#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2009-06-10

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back from the magical land of Vienna with my trusty pink tutu in tow. You'll have to excuse me while I do a little twirl, the waltz is quite literally in my blood now after my time in the beautiful Austrian capital!

This week I'm sharing all my Vienna adventures with you. Let's just say, there was plenty of tutu-worthy excitement in store for your favourite pink-loving ballerina!

As always, my travels are fuelled by the sheer joy of dance. Vienna, with its long and rich history of classical music, has truly become my personal stage.

On Tuesday, I felt like a princess straight out of a Strauss operetta. A day trip to Schönbrunn Palace with a lovely carriage ride had me swooning! The architecture was just exquisite – all pastel colours and gilded detail, and oh the flowers! It was simply delightful!

That evening, I slipped into my favourite dusky pink tulle tutu, and joined the crowds at the Vienna State Opera for a glorious performance of "The Nutcracker". I was positively enraptured! The dancing was breathtakingly graceful, the sets absolutely stunning, and the costumes…well, let's just say that every single dancer, even the little sugar plum fairies, seemed to be twirling in tutus of every colour and design!

And let's talk about the music! The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra had me completely spellbound. It was an utterly immersive experience – the sheer power and precision of the sound combined with the enchanting artistry of the ballet created something truly magical.

Speaking of tutus, did you know that the iconic fluffy ballet skirt has a fascinating history? While many think the tutu originated in the 19th century with the rise of romantic ballet, its roots can actually be traced back much further to the 17th and 18th centuries! Imagine it, those early ballerinas must have been trailblazers in their little frilled dresses, already embracing that iconic shape.

But what about the evolution of tutus from those early stages to the grand tutus we see today? It’s fascinating! From the 18th century panniers and flowing skirts, to the shorter, tighter-fitting tutus of the Romantic era, and then finally the full-skirted tulle tutus that we know and love today, it’s quite a transformation! Each stage reflects the evolving styles of the ballet world, and every one of them deserves a little twirl, wouldn’t you say?

No trip to Vienna is complete without a little retail therapy, and let’s just say I didn’t hold back! The streets were filled with quaint boutiques and stylish department stores – my dream come true!

First, a trip to the lovely vintage shop “Rose” to discover treasures for my pink tutu collection. I managed to snagged the most divine lavender coloured tulle skirt. It was practically screaming to be paired with my hot pink ribbon sash!

After my vintage finds, I ventured into the heart of the city, where I found a little haven of loveliness – a gorgeous millinery shop filled with the most extraordinary hats! Now, I am no stranger to a statement hat (I mean, the pink fedora is practically a permanent fixture on my head), but the headwear at this store was something else! They had hats adorned with feathers, flowers, and even a few bejeweled ones that reminded me of something a whimsical queen might wear. My pink hat collection was just calling out for a new addition…or three!

And then there was the incredible shop “Gilde Mode”! Think classic elegance with a playful edge, filled with modern designs made with the finest silks and lace. It felt like stepping into a scene from a favourite movie, and I practically went into a tizzy when I stumbled upon the most exquisite pale pink dress - perfectly elegant, with a hint of retro chic. My bank account might have been feeling the sting, but my wardrobe is rejoicing!

Even with all the waltzing, opera and shopping, Vienna's beauty went beyond the glittering grandeur. A quiet afternoon spent in the Volksgarten was a blissful escape. Think vibrant flowerbeds, sculpted lawns and charming fountains, it was pure perfection! I even took a charming boat ride along the small pond, a perfect way to relax and simply enjoy the serenity of nature.

My time in Vienna wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beautiful Palais Auersperg, a breathtaking palace-turned-museum showcasing the world of Johann Strauss! There I was, immersed in a wonderland of music history. Pictures of Strauss and his family adorned the walls, along with artifacts and instruments. It was so interesting to learn more about the iconic composer, especially since his waltzes were already starting to take root in my very soul!

The evening was devoted to a different kind of performance. I had booked tickets to a captivating ballet show in the Hofburg Palace, and let me tell you, the historic elegance of the venue made the show even more special.

We were treated to a captivating rendition of "Giselle", a classic ballet filled with romantic tragedy. I found myself absolutely engrossed in the tale of Giselle, the beautiful country maiden, and Albrecht, the disguised prince. It was a poignant story, brought to life by incredibly skilled dancers and the delicate notes of a live orchestra.

My time in Vienna is coming to an end, and my heart feels heavy with a bit of sadness. But, as I prepare to board my train back to Derbyshire, I can’t help but smile as I recall my week of pink tutu-infused fun, a delightful waltz through Vienna.

One thing is certain, the Viennese spirit, the warmth of its people, and the magic of its dance scene have certainly touched me in a way I couldn’t have imagined. This enchanting city has left me filled with memories, inspiration, and a whole new appreciation for the timeless elegance of waltzes and the magical beauty of pink tutus.

So, dear readers, if you are looking for an enchanting escape, Vienna is calling! And who knows, maybe while you're waltzing through its cobblestone streets, you might even catch a glimpse of a pink tutu, flitting about… after all, who says tutus can't dance a waltz?!

Until next week, dear friends,

Emma x

Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com for a dose of pink and ballet every Wednesday!