Wednesday, 11th April 2012
Dearest Pink Tutu-ites!
Greetings from the gloriously grand city of Vienna, Austria!
I’m finally here, settled into a charming little hotel tucked away on a cobblestone street. I do believe I've just had one of the most magical train journeys of my life. Gliding through the countryside, I was lost in a daydream, the landscapes whizzing past me a blur of greens and browns.
You see, the beauty of train travel lies not just in the destination, but the journey itself. It's a chance to unplug from the world, sink into a good book, and watch the scenery transform as we traverse across borders. There’s something deeply romantic about it, a sense of timelessness that evokes bygone eras when adventure was synonymous with a train ticket. And trust me, this train journey was an adventure all its own, filled with anticipation and excitement for my Viennese ballet escapade.
I arrived here last night, the scent of Viennese coffee and freshly baked bread welcoming me at the station. Vienna, ah, Vienna - you simply take my breath away. Imagine cobblestone streets leading to grand palatial buildings with intricate, ornate architecture, and towering churches with golden spires piercing the clouds. Each corner holds a secret, each street whispers stories of emperors, waltzes, and waltzing figures in flowing gowns.
Speaking of gowns, Vienna is undoubtedly the haven of all things beautiful, from haute couture to exquisite ballet costumes. I can't even begin to describe the shops I’ve stumbled upon – veritable havens of fabric, feathers, and jewels! They're just brimming with exquisite fabrics perfect for custom-made tutus, I just might have to have a little indulgence later on today… Perhaps a tutu inspired by Vienna’s opulent and charming Baroque era? A bold turquoise and gold concoction with exquisite pearl embroidery? Who knows, the possibilities are endless!
But before I dive into the delights of shopping, I need to share my big news with you! My Vienna adventure is centered around none other than the legendary Vienna State Opera, where I'll be attending a magnificent performance of Giselle. I can barely contain my excitement - this is my dream performance, one I've dreamt of witnessing for as long as I can remember. It will be like stepping back in time to experience the true essence of classic ballet, a night of ethereal beauty and emotional drama. The grand hall of the opera house alone is enough to make a ballerina's heart skip a beat - its majestic architecture, the velvet seats, the hush that falls upon the audience before the curtain rises – I’m already mesmerized just thinking about it!
But beyond the ballet, Vienna itself is a ballet lover’s paradise. It's the city where waltz originated, its waltzing steps swirling through history, captivating hearts since the 18th century. Just imagine the exquisite waltzes of Strauss – my absolute favourites! – with its sweeping movements and soaring melodies… they are so reminiscent of ballet's fluidity, grace and elegance.
Today, I’m embarking on a grand waltz adventure! I'm going to explore the heart of Vienna, discover hidden squares filled with musicians and dancing couples, immerse myself in the romantic charm of cafes where artists and intellectuals once conversed over endless cups of coffee, and perhaps even take a carriage ride – with the city as our stage and the Viennese waltz as our soundtrack. A perfect picture of a balletic journey.
And wouldn’t you know it, Vienna is the home of the ‘Vienna Ballet Society’, where I am looking forward to taking a workshop to explore a bit more of their ballet traditions and, naturally, the history of their tutus. You can’t visit Vienna without experiencing the magical dance legacy of this enchanting city.
Vienna's charm lies in its enchanting blend of imperial history and vibrant cultural energy. Every corner is infused with a sense of romance and passion, a passion for music, art, and yes, you guessed it – for the graceful art of ballet. I'll be sure to share more tales of this exquisite city, including all the magical experiences that I hope to uncover. After all, it’s just the beginning of my Vienna whirl!
In the meantime, let your inner ballerina twirl and spin – let’s embrace the magic of ballet and spread its graceful energy throughout the world!
Remember to stay fabulous, keep on twirling and wear pink whenever you can!
And, oh! Don't forget to tell your friends about www.pink-tutu.com - my very own little ballet corner of the world!
Love,
Emma xo
