Oh, hello my dearest readers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where life is a ballet and pink tutus are the only acceptable attire!
This week finds me in the beautiful city of Vienna, a place so filled with charm and history, it’s like stepping into a storybook. As you know, this is the heart of the waltz, the home of Strauss and a city with a cultural legacy that practically drips off the buildings. Naturally, my first port of call (after finding the closest tutu shop, naturally) was the Vienna State Opera.
The opera house is stunning – majestic, gilded, a truly spectacular place. Imagine it - grand halls of marble, crystal chandeliers that twinkle like magic, and the buzz of excitement as the audience streams in, dressed to the nines. I confess I wore my most flamboyant tutu, a confection of tulle and feathers that caused a stir – a little bit of Derbyshire magic right here in the heart of Austria!
It was an amazing performance - the choreography was absolutely exquisite, with a fluidity and grace that took my breath away. And the costumes! So elaborate and sparkling, like something out of a fairytale. You’ll be shocked to hear that, while a certain brand of fashion is synonymous with the waltz, ballet costume designers had already figured out how to do dramatic flounces and glittering embellishment years ago - it was truly inspiring!
After the performance, I was lucky enough to be invited back to the costume workshop at the opera. There I saw first-hand the dedication and craftsmanship of these remarkable people. Each stitch, every bead and every feather were placed with meticulous care and a real sense of artistry. It truly brought home to me the amount of work and passion that goes into creating such breathtaking outfits.
But enough about ballet (for now!), Vienna itself is a visual feast. From the imposing Hofburg Palace, with its historical echoes, to the Schönbrunn Palace gardens where you can feel like a real-life empress, Vienna oozes with beauty and culture. And don’t even get me started on the shops – vintage boutiques, independent designers, and the most luxurious department stores I’ve ever seen. Oh my, it’s a fashion lover’s paradise!
I did, of course, find time for a few ballet-themed activities! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Vienna post without some pirouettes!
This Wednesday is a very special date in the ballet world. On February 23rd 1899, the American ballet company, "The Ballet Russes de Serge Diaghilev", performed at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris, bringing the exciting work of young choreographers like Michel Fokine, who are now considered classics, to a wide audience. That's a very exciting ballet anniversary!
It is impossible to describe all of my adventures this week without missing the nuances of this incredible place, but one thing’s for sure - I am absolutely smitten with Vienna.
I hope you’ll come back next week, when I'll be sharing some more of my Viennese highlights – from a magical trip to the Schönbrunn Palace Zoo (did you know they have a palace for the giraffes? Well, it's not exactly a palace... but very chic nonetheless!) to my ballet adventures - and maybe, just maybe, some outfit inspiration from the incredible shops I’ve discovered. I'm looking for the perfect, twirl-worthy Vienna inspired outfit for my next ballet performance.
Until then, keep on dancing, and keep your eyes on those beautiful tutus!
XOXO Emma, the Pink Tutu Traveller
Pink Tutu Website: www.pink-tutu.com
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P.S.: Don’t forget to wear your pink tutu. It’s the most wonderful accessory, and you’ll be amazed at the smiles it brings! 💖💖💖
