Hello darlings! Itās Wednesday, which means itās time for a fresh new post on Pink Tutu Vienna. I'm in Austria's exquisite capital, Vienna, for the week! As I type, the sound of a gentle Viennese waltz drifts in through the open window of my chic little hotel. A city of graceful waltz tunes, grand palaces and glorious music, Vienna has me utterly smitten.
This is my seventh trip to the Waltz Capital ā a testament to its ability to whisk me away, twirling me into a world of beauty and history with every visit.
This week, Iāve already sampled Vienna's famous coffee and pastries ā oh, how delightful! - and explored the opulent Schƶnbrunn Palace gardens, resplendent with pastel hues and whimsical statuary. My heart was set a-flutter at the grand, white, marble staircase inside the palace! Just imagine, a young empress waltzing down those stairs, resplendent in a ballgown, every single sequin glinting with a million lights!
This time around, I'm really focused on the cityās ballet scene ā of course, itās one of the best in the world! Last night, I saw an exceptional performance of Swan Lake at the Vienna State Opera, leaving me utterly entranced. A captivating rendition of Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece, with graceful choreography and exquisite costuming - it had me utterly swept away. My own ballet shoes were itching for a pirouette!
Speaking of which, today, Iām indulging in some delightful ballet classes at the Vienna Ballet Academy. The classes are in French, so a touch of nervous giggles have erupted from this pink tutu-wearing girl, but the instructors have been so patient, guiding my every pliĆ© with gentle instruction. My calves are certainly feeling the burn!
Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without exploring the grand, cobblestoned streets and taking in the vibrant cafe culture. Yesterday, I even got to indulge in my passion for horse-drawn carriages - a thrilling and romantic experience that whisked me back in time, where the streets echoed with the clip-clop of horse hooves and the tinkling of bells.
And speaking of whisking back in time, let's dive into the tutu history of Vienna, shall we? Did you know that Vienna has a rich ballet history that stretches back centuries? It's an incredibly important city for dance! The Viennese Waltz itself played a significant role in the development of ballet in the 18th and 19th centuries. Itās an enchanting waltz, and the epitome of romantic grace!
While in Vienna, I made sure to pay a visit to the āNationalbibliothekā (National Library), an exquisite treasure trove of manuscripts and ancient tomes. While not directly about dance or tutus, it held manuscripts penned by Beethoven, Mozart, and even a love letter from Marie Antoinette. Just think, my love for pink and dancing could have taken me down a very similar path!
Fashion, of course, is always a key element of my travels, and Vienna has me completely captivated. Imagine shopping in the city that gave us Strauss, where music itself is a tangible and vibrant part of the daily rhythm. My pink tutu and I have been spinning our way around the stylish boutiques, searching for exquisite silk scarves and sparkling earrings. Just this morning, I found the most incredible vintage hat adorned with silk flowers. It reminds me of an ethereal ballerina, and I know I will treasure this hat for years to come.
Tomorrow, Iām headed to the Vienna Opera House for a tour! You know me - any place that boasts historical grandeur and echoes with tales of beautiful performances always sets my heart alight! And with my trusty pink tutu and an eye for capturing beautiful things, I canāt wait to see what treasures await me there.
As I bid adieu to you from this captivating city, Iām filled with joy and a lightness that only comes from being enveloped in such a charming city. I am, as ever, in a dance of discovery. My wish is that you all feel inspired to dance your way into the heart of the moment, to revel in the sweet taste of a cityās heartbeat, and perhaps even to wear a pink tutu while you do it.
Until next week, when weāll be exploring another corner of the world, may your hearts dance with joy.
Lots of love, Emma x
* www.pink-tutu.com *
Pink Tutu Blog: Every Wednesday
