Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu enthusiast, back from a whirlwind waltz through the heart of Vienna! This week, I'm buzzing with excitement – not just from the incredible ballet I saw, but from the vibrant atmosphere of this gorgeous city. Vienna has truly captured my heart, and it seems to be encouraging even the staunchest tutu-sceptics to embrace the pink fluff.
As a Derbyshire lass, I must say the trains here are a bit of a revelation. Gone are the clattering carriages of my childhood! Vienna's public transport is like stepping onto a fairytale – sleek, elegant, and whisper-quiet, almost like gliding through a dream. It's a stark contrast to my usual ballet travel style - that would be by horse, though I admit, there's a certain romance to hitting the road on horseback in Derbyshire. But the speed of the train was definitely in my favour this time, giving me the perfect excuse to soak up the city’s fairytale architecture and embrace a true Viennese afternoon.
My heart soared when I stepped onto the hallowed grounds of the Vienna State Opera House. A grand dame of the ballet world, its exquisite exterior was almost enough to leave me speechless (and, if I’m being honest, a little bit overwhelmed!), but stepping inside… oh, that’s when I truly lost my breath. The chandelier that hangs in the opulent main hall must have a million crystals, twinkling with enough light to rival the stars. My imagination was ablaze with images of countless ballets staged under its spellbinding gleam.
My fellow Pink Tutu enthusiasts, it was during this enchanting visit that I found the perfect dress for the occasion! Let me tell you, I always love to indulge in a little pre-ballet shopping spree. Vienna didn't disappoint. It was as if a stylish ballerina’s dreams had been woven into reality. The shop windows beckoned with flowing tulle skirts and velvet-smooth satin bodices. It's like stepping straight into a costume design workshop, only prettier and far more luxurious! And, of course, I found the ideal pink satin dress for a waltz under the Opera House's majestic chandelier. I almost didn’t need to buy a ticket to see the ballet, I could just have spun around under that chandelier forever! I’m saving it for a special occasion, but I’m already planning a glamorous, waltz-tastic outfit around this dream dress for a future blog post!
But no true visit to Vienna is complete without a stop at the Hofburg Palace. Now, that is truly a place steeped in history! Its sprawling complex was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire – how many waltzing royals and courtly intrigues have taken place within those magnificent walls! The waltz has been deeply linked to Viennese culture for centuries. The swirling skirts and effortless grace of a graceful waltz truly seem like a natural part of this vibrant city. I wonder how the tutu came to be so popular across Europe? My next book might have to explore the rich history of the tutu - the evolution from the classical, romantic tutu to the modern day ballet costume... watch this space!
Now, I must tell you about the ballet! It was “The Sleeping Beauty” - a timeless classic, and I’ve always been so inspired by Tchaikovsky’s work. I’ve always dreamt of taking Aurora’s role as a young princess, but with my tiny tutu-clad frame I suspect my movements would be far too chaotic for such delicate roles. The ballet itself, as ever, is exquisite. From the delicate elegance of the solo dancers to the seamless choreography of the corps de ballet, every movement felt like a painting in motion. Even the scenery was worthy of a museum - with magnificent landscapes of forest and shimmering gardens.
Vienna truly is a treasure chest for all things ballet, so expect many more exciting entries in this series. Next week I’m planning a visit to the Austrian National Ballet archive - with the hopes of spotting some historic tutus! The history of ballet fashion, my lovelies, it's like a glamorous mystery tour, each shimmering silk and feather embellishment like a clue, leading us to the magnificent story of ballet.
Until next week, dance beautifully, my fellow pink-loving ballet enthusiasts! Don't forget to visit my website - www.pink-tutu.com - where you can join the Pink Tutu Revolution! Embrace the magic of pink, embrace the world of ballet! And who knows, you might even join me for a waltz in Vienna!
Lots of love,
Emma, your Pink Tutu Diva from Derbyshire x
PS: My Vienna blog post comes to you every Wednesday! Keep a sharp eye out on my website, because I'm always full of new adventures.
PPS: Don't forget to share your favourite ballerina outfit with me! You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook - all links on the blog! Let's inspire a little pink magic all over the world.
