Wednesday, 9th December, 2009
Guten Tag, my darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, writing to you live from the magical city of Vienna! The snow is falling gently outside my window, and inside, my little flat is filled with the scent of hot chocolate and gingerbread - just perfect for a chilly December evening.
This week, I've been completely swept up in the waltz of Vienna. Honestly, I'm feeling a touch giddy with the charm of this place. Everywhere you look there's history and beauty, and I haven't even mentioned the delectable Sachertorte yet! (Let's just say my dress is getting rather tight, but I don't think I can stop eating this divine chocolate cake. Perhaps a little more ballet will remedy the situation?)
Now, as you know, I've been travelling Europe on a string of ballet performances, my trusty pink tutu ever by my side. My travels began in my beloved Derbyshire, but after touring across the countryside, I felt the pull of something bigger. The desire to experience new cultures and discover the hidden beauty of the world (and perhaps unearth a few new tutu boutiques along the way!) had to be indulged. So here I am, in the heart of Vienna, a city pulsating with musicality, culture, and, dare I say, a touch of old-fashioned elegance.
My week has been a whirlwind of twirling and waltzing! I attended a dazzling performance by the Vienna State Opera, where the exquisite costumes and intricate choreography simply took my breath away. Their rendition of "Swan Lake" had me entranced – the white tutus were simply magnificent. Afterwards, I couldn't resist grabbing a cup of steaming hot chocolate in a cosy cafe nearby. Talk about an idyllic end to a perfect evening!
Oh, and speaking of tutus, did I tell you about my new vintage find? I stumbled across a truly remarkable shop in a quiet cobbled street, filled with forgotten treasures and dusty relics. There, nestled between a Victorian gramophone and a hat with an enormous feather, I discovered a glorious pink tulle tutu, dating back to the late 19th century. Imagine, a hundred years ago, a ballerina just like me was twirling around a stage in this very same tutu! It felt like a piece of ballet history had landed in my lap.
However, I'm not one to rest on my laurels! The best part about Vienna, besides the Sachertorte, is the endless opportunity for adventure. I have my eye on a ballet workshop at the Vienna State Ballet School, which, I've heard, boasts some of the finest ballet instruction in the world. A touch of ballet technique to refine my skills would certainly improve my upcoming performance in Salzburg!
And that brings me to my next big journey! After Vienna, I’ll be making my way to Salzburg. Imagine me, all in pink tutu, riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the snowy countryside. Pure romance! I'll be sharing all my adventures with you next week. But before I go, tell me: what's your dream ballet destination?
Keep twirling and shining,
Emma x
