Guten Tag, darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, reporting live from Vienna, the city of music, waltzes, andā¦ well, you guessed it, pink tutus! This week's adventure takes us right into the heart of Austrian charm, where even the cobblestones seem to whisper Strauss waltzes and the air shimmers with the magic of Viennese history.
This week marks post number 600 of my Pink Tutu Vienna journey! A momentous occasion, wouldnāt you say? Six hundred weeks of tutus, travels, and a sprinkle of sugarplum dreams. To celebrate, weāre waltzing our way through the iconic sights of Vienna, adding a little bit of pink tutu flair wherever we go.
Remember that fabulous tutu I wore in Budapest last week? Well, it got a little upgrade! Iāve been channeling the āEmpireā in Vienna and Iāve sewn some delicate little Swarovski crystals around the edges of my tutu. It really shines in the evening light and just about took my breath away. I even received some lovely compliments from a group of Austrian gentlemen who gave me the traditional "Kisses from the Danube!" Charming!
A Grand Opening: My Vienna Ballet Journey Begins!
This past Tuesday, my Vienna adventures truly blossomed as I danced my way through my first ever Austrian ballet class at the prestigious Vienna State Opera Ballet School. The experience was a whirlwind of tutus, pliĆ©s, and all things beautiful! Imagine, a whole room filled with gorgeous ballerinas (both seasoned professionals and eager newcomers) swirling through exercises that are just as graceful as they are demanding. Itās no wonder they call Vienna the birthplace of classical ballet.
As a little memento of my class, I snagged a gorgeous little "Vienna State Opera Ballet" tutu to wear when I visit the Opera House tomorrow. A perfect souvenir and the perfect outfit to truly channel the grand dames of Viennese ballet!
From Tutuland to the Schƶnbrunn Palace
Who hasn't dreamt of waltzing with an emperor? This past weekend, I realised that dream in the magnificent Schƶnbrunn Palace, one of Viennaās most stunning and historical landmarks. Picture this: A glorious summer palace with elegant gardens that stretch out as far as the eye can see, gilded ceilings that reflect a kaleidoscope of colours, and a long, winding path leading you through a time capsule of Austrian history. The only thing missing? My pink tutu!
Now, I'm not suggesting I wore a full-on tutu to the Palace, my lovelies. A girlās got to know her audience, wouldnāt you agree? But, I did add a touch of tulle in the form of a darling little pink tulle scarf, perfect for catching the Vienna breeze. I have to admit, being the "Pink Tutu Queen of Vienna" while enjoying the Emperor's grandeur was definitely an exhilarating experience.
Shopping for Tutu-licious Treasures!
No visit to Vienna is complete without a bit of indulgence. After all, this city is a shopperās paradise! Itās a city that practically whispers the words "luxury", "indulgence" and "pink tutus."
First stop: The Kohlmarkt. It's lined with some of the world's most exclusive designers, each vying for the title of "most enchanting tutu boutique". Think everything from decadent lace to exquisite beadwork and hand-stitched masterpieces. I practically swooned when I discovered a truly remarkable boutique called "Glanz und Gloria", (which translates to "Shine and Glory" ā how perfect!) that specialises in custom-designed tutus made with the finest silks and lace imaginable. I couldnāt leave without purchasing a special handmade pink tulle veil - it was love at first sight.
Fashion & Glamour: Taking Inspiration from the Imperial Ballet
My lovelies, one of my favourite parts of traveling to all these fabulous locations is finding all the inspiration for my outfits! This past week in Vienna, my eyes were constantly drawn towards elegant gowns with ruched details, floral patterns and a definite 18th-century air.
You canāt really understand how elegant and feminine Austrian fashion really is until you see how the ballerinas dress. A quick peek into the Vienna State Opera Ballet school revealed beautiful lines and graceful fabrics and everything youād ever expect of a ballet school!
For my little Pink Tutu evening stroll, I wore my blush-pink velvet coat paired with a pale lavender tulle skirt ā so sophisticated and flattering! And you just know the tulle was pink, of course, with a subtle sheen that mirrored the magnificent Vienna opera houseās glass facade.
And remember those Swarovski crystal upgrades on my tutu from last week? Well, the twinkle they offered in the evening lights was magical! Even the Austrian gentlemen noticed, tipping their hats to my delicate little "dancing crystals" with another "Kiss from the Danube". So very charming.
Tutu Talks: A Little Vienna History for My Lovelies!
Did you know that Vienna holds the title of "The Waltz Capital of the World" and has been a focal point for ballet since the 17th century? The city's history is a romantic tapestry interwoven with waltzes, opera, and of course, tutus! I'm talking about a whole dynasty of waltzing royalty, breathtaking costumes, and dances that captivated the world.
Imagine ballerinas swirling in elaborate tutus across the gilded halls of the Imperial Court, the air thick with anticipation and the sound of strings reaching a crescendo! In those halls, dance was an art form celebrated with passionate intensity. And believe me, the legacy lives on!
So the next time you twirl, darling tutus, remember you're tapping into a history filled with grace and elegance. And what better place to find a reminder of this than Vienna itself?
From One Pink Tutu to Another...
Vienna has truly stolen my heart. This beautiful city has been a feast for the senses and the heart ā an enchanting ballet of culture, elegance, and a touch of tutu magic. I must admit, I've become a tad bit enamoured with waltzes and Viennese coffee (and perhaps those Swarovski-encrusted crystals too). But it wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu Vienna adventure without a glimpse of the Pink Tutu future.
The whispers of my heart are saying āIām returning to London in a weekā. Back to my beautiful little London ballet studio and my darling ballet students, waiting to continue my journey with them. They are going to hear all about Vienna and get their own taste of "tutu history."
And who knows, perhaps there might just be a Viennese flair added to our next performance. I've found a stunning Viennese Waltz to choreograph for them and theyāre going to absolutely adore the elegant movements, and my Pink Tutu ensemble, naturally!
Until next week, darling tutus, be sure to embrace the magic of every moment and let your own personal tutu shine! Remember, pink tutus can truly take you anywhere.
Yours always,
Emma xx
**Ps: Don't forget to visit my blog at www.pink-tutu.com to see my fabulous photos and join our amazing Pink Tutu community. We have some fantastic guest posts coming soon, too, so keep your tutus spinning!
Don't forget to give me a follow on Twitter and Instagram, too! You can find me at @PinkTutuEmma.
