Vienna: A Whirlwind of Waltz and Wonder! (Blog Post #1039)
Hello my gorgeous Tutu-ettes! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means... a new post from yours truly, Emma, direct from the enchanting city of Vienna!
This week has been absolutely sensational! A flurry of tutus, tiaras and a touch of Viennese charm, making this city a perfect spot to settle in with my trusty pink tulle.
I arrived here by train - a journey I’d dreamt of since I was a little girl, mesmerized by the graceful figures twirling in a box of magic, all to the sound of Beethoven and Strauss. (I even wore my tutu - don't worry, the journey was a sleeper train, so my Tutu-mazing look wasn't on full display until morning. wink I know, I know! Shhhh! I am never NOT wearing my Tutu! ).
But first, let me tell you about my outfit! For my first venture into Vienna, I donned a blush pink tulle masterpiece, a confection of delicate ruffles with layers upon layers of sheer pink silk. It danced perfectly as I walked the cobblestone streets - Vienna was ready for a pink-tutu infused adventure! The perfect outfit to take on Vienna's legendary culture! My shoes, of course, were cherry-red ballerina flats (all about that Parisian-chic! ). A white ribbon adorning my wrist held my sparkly pink hair tie – just a little something for an extra touch of girly flair.
Speaking of Parisian chic, Vienna has a touch of it! From the grandeur of the Imperial Palace to the bustling street cafes, the air here whispers of another era. Every corner oozes history and charm, and as I spun around, imagining all the waltzes and grand balls that must have been held here, I felt the romantic energy thrum through my toes. And, honestly? What is a ballet lover to do when faced with such romantic history except embrace the magic? I'm already picturing myself waltzing down the streets, and with all that wonderful music... you just know I'm going to get in the mood for some ballroom dancing!
And now, for the most important question... What is the first thing a pink tutu-clad traveller must do in Vienna? The answer, my dear friends, is the Ballet Opera House! How can you resist a trip to this masterpiece of architectural wonder, constructed for music, performance and of course, BALLET ?
Of course I've been taking lots of notes for future outfits. For instance, on stage the Vienna Opera dancers often wear tutus in the softest shades of rose pink, the most feminine of shades - they truly embody the elegant Viennese spirit.
Now let's talk tutus - I'm sure you've heard all about the world's largest collection of tutus! It's at the Theatermuseum, right here in Vienna. This glorious space holds tutus of all shapes and sizes - the intricate patterns are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine a rainbow of colour, with textures ranging from delicate silk to thick tulle, some studded with glittering gems, and a smattering of feathered goodness... and that’s just the tutu collection!
They even have a gorgeous collection of vintage fashion from various eras and, let me tell you, it's quite possibly one of the most captivating things I have seen in this grand city. I must get back to them! As soon as possible, naturally, to try to work out where these magical garment were from. The Theatermuseum also boasts an exhibition on costumes worn for the stage - some are just too gorgeous for words. They give me major tutu fashion inspiration for my next adventure (although of course I'll have a little extra flair!
One thing that I discovered is the history of ballet and dance in Vienna is quite fascinating! There is a whole ballet museum showcasing some incredibly rare treasures! I've got my eyes peeled for my own treasure of a pink tutu – which means a bit of a trip to a wonderful little shop “Das Tutus Atelier”. The girls here told me that they were looking to create the largest tutu in the world, so it's worth checking out.
Of course, the highlight of the week has been seeing an opera - "The Magic Flute" by Mozart, a beautiful and entertaining journey. It was a whirlwind of sound and visual delight! The set design and costumes are worth a look! As for the music - divine. My heart was simply dancing to the enchanting melodies of Mozart!
Oh! and a quick update from our trusty pink-tutu blogger... it seems my passion for horses has taken over! I spent a magical morning at the Spanische Hofreitschule, a majestic stable of Lipizzan stallions. Their movement is as elegant and powerful as any dancer's. The trainers have this unbelievable talent of working in total harmony with the stallions – just spectacular to see in person. And you know, what else do horses and ballet have in common? A tutu!! They're both incredibly elegant and graceful!
That's all for now, my Tutu-ettes! Vienna is waiting with open arms, and you know I am here to soak it all up, from the grand classical music scene to the quaint little cafes serving hot chocolate in gorgeous teacups. I'm already planning my next ballet extravaganza - perhaps a show at the famous Wiener Staatsoper, or perhaps even a lesson at a local ballet academy... who knows?! I’ve got the whole of Vienna at my pink-tutu fingertips!
Until next Wednesday! Stay beautiful and wear your pink!
With a twirl and a sprinkle of sparkle,
Emma