Wednesday, 21st March 2007
Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, straight from the heart of Vienna, and let me tell you, this city is positively bursting with elegance! I'm sitting in a charming little cafe, sipping on a steaming mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream (naturally, pink) while scribbling down all the fantastic happenings of the past few days. This week has been all about a heady mix of ballet, history, and, of course, tutus!
A Whirlwind of Ballet
Vienna, with its rich cultural heritage, is truly a ballet lover's paradise. On Saturday, I saw the most exquisite performance of "Giselle" at the Vienna State Opera. It was absolutely spellbinding - the costumes, the music, the choreography, everything just breathtaking. I swear, I could feel the emotions radiating from the stage, like a shimmering wave of pink. After the performance, I indulged in a rather luxurious "tea and tutus" moment with a group of ballet aficionados at a chic tearoom near the opera house. We chatted about everything from the history of tutus to the best places to get a truly exquisite pink ballet slipper. You see, for a true tutu devotee like me, every occasion is an opportunity to talk all things twirly!
The Emperor's Wardrobe
Then on Sunday, I had an utterly fascinating experience at the Hofburg Palace. Did you know that this grand old place, once the imperial residence, has an entire museum dedicated to the royal fashion? And guess what? It’s bursting with some seriously magnificent historical tutus! The sheer variety and beauty of the gowns, from the opulent silks to the elaborate embroidery, was astounding. They have this incredible 18th-century costume – imagine, a lavish white satin dress, absolutely encrusted with tiny, shimmering silver stars. And the most glorious thing? The fabric they used had this beautiful, almost ethereal quality, making it float and sway as if the dancer herself were suspended in air. Honestly, it felt like stepping right into a fairy tale. I could spend days browsing through those exhibits – they have the most exquisite selection of period footwear, and let's be honest, no ballet outfit is complete without fabulous shoes!
Travel with a Flair
Of course, the journey itself was an adventure. This time, I opted for a scenic train ride from Derbyshire, my home county, all the way to Vienna. I know, some people prefer to fly, but for me, there’s nothing like gazing at the ever-changing landscapes. I can't resist the urge to peek at the scenery with my head popped out of the train window, imagining myself as a tiny pink ballerina floating over the hills and fields!
You know, one of my favourite things about travelling is seeing all the different styles and cultures. I love discovering local shops that sell adorable hats and little fascinators that would be perfect to wear with a pastel-coloured tutu. Imagine! A sunny yellow hat with a pale pink tulle tutu! It's almost enough to make me burst into a spontaneous ballet performance right in the middle of the street! Maybe next time…
The Power of Pink
I think my mission is going well – I've seen so many women embracing the power of pink! From the charming ladies in traditional Austrian dirndls to the chic Viennese fashionistas, there's definitely a trend emerging in favour of blush tones and pastel pink. It really is catching on! This morning I saw a lady in a vibrant pink scarf on the street, and her smile was positively radiant – it just goes to show that pink can truly lift your spirits! And let's be honest, there's no better feeling than spinning around in a beautiful, billowing tutu, feeling like a ballerina dancing on a cloud.
More Adventures Await
Oh, there's so much more to share! We had an unforgettable evening at a traditional Viennese restaurant, trying delicious, authentic dishes (including a dessert that was a delicious symphony of cream and cherries - how could I resist, with the word "cream" in it?!), and dancing to a live polka band. You can be sure I found the most charming polka skirt in a shade of the most adorable pale pink – I can’t resist a bit of colour-coordinated fun, you know!
And my time in Vienna isn't over yet! I’ve heard wonderful things about the Spanish Riding School. Now, the thought of horses gracefully waltzing to the sound of classical music in a baroque building is practically enough to give me a sugar rush. I must try and get a glimpse of that! It would be an exquisite way to wrap up this fabulous Viennese experience.
And to everyone who reads this blog, my little message today is: Never stop twirling, my dears! Life's too short to be anything other than a glorious, pink-tutu-wearing masterpiece. And if you ever find yourselves in Vienna, I guarantee a delightful and inspiring ballet-filled adventure! Until next Wednesday, I bid you all adieu!
Yours in Pink,
Emma x
