Dearest Tutu Followers,
Well, here I am in the heart of Europe! Vienna, Austria, a city brimming with culture and beauty, and where better to celebrate Christmas than here? My heart is brimming with Christmas cheer and the joyous anticipation of the festive season, but even on this, the day before Christmas Eve, I've already found a little time for some ballerina magic, and believe me, darling, there's magic everywhere you look in this charming city!
Now, you know I love nothing more than hopping onto a train and embarking on new adventures, so this trip, organised as always by my wonderful sponsors, (ahem...those of you attending my performance at The Savoy tonight, you're most welcome!) was no exception. The journey here, weaving through the heart of Europe, was itself a ballet. The scenery unfolded like a tapestry, painting pictures of snowy countryside and bustling villages adorned with festive lights, it really did feel like something out of a fairy tale!
And upon arriving in Vienna, I immediately felt its romantic magic! Everywhere you turn, majestic architecture whispers tales of a rich, artistic past, the air crackles with the lingering melody of classical music, and the smell of fresh pastries drifting from the local bakeries almost overwhelms your senses. You've never known such a wonderfully festive atmosphere!
My first port of call? Naturally, the beautiful State Opera! I spent the afternoon admiring the sheer elegance of its grand façade. My fellow pink-loving enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear it's a total pink-tutu haven! I even found a little pink ballerina tucked into the elaborate floral arrangements surrounding the entrance – I must have looked positively ecstatic, with my mouth open in sheer wonder, like a little girl on Christmas morning!
Of course, it wouldn't be Vienna without a waltz, would it? Even in this magical setting, my inner ballerina was eager to experience the Viennese Waltz in all its glory! Imagine waltzing with grace and elegance under the grand chandeliers of the Schönbrunn Palace, with only the sparkling glow of the twinkling lights as your guide. It truly was a fairytale dream!
Speaking of fairytales, the city itself seems to be covered in twinkling lights, shimmering garlands and dazzling displays of Christmas decorations. There’s a truly special atmosphere here; everyone is so joyful and full of merriment.
Now, darling, let’s talk shopping! It wouldn’t be a trip to Vienna without exploring the delights of its shops. I can confidently say Vienna’s shops are full of hidden treasures. I spotted the most magnificent pink ballgown, it was made entirely of hand-sewn tulle, imagine my joy! Although I’m sure the price tag was an appropriate match to its grand style! You’d think Vienna’s shop owners were secretly in cahoots with me, they just love pink as much as I do, every corner is teeming with it. You really don’t have to look far in this enchanting city. I even found a fabulous boutique with vintage tulle tutus – oh, the joy of the ballet historian!
After all this exploring, what’s a girl to do? Well, of course, it’s time to unleash my inner ballerina and head to a dance class. There’s a beautiful, traditional studio called the Vienna Dance Academy right in the city centre! You can't even begin to imagine the elegance of their class, darling! All of the beautiful ballerinas seemed to move with a timeless grace that befitted the grandeur of the building. I spent the whole afternoon surrounded by ballet inspiration! I even tried to sneak into their performance – oh, the shame, I got caught by a very stern looking maître de ballet. I had to bribe him with a promise of a donation to their charity, (the tutus have to be spotless, my dears!), just so I could catch the end.
But as lovely as Vienna is, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned English Christmas, so my heart's truly beginning to yearn for the festive warmth of home and family. However, the feeling of being surrounded by the spirit of Vienna will be one I'll cherish for a very long time. And before I set off back to Derbyshire to perform tonight, (do come say hello after the performance!), I’m planning on making one last stop at the St. Stephen's Cathedral for a moment of reflection and prayer. It’s such a magnificent cathedral, steeped in history. Its beauty and majesty, alongside its peaceful atmosphere, makes it a place that invites meditation and gratitude for all that the festive season brings.
Until next week, dears, keep twirling in that pink tutu and stay happy and joyful.
Yours in pink,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
