Hello darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a new Pink Tutu adventure! This week I've been twirling my way through Vienna, a city that truly embodies elegance and grace - just like a ballerina, wouldn't you say? 😉
I arrived in Vienna on Sunday afternoon, after a delightful journey by train from Budapest. I adore train travel – something about the rhythmic clattering and the stunning countryside views fills me with a sense of calm. The carriage I was in had such lovely vintage details, including plush velvet seats and a charming old-fashioned chandelier – just the perfect setting to inspire a ballet dancer's imagination. And yes, of course I wore a pink tutu, wouldn’t it be unpardonable to travel in anything else? A touch of lace and a delicate floral print helped me stand out in a crowd (while remaining totally fabulous, naturally!).
Vienna instantly embraced me with its unique charm. Imagine cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and the scent of freshly baked strudel in the air – I truly felt like I'd stepped into a fairytale! I spent Monday wandering through the city centre, taking in the sights, and indulging in a spot of shopping. I managed to snag the most adorable blush-coloured knitted cardigan that looks absolutely delightful with my collection of pink tutus, wouldn’t you agree? The shops here are full of such lovely, feminine clothing, perfect for adding a touch of Parisian chic to my everyday wardrobe!
Later in the day, I had the absolute joy of attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera House! The opera itself was a dramatic tale of love and tragedy, with glorious singing and incredible sets. Of course, no night at the opera is complete without a little pink tulle, so I paired my go-to baby pink tutu with a silky blush pink top and a shimmering pearl necklace. It was quite the outfit, my dears! After the performance, I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine at a cosy café. The Viennese love their coffee culture – and who can blame them?! A perfect evening spent in the company of music and beauty!
Tuesday saw me immersing myself in Viennese ballet history! Did you know that Vienna was a cradle of the ballet world? The Imperial Academy of Music and the Theater an der Wien were at the heart of the "Ballet Renaissance" that took place during the reign of Maria Theresa. There was a wonderful exhibition at the Hofburg Palace showcasing historic tutus and costumes from the golden age of Austrian ballet. One design in particular truly caught my eye – a billowing white tutu, exquisitely crafted from the finest silk and adorned with hundreds of delicate beads. I was truly enchanted.
The day wouldn’t be complete without a ballet lesson of course, so after I’d explored the Hofburg and taken some snaps of its stunning architecture for the ‘Pink Tutu Vienna’ blog, I found the Vienna Ballet Academy. It’s located just a stone's throw from the City Hall in the historic building. I enjoyed a delightful ballet class, complete with elegant barre work, graceful pirouettes and beautifully controlled leaps! It’s amazing how the elegant style of the Viennese ballet still echoes through the graceful movements of contemporary dance. Of course, I was the only student in the class wearing a pink tutu – and trust me, it really made a splash! The other students were wonderfully enthusiastic and even had a go at some pirouette practise with me!
Oh, and my dears! It wouldn't be a trip to Vienna without a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburg’s summer residence. This majestic Baroque Palace is a testament to Vienna's rich history and artistic grandeur, and it boasts exquisite gardens filled with beautifully sculpted hedges, dazzling fountains and shimmering lakes. It’s the perfect setting for a waltz – which I had the delightful pleasure of participating in on Tuesday evening. I think it’s fair to say the pink tutu was quite the hit with the locals and it’s amazing what a little twirl can do!
Wednesday will be all about indulging in the joys of Viennese cuisine, my darlings! Vienna is renowned for its rich, delectable food – and I’m quite looking forward to trying the local speciality: Sachertorte. Of course, I’m also planning on enjoying the beautiful cityscape whilst indulging in a delightful cup of Viennese coffee!
I’m feeling quite inspired – it seems that a trip to Vienna is the perfect fuel to get my creative juices flowing and my ballet shoes ready to dance!
Until next week, my loves!
Keep twirling,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com
