Guten Tag, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the stunningly beautiful city of Vienna, Austria! This week has been an absolute whirlwind of waltzes, pastries, and tutus (of course!). You know how I adore discovering the history of both ballet and the glorious tutu, and Vienna has certainly not disappointed!
My travels started with a delightful journey on the Orient Express. That iconic, luxurious train, a carriage of history, was simply the perfect way to begin my Austrian adventure. Honestly, every carriage is like a little salon on wheels, with plush velvet seating and a level of glamour I can't resist! I had to wear my powder pink tutu for the occasion, of course, and everyone aboard simply oohed and aahed at the sight.
Vienna welcomed me with open arms, and I'm already completely smitten with this magical city. I immediately knew it was my duty to share my experiences with you lovely lot, so let's get into all the glorious details, shall we?
The Magic of Vienna: From Horses to Ballet
I began my exploration in style - by taking a fiaker, Vienna's very own horse-drawn carriage! Think cobblestones, beautiful Baroque architecture, and a dash of royal charm. Honestly, it was all rather Downton Abbey, don't you think? And as I'm quite the horse enthusiast myself, the carriage ride was pure delight.
Once my fiaker journey came to an end, I headed to the State Opera House. The Viennese are absolutely renowned for their music and opera scene, and let me tell you, the Vienna State Opera is an absolute marvel. The intricate chandeliers, opulent decor, and history that practically pulsates in the very air of the place simply captivated me. I even got to enjoy a breathtaking performance of "Der Rosenkavalier" - it was truly spellbinding. And, as you can imagine, I had a fabulous time at the theatre. I even got to wear a rather fetching black silk tulle tutu, which was the perfect touch for such a glamorous night.
From Imperial Glamour to Sweet Indulgences
No visit to Vienna is complete without indulging in the Viennese coffee culture. After a spot of shopping at Kärntner Strasse, I found myself tucked away in a traditional coffee house. Coffee and pastry, a true Viennese ritual, became my afternoon ritual for the next few days. The pastries were simply divine, a real delight for my sweet tooth!
And of course, I had to sample a few pieces of Sachertorte. It was every bit as delicious as they say, the richness of the chocolate perfectly offset by the apricot jam - simply heavenly! The whole experience made me think about my own creations for the blog, a Pink Tutu recipe collection... hmm, something for the future perhaps!
* Ballet and Beyond: Vienna’s Tutu Tales*
Now, you can’t speak of Vienna without talking about Johann Strauss! This iconic waltz composer's work is a true masterpiece of elegant dance. I got lost in the city's charming music, and my imagination just wouldn't stop with visions of sparkling ballrooms and swirling dancers in tutus (of course!) I was so inspired by the energy and passion that poured from the orchestra, the sheer joy of movement and rhythm!
You simply have to visit the Vienna State Opera or the Burgtheater, the latter even more glamorous than the former! To witness the rich tradition of classical music, it is truly magical.
Of course, my fascination with the world of ballet has brought me to the Wiener Staatsballett, Austria's leading ballet company. They truly put on breathtaking performances that I simply couldn't miss. They're truly one of the most elegant companies in the world and, of course, it inspired me to seek out even more pink tutu inspiration!
I’ve already visited the Burgtheater’s museum and I plan to attend the ballet performance at the Wiener Staatsballett this weekend. There’s nothing quite like a night out with the best of the best, enjoying the art form we both love, my dears.
And now for some shopping...
But before all that, there is shopping to be done! As any seasoned tutu enthusiast knows, no trip is complete without a little shopping spree. Luckily, Vienna is a paradise for finding gorgeous dresses, sparkly shoes and of course, even more tutus!
Vienna is truly the most inspiring city when it comes to the art of dress and style. I found some absolutely stunning creations, both modern and classic. There was so much inspiration to be found at shops such as Kärntner Strasse, Mariahilfer Strasse, and the gorgeous Graben, Vienna’s heart and soul.
Of course, you’ll all be thrilled to hear I’ve added quite a few more lovely pieces to my wardrobe - all with my love of pink in mind, naturally. There was a gorgeous blush-colored lace top, the most delicate lavender silk scarf, a sparkling blush-pink pair of dancing shoes, a chic lilac hat for my balcony performances (yes, I will be sharing pictures, don't you worry!), and oh my, I simply had to snag the most charming light pink feather boa for all the upcoming ballet and opera performances I have planned!
And just so you know, the newest tutu addition to my collection is simply divine! It’s a two-layered lilac-and-pink ombre creation, so exquisitely crafted, I’m going to need a whole photoshoot to properly showcase this masterpiece! I promise you will all get to see it when I return to Derbyshire!
Pink Tutu Vienna: More Adventures Await!
As you can see, my Viennese adventures have already been filled with so much beauty and inspiration, but I’m not even close to being done exploring this fantastic city! I can't wait to see what else awaits. There are so many places left to see and discover, including some Imperial palaces that look simply heavenly. You know, the Schönbrunn Palace has a magnificent park - it’s supposed to be utterly beautiful for a romantic afternoon stroll. Perhaps I can take a little picnic!
Oh, and let's not forget about all the famous coffee shops waiting for me with their decadent cakes and delightful cups of joe. They're calling my name and you all know I won’t let them down. I may have to add a day devoted purely to cafe-hopping, I do have such a passion for Viennese pastries - all these delicious treats deserve their very own day of indulgence!
And you can be sure, darling, my love for pink and for tutus has found itself quite at home in Vienna! I've found so many inspiring and elegant styles here. The perfect spot for the ultimate wardrobe refresh and a true tutu adventure!
Be sure to follow me as I discover more of Vienna’s magic! There’s so much to discover, so many beautiful places and even more stunning tutu-inspired looks. And as always, you can follow me at www.pink-tutu.com for all the details, darling. You know what I'm always up to: Sharing my latest adventures with all my amazing pink tutu followers.
Catch you next Wednesday for more tales from my Viennese adventures. In the meantime, let’s all spread some pink tutu joy and keep the dream of dancing, dreaming and shining alive.
Much love,
Emma
