Guten Tag, my lovelies! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means... a brand new blog post from your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina! This week, I'm writing to you from the enchanting city of Vienna, Austria. Oh, Vienna, you are a dream come true! The cobbled streets, the grand architecture, the delicious Viennese pastriesā¦ and of course, the world-renowned waltz!
Vienna has always held a special place in my heart, even before my love for ballet began. There's just something about the air of elegance and culture that draws me in, something almost fairytale-like. But for a ballet lover like me, Vienna is an absolute must-see. It's like a historical treasure trove, where the stories of famous ballerinas and choreographers practically dance off the walls.
From Tutu to Vienna by Train
This week, I travelled to Vienna in the most delightful way possibleā¦ by train! I packed my favourite pink tulle tutu, a few of my most fabulous dancewear dresses, and enough lipstick to last me a month (it's all about a girl's essentials, darling). It was like stepping back in time, gliding through the countryside with the wind in my hair, a dreamy waltz playing softly on my headphones.
Iām getting so good at knowing which seats are comfy and where the most spacious toilets are located on each train. I am such a seasoned train traveler, and it does take a fair bit of skill to get everything just right, especially as my suitcases are always full of so many wonderful things! I am pretty certain my pink tutus bring me a lot of attention too, although I can't help that, my pink tutus just attract attention like a honeybee in a rose garden, wherever they travel in the world.
And of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without visiting the world-famous Vienna State Opera House! Stepping inside that magnificent building is like being transported to a whole other era. Just the thought of all the legendary dancers who have graced its stage fills me with excitement.
Vienna Waltz & Ballet History
The State Opera House isnāt the only building I plan on waltzing through this week though, oh no! I will be doing the Grand Tour and visiting the Belvedere Palace and the Hofburg Palace - the beautiful Austrian Imperial Residence. Just imagine the stunning balls that have been held here, all those magnificent ball gowns and the dazzlingly graceful dancers! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at one of these glamorous soirees, watching the waltzes and the minuets as elegant as the decorations, wouldnāt that be something! The history just calls out to me, and when I am dancing in this glorious city, it is almost like the history just oozes out from under the flagstones and fills me with its energy!
But, I mustnāt forget to give my own pair of feet some much-needed exercise this week! As a ballet aficionado, there's nothing more exhilarating than experiencing a live ballet performance. And, Vienna, as you all know, is practically the cradle of ballet history! And the Austrian Ballet will no doubt provide another opportunity for some great ballet viewing this week. I just love the ballet's ability to tell a story without uttering a single word.
You simply canāt spend a week in this enchanting city and not get swept away by the magical melodies of Strauss and Mozart. Oh, the waltzes, they fill you with such joie de vivre, and just leave me yearning to take to the dance floor! You see, Vienna, in so many ways, just echoes my passion for ballet, and there is something quite special about discovering these echoes across the world.
A Tulle-filled Day
My travels always provide me with ample inspiration for my favourite hobby: Shopping! A visit to Vienna just wouldnāt be complete without perusing its lovely boutiques and designer stores. And I already have a plan to go dress shopping - yes, of course, Iām looking for a pink tutu - and there is a ballet and dance wear store I really want to check out. Who knows what sartorial delights I may discover in the heart of Vienna, this haven of fashion! I even think there is a very well stocked haberdashery, where I might well find the finest tulle available to fashion my own little dance outfit in my very own favourite colour, the fabulous pink, naturally.
However, I know what you are all thinking! " Emma, how can you spend all that time shopping if you want to go see the Vienna Ballet, right?!" I thought you'd never ask! I don't think you've met my travelling companions! These ladies know the true meaning of āorganized shoppingā, as well as ballet-time! When you are looking for an outfit you just know you have to have it! I simply cannot resist a fabulously frilly piece, no matter where I find it! There's an art to choosing just the right combination, the perfect pink - because yes, there really is a right pink for everyone - a gorgeous, eye-catching ballet bun to top it off and a perfect pair of shoes, a delicate ballerina shoe, or the prettiest ballerina flat. It takes an army of girls - even a couple of guys - to accomplish that feat in time for my favourite time of the day, curtain up for the performance, or a chance to have some great coffee at my favourite cafĆ© and reflect on the beauty of ballet! I have found the perfect companion group - who also share my passion for tutus, especially if they're in the gorgeous pink!
Oh, I can't wait to share all my Viennese adventures with you! Make sure you check back next Wednesday for another dose of my life in pink and tulle, directly from Austria! And if you're ever visiting Vienna, be sure to drop me a line - I'd love to waltz around the city with you!
With a twirl and a flourish,
Emma xx
Pink Tutu, Vienna is published weekly at 12 noon, each Wednesday on www.pink-tutu.com
