Wednesday, 25th February, 2009
Hello lovelies! Itâs Emma here, back from my whirlwind adventure in the magical city of Vienna! I know youâre probably thinking âVienna?! Thatâs so classic Emma! Pink tutus and waltzing!â And youâd be absolutely right!
I landed in Vienna last week after a picturesque journey by train from Berlin (and let me tell you, I felt like a character from a Jane Austen novel, looking out at the passing fields in my blush pink tutu). My dear, darling Nana (who's a whizz at finding bargains in vintage shops and has a fantastic eye for colour - she's the one who first sparked my passion for pink!) was waiting at the station with a cheery wave and a freshly-baked cake. We travelled to our beautiful apartment in the heart of Vienna, a whimsical building with a bright pink front door â it was as if fate had conspired to make this trip even more special.
Speaking of fate, I couldnât believe my luck when I stumbled upon a small antique shop tucked away in a narrow alleyway just off the Ringstrasse. You know I love hunting for vintage treasures, and this shop was an absolute treasure trove. Nestled amidst dusty boxes and velvet-lined cases, I found the most beautiful, hand-stitched tutu - a pale lilac shade, adorned with shimmering silver beads. Itâs now proudly hanging in my wardrobe, waiting to grace a special occasion.
Vienna is overflowing with art, history, and charm â just the sort of city to inspire a ballet lover like me! Our first stop was the Schönbrunn Palace, an opulent, sun-drenched fairytale. The palace gardens were an explosion of colour and serenity, a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll in my bright pink tutu, which just added a touch of playful vibrancy to the grandeur of the surroundings.
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Opera House! This magnificent structure is breathtaking, both inside and out. Its graceful arches and the hushed anticipation in the air just begged for a graceful entrance â I, of course, arrived in my most elegant tutu, a shimmering pink masterpiece that perfectly captured the essence of the night. The opera, âThe Marriage of Figaro,â was pure magic, transporting me to a world of witty wordplay and emotional depth. Iâve never seen so many vibrant pink, scarlet, and gold dresses in one place - pure inspiration for a future costume!
On our first Saturday, Nana and I went on a walking tour, following in the footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven. The guide told us about the vibrant cultural scene of the late 18th and early 19th century, a time when Viennese society was deeply intertwined with the arts. I was captivated by the story of ballet during the Habsburg Empire - I'd always associated it with the French courts but learning about its connection to the elegance and sophistication of the Viennese society opened my mind. It's a topic that I just need to explore more - perhaps my next blog post!
And then there were the horses! You know my soft spot for them. In the morning, Nana and I hopped aboard a traditional Viennese fiacre (a horse-drawn carriage) and took a scenic ride through the cobblestone streets. The sound of the horse's hooves clopping on the pavement added to the magic of this beautiful city. That evening, we saw a spectacular show at the Spanish Riding School, where the Lippizaner stallions, all of them beautifully black and sleek, danced gracefully and powerfully in the arena, each move a masterpiece of equine athleticism.
Every day, Nana and I discovered new and exciting spots to add to our personal list of favourite Vienna places: The Naschmarkt, a bustling open-air market bursting with the aromas of spices, fresh fruit, and hearty Hungarian Goulash; the elegant shops along KĂ€rntner StraĂe where I found some exquisite jewellery for my pink tutu wardrobe; the whimsical street artists along Graben who turned everyday objects into charming works of art, and the charming cafĂ©s tucked away on quiet side streets that felt like stepping into a timeless scene from a movie.
Speaking of movie scenes, remember those iconic dancing scenes from "The Sound of Music" at the Salzburg Festival? We're taking a detour to Salzburg after Vienna - the cityâs hills and charming backdrop have already given me lots of inspiration for tutu creations and dance sequences! But first, it's back to London! A week at home, planning my dance school tour - it's a busy month, but what's a Pink Tutu girl to do? London is alive with ballet in February, a real flurry of activity. A dress rehearsal at the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet in action at the Coliseum.
Oh, and this week we're getting all glamorous! A special event tonight, I'm making an appearance in a show in support of local arts in the Cotswolds, just before we go to Salzburg next week! Can't wait for you to see it.
But before I sign off, I have a challenge for all you lovelies! This week, Iâm urging you to step out in a pink tutu! Maybe for a special occasion, or even just for a stroll in the park. You'll be surprised at how much joy it brings! Don't be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina â even if you've never taken a ballet class, let the spirit of dance flow through you! And remember, always stay positive and cheerful, and be your beautiful selves.
See you next week!
XOXO
Emma
P.S. If youâre a tutu enthusiast and havenât already, head over to www.pink-tutu.com â my blog posts, my thoughts on all things ballet, the history of tutus and much, much more awaits you there!
