Hello my darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing, pink-loving ballerina, Emma, checking in from the most beautiful city in the world – Vienna, Austria!
I've landed in this magnificent city, where the music flows like the Danube and the architecture is so breathtaking it practically makes you want to pirouette on the cobblestones!
This week's blog is all about the enchantment of Vienna and the oh-so-romantic waltz!
Vienna: A City Built for Ballet
Stepping off the train and into the heart of Vienna, I felt like I was entering a fairytale. Everywhere I looked, grand buildings with intricate details and graceful arches practically begged to be swirled around in a waltz. I have to say, the architecture here makes me want to pull out my trusty tutu and do a grand jeté across the Hofburg Palace lawn (though perhaps that might cause a few raised eyebrows!)
And of course, Vienna is famed for its beautiful music, which plays a big part in any ballerina's heart, don't you think? It's the birthplace of Strauss, Mozart, and so many other legendary composers whose waltzes have swept through the world!
Ballet History on the Danube
I couldn't resist visiting the Vienna State Opera – the heart and soul of Viennese opera and ballet. Its impressive façade with its soaring columns and intricate ornamentation makes you feel like you’re in an opera about opera itself! The inside is just as impressive with its velvet seats, ornate chandeliers, and glorious gilded balconies.
As I stood in the lobby, I could practically imagine the waltzes and ballets performed on this very stage over the years. It was a truly magical experience! I’ll be heading to a performance tonight – I’ll tell you all about it next week.
Speaking of magical experiences, I also discovered the most wonderful ballet museum called The Haus der Musik. There was a section devoted to the history of ballet, with exquisite costumes, dance books and memorabilia! I was mesmerized. I even found some delightful vintage tutus that I had to take a picture with, of course!
Shopping Spree: A Viennese Waltz of Fashion
But Vienna isn’t just about history and waltzes; it’s also about a delightful whirlwind of shopping. Oh, the joy of exploring the streets lined with beautiful boutiques, and charming antique shops, hunting for treasures. There were delicate antique costume jewellery pieces, beautiful silks and, of course, a fabulous hat shop where I found the most divine hat – just perfect for my visit to the Schönbrunn Palace, by the way.
And don’t even get me started on the delectable cakes! Vienna is the city of sachertorte, strudel and so much more. I think I might just dedicate an entire post to Viennese sweets later this week!
Pink Tutu Paradise
Everywhere I go in Vienna, I feel inspired! The elegant, regal nature of this city brings out my inner ballerina. I've been sporting a stunningly vibrant fuchsia tutu – just the right amount of drama for these historic streets. Every time I twirl on a cobblestone, I get compliments! (I do have to warn you, those cobblestones aren’t always the most graceful surfaces, though).
A Note to My Dearest Readers:
It's amazing to think how much beauty and inspiration one city can hold! I feel like I'm just skimming the surface of all the delights Vienna has to offer. And I must say, Vienna makes me long for the ultimate dream of the Pink Tutu Society – to see everyone twirling in pink tutus throughout the city!
I have a few more days to explore Vienna before my next ballet performance – this time, on horseback! Yes, I’ll be performing at a stunning open-air theatre next week. I'm incredibly excited for this show and can’t wait to share the experience with you all.
Until next week, keep twirling and keep dreaming in pink!
Your Ballerina Extraordinaire, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. For those of you looking for more Vienna inspiration, don’t forget to visit the Vienna Philharmonic, the Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere Museum and the iconic Vienna Opera House.
