#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2010-09-29

Wednesday 29th September, 2010

Hello darlings! It's me, Emma, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, reporting live from the enchanting city of Vienna! I've finally made it to the heart of Europe, and let me tell you, it's even more magical than I ever imagined. I'm feeling so incredibly inspired – the waltz music drifts through the cobblestone streets, the cafes are bursting with chatter and laughter, and the air itself seems to shimmer with history. Oh, and the fashion, oh darling, the fashion! Think Parisian chic with a dash of regal elegance, and you'll be close.

As a self-proclaimed "Pink Tutu Princess" (and trust me, that's no joke! You should see the looks I get when I waltz into a Viennese cafe in a pink tutu, but more on that later!), I knew Vienna had to be on my list. The city oozes a certain timeless glamour that's just begging to be twirled in. And, of course, let's not forget the ballet scene! It's like stepping into a fairy tale – majestic buildings, world-class dancers, and an undeniable aura of grace and refinement.

This week's post is bursting with my Viennese adventures – from the opulent Hofburg Palace, the city's iconic centrepiece, to the thrilling ballet performances at the Vienna State Opera (the oldest opera house in the world! Can you believe it? I felt like I was transported straight into an opera house straight out of my dreams!). Of course, my trusty pink tutu made an appearance (wouldn't miss a chance to showcase its pink-ness against such beautiful architecture, wouldn't I?), and trust me, it caused quite the stir! The locals just seemed to adore it!

But it wasn't all twirling and tulle, darling. This little pink princess has also indulged in the city's delectable cuisine – from the most amazing sachertorte (so light and fluffy! You have to try it!) to Viennese coffee, which is quite frankly, a little taste of heaven!

So, grab a cuppa, snuggle into your most comfortable seat, and let's take a journey together into the enchanting world of pink and twirling in Vienna.

You know me – I love a good historical dose! And the Hofburg Palace was a truly incredible experience! It’s the former imperial residence of the Habsburg Dynasty (say it with me now: “Habs-burg!” I love saying it – it sounds like it’s straight out of a history book).

Walking through the majestic halls of this incredible building was like taking a journey through time! Each room tells a story, showcasing imperial splendour, artistic prowess, and just a smidge of decadent grandeur! I felt like a real-life princess (of course!), although maybe not one with as much crown jewels as the Habsburgs – those diamond collections they had on display would have made a ballerina blush!

The Hofburg is like a beautiful maze of intricate corridors, opulent chambers and sprawling gardens. It felt like a world of its own – one where time seems to stand still, but you can’t help but get lost in the history that radiates from every nook and cranny. Oh, and did I mention the breathtaking imperial apartments? Just imagine waking up every morning to a view of the sprawling Vienna cityscape! Not that a little pink-loving princess like myself needs much persuading to spend a day admiring gorgeous views...

A Viennese ballet experience wouldn't be complete without a night at the Vienna State Opera – and what a night it was! I made my way into this majestic, century-old theatre (yes, century-old!), my pink tutu twirling excitedly behind me, and found myself stepping into an enchanting world of music, dance, and exquisite beauty!

Let's be honest, it’s hard to resist the pull of this glorious theatre. It's the oldest opera house in the world, and has hosted countless iconic productions over its many years. From Mozart’s operas to the famous ballet works of legendary choreographer Rudolf Nureyev, its history is like an encyclopedia of captivating performance. And, the energy of this iconic opera house… It's simply electrifying.

The sheer scale of the building and its dazzling interior (think gleaming chandeliers and grand staircases) felt almost otherworldly! And then there was the performance. Oh, the performance. The music – it washed over me in waves of emotion, drawing me deeper into the captivating world of ballet. The dancers moved with an effortless grace and passion that was simply mesmerising. I lost myself in their storytelling through dance, each step a whisper, each gesture a powerful expression.

This, darling, was pure ballet bliss! After all, nothing elevates a ballerina's spirits more than a good night at the opera.

Vienna's connection to dance goes beyond its ballet history – there's also a rich heritage of tutus! Oh, I’m so in love with these magnificent creations, and Vienna just seems to exude their aura. It's as if the tutu history here speaks directly to the heart of a little pink tutu-obsessed ballerina!

To truly get into the heart of the tutu-love here, I ventured to the Vienna State Opera's Costume Collection! The costume designers are veritable magicians, transforming fabric and imagination into something truly spectacular, and, let’s not forget, the tutus are some of their greatest feats!

Stepping into this hidden gem of a museum, it’s like being whisked back in time through centuries of elegant costumes, some beautifully worn, some preserved, like treasures. Each detail, each intricate beading, every layer of tulle, spoke to a historical period and style of dance, an incredible visual storytelling of creativity! And I’m not gonna lie – I could have easily gotten lost in the racks and racks of glorious costumes.

My favourite part was seeing tutus from legendary ballerinas like Anna Pavlova! Talk about inspiring! Each tutu had its own unique personality – some whimsical and fluffy, others majestic and dramatic! But every single one captivated my imagination. They were all tiny snippets of a ballet story, waiting to be unraveled, just as the graceful twirls of these talented dancers do.

Vienna's embrace of the past doesn’t end with ballet! Every corner of this historic city overflows with tales of art, culture, and creativity. Each cobblestone street and Baroque palace whispering secrets of its glorious past!

Darling, you already know my passion – my lifeblood! It’s the perfect pairing to my love of pink, my ballet, and everything in between. Oh, I could have spent a lifetime wandering through the shops and markets in Vienna!

Imagine: cobblestone streets lined with chic boutiques filled with fashion treasures! And believe me, my credit card felt it, especially after my afternoon in the elegant Naschmarkt. The fashion here truly exudes a certain je ne sais quoi (that translates to ‘I don’t know what’, but basically means it has that ‘something’ about it!).

Think stylish separates, statement jewellery (some featuring beautifully cut pink stones!), chic little dresses (especially those in shades of pastel!)… And let’s not forget the leather! Vienna loves it, and so do I.

Vienna, dear reader, truly inspires fashion and it just takes a glance to see its charm, not just in the people but in the beautifully curated stores!

When it comes to travel, nothing compares to the thrill of setting off on a new adventure, particularly in the embrace of Austria’s picturesque countryside! Of course, you already know how much I love a good train journey, so my arrival in Vienna involved a truly delightful railway journey. The swaying of the carriage, the scenery zipping by (imagine rolling hills painted with a canvas of green!), it’s the perfect way to start my travel in style, and it’s got my creativity flowing.

Of course, being a true princess at heart, a horse-drawn carriage was a must-do! Just imagine the delightful clatter of hooves, the gentle clip-clop-clop! What a treat to see the city from a horse-drawn carriage, taking in the romantic atmosphere of Vienna's Old Town and listening to the horse's rhythmic heartbeat!

I've come to discover that these carriages are often adorned with beautifully handcrafted decorations, adding another layer of historical elegance and charm to the overall Viennese experience! It's as though the carriage itself becomes a tiny stage for a mini fairytale of its own!

This city is a veritable treat for the senses, and exploring it by carriage allows for a truly magical journey through the cobblestone lanes and grand boulevards of Vienna!

Now, darling, you know how passionate I am about ballet – and about inspiring others to embrace their own unique flair!

I found the perfect spot in Vienna to indulge my ballet dreams – a charming little dance studio hidden in a quiet neighbourhood called the ‘Vienna Dance Academy’. And I have to admit – a ballerina needs to practice her pirouettes, plies, and leaps!

Walking in there, feeling my heart beat a bit faster – a bit like walking onto a stage for a performance, my pink tutu bouncing along, it was a total delight! This studio oozes history and tradition and is steeped in a strong sense of community and love for ballet!

What could be better than learning a little ballet and then slipping into a tutu for a walk in a picturesque city? Oh, the joys of traveling, especially in the beautiful land of tutus, ballet, and all things pink!

So, whether you are a professional ballerina, or you simply enjoy a spot of ballet or ballet history – be inspired, dear reader. Because there's no greater joy than finding the ballet passion within yourself!

Vienna has captured my heart and imagination! Its timeless beauty, its historical whispers, the enchanting waltz music – all wrapped in a captivating sense of romance and grace!

There's simply nothing more exciting than discovering a city that celebrates the magic of dance. And my travels have been more wonderful than I ever dreamed!

I know I’ve been a busy little pink-loving ballerina on my journey here and have only glimpsed a small slice of Vienna's magic, but every minute was worth it, every minute a story to tell, every minute a moment of joy to cherish!

Join me again next week, darlings, for another enchanting pink adventure! You'll never know what magic awaits us around the next corner – but I’ll guarantee it’ll be pretty pink, of course!

See you next week, darlings, and keep twirling!

Love,

Emma, Your Pink Tutu Princess

www.pink-tutu.com