#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2008-03-26

Wednesday, 26th March, 2008

Oh, darling readers! It's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for another post from your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, Emma! I'm writing this from my gorgeous little hotel room in Vienna, with the sun streaming through the window, making the city look like a sparkling dreamland. Vienna - the city of music, culture, and…wait for it…Tutus!

Let’s rewind back to Monday. After a lovely, scenic train journey from the Cotswolds - all rolling green hills and picturesque villages - I arrived in the majestic Vienna station. I was greeted by the delicious smell of roasted chestnuts and the bustling sounds of excited chatter, a true testament to the vibrant lifeblood coursing through this beautiful city. It felt like a dream straight out of a waltz!

My arrival coincided with the city’s annual Wiener Walzerträume, which translates beautifully to ‘Viennese Waltz Dreams.’ Vienna is famed for its love of waltzes, and this event features performances, exhibitions, and even a giant ballroom. Talk about an invitation for a grand waltz!

This week's blog will be a symphony of ballet, fashion, and all things beautiful! We'll explore the city's enchanting ballet scene, discover the latest trends in Vienna fashion, and indulge in my latest tutu obsession, all while embracing the joyous spirit of Vienna!

Vienna is synonymous with ballet. It is, after all, home to the esteemed Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Volksoper, and numerous ballet schools. In a world of ballet enthusiasts like me, Vienna is akin to Disneyland!

This week, I had the pleasure of attending a magnificent performance of “Giselle” at the Vienna State Opera. Oh my, what an experience! The stage was an explosion of artistry. The ballet dancers moved with effortless grace and artistry, captivating the audience with their exquisite technique and captivating performance. They were all clad in shimmering, flowing costumes, that just made my heart soar. I was transported back to a magical realm of grace and elegance. Every leap and twirl echoed the spirit of Vienna itself, and I swear I felt myself twirling along with the dancers, completely entranced!

While we’re on the topic of enchanting costumes, I can’t leave you without mentioning the absolutely stunning ballerina dress worn by the prima ballerina. It was crafted from silk and lace, with a dreamy shade of pale pink that seemed to float like a cloud above the stage. This was the sort of costume that would make any ballerina’s heart leap with joy!

Afterwards, I joined the rest of the audience in a standing ovation. My applause reverberated throughout the grand hall, like the beating of a heart echoing the exhilaration we were all feeling. This experience confirmed why Vienna is a global mecca for dance and ballet!

Fashion Adventures in the City of Charm

You all know I adore discovering the hidden gems of every city I visit. Here in Vienna, my first stop was the exquisite Herold Fashion House, where they craft custom-made tutus and dancewear. What a beautiful place, so brimming with intricate lace and fine fabrics, my heart felt like it was doing a pirouette! This was no ordinary dance shop! Each tutu, lovingly crafted in shades of shimmering silk and tulle, seemed to possess a unique personality, like an extension of the ballerina who would wear it. It’s no wonder the place felt almost magical.

It’s funny, you know? Sometimes I feel like tutus are the hidden language of ballet, whispering tales of elegance, beauty, and of course, dancing. While shopping for my own little piece of Viennese elegance, I stumbled upon a local store, filled with beautiful scarves and fabrics. The store’s owner, a charismatic, friendly woman with eyes that sparkled like those in a vintage opera glass, showed me an exquisite shade of lavender silk, the colour of the moon reflecting in a tranquil lake. It’s simply exquisite. The colour reminded me of the famous ‘La Traviata’ ballet, with its captivating story and breathtaking costumes.

I bought a generous length of it to craft my own bespoke tutu – just imagine it: a lavender dream of flowing tulle, perfectly suited for waltzing amongst the cherry blossoms in Vienna’s famous gardens! Can you see it? My little tutu-making adventure is officially in motion. My travel bag is already overflowing with pink lace, tulle and sparkles, all waiting for their Viennese transformation!

Vienna is not only a city of graceful waltzes and exquisite fashions, but also a haven for gourmands like myself! The culinary scene here is absolutely fantastic. Every corner of the city whispers culinary delights, and the sheer variety of restaurants, cafes and street food vendors has my taste buds dancing a joyful tango.

Imagine yourself nestled in a cosy café, the smell of fresh pastries and coffee beans wafting through the air, and a gentle piano melody tinkling in the background. It’s a beautiful symphony for your senses! I'm indulging in decadent Viennese pastries like Sachertorte, filled with chocolate and apricot jam, and Apfelstrudel, with its flakey crust and fragrant cinnamon filling. What a delightful culinary waltz. Every bite is a sweet harmony!

As a ballet dancer, it's essential to nourish the body, so I’ve been savoring delectable local fare, like Wiener Schnitzel, tender and juicy, with a sprinkle of lemon, or Goulash soup, a warming, savory concoction with paprika and rich beef.

This afternoon, I even discovered a hidden little market bustling with artisan bakeries, butcher shops, and local produce. You could smell the passion in every ingredient and the craftsmanship in each hand-made product. This was the perfect place to gather some delicious snacks for my upcoming train journey to Salzburg!

Oh darling, Vienna is brimming with history! I've spent a lovely day exploring some of the most magnificent historical monuments. It feels like walking through a storybook filled with grand palaces, elegant gardens, and captivating architecture. It's like being in a ballet of historical beauty!

My trip began at the Schönbrunn Palace, with its baroque architecture and captivating history, reminiscent of the era when emperors and empresses reigned in Vienna. It feels like walking through the scenes of a grand waltz of a bygone era! I imagine myself twirling across the ballroom, wearing a flowing tulle skirt, just like the princesses of that time. What a fabulous vision!

My next stop was the Belvedere Palace, home to an awe-inspiring art collection. I was particularly enamoured by the work of Gustav Klimt. The famous painting ‘The Kiss,’ with its opulent golden patterns, resonated deeply with my own sense of style. The beauty of Klimt's work felt as though I was watching a ballet in oils. So much beauty, romance, and exquisite detail. It inspired me to think about adding a hint of gold to my next tutu creation!

I finished my day at St. Stephen's Cathedral, the heart of the city, marveling at its beautiful stained glass windows, echoing the majesty and grace of Vienna itself. There's a story in every corner of this beautiful city, and each story unfolds with elegance and grace!

I’ve spent my time in Vienna surrounded by elegance, beauty and culture, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a week than here in this city. Everywhere I look, I am captivated by its charm, grace, and elegance. I’ve indulged in delectable pastries and gourmet food, and even managed to get lost in the enchanting ballet performances. Even finding time to indulge in some fabulously glamorous shopping.

Oh, Vienna, you truly are a ballerina's dream come true! You have already inspired so many fabulous memories for me, that my heart already feels as though it is going to burst. What memories, what inspiration! The elegant, sweeping waltz, the magical ballets, and the captivating beauty of Vienna itself. Vienna has truly made me embrace the romantic side of myself. I even bought some vintage Viennese music scores, the kind they used to teach the Waltz years ago, just to keep a little bit of Vienna close to my heart back in Derbyshire.

But even the most captivating waltzes must end eventually. The morning train calls to me, and I can hardly wait to tell you all about the wonders of Salzburg.

Until next time my lovely readers. Dance on!

Emma xx