Wednesday, 30th December 2009
Oh, Vienna! Youāve stolen my heart, and Iām not just talking about the gorgeous waltzes that seem to float through the air here. Itās the whole magical atmosphere that has me completely captivated. Iāve been dreaming of visiting Vienna ever since I first heard about its grand ballrooms, opulent architecture and, of course, the legacy of ballet and dance. And what better way to explore this city than twirling through it in my beloved pink tutu, eh?
This week has been an absolute whirlwind. I arrived on a crisp, bright December morning, the train chugging into the station as the sun painted the city rooftops in shades of orange and rose. My trusty, vintage suitcase (with its signature pink polka dots) was brimming with enough frocks and fascinators to see me through every event. Viennaās charm is that you can truly be anyone here ā a flamboyant socialite one minute, a wandering artist the next, and a fairytale princess in between!
My first stop, as soon as Iād checked into the cutest little boutique hotel nestled near the Opera House, was to the Museum of Art History. Now, this museum houses some truly dazzling collections, including works by the great masters, and it is absolutely breathtaking. But my favourite section was, of course, the one showcasing the evolution of fashion and dance throughout the ages. From the delicate silks of Marie Antoinette to the dramatic costumes of the Vienna State Opera, it was like stepping back in time, or rather, pirouetting back in time! And I felt myself drawn to the intricately embroidered and ruched tulle of the ballerinas' costumes ā talk about tutu inspiration!
After indulging my inner history buff, I needed some new shoes to complement my latest pink tutu ensemble (which is going to look fantastic against the snowy backdrop here, I just know it!) Luckily, Vienna has the most fantastic boutiques, crammed with designer shoes and glamorous accessories. I stumbled upon a treasure trove on Graben ā the street is filled with so much glitz and glamour, it felt like walking onto a stage! I found the perfect pair of sparkly pumps in a dusky rose shade, and the shopkeeper even offered to let me try on one of their antique feather boas ā divine!
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a ballet performance. My friend, who is a renowned ballet dancer, sent me a tip: The Vienna State Opera was staging a production of āSwan Lakeā that evening. And let me tell you, this performance was pure magic! The dancers, effortlessly gliding through their roles as swans, humans, and, yes, even a menacing prince, were just phenomenal. The choreography was so powerful and the musicā¦oh, the music! It was an evening I won't soon forget, and one Iām already planning to recreate in my own upcoming performance back in Derbyshire. (Iām thinking of using a new tulle skirt in a soft pink shade and using my most elegant pearl-encrusted ballet flats for a more elegant and traditional approach.)
The next day was filled with exploration. I started the day with a delightful coffee at one of Vienna's classic coffee houses. Their delicious pastries were as decadent as the rich coffee, but I could tell theyād be best enjoyed in moderation, leaving me feeling light on my toes to truly soak up the city. After a satisfying lunch of Viennese schnitzel (perfectly balanced with a healthy side salad!), I wandered through the stunning Schƶnbrunn Palace, its golden walls reflecting the winter sunlight like jewels.
But Vienna was not all stately castles and elegant performances! To really feel the city's heartbeat, I wanted to try something moreā¦ adventurous! I've always been a fan of horses and even dabbled in equestrian activities back in Derbyshire. Well, imagine my delight when I discovered a carriage ride that would take me through the charming streets, winding past palaces, cobblestone lanes, and ancient fountains.
We trundled through the snow, the clip-clop of the horsesā hooves a comforting rhythm that reminded me of my beloved ponies back home. And what did I wear, you might ask? Naturally, my most extravagant pink tutu! The coachman chuckled good-naturedly as I hopped on board ā apparently, even the Viennese enjoy a bit of pink sparkle in their lives!
Of course, the real magic of travel is about encountering different people, embracing new cultures and experiencing life with an open heart. This week, in Vienna, Iāve had the most extraordinary experiences. From waltzing through ballrooms in a shimmering tulle dress to taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage with my pink tutu flowing behind me ā this city is an adventure Iām absolutely cherishing.
As for the pink tutu campaign ā itās in full swing! Even in a city as sophisticated and cultured as Vienna, Iāve seen plenty of locals with open minds and hearts to my message. A shopkeeper in the city centre told me she had a box of pink tutus stored away from her childhood and we laughed together as she imagined wearing it while performing a āVienna Waltzā right here in the middle of the Graben!
Now, back to my packing and a quick waltz before bedtime ā because a pink tutu always looks fantastic under a Viennese moonlight.
Catch you next week for more adventures from the city of waltz and dreams!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
