Hello my darling tututistas! Emma here, writing to you from the most glorious of cities, Vienna, Austria! I've been waltzing through the cobbled streets and exploring the palaces of this fairytale metropolis for the past week, and I'm absolutely smitten. My pink tutu (let's call her "Rosalinda," she seems to fit the Viennese vibe so well!) and I have been causing quite a stir in this charming city, but everyone's been so incredibly welcoming. I think it's the tutus, darling, the tutus really get people in the mood for a good old fashioned fairytale!
As always, this week’s trip is courtesy of my ballet performances! I absolutely love the stage, it’s my happy place and what better way to get to beautiful Vienna, than waltzing into town!
Speaking of waltzing, can we talk about Vienna's rich history in the world of dance?! This is the waltz capital of the world, darlings! The very idea that this waltz - a dance filled with twirls and joyful movements - was born here gives me goosebumps! You can just feel the elegant energy and graceful steps practically rippling through the cobblestone streets. It's no wonder that Vienna's ballet scene is as legendary as the city itself. I even popped into the Vienna State Opera, it was an absolute spectacle, I might have even managed a little twirl in the grand foyer myself!
While Vienna is brimming with historical treasures, my heart belongs to its fashion scene! You wouldn't believe the vintage shops I've discovered, each overflowing with Parisian chic and Viennese glamour. Imagine the outfits! And the tutus! My little Rosalina's already met with some lovely new friends, each with a more delightful and dramatic design than the last! I’ve been particularly enthralled by the elegant and romantic styles I find all over, the flowing gowns, and the dramatic hats… Vienna's fashion sense is simply irresistible!
Of course, I’ve also been doing some shopping myself, I couldn’t possibly resist all the beautiful silk scarves and glittering jewellery. I bought the most adorable little cameo brooch with a portrait of a ballerina, it was love at first sight, truly. It’ll be perfect for adding a touch of Vienna’s romantic charm to any outfit!
Now, you’re all wondering, "what has Emma been up to in Vienna?!" Let me tell you about the week’s adventures.
My Vienna Wednesday:
Breakfast in the Palais:
Wednesday morning began with the most whimsical breakfast in the Palais Coburg, a magnificent palace built in 1840. Can you believe they actually allow people to eat breakfast here?! They let us eat like royalty with the most extravagant pastries, all bathed in golden sunlight streaming in through arched windows. The experience itself is almost a theatrical performance.
Afternoon Waltz at the Schönbrunn Palace:
The Schönbrunn Palace is just a dream come true. The Baroque architecture, the stunning gardens…it’s as if it jumped straight out of a fairy tale! And imagine my delight when I found out that they hold waltz evenings there every week! My tutu twirled in a happy dance as we entered the palace and enjoyed the most elegant waltz music and swirling couples. Truly, it felt like a scene from a bygone era. It's impossible not to feel the romance of the air, as you take in the beauty of this historic place and the delicate steps of the waltzers. It was like something out of a film set, I even managed to grab a couple of snaps to post to my Instagram, (remember to follow me @PinkTutuEmma!).
Dinner at a Classic Viennese Cafe:
For dinner, we had to go somewhere that felt as though it was pulled from one of the traditional cafe scene photos in one of the travel books I’d pored over on the train here. Vienna has an incredible culture when it comes to its cafes. It's not just about the coffee; it's a social gathering spot. We found ourselves seated at a table adorned with a vintage table cloth and elegant crystal glassware and sampled delicious Sachertorte while listening to the local musicians performing traditional Austrian tunes. It was perfect!
And then there’s the horses…
Oh my goodness! Who knew Vienna was such a haven for horses? One of the highlights of my week has to be a delightful ride in the magnificent Prater, Vienna’s vast park with a real Wild West feel to it. You can get to the park using the famous Prater Ferris Wheel which gives you the best panoramic views over the city.
This week, we took a break from ballet shows and explored the Prater. I actually met a real live prince at the park! (Maybe that’s a little bit of an exaggeration but I did bump into a couple of members of a rather handsome horse-riding troop dressed in historical garb and a fine pair of riding boots. They let me hold one of the reins of a chestnut beauty! I felt like a princess in my pink tutu, soaring across the park with the wind in my hair. It was sheer magic!
And finally, let’s talk tutus, shall we? I can't visit a city as inspiring as Vienna without picking up some new inspiration! Of course, a trip to the Vienna Ballet Academy would have been the ideal way to top off this week. Alas, their season has only just begun, so there's more reason to come back! I've already begun designing a tutu inspired by Viennese waltzing, all the glitz and grace. It's a project for the upcoming year I’m sure!
Anyway, I'm just brimming with ideas for tutus! It's this kind of trip that makes me feel more alive than ever!
Oh and did I tell you, that this week was the birthday of the greatest ballerina ever! Did you know that Margot Fonteyn's birthday is today?! Happy Birthday! Her elegant dancing inspired my love of ballet! Maybe next time I come to Vienna, we can have a waltz in her honor!
Anyway, darling, that’s all for now, I must dash! You all know I’m always busy!
Remember: Stay pink, stay positive and always remember…
Every single one of you is beautiful, don’t forget that.
Til next Wednesday, Emma xx
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