Wednesday, 16th November 2005
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, here, reporting live from the magical city of Vienna! The journey from Derbyshire was a dream – a delightful train ride through the countryside, followed by a dash in a horse-drawn carriage (complete with fluffy white blanket and a charming, moustachioed coachman!) to my beautiful hotel.
Now, Vienna has always been on my tutu-to-do list. The city of waltz and Viennese coffee, a hub of ballet history, and let’s not forget, home to some truly exquisite shops for those all-important tutu-related accessories! I’m in heaven, and the pink-tutu vibes are just beginning!
My week in Vienna will be filled with a delectable mix of cultural explorations and ballet bliss. Today, my schedule was choc-a-bloc (with a touch of Viennese sparkle!). It began with a visit to the Staatsoper (the Vienna State Opera), which just happens to be one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world! The grandeur of the architecture and the incredible energy in the air almost brought tears to my eyes – you know, that kind of happy, overwhelming, tutu-tastic feeling!
The Staatsoper boasts a fascinating history, dating back to the 18th century. Just imagine the ballet performances held within those grand halls, the echoes of graceful ballerinas and the swoon-worthy costumes! A little piece of history, wrapped in a pink bow!
Later, I treated myself to a sumptuous lunch of Wiener Schnitzel and potato salad at a quaint, flower-adorned cafe. Now, you can’t visit Vienna without indulging in a classic Wiener Schnitzel. The crunch of the breadcrumb coating and the juicy, tender veal is a truly delectable experience – almost as delicious as a perfectly twirling pirouette, don’t you think?
As the afternoon drew in, I decided to try my hand at waltzing! (You know I love to get my tutu twirling!) Now, the Viennese Waltz is world famous, and I’ve always felt a special connection to the intricate steps and the elegance of the music. I joined a delightful beginner's class – my tutor, a charming Austrian gentleman named Herr Gruber, insisted on guiding me with the utmost finesse! And, let me tell you, it was a glorious experience, the gentle swaying and the musicality of it all was absolutely enchanting.
Speaking of musicality, the evening held the promise of a magical ballet performance – The Sleeping Beauty at the Wiener Staatsballet. This iconic story of princess Aurora and Prince Florimund will forever hold a special place in my heart – I remember seeing it for the first time as a child, and my tutu dreams blossomed even bigger!
The Staatsballet, as you would imagine, lived up to all my expectations. The choreography was absolutely stunning, every move flowed with grace and precision. The ballerinas were phenomenal, the costumes breathtaking! The pink tutu featured prominently, of course, and I couldn’t resist taking a couple of snaps with the dancers after the curtain call. They were absolutely delighted!
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without a little bit of shopping! So, after the ballet, I treated myself to some much-needed pink additions to my tutu wardrobe! I found some delightful ballet slippers at a quaint little shop near the Opera House, adorned with a little pearl for that touch of extra elegance! A pair of fluffy, ballet-themed pink gloves for those chilly Vienna evenings! And some shimmery tulle for crafting a custom-designed tutu - a masterpiece I will, of course, show you all when it’s finished!
But perhaps the most exciting part of my Viennese adventure is the thought of all the fun still to come! Tomorrow, I’m attending a grand Viennese ball. The dress code? Of course, it’s all about the pink tutu! I can't wait to see what elegant delights are in store. Maybe a bit of Viennese cake (it's supposed to be exquisite!), a waltz with a handsome young gentleman, and some magical music!
Oh, and don’t forget, my lovely darlings, if you ever find yourself in the captivating city of Vienna, do take a little walk through the city’s parks, or the Prater, a huge amusement park in the heart of Vienna. Imagine waltzing under the willow trees and having a carousel ride on a unicorn, oh my, it truly is a whimsical experience!
So, until next week, my darlings, I'm off to continue my Viennese adventure! Keep following my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com.
XOXO,
Emma
