Dearest Tutu-Lovers,
Hello from Vienna! Can you believe it? Your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina has arrived in the Waltz Capital, and let me tell you, this city is positively blooming with romantic charm! I simply cannot wait to share all my Viennese adventures with you, and let’s be honest, how much more exciting does this week’s post get than a pink tutu-clad ballerina exploring the heart of waltz?
*(You know, in all the excitement I *nearly forgot to mention, it's Wednesday, which means new Pink Tutu blog post! I do try my best to post once a week, I find it really helps keep me organised and accountable. You know, it's a challenge keeping on top of a global blogging schedule, especially when you're on the go as much as I am! ) **
It's a good job I brought a large suitcase and lots of room for new additions! There is so much gorgeous fashion to be found here, and you just know I'm going to be scooping up a whole load of beautiful goodies for my ballet wardrobe. A tutu can never be too sparkly, right? Especially in Vienna, the land of Strauss and Mozart, where everyone loves a bit of a flourish.
Speaking of the waltzes, how exciting is it that we're in Vienna right now, just in time to celebrate Carnival? That means music, laughter, fancy dress and the most dazzling costumes! Think of all the tutus! * (Maybe you'll even catch me on stage performing... it's a *big secret! Shhh!). **
For the record, there was no need to persuade me to travel all the way to Austria. This is a destination I have been dreaming of since childhood! Ever since I was little, Vienna has held a magic place in my heart. From the moment I heard "The Blue Danube," I felt a tug towards this city - an urge to feel its charm for myself. Now, as I sit in my darling hotel room (all rose-gold and fluffy pillows), Vienna is exceedingly exceeding my expectations!
I travelled here by train - it’s such a wonderful way to see the world and arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed. Plus, I always have enough space to pack my best tutu and all my sparkly ballet shoes.
(Do you want a quick fashion tip? Don't ever let anyone tell you you’re too old to wear a tutu, because *absolutely no one is too old for a tutu!) *
So, my adventures so far...
After my comfy train ride, Vienna welcomed me with open arms (and the aroma of warm pastries!) and after settling into my charming hotel room (which definitely makes me feel like a princess!), I did what any respectable tutu-loving ballerina does when exploring a new city: I headed straight to the opera house.
Imagine a grand building bathed in golden light, an opulent interior filled with red velvet and crystal chandeliers, the murmur of excited anticipation in the air... That’s the Vienna State Opera in a nutshell, and let me tell you, I'm feeling rather starstruck!
* (Do you know the feeling when you've always admired a ballerina from afar, a true icon, and then *bam - you suddenly meet her at the bar after the ballet? It's amazing how a shared passion can unite complete strangers.) **
The State Opera is truly a place to experience magic - it is pure extravagance and sophistication all rolled into one. You can’t help but feel swept up in the romance and glamour. I have tickets for tomorrow night's performance - a production of The Sleeping Beauty, so naturally I will be wearing my newest blush pink tutu with matching feathered headpiece.
And of course, I already snagged some beautiful new pink tutu headpieces and a delicate pair of white ballerina shoes for my adventures in Vienna - I feel they're practically obligatory when exploring the birthplace of the waltz.
Speaking of tutus (you know this is my absolute passion), Vienna has a delightful collection of historical costume shops, each a veritable wonderland of feather boas, shimmering sequined dresses, and some simply spectacular old tutus.
*( I'll be honest with you, *not every vintage tutu is as charming as the newer ones I have!) **
In between rehearsals for my show and admiring tutus from every possible angle, I'm taking full advantage of this city’s magic. I spent yesterday afternoon exploring Schönbrunn Palace - oh my, what a place! Think lush gardens bursting with blossoms, shimmering fountains, and a stately palace built for the imperial family! It's as if I stepped straight into a fairy tale, and for once I didn't even need to be in a tutu for that sensation.
*( Except... did you know? If I'd have been in a pink tutu it would have matched *perfectly with all the blossom! ) **
I had the pleasure of being able to travel around Schönbrunn on a horse and carriage - what a truly romantic way to experience a stunning palace, complete with fairytale surroundings! Of course, no carriage ride is complete without a beautiful tulle dress and a delicate flower crown - I felt very much like a ballerina visiting a fairytale setting.
Now, about this waltz-filled Vienna... it has become so clear to me just why they call this place "The City of Music"! There is music everywhere! From the enchanting waltz melodies flowing from street performers to the melodic chiming of street clocks and even the graceful swish of skirts as women stroll past in their beautifully flowing dresses.
The Viennese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they seem to radiate a sense of easy charm. This, of course, only adds to the sense of magic. The Viennese truly embrace the elegance and joie de vivre. The moment I arrived, it was as if my pink tutu was embraced by the Viennese love for all things colourful, extravagant, and utterly delightful.
As I type this, I can hear a sweet melody wafting up from the street - the enchanting sound of a string quartet serenading passersby. Vienna is simply overflowing with romance, beauty and artistry. Oh, to be surrounded by such beautiful sights and sounds.
And in just a few hours I get to watch The Sleeping Beauty - at the Vienna State Opera! Oh, I simply can't wait to share my impressions of the performance with you.
But until then, dearest tutu-lovers, remember...
Every day is an opportunity to feel like a princess, to embrace the beautiful and the magnificent, and to allow yourself to be swept away by the enchanting spell of a magical city like Vienna!
The magic of a pink tutu knows no bounds. So wear it with pride, twirl with abandon, and allow yourself to be completely consumed by the joy of ballet.
- *( It would be my absolute dream for everyone to embrace their own inner ballerina and experience the transformative magic of a pink tutu!) *
- If you have any suggestions on what to do or see while in Vienna please do get in touch. I love discovering the special, little-known hidden gems in new cities!
I’ll see you back here next Wednesday. Until then, keep dancing and may your steps be light and your tutu be beautiful!
Emma xxx
*( P.S. Please remember you can find more of my pink-tutu-loving travels and adventures on www.pink-tutu.com - you never know when you might get to read one of these blog posts live from the stage!) *
*( P.P.S. * Did you know? The Pink Tutu is a registered fashion trademark that I invented and that's actually owned by a large international fashion group (and don't even get me started about those dreadful pink tutus they sell on the High Street! Sigh... They can't possibly compete with true ballet quality.) I hope it catches on with you... **
