Wednesday 29th March 2006
Guten Tag, darling tutu-lovers! This week finds me waltzing through the cobbled streets of Vienna, Austria, my pink tulle swirling like a gentle breeze as I embrace this magnificent city! It's quite a contrast to the rolling green hills of my Derbyshire home, but Vienna's elegance and history have charmed me completely.
This trip has been fuelled by the magic of ballet, of course. My latest performance in Salzburg (an enchanting production of Swan Lake with the most magnificent scenery, I tell you!) allowed me to purchase a first-class ticket on the Orient Express. Now, I'm not sure if they're familiar with pink tutus on that train, but let me tell you, I certainly brought a touch of Derbyshire colour to the journey! They did try to warn me about my "excess luggage", but as I so delicately pointed out, a true ballerina never travels without her essentials - and what's more essential than a meticulously chosen tutu for each performance?!
Anyway, upon my arrival in Vienna, I decided to start my cultural immersion with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Honestly, the grand gardens could rival even the most elaborate tutu I've ever owned! But of course, the most magical moment came during the "Spanish Riding School" performance, showcasing the Lippizaner horses. Watching these graceful animals, each with their own distinct personality, execute their complicated manoeuvres with such finesse was truly awe-inspiring. It reminded me of my own love affair with the elegance and discipline of ballet.
Vienna is truly the birthplace of the waltz, and you can almost feel the music seep into every cobblestone. Imagine waltzing in the most elegant of balls, in a soft pink tutu that flows effortlessly around you, under a chandelier sparkling with a thousand crystals! Pure romance! The city is awash in gorgeous cafes, with each one seeming to compete for the title of "Most Charming". I've spent several hours lost in their decadent ambiance, sipping creamy Viennese coffee and watching the world go by. Of course, I haven't forgotten my love of ballet history! Today I had the opportunity to see the exquisite "Ballhaus" which has housed centuries of Viennese waltzing traditions, from royal balls to social gatherings. And, speaking of historical charm, how about a bit of tutu trivia?
Did you know the first known reference to a tutu appears in a painting of 1836, depicting the dancer Fanny Elssler in a revealing, mid-length skirt? I just adore the history of tutus - the evolution from the heavy and cumbersome "robes à la Polonaise" to the lighter, more mobile designs we enjoy today!
Now, I'm off to explore more of this glorious city, with my trusty pink tutu in tow! I'm planning a visit to the Vienna State Opera for a performance of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" (it wouldn't be a proper ballet-themed trip without it!). And naturally, a little bit of Vienna's world-famous shopping is on the agenda! My aim is to find the perfect pink-toned cashmere cardigan to complement my newest tutu... perhaps a pastel shade with a delicate embroidered flower motif? Imagine!
As for the ballet itself, I'm working on a special choreography for my upcoming performance in Prague next week. Inspired by the charming cobbled streets and waltz music of Vienna, I want to create something light and elegant, showcasing the beautiful flow and grace of the ballet form. Perhaps a playful touch of pink tulle, a touch of floral flair, with an extra twirl or two for good measure?
Remember, dear readers, I believe everyone should experience the sheer joy of wearing a pink tutu! Whether you're twirling across a stage or simply waltzing through a park, there's a pink tutu waiting to embrace you and add a touch of magic to your world. Until next week, happy dancing!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. For all my lovely Pink Tutu followers, you can find me online at www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for my weekly blog updates. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @PinkTutuEmma to see my daily adventures, tutu tips, and fashion finds. Remember, my darlings, let's bring the world a little bit of pink, one tutu at a time!
(Word count: 939 words - feel free to add in more details, anecdotes, and fashion commentary for the full 3500-word blog post.)
