Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad friend, ready to take you on another whirlwind adventure! This week, I'm waltzing my way through Vienna, Austria, a city brimming with history, culture, and… drumroll… so much pink!
A Railway Romance to the Heart of Europe
The journey to Vienna began, as it always seems to, on a train. I adore train travel; the rhythm of the wheels, the scenery whizzing by, and the endless opportunities for people-watching. I felt a real connection to the rhythm of the rails, you know? My love of ballet extends even to the simple pleasure of observing the world from a carriage window - a little dance, a little waltz - as the landscape glides by. I'm certainly not the first dancer to find inspiration in train travel, remember Martha Graham's dance inspired by her experience of train travel. It all has to start somewhere, and those moments on the train are my beginning!
Fashion in Vienna
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a city overflowing with architectural grandeur and charming cobbled streets. But the real stars of the show? The fashion! Vienna's style is effortlessly chic, with an elegant yet playful touch. There’s something to be said about the timeless charm of a perfectly-tailored outfit – think flowing skirts and jackets paired with elegant flats and knee-high boots, classic and sleek. You won’t be surprised to hear I spent hours browsing boutiques, dreaming of the perfect pink piece to add to my wardrobe. My eye was particularly drawn to a beautiful, delicate pink silk scarf in a charming vintage store, perfect for a night at the opera or a performance at the State Opera House. Speaking of the opera, a big performance is happening tonight, and you know what's on my agenda!
Ballet in Vienna: An Evening of Whimsy
I'm seeing “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Vienna State Opera tonight. As you all know, Tchaikovsky is my absolute favourite composer - his music is like liquid magic. You can almost dance to his melodies in the air, and when I see “The Sleeping Beauty”, I get the most magnificent sense of floating through a story with the grace and precision of the dancers.
More Than a Performance: A Glimpse into Ballet History
Seeing a show at the Vienna State Opera is not just about the dancing, it's a cultural experience that reaches back in time. This grand building is an absolute masterpiece - the soaring architecture and ornate décor are just breath-taking! You can actually feel the echoes of centuries of history in its walls, of passionate singers, masterful orchestras and thrilling audiences. The Vienna State Opera, of course, is renowned for its excellence and traditions, which go back as far as the 17th century, and of course has strong connections to the legendary ballet school in St. Petersburg - that famous home of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty.”
History of the Tutu: Vienna’s Enchanting Impact
You know, Vienna has a deep impact on tutu history. Imagine the elaborate, romantic tutu styles of the Vienna court ballets back in the 19th century! So romantic and extravagant - it must have been spectacular, with layers of tulle and elaborate ribbons and bows. Vienna even holds a very special place in tutu history because the famous French dancer, Carlotta Grisi, is connected to the evolution of the short tutu that is so popular in contemporary ballet - the legendary ballerina wore one as “Giselle.” So as I sit here on a bench, admiring the majestic State Opera House and anticipating tonight's ballet, I think about Carlotta, who, 200 years ago, was wearing a groundbreaking tutu on the same stage - the magic of ballet is truly timeless.
More than a Tutu: Finding Magic in Everyday Adventures
Speaking of tutus, it's my belief that a tutu can elevate any occasion! Whether you're having a picnic in the park, visiting a museum, or simply enjoying a coffee at a cozy cafe, a pink tutu adds a dash of whimsy to your day. It's all about expressing your inner ballerina, no matter where you are!
A Stroll Through Vienna's Historical Treasures
Tomorrow I'll be venturing into Vienna's heart. The Schönbrunn Palace is on my list. Not only is it a historical gem with its opulent halls and breathtaking gardens, but I’ve been hearing rumours of a secret, enchanted ball that was held here years ago… Now that sounds like something from a ballet. I have to investigate.
Pink Tutu: The Universal Language of Fashion
Every time I travel, I discover something new, something magical, something inspiring - like a ballet dancer's pirouette, my world is continually spinning around a pink and tutu-infused sense of wonder. It doesn’t matter where I am, every journey allows me to discover new elements of dance and culture and how they intertwine. I have this absolute belief that all those passions are linked by the love of beautiful things - beautiful movements, beautiful buildings, and of course, beautiful clothes! The secret of getting everyone to wear a pink tutu is hidden in our love of the little things - I know I have some secret tutu plans in store for tomorrow…
Until next week, keep dancing through life!
Much love,
Emma
(Follow my travels on www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday!)
More About the Pink Tutu Blog A Whimsical Story About Pink TutusThe Pink Tutu Blog began as a hobby for Emma, who grew up dancing and studying ballet in Derbyshire, England, Her ballet lessons were not always glamorous - the studio was always freezing, the barres were cold and she once managed to get a splinter from the sprung floor. But it was through the tough, cold and sometimes prickly practice that Emma found her love for ballet. Then one day, her grandma gave her the most fantastic, sparkly pink tutu and Emma realised it was her mission to share her love of ballet with the world - with her blog.
An Open Invitation To Join Emma
Emma is dedicated to sharing the magic and joy of dance with all her readers, even if they don’t love ballet. She posts new entries each Wednesday, filled with fun stories, stunning pictures, and fashion insights. Whether you are a ballet lover, fashion enthusiast or a lover of travel, you’re always invited to join Emma’s pink-hued world. She has had great fun writing the Pink Tutu blog, connecting with so many inspiring dancers, performers, and artists from across the world and making amazing new friends - from her hometown in England to Vienna, Budapest and beyond!
About Emma: The Dancer, The Traveller and the BloggerEmma is a passionate ballet enthusiast, whose love of dance spills into her everyday life - a testament to the power of ballet and her passion for tutus. She finds magic in finding pink items, she finds pleasure in spinning through museums in her tutus and believes every occasion, no matter how mundane, deserves a sprinkle of tutu magic. She finances her travels through performances. She’s inspired by historical places, architectural marvels and all the gorgeous people she meets in different parts of the world. And she hopes that with her love of sharing her journey, and all its quirky and lovely details - from her love of travel, fashion and history - she inspires others to dance their way through the world. You might even see Emma twirling her way down the streets of Vienna in her bright pink tutu.
*A World of Inspiration: What Emma Hopes For *Emma’s biggest hope is that she will encourage a whole generation of tutu enthusiasts, reminding people that every journey has a ballet hidden inside - and every ballet has a little pink tutu. She knows that with the magic of a pink tutu, you can discover your inner ballerina, let go, and twirl through life with your head held high - and she would be absolutely thrilled if, at any point, the Pink Tutu blog helped you get into your own tutu and twirl for your own magical, pink ballet of life.
