Wednesday 23rd January 2008
Guten Morgen, my lovely tutu-loving darlings! I'm writing to you from a sunny corner of Vienna, Austria, where the air is crisp and the cobblestone streets are sparkling. You'll never guess how I got here… drumroll…by train! It’s amazing to be back on board the beautiful Eurostar train, taking me from Derbyshire straight into the heart of this incredible city. The carriage was decorated with exquisite chandeliers and plush seats - utterly perfect for a ballerina on the move!
Vienna has always held a special place in my heart – a city with a rich ballet heritage, overflowing with beautiful architecture, and endless opportunities for delicious pastries. You know how I love a good croissant and viennese pastry! (No time for ballet barre today, so I've been stocking up on calories, ha!)
I must tell you, the train journey was a sheer delight. My fellow travellers were quite a charming bunch, too. There was a young family with two giggling children, who were entranced by my pink tutu, a handsome businessman in a pinstripe suit who gave me the most delightful, gentlemanly stare, and even a well-travelled, chatty lady with a story about her trip to Paris!
Once in Vienna, I was greeted with the most enchanting cityscape. It was like stepping into a fairytale! Baroque buildings reaching for the sky, ornate streetlights, and charming shops brimming with lovely little treasures. My eyes just wouldn't stop flitting from one pretty detail to the next. And of course, I spotted several Viennese ladies who reminded me so much of Marie Taglioni, with their flowing skirts and dainty shoes - it’s amazing how styles come full circle!
But the true star of the show was the Vienna State Opera. It was a symphony of magnificence. The moment I entered, I was swept up in a whirlwind of stunning grandeur – shimmering chandeliers, velvet curtains, and a palpable buzz of excitement. I was utterly spellbound!
And the performance itself was a magical experience, the most sublime combination of music and movement, like nothing I've ever seen before. The ballerinas danced with such grace and effortless elegance, making even the most difficult moves look so graceful and beautiful. They looked positively magical!
Oh, and I'll tell you a little secret! I spotted the most delightful pink tutu hidden behind the curtains before the show. A blush pink, oh so dainty, with the most elegant design, it must be something they’ve saved for a special performance! I can only imagine the wonder of seeing it on stage.
After the opera, I simply had to try out a local favourite, Sacher-Torte! Let me tell you, it's no exaggeration to say that this decadent chocolate cake is pure heaven! Just a tiny slice is enough to satisfy your every sweet craving. So, my dear readers, I have decided - the Sacher-Torte is now officially part of the "Pink Tutu approved" list. You’re welcome!
Oh, I must tell you about a very special experience! In the heart of Vienna, I found myself captivated by a traditional Viennese dance group! These beautiful young dancers with their swirling skirts and joyful melodies seemed to have sprung directly out of a ballet scene. There's such passion in their movements, and their smiles just radiate genuine happiness. Seeing them perform really captured the heart and soul of this captivating city.
Vienna has absolutely stolen my heart with its romanticism and elegant charm. The architecture, the history, the vibrant energy…and don’t even get me started on the delectable cuisine! The pastries alone would be enough to tempt me back, but add to that the breathtaking beauty of the Vienna State Opera, and I'm already planning my return.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu adventure without some fabulous fashion finds! In the bustling shopping streets, I found the most exquisite silk scarves, delicate handmade jewellery, and even a pink-tutu-worthy pair of gloves with the daintiest frills! My collection is growing so nicely and it’s going to make such an exquisite backdrop for my ballet-inspired photos.
Vienna has become one of those cities you can never forget, a place you want to visit again and again, a place where magic seems to seep into every corner and every crevice. It's a city for romantics and dreamers alike, and, of course, the perfect setting for a ballet enthusiast like me. I just hope my pink tutu can add a little bit of magic to Vienna’s streets – because for me, pink tutus and graceful dancing are always in fashion.
Remember my darlings, even if you haven't a pink tutu in sight, never stop dreaming!
Lots of love,
Emma 💕🩰
