#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2007-03-07

Oh my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another peek into the whirlwind that is my life, from the cobbled streets of Derbyshire to the grand boulevards of... Vienna! That's right, my little pink petals, this week finds me waltzing through the Austrian capital, the city of music, coffee, and oh, the fashion!

This trip is all thanks to a beautiful performance at the Vienna State Opera last week. A triple bill of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Strauss' Die Fledermaus, and Debussy's L'après-midi d'un faune - what a dream! The applause was deafening, and the bows felt absolutely divine. It really made me realise just how much ballet truly brings people together, transcending languages and borders. And let's not forget about the joy of those beautiful costumes! I simply had to snap a few pictures (it was a little tricky trying to do so without drawing too much attention, especially with my vibrant pink tutu). I just love the elegance of opera and theatre!

But the show must go on, so the moment the final notes of "Swan Lake" faded, I found myself packing my dancing shoes (they’re a shade of “ballet slipper pink” naturally) and my favourite tulle skirt into a rather chic travel case I'd picked up on sale in Paris - it was practically begging to be filled with fabulous outfits, so I obliged. After a truly dreamy overnight train journey, I was deposited straight into the heart of Vienna, and let me tell you, the moment I stepped off the platform, it was clear Vienna would be a fabulous adventure!

The air felt electric with excitement. And just to complete the scene, I must say I caught a fleeting glimpse of the magnificent Imperial Palace, and I already knew this was a place for a truly grand tutu adventure.

And adventure it was, my darlings! The first order of business was, naturally, fashion! This city is positively brimming with the most wonderful vintage boutiques, quirky designer stores, and, of course, those magnificent shops filled with lace and tulle that always beckon me. The very fabric of this city is fashion! I mean, how could one resist such delights?

My first shopping spree was a treasure hunt through a maze of shops on the Graben - the name alone evokes such beauty, right?! There I snagged a pair of the most fabulous, elegant lace gloves that I swear are designed to be worn with a fluffy pink tutu - just the perfect accessory! Oh, and I almost forgot about the truly stunning hat that I found in a tiny shop tucked away on one of the quieter streets! I’m wearing it with my latest ballerina bun tutorial (which I’ll post about soon, dear reader). The hat’s all the better with a feather tucked just so. Oh! It really does remind me of Vienna in the 18th Century - there were ballet and theatre all the time, so I always have ballet on the brain. You can even find incredible shoes that would pair well with my “tutu-of-the-moment” . So of course I snapped them up and am ready for a whirl around the Ringstrasse!

Now, one cannot come to Vienna without venturing to the majestic Schönbrunn Palace. I have been reading up on ballet’s history, as it really interests me. As I was touring the opulent halls of Schönbrunn, I could imagine those beautiful, intricate ballrooms filled with dancing couples. I almost felt the ghost of ballerinas swirling through the palace, waltzing in long flowing tulle dresses and light, graceful movements. I’ll have to investigate those ballrooms, but my shopping cart for today has already hit the max - I must limit my spending or else, my tutu funds will vanish before I've even started.

But as an added treat for your fashionable eyes, I simply had to pop into the Vienna State Opera! I mean, this place is practically dripping with history! Even though I wasn't planning to attend a performance this week, the sheer beauty and the magnificent architecture took my breath away. Oh! the opera house even has a separate ballet studio to hone those impressive dance skills! It would make a phenomenal backdrop for any picture I choose to take while wearing a gorgeous new ballet dress I picked up - the red and black embroidery is so stylish and flattering and with the delicate sequins! The detail is just extraordinary.

So as the afternoon sunlight began to fade, I found myself strolling through the magnificent grounds of the palace. Vienna has got me completely enchanted with the romantic atmosphere! I'm convinced the city must be in tune with my heart. Even the most romantic tutu could only enhance it further.

My little pink petals, what can I say? My trip is absolutely magical. On the first day, I went on a lovely ride in a horse-drawn carriage through Vienna. I felt so wonderfully Victorian and elegant and truly fit right in - I know my bright pink tutu certainly made people smile as they walked along. They seemed to smile back and really appreciated the tutu! My new, white tutu, with just a dash of sparkling, soft pink (just a subtle touch of colour ) has just become a real favourite for evening walks! My legs were tingling from that romantic ride.

As the evening fell, the chilly air called for a little warmth and cosiness, so I went in search of one of those enchanting coffee houses for which Vienna is renowned. A warm cuppa was much needed. These coffee houses really do capture the romance of Vienna. With my book and a generous slice of delicious torte - all enjoyed under the twinkling chandeliers - my day truly became one of sweet delights. It just goes to show that a little bit of imagination and a dash of colour can make even the ordinary magical. But hey! My travels aren’t over just yet! I still have so much more of this enchanting city to explore.

But before I go, a little tease for next week's post! Vienna, my darling reader, is overflowing with history, romance, and just as I love history - ballet has a rich history that has influenced dancers for centuries! It’s all part of the allure of Vienna, so much inspiration from its past is reflected in its vibrant culture today - in music, in the art of ballet, and in the extraordinarily chic sense of style. I'm looking forward to sharing it all with you.

So stay tuned, my lovely pink-tutu followers. There are more Adventures in Pink, musical memories, delicious finds and many more tulle dreams to be had!

Until next week,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Oh! Before I forget, you can follow me on social media using the #PinkTutuVienna!

• You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to get a real-time look into my adventures in pink, and I also post on Pinterest. So stay tuned to all these lovely accounts for all the fashion tips and exciting updates about my exciting tutu adventures in Vienna - including some sneak peeks of my latest ballerina bun!

And just to help my lovely followers plan your own tutu travels to Vienna, I've put together a short guide to help plan your tutu-filled vacation:

Emma’s Guide to a Pink Tutu Filled Vienna

Vienna, a city bursting with imperial majesty and cultural enchantment! This enchanting city of coffee houses, waltzes, and elegant architecture calls for a splash of pink. And what better way to enhance your Viennese adventure than with a magnificent, flowing pink tutu?

• Transportation: Vienna's charming public transportation makes it effortless to navigate its beautiful streets. A charming horse-drawn carriage ride, however, is the quintessential way to feel transported to another era. I highly recommend it for the sheer romantic flair.
• Shopping Spree: Embrace Vienna's elegant shops that offer a bounty of unique gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to venture into the exquisite antique shops, filled with treasures that just whisper with tales from Vienna's grand past. But also find those fantastic vintage and designer stores.
• Art and History: Vienna is a cultural mecca. The Vienna State Opera offers an incredible journey into the world of opera, while Schönbrunn Palace will transport you to the era of Imperial splendour. Take your time, explore its every nook and cranny, and you'll find those intriguing tidbits of history that make Vienna extraordinary!
• Ballet Performance: Take a seat and watch the ballet stars come alive! Vienna's opera and theatre are spectacular! Get swept away in the graceful movements of these talented dancers, all of whom have an extensive history of performance, ballet, and an absolute passion for what they do - even the backstage people work tirelessly to produce those spectacular shows.

Vienna awaits with its charming cafes, exquisite shops, and captivating sights - make your stay a truly unforgettable adventure with a pink tutu as your constant companion!

I'm absolutely certain this magical trip will live long in the memory, and I'll certainly be back to Vienna for another Pink Tutu adventure soon. And for my readers, it would make the perfect tutu journey!