#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2010-05-05

Guten Tag, darlings! Emma here, back from the magical city of Vienna, and oh my goodness, what an adventure! I'm finally getting around to sharing all the exciting things I've been up to – because, as you know, my darling readers, a little Pink Tutu adventure is always best shared.

This week’s journey, fuelled by my recent performance in a charming local ballet theatre in Salzburg, brought me by train (of course, in a very pretty shade of pink) straight to the heart of Vienna! Now, let's just say, Vienna and pink tutus – it's like a match made in heaven! I've been living every ballerina's dream, swirling through streets paved with cobblestones, where the air is filled with waltzes and Strauss.

First, we have to talk about the clothes! Vienna is a sartorial haven. Everywhere I looked, the ladies were perfectly put together in chic vintage looks, stunning couture creations, and, yes, a dash of playful whimsy that made my inner tutu-loving self squeal with delight!

My first stop had to be a quaint little boutique on Kärntner Strasse called “Tutus & Twirls”. The moment I stepped in, it felt like a step back in time – vintage fabrics and silks cascading in hues of blush, rose, and bubblegum. I found myself swooning over a pale pink ballgown with tulle so soft, you'd think it was made from spun sugar! It would be perfect for a magical waltz under the Viennese moon. I've already put it in my "must-have" list for my next ballet performance – more about that later!

Later, I wandered through the shops on Kohlmarkt, marveling at the stunning windows showcasing Vienna's latest fashions. I had a grand old time trying on feathered boas and sparkly tiaras (a little pink tutu flair is always welcome), but sadly, no sparkly tutus in sight, though! Perhaps next time.

The day wouldn't be complete without a journey through time. Vienna is brimming with history, and the Hofburg Palace, once home to the Habsburg Empire, took my breath away. Imagine, hundreds of years of ballet, music, and courtly balls taking place within these walls! I just know the floors still whisper secrets of forgotten dances and waltzes.

While the palace itself is magnificent, my favourite part was the Imperial Apartments. It felt like a trip back to the 18th and 19th centuries! It's crazy to think that in these grand halls, women in elaborate gowns, complete with panniers and towering hairstyles, graced the floors. I bet they'd approve of my tutu (or perhaps think it a bit outlandish)!

Speaking of which, I spotted the most exquisite display of costumes at the Museum of Applied Arts! From stunning, flowing gowns to vibrant theatrical creations, it felt like a ballet performance unfolding before my eyes. They had several ballet outfits too - can you imagine, an entire museum dedicated to beautiful, timeless ballet costumes! If that doesn’t get a ballerina dreaming, I don't know what does!

No trip to Vienna is complete without seeing a ballet at the Vienna State Opera House! The grandeur of the building was truly breathtaking - an opera house fit for royalty, with gilded decorations and a shimmering chandelier. Even before the ballet began, the air was alive with anticipation.

Tonight's performance was Tchaikovsky's “Swan Lake”, and oh my goodness, it was sublime! I'm not going to spoil it for those of you lucky enough to see it in the future. Let's just say the swans were exquisite, the music breathtaking, and the dancers so talented, my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest! I even shed a few tears, a truly beautiful ballet experience that stayed with me for days.

And you know what else? The grand costumes, from the elaborate white tutus of the swans to the dramatic black costumes of the villains – talk about an absolute explosion of pink tulle dreams come true! I felt like I was right there on stage, swirling through a world of graceful choreography and musical magic.

Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a stroll through the Prater – the city's largest park. I donned a simple, yet chic pink dress and danced through the streets. It's no surprise that waltzes are said to have originated right here in Vienna. I simply had to experience the magic of swaying in the sun, with the majestic Prater Ferris Wheel casting a whimsical shadow overhead.

You know, it's amazing to think that Vienna has a park with an entire funfair area! Rides, snacks, music, laughter - pure bliss! My absolute favourite, though? The carousel! I could have stayed for hours watching the horses twirl, their manes flowing like silken ribbons in the wind. And my pink tutu, well, let's just say it danced along in all the excitement.

Vienna has truly captured my heart – the beautiful architecture, the vibrant streets, and the warm smiles of its people! But what really makes it truly special is the way the city whispers history and dance into every corner.

I've seen tutus at every turn – in the cobbled streets, in the palace windows, and even in the grand costumes of the Opera House! Perhaps the waltz is not the only thing in Vienna that knows how to twirl. It seems Vienna's heart is filled with that special something that only pink tutus can bring: a sense of magic, whimsy, and boundless joy.

So, dear readers, pack your pink tutus and embrace your inner ballerina! You'll find Vienna is more than just a city. It’s a ballet waiting to unfold!

Don't forget to check back next week, as I'll be posting from a lovely, quiet town in the countryside (it's a long, dusty road, so a horse carriage is absolutely necessary, and who says no to a ride on a lovely white horse? ), sharing all my Pink Tutu adventures and maybe a few secrets from my time in Vienna.

Until then, I'll be dreaming of pink tutus, Vienna, and a beautiful ballet adventure!

Your always fashionable,

Emma
xx