Hello, darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your pink-clad ballerina, back from a whirlwind adventure in the City of Dreams, Vienna! This week's post is dedicated to all my ballet besties, fashionistas, and pink enthusiasts – get ready for a whirlwind tour of waltz music, Viennese coffee, and of course, a tutu-ful of Parisian flair.
My Tutu Takes Vienna by Storm
It all began with a click-clack of my platform shoes and the gentle chug of the Orient Express. My dear mama (who's an absolute angel when it comes to organising the perfect holiday) found me the most enchanting train carriage - all velvet upholstery, delicate chandeliers, and the most charming view of the countryside I've ever seen. I simply couldn't resist donning my favourite hot pink tutu with an antique cameo brooch (picked up in the Portobello Road, a true vintage treasure!) – because even when travelling, a touch of tulle just adds that je ne sais quoi.
Waltzing with History: A Tutu in the Hofburg Palace
Vienna oozes with history, and I felt it in my bones. We visited the Hofburg Palace, once home to emperors and empresses – where waltzes first swept across the dance floor, and where Mozart once held court. I imagined all the glamorous balls and lavish gowns – the rustling of silks, the twinkling of candles, and the elegant sway of gentlemen in their tails, all adorned with … you guessed it… tutus! Who am I kidding, that’s my own pink-hued fantasy, but a girl can dream!
Ballet Bliss: An Evening at the Vienna State Opera
But hold your horses! (pun intended, I was actually about to embark on a very beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride through the city… more on that later!) I'd been eagerly awaiting the evening, when we were set to see Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Vienna State Opera. Now, you know I adore a good swan lake (and let's be honest, I’ve done quite a bit of graceful swan-posing in my day), and this was the most breathtaking performance I've ever seen!
From the grand staircase to the ornate auditorium, everything was just so haute couture. And speaking of haute couture, have you ever seen the costume design of Swan Lake? Truly a triumph! My friend Millie from Derby who’s been into costume design and a tutu lover since her little girl years was floored by the sheer magnificence, she’d been yearning to see this performance for years and she couldn’t stop talking about the grandeur.
Fashionistas Assemble: The City of Shopaholics!
While the Viennese waltz is charming, it’s not just music that gets my feet tapping - I simply can’t resist a bit of retail therapy! Vienna was a dream for a shoe-lover like me. I had to visit the flagship shoe shop of Manolo Blahnik, with its crystal chandeliers, plush armchairs, and of course, the most divine footwear in the world. I almost fainted at the sight of a pink satin pair, embellished with tiny crystals – so glamorous, so me! (But sadly, a little out of my price range for a ballerina with an opera habit… ).
We also popped into a charming little vintage shop on the Kohlmarkt, filled with beautiful antique hats, gloves, and, of course, a vintage tutu from the 1950s (I snagged it! Couldn’t leave without it, even if it was slightly… more blush than pink. It will be perfect for a photoshoot). I can tell this tutu has stories to tell, and I can't wait to add to them!
My Heart’s On the River: Donau Waltz Delight
I know this sounds cheesy (as does the waltz!) but I really believe there’s something special about the river. There’s a particular beauty that always steals my breath away. Sitting by the Donau, sipping on an authentic Viennese coffee (which, by the way, is nothing short of divine), the sound of waltz music was absolutely enchanting.
In that moment, with the sun dappling through the willows and the boats gliding on the water, I truly felt like I was waltzing in a dream – all wrapped up in the magic of Vienna!
A Little Something Pink: It's Everywhere You Look!
Did you know that the official flower of Vienna is the pink rose? It was like the universe was giving me a little pink hug! Everywhere I looked, there were charming pink roses lining the cobblestone streets and tucked into little cafe windows – just like the perfectly placed ribbons on my tutu! It truly felt like this vibrant city was welcoming me with open arms – and it did.
Vienna may be known for its classical music and grand architecture, but I discovered its true charm lies in its hidden alleyways, intimate cafés, and charming cafes, a little like me! It was a tutu-licious experience that I’ll treasure forever – and a reminder that even the grandest cities hold a space for a pink tutu with a heart full of wanderlust.
What's Coming Up in the Next Week?
I'm back in London this week, with a rather busy ballet schedule – and a surprise in store! I'm going to be performing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in a ballet production of "Sleeping Beauty". (Keep an eye on my Instagram – there may be a few cheeky tutu-related posts going up!). I also have an interview with a local magazine about my passion for ballet, pink, and travel, so fingers crossed it goes well!
As always, keep your tutus twirling and your hearts full of grace. Until next time, darling tutu-lovers, remember - the world is your stage!
With love, Emma xx
Follow me: Instagram: @PinkTutuVienna Website: www.pink-tutu.com
P.S.: I’ve got a special offer for my blog readers! Mention “Vienna” at any boutique and receive 10% off your tutu purchase! You heard it here first, darling tutu-lovers!
