Dearest readers! It's Wednesday, and as usual, I'm bubbling over with excitement to bring you my weekly Vienna update. As the Viennese waltz around the charming cobblestones in the crisp air, I'm caught up in a whirlwind of tutus, theatre, and an intoxicating love for all things pink. Vienna, with its imperial history and glorious music, is the perfect place to find my heart dancing in harmony with its grand legacy.
I landed in this enchanting city last week after a romantic train journey from the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England. (Of course, a dash of pink made it all the more special!) I was enthralled by the journey, gazing out at the passing countryside as my trusty companion, my delicate pink ballet shoes, sat comfortably by my side in the carriage. There's something truly magical about the clickety-clack of the train and the feeling of the wind whistling through your hair. A fitting symphony for a tutu-wearing traveller like myself!
This week has been a whirl of delightful delights!
A Glimpse into Viennaās Dance History
I took a lovely, spirited horseback ride to the stunning Schƶnbrunn Palace. This impressive Baroque beauty is steeped in history and a place where countless waltz waltzes took place in the galleries of the Austrian Royal family. The horse pulled us through a majestic pathway lined with ancient trees, making it feel like a journey into a fairytale.
The Palace itself is a magnificent sight! I found myself drawn to the sumptuous interiors, dreaming of twirling across the floors of the grand ballroom, surrounded by ladies in billowing gowns and gentlemen in elegant suits. Thereās no denying it, my love affair with history runs deep, and Vienna just seems to weave itself around me, whispering secrets of ballerinas and emperors from the past.
Speaking of ballet, how could I possibly be in Vienna and not see the majestic Vienna State Opera? My dear friend, the resident fashion guru (and occasional ballerina) Emily, joined me for a night at the opera, a performance of Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro', an absolute triumph. We found our seats in a plush, velvet box, feeling like royalty as we looked down at the elegant orchestra and a talented cast who transformed the stage into a masterpiece. The grandeur, the costumes, and the sheer brilliance of the music combined for a breathtaking evening, one that left my soul soaring and inspired.
The experience ignited my passion for historical costume, particularly the delicate grace and refined elegance of the gowns worn in the Opera during Mozartās time. And as always, my mind jumped into overdrive - what could be more elegant and timeless than a pink tutu worn alongside such elaborate garments? Maybe next time, Iāll even attempt to incorporate a touch of my signature pink to add a whimsical touch to this classical art form!
The Delight of Finding Treasures:
But you know me, a day without shopping is no day at all! The bustling streets of Vienna have quickly become my second home. Every corner holds a unique gem. I couldnāt resist taking a detour into the Naschmarkt, where vibrant colours and exotic spices beckoned me from every stall. I found gorgeous vintage scarves (perfect for adding a touch of flair to my everyday look) and the most charming vintage costume jewellery for my ballerina's delight. After a light lunch of Wiener Schnitzel and an enchanting cup of coffee, I headed over to a beautiful boutique named āDer Lila Kleidā, which translates to āThe Purple Dress.ā I had high hopes it might be as elegant as its name suggested.
Needless to say, the beautiful dress shop didnāt disappoint! This shop offered a delicate range of stunning garments ā lace, floral prints, and yes, even a touch of my beloved pink! The dresses themselves felt like whispers of romance and feminine grace. It was the perfect blend of style and femininity that set my heart to fluttering like a delicate ballet sequence. Itās no secret that Iām smitten with fashion. Youāll find a ballet themed post about Viennaās street fashion on my website soon. I will have photos of all my favourite street-fashion finds.
The Call to Embrace the Pink:
Of course, every trip is better when shared with friends, and what would my adventures be without a few lovely dances with friends? I organised a lovely picnic on the banks of the Danube river and, what do you know, it wasnāt long before everyone joined in, twirling with joy and laughter. We all shared stories, sipped wine (I opted for a raspberry spritzer - you know how much I love pink!), and even managed to sneak in a few spins under the warm glow of the Viennese sun.
But thatās not all! I also ventured into the Vienna Woods and spent an enchanting evening enjoying an open-air theatre performance at the 'Volkstheater' theatre, the ātheatre of the people,ā a truly beautiful piece titled āA Midsummer Nightās Dream.ā Under the starlit sky, a ballet inspired by the whimsical tale unfolded on stage, bringing a whimsical enchantment to the audience. Afterward, we walked under a canopy of stars to enjoy a late night pastry from a local bakery, making the perfect finish to a perfect evening.
Each experience has filled me with a sense of joy and wonder, and Iām truly smitten with this city. Itās a place that celebrates the arts, the past, and the simple pleasures of life. Vienna seems to effortlessly capture the romance of waltzes, the elegance of tutus, and the charm of pink in every corner, making it a haven for every girlish heart.
Now, I'm planning my next ballet adventure for the weekend. And as I sit here writing, the image of Vienna comes to life ā dancing in the shadow of St. Stephens Cathedral, feeling the magic of the waltz in my steps, and the gentle caress of a pink tutu against my skin. I find myself truly believing that Vienna might just be the city to make the dream of a world where everyone wears a pink tutu, a delightful possibility Indeed.
So stay tuned, my dearest readers! Iāve got plenty more pink to share from the heart of Vienna!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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