vibrant colours and the expressive techniques used by these artists – it felt like a conversation with their souls through their art!
As you all know, my heart beats in time with music and Vienna's music scene is legendary! So of course I needed to catch a classical music concert! It was enchanting – every note resonated with the spirit of Vienna, each melody creating its own visual scene. It made me feel like I was dancing along to each piece of music, and in my mind, my pink tutu was swirling through the concert hall!
And you know, this city has more to offer than classical music – there's an eclectic array of live music venues and nightclubs, offering a smorgasbord of sounds. It makes you want to tap your feet to rock 'n' roll one minute and be transported to the waltz the next! And for my Saturday evening's grand finale, I dined in a trendy, bustling restaurant, enjoying some truly remarkable Italian cuisine – what better way to round off a day of art and music with a delicious Italian feast?
Sunday
Vienna's Whispers and Wonders
On Sundays, Vienna has a tranquil, laid-back atmosphere. It's a chance to breathe and experience the city at a slower pace. So this Sunday, I explored Vienna's stunning parklands, where I was delighted to encounter an open-air farmer’s market overflowing with vibrant fruits, cheeses and locally produced goodies. I couldn’t resist taking home some fresh local ingredients for my next Viennese feast – after all, every ballet dancer needs to fuel her twirls!
Of course, my favourite thing about this city is just walking around. Vienna seems to whisper stories of every kind as you walk through its streets. Each landmark offers its own history. There are little hidden gems to be found in every alleyway – little charming shops and artisan cafes, or street performers who will stop you dead in your tracks. It’s easy to get lost in this magical city and that’s part of its allure. I find myself simply soaking up the magic!
This afternoon, I enjoyed the most delectable traditional coffee and cake at one of the city's famous cafes - Viennese bakeries take their pastries very seriously. They have the perfect texture and melt-in-your-mouth taste!
Farewell to Vienna for now
And as another week in Vienna ends, I find myself yearning to share my latest adventures, all the magical experiences and my pink tutu finds with all of you! But, alas, the magic of Vienna has come to a close, and I'm already on my journey back home!
I'm already counting down the days until my next visit. I have no doubt I’ll find even more delightful moments of fashion, history, ballet and the magic of the city. And as always, I hope this blog inspires you, my dear Tutu Twirlers, to look at the world with pink-tinted glasses, find your own moments of magic and embrace every opportunity to twirl your way through life! Remember to smile, sparkle and keep your spirit as bright as a Vienna sunrise!
Till next Wednesday, darlings! XOXO
