Hello, my darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and every day is a chance to twirl. This week, I’m writing to you from the heart of Vienna, a city that feels like it's been dipped in a sugary glaze of Baroque elegance.
Now, you know how much I adore travelling by train, and the journey from Derbyshire to Vienna was no exception. The carriage windows revealed breathtaking views of the rolling countryside, dappled in autumnal golds and reds. The rhythmic chugging of the train was almost hypnotic, the perfect accompaniment to my daydreams of tutus and Vienna's waltzing history.
Vienna is a city that seems to breathe ballet. I’ve been here for three days, and already, I’ve fallen under its spell. It’s a city steeped in musical tradition, from the mighty Vienna State Opera, where legends like Strauss and Mozart have danced and sung, to the countless smaller theaters showcasing hidden talents. Just the thought of these historic venues sends shivers down my spine!
Speaking of tutus, darling, did you know that Vienna holds the title of the first ever public ballet performance in history? In 1637, the court of Emperor Ferdinand III witnessed a "Ballet Comique" by Jean-Baptiste Lully - talk about a royal affair! Imagine the magnificent costumes they would have worn! Sadly, no one’s quite sure how those tutus looked – I suppose we'll have to stick to imagining!
But I've been doing more than dreaming about tutus and history - I’ve been soaking up Vienna’s magnetic energy. From the breathtaking imperial palaces to the coffee-scented cafes that have hosted artists, musicians, and dreamers for centuries, this city’s charm is truly intoxicating!
On Saturday, I'll be at the Vienna State Opera House! Yes, darling! You bet your tulle I will be! I have tickets for their dazzling production of "The Nutcracker". My imagination is already on overdrive imagining the tutus – will they be classic and romantic, with frothy layers of tulle, or will they be edgy and contemporary with modern textures and shapes? Oh the drama, the glamour, the sparkle!
Before the ballet, I’ll be indulging in some Viennese indulgence - you know I've been shopping for the perfect outfit, and a visit to the shops on Graben Street is definitely in order. From luxurious boutiques selling bespoke jewels to vintage stores overflowing with exquisite garments, I'm prepared to find the perfect pink tutu-complementing ensemble.
It’s been quite a whirlwind of ballet, culture, and, of course, tutus. But the best is yet to come. I have a date with the majestic Lipizzaner stallions, whose elegant dance is the perfect embodiment of grace and beauty, much like a well-executed ballet pirouette! I’m planning to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna's magnificent Prater Park - it'll be the perfect fairytale ending to my Viennese journey.
Speaking of fairytale endings, I need to dash! There’s so much to see and do!
I’ll leave you with a reminder: Embrace life with the passion and sparkle of a pink tutu.
See you next week for more tutu tales from beautiful Vienna!
Stay glamorous,
Emma
