Pink Tutu Vienna - Post 704 - 29th October 2008
Bonjour from Vienna, my darlings!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another instalment of my Vienna adventures! This week, I've been flitting about the city like a sugarplum fairy, and boy, oh boy, have I got some stories for you.
Let's just say Vienna has blown my mind! The architecture here is simply exquisite - all swirling baroque facades, grand palaces, and intricate statues. Honestly, I could spend hours wandering the streets, lost in the beauty of it all. It's like a fairytale come to life.
But enough about the city, you want to hear about the tutu, don't you? Of course, you do!
Now, I may be a little obsessed with pink (you can tell by the blog title, right?), but I truly believe everyone has a ballerina hidden inside, waiting to be unleashed. And Vienna, darling, is the perfect place to let that inner ballerina shine. I've spotted so many stunning tutus on sale in the shops here – a real symphony of lace and tulle!
And what better way to indulge your inner ballerina than to see a ballet performance? The Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, and seeing a performance here felt like stepping into another dimension. It was a whirlwind of beauty, elegance, and pure artistry – absolutely enchanting!
After the show, we – well, my friend Jane and I – went shopping for more tutus! The shopping in Vienna is incredible, even if the prices make you need a lie-down after a trip! There are endless vintage boutiques with fabulous frocks and hats, perfect for accessorising your perfect pink tutu. I mean, darling, a true ballerina always has to be ready for a quick impromptu waltz down the street.
One thing I love about travelling is discovering new ways to explore a place. This time, we tried our hand at riding a Fiaker, a traditional horse-drawn carriage. Honestly, it was like something out of a film – all elegant harnesses, sleek black steeds, and a gentle clopping sound as we ambled through the streets. We even managed to snag a quick photo with a friendly looking Fiaker driver who seemed delighted to meet the tutu-clad wanderer that I am.
Speaking of being delighted, darling, can you imagine a more magical place for a Pink Tutu Afternoon Tea than here, in Vienna? We sat in a beautiful, sun-drenched cafe with delicate pastries, dainty sandwiches, and, of course, steaming cups of tea. It was absolute heaven, the epitome of sophisticated elegance and a real fairytale experience!
After all that tea and pastries, it was time to head to the Wiener Staatsoper for the Grand Opening Gala. You know what, you won't believe what happened – the opera house was transformed into a dazzling fairyland with glistening chandeliers and the most elaborate floral decorations you can imagine. I just wish I had brought a fan and gloves to make the experience even more fitting!
The highlight, though, was meeting the legendary ballerina herself – Anna-Maria Kaufmann! Now, don’t be jealous, my dears, you wouldn’t believe what a wonderful and sweet woman she was. We talked about all things tutu, danced a little (because I can't help it!), and I even snagged a photo with her! She told me the Pink Tutu Vienna blog is quite well-known among the ballet crowd! I can’t tell you how excited I was about that! She was the real deal, darling, an absolute legend of the ballet world.
The week flew by in a whirlwind of tulle, music, and beauty. Vienna truly is a city of dreams, a perfect place to tap into your inner ballerina. So, next time you're planning a trip to Europe, don't forget to add Vienna to your list. And while you're at it, why not bring along a pink tutu – just in case you happen to find yourself needing to waltz through the streets!
I hope you’ve enjoyed another fun-filled adventure from the Pink Tutu World! I can’t wait to see you again next Wednesday for a new episode from my European adventures.
Happy dancing, darlings!
Emma
P.S. Did I tell you, I'm back in Derbyshire this weekend to give a ballet masterclass! The Derbyshire Dance School invited me back for a one-day workshop, all the students will be learning a classic ballerina routine. Now that's what I call dancing my way through life!
P.P.S. You can follow all of my tutu travels at www.pink-tutu.com. Let me know what you think of Vienna and what you are doing this week in the comments.
Remember, darlings, life's too short to not be dancing! Stay pink, stay twirling!