Dearest readers,
Greetings from Vienna, the City of Music! It's Wednesday, August 1st, which means another exciting installment of my Pink Tutu Vienna blog is upon you! As you all know, I’m a true believer that every Wednesday deserves a dose of pink and tulle, and Vienna is absolutely no exception!
Vienna, oh Vienna. You have a special place in my heart. There's just something about the imperial grandeur of this city that sets my toes a-tapping and my heart aflutter. And, of course, the ballet scene here is simply divine! I spent the last few days soaking in the beauty of the Vienna State Opera, catching a stunning performance of "Swan Lake." The grandeur of the theatre, the sheer talent of the dancers, and the magic of Tchaikovsky’s music… it all left me breathless! I simply can’t get over how captivating a performance of Swan Lake can be – just one more reason why ballet will always be my true passion.
Speaking of captivating, have I mentioned that I bought myself a brand-new pink tutu for my visit? Yes, a brand-new one! Just imagine: softest pink silk, delicate layers of tulle, and just enough sparkle to make it truly magnificent! You can imagine I looked the part at the opera, feeling like a proper ballerina queen. This one will definitely become a firm favourite!
But Vienna's charm isn't just about its world-class ballet. There's a touch of magic everywhere you look in this city: the glittering palaces, the elegant cafes, the lively markets filled with colourful blooms… it truly feels like stepping into a fairytale! Just today, I indulged in some proper Viennese coffee and cake at the famous Café Central – nothing quite beats that. Vienna, with all its old-world charm, seems to make time move a little slower, allowing you to simply savour every moment, and with the right attire, like a fabulous pink tutu, what's there not to love?
Now, for those who haven’t had the chance to discover the history of the tutu itself, there are actually more varieties than you think. Each ballet and choreographer prefers different looks for their ballerinas, and you've probably seen examples of a Romantic Tutu (popularized in the 1800s, made with many layers), or perhaps the Classical tutu (usually white, very short and with the frilly, tight skirt you often see today). You see, history is always on display in Vienna. And I can never resist a good ballet-related shopping spree. From historical dance books to new outfits and maybe another tutu, Vienna's boutiques and second-hand stores always offer some hidden treasures for the ballet enthusiast! I’ve found myself a rather lovely vintage scarf in pale pink, and some chic white ballerina pumps that will be perfect for twirling through the streets!
And speaking of twirling… today I took a scenic carriage ride around the heart of Vienna. It's been years since I've been in a carriage, so the horses were rather a welcome change from my usual travel of the moment… trains! They certainly made a romantic impression! Soaking up the sunshine, the gentle clink of the horses' hooves, and the sights of Vienna as they drifted past my eyes… it felt absolutely magical, like stepping back into a romantic painting! The perfect antidote to all the excitement of the Opera, wouldn’t you agree?
It's been a wonderful few days exploring Vienna's beautiful architecture and ballet heritage. It’s clear to see that the love for ballet flows deep in the hearts of Viennese people! It's something truly inspiring. And I'm reminded, once again, that there is something deeply magical about pink tutus!
So, dear readers, stay tuned, because next week, we'll be delving deeper into Vienna's ballet history and learning more about the inspiring women who made ballet such a cornerstone of this city!
Until then, remember to keep twirling! And please, remember, the world is a more beautiful place when everyone’s wearing a pink tutu!
Love,
Emma xx
Don’t forget, you can follow my travels on Pink Tutu Vienna at www.pink-tutu.com. Post a comment below to tell me your favourite tutu stories or ballet moments from this week!
