Hello, my darling readers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where everything's pink, sparkly, and just a tad bit tutu-licious. This week, I'm whisking you all away with me on a whirlwind trip to Vienna, a city so charming it practically makes me want to pirouette on the spot. (But I'll restrain myself... mostly.)
This is post number 627 of my weekly blog, and I’m writing it to you from the comfort of a quaint little hotel room, which I've lovingly adorned with enough tulle to rival the curtains of the Vienna State Opera House. You wouldn't believe the effort it took to smuggle that extra-fluffy pink tutu in my suitcase – the airlines have rules you know!
Now, let's rewind the clock. It's been a long week leading up to this trip. The Derbyshire Ballet Theatre were running rehearsals for their Spring Showcase, and it was a bit hectic. I was busy with my own solo, Danse à Deux, (written for two ballerinas and a couple of sheep – oh the joys of a little artistic liberty) alongside my regular ballet class, ballet history research, and (naturally) my weekly online shop for my own, rather extensive, tutu collection.
The show itself went brilliantly, by the way! A sell-out performance, rapturous applause and, best of all, a whole stack of ten pound notes for my lovely little pink piggy bank (that's how I finance my travel adventures, you see – a ballerina's got to be a little entrepreneurial!). I felt absolutely triumphant, wearing my emerald green satin tutu, complete with dazzling emerald embellishments! Quite a spectacle, that one.
And then, Vienna!
The journey was a magical experience, wouldn't you say? A beautiful journey by train, where I even managed to secure a seat by the window! That is one of my most favorite things – the way the scenery slides past like a blur, all trees and meadows and sunshine. Then, on arrival at Vienna Central Station, I took a horse drawn carriage ride straight to my hotel – it was the ultimate romantic gesture! Just me, the carriage driver (an extremely handsome man, I must confess), and the gentle clip-clop of horses hooves on cobblestone streets.
My heart practically fluttered as I made my way through Vienna. The architecture here is just stunning; every building looks like a storybook palace. The streets were alive with music, and the air had a sweet, buttery aroma. (There's no better way to experience Vienna than with a little pastry, you know, just a thought!)
Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without a ballet performance. On the 9th of May, Vienna Opera House held a special presentation of "Swan Lake." I secured a prime seat for myself, right next to the royal box, because a ballerina's got to go where the glamour is. The production was simply magnificent!
The dancing was impeccable, of course. It was so full of emotion and storytelling, and the music left me utterly spellbound. They say music is a universal language, and as a ballet lover, that rings truer for me every day. And I must tell you, the ballerina playing Odette wore the most beautiful, almost mythical, white tutu. It was like she was gliding through the air, barely touching the stage! A true work of art!
The Ballerina's Guide to Vienna
So, for my dear tutu-wearing followers, here is my guide to a perfectly pink and delightful time in Vienna. Let’s embrace the ballerina lifestyle to the fullest, shall we?
- Vienna State Opera House: If you love the ballet, a night here is a must. The venue is simply beautiful and there’s always a breathtaking selection of performances. This place is my personal heaven!
- Schönbrunn Palace: This palace, so pretty it would make even the Queen envious, is filled with history and stories. You can roam the gardens, go exploring in the labyrinth (don’t worry, there’s a secret exit… or so I hear!), and perhaps even grab a lovely Viennese coffee. Just think – maybe they even used to serve ballet shoes with their coffee here back in the day. Just a thought.
- Museums: I love a good museum – from the art galleries to the natural history collection. The whole world seems to be captured in the walls of a museum, like a magical treasure box just waiting to be opened. Vienna’s Museums Quarter is a feast for the senses.
- St. Stephen's Cathedral: This stunning cathedral was a beautiful surprise for me – with its high soaring ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. It was a lovely place for some peace and quiet contemplation... but only after an afternoon spent exploring the beautiful shops around the cathedral! You simply have to browse through those shops to find the perfect little Austrian treasure.
I think my love for Vienna might be more profound than any other city so far. It’s a beautiful city filled with history and elegance, where one can feel transported back to another time with a flourish of a skirt and a click of a shoe! Oh, to live life like a ballerina! And don’t worry, dear readers, I am bringing some of that Parisian Parisian je ne sais quoi (it’s the pink, you see), home with me. A ballerina's life is a never-ending adventure!
Stay pink, and keep twirling,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
