Wednesday 18th March, 2015
Vienna, my dearest Vienna!
Greetings from the heart of Austria, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! I'm so excited to be back in Vienna, a city that truly embodies the elegance and romance that I love. And this week, I've been spoilt rotten with opportunities to indulge my love of ballet and pink.
You see, this trip, unlike my previous one, was fuelled not by my solo dance performances but by a delightful ballet scholarship. Yes, imagine it! I was awarded the coveted 'Dancing Dreams' scholarship for aspiring young ballerinas and this amazing opportunity has brought me to the majestic Austrian capital.
Ballet - my forever passion
My journey began with a thrilling tour of the Vienna State Opera, a building so steeped in history, it could tell a thousand stories. I almost expected a phantom to whisper tales of past triumphs and heartbreaks through its ancient corridors. We saw the rehearsal studios, where dancers were stretching and perfecting their movements. It's a space brimming with so much energy and dedication, it simply electrified my senses.
Naturally, I had to experience the magic of the Vienna State Ballet firsthand. This time, the performance was Giselle, a story of love, loss and forgiveness. The beauty and artistry were utterly captivating. Every detail - the elaborate costumes, the graceful choreography, the powerful storytelling - had me utterly enthralled. Even now, I'm left humming the haunting melody of the 'Giselle' Waltz.
The scholarship includes attending ballet classes at the Vienna State Opera Ballet School. Let me tell you, these dancers are truly a cut above the rest! The energy in those classrooms was palpable. Their passion, their dedication and their boundless talent left me inspired. And as I stood there, attempting some basic 'à la seconde', I dreamt of the day when I could dance amongst these elite ballerinas.
A city steeped in romance
Vienna is a city where romance flows in the air like the music from a waltz. Everywhere you look, the beautiful architecture speaks of centuries of art and history. The city boasts magnificent palaces, serene gardens, and bustling cobblestone streets that whisper of past empires.
From my chic little hotel room with a pink frilled duvet (a total find, by the way!), I can glimpse the Hofburg Palace, an incredible monument that was once home to the Habsburg dynasty. This week, the palace has been adorned with spring blooms and has been bustling with people who've come to admire the breathtaking collection of Viennese art, jewels and sculptures on display inside.
Vienna, my personal sartorial playground
It would be criminal to be in Vienna without indulging in some serious fashion therapy! From the designer boutiques on the famous Kärntner Straße, to the hidden vintage treasures tucked away in charming alleyways, this city truly satisfies the sartorial cravings of a pink tutu wearing ballerina.
One highlight was the charming Madame Butterfly boutique - a shop with vintage dresses from all eras that I'd happily live in! And I simply had to get my hands on the new spring collection at Sisi Couture, featuring ethereal tulle skirts in soft pastel hues – ideal for a ballerina with a penchant for the perfect pink tutu.
Tutus & their delightful history
Speaking of tutus, my research this week has led me to some fascinating facts about the history of the tutu. It seems the little dance skirt was initially worn as part of men's costumes for theatrical performances and that they began to appear in women’s performances in the early 19th century.
This led to a short, rather provocative look - but by the mid-19th century, the "long tutu" - more commonly referred to today as the 'Romantic Tutu' became the style, with layers of tulle providing an air of fairy-like magic. How utterly fitting!
Finding a perfect Pink Tutu in Vienna
One afternoon, while exploring the quaint Graben shopping street, I discovered a little tutu shop - tucked away like a hidden gem amongst the cafés and antique stores. This delightful little haven, Le Petit Ballet, sold the most exquisitely designed tutus imaginable. I mean, my darlings, it had to be my destination.
They were a symphony of pink, from the lightest blush to the deepest raspberry. There were traditional tutus in classic fabrics like tulle and silk, but also some innovative creations, crafted from shimmering fabric.
The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it: a short tutu, perfectly ruffled and entirely pink, with just the tiniest touch of silver sequins for sparkle. It was the perfect little ballerina number for a Viennese Waltz, wouldn't you agree?
Vienna by carriage, by horse, and by foot
Since discovering my inner Cinderella, I simply had to indulge in a little bit of fairytale magic and explore Vienna by horse-drawn carriage! And it's absolutely magical! The horses trotted smoothly down the cobbled streets, as if leading me on a tour of the most breathtaking historical scene. Every moment was an image captured in time – from the beautiful Baroque buildings with their gilded architecture to the charming street performers and buzzing markets.
One must-do when visiting Vienna is the ride through the Prater – a sprawling amusement park with its magnificent Ferris wheel (it makes you feel so high! - my tutus swished magnificently, let me tell you) and endless fairground stalls. It's a magical place, especially in the evenings, when the park is lit with thousands of sparkling lights and a delicious aroma of freshly-baked treats floats in the air.
Exploring Viennese Traditions
Vienna is also renowned for its traditions - and, naturally, food features heavily in that mix. There is nothing more enticing than the delicious scent of Viennese pastries - their buttery sweetness and rich cream simply beckon you closer.
I particularly adore Sachertorte - that impossibly delicious chocolate cake with the thin apricot glaze – and of course, the Wiener Schnitzel, crispy and thin - always best with a side of Gemüse - those beautiful colourful vegetables cooked perfectly!
I've also indulged in the 'Viennese Coffee Culture'. The cafes here are so romantic! They're decorated in grand, opulent style with ornate chandeliers, rich carpets, and plush seating. I feel like I've stepped back in time - in the best way, of course.
A city for everyone - especially pink tutu wearers
Vienna truly is a city where every traveller can find something to love. It’s a city brimming with history, culture, and delicious food, a city that feels full of excitement, romance and, of course, sparkling elegance.
And for all those of you dreaming of seeing the city through a pink tutu's gaze - Vienna truly delivers on that promise. Every charming cafe, cobbled street and ornate building, every romantic waltz and delicious pastry, reminds me why Vienna holds such a special place in my heart.
And remember, you don’t need a scholarship to experience this charming city – just pack your pink tutu and prepare for an unforgettable experience in Vienna, Austria.
