Hello my gorgeous ballet-loving lovelies! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a brand new Pink Tutu Vienna blog post! I'm back with all the exciting details of my latest adventures in this fabulous city, and oh my goodness, it's been a whirl! 😉
I arrived in Vienna yesterday, having journeyed by train from Salzburg (I'll be blogging about that incredible journey next week – trust me, it involved mountains, music, and, of course, my favourite pink tutu). From the moment I stepped off the train at Wien Hauptbahnhof, the magic of Vienna embraced me. This city is truly something special, filled with an air of elegance, history, and a distinct feeling of romance.
First things first: my hotel. It's tucked away in a charming little cobbled street, right in the heart of the city. You can't imagine the sheer delight I experienced walking past the Vienna State Opera House – just the name itself has a magical ring to it, don't you think?
Of course, I was dying to explore. And what better way to discover Vienna than a leisurely walk along the famous Ringstrasse? Imagine, gorgeous pink tutu swishing alongside beautiful buildings, stately statues, and magnificent gardens – I felt like I'd stepped straight into a fairytale!
As a huge ballet enthusiast, you can't imagine the excitement that gripped me as I walked past the Vienna State Opera. Just looking at that iconic building, its façade gleaming in the afternoon sun, felt like the opening scene to a grand ballet. And inside, I swear, I could almost hear the music! My little ballerina heart fluttered with anticipation for the amazing shows I would be seeing this week.
Speaking of the Opera House, can we talk about the history of this building? It's breathtaking! Completed in 1869, the Vienna State Opera is the epicentre of the city’s rich musical heritage. It's an architectural marvel, an ode to artistic excellence and the soul of Vienna itself.
A Ballet Dream in Vienna!
And talking of the soul of Vienna, I absolutely had to see the famous Hofburg Imperial Palace, former home to the Habsburg dynasty. Now, while this gorgeous palace is a stunning historical monument, I'm a tutu-loving girl, and let me tell you – the opulent ballroom simply begged me to put on a pirouette. I can just imagine Empress Elisabeth swirling gracefully across the ballroom floor in her own stunning gown. Now wouldn't that have made a truly amazing scene?
Of course, I couldn't resist popping into some of the many elegant shops Vienna is famous for. Finding the perfect outfit for my evening out to the Opera, as always, was essential. Think delicate lace, feminine ruffles, and oh, the shoes – heaven! After a whirlwind afternoon, my shopping bags were bursting with delightful finds.
After a fabulous shopping spree, I was ready for a true taste of Vienna: coffee and cakes! You know, as soon as I tasted the melt-in-your-mouth Apfelstrudel at Café Central, it made me feel like I'd stepped into one of my favourite Viennese classics – The Sound of Music! (Who doesn't love those sugary, delicious scenes? Just saying.)
Now, I don't just indulge in the delightful delights of Vienna's coffeehouses and patisseries! No, no, no, my lovely ballerinas – there's far more to it than that! After my decadent snack, I was excited to meet my dear friend, a renowned ballet historian, at Vienna's gorgeous Schönbrunn Palace. It’s another fairytale of a place with sprawling gardens that practically beg for ballet. We were there for a delightful lunch by the Palace Gardens, sharing all sorts of fascinating stories about the city's ballet heritage. And if I do say so myself, our conversation would definitely have made a wonderful ballet story! Think intrigue, history, passion, and, of course, a few dazzling pirouettes!
Ballet and Beautiful Fashion!
We continued to talk for hours, strolling through the enchanting Schönbrunn Palace gardens as the sun started to set, its golden glow illuminating the stunning gardens and palace buildings.
Of course, I had to spend the evening in one of Vienna's legendary opera houses – I mean, that was the ultimate dream come true! It was like a ballet fairytale unfolding right before my eyes. The audience, the stage, the music – it was truly spectacular! It was truly an unforgettable experience. Not only was the performance amazing – we're talking talented dancers who performed as though gravity wasn't a thing – but the costumes were simply sensational! The ballet is set in the time of Maria Theresa, so you can imagine the stunning rococo-inspired costumes with their elaborate embellishments, rich fabrics and elegant lines.
Seeing those incredible costumes really inspired my inner ballerina! The combination of beautiful fashion and ballet just sets my imagination alight. After all, how can we talk about ballet and fashion and not mention the gorgeous ballerina costumes? Just think about those gorgeous tutus, the shimmering bodices, and all those exquisite ballet shoes – how can you not fall in love with them?!
Pink Tutu Ballet Magic!
Honestly, I was so inspired by this show that I even ventured to find a traditional Austrian dress! You know, those exquisite dirndls with their intricate lace detailing and stunning colour combinations? I envisioned a ballet scene of dancing girls, each wearing a stunningly different dirndl. Talk about a visually delightful spectacle! It had me envisioning a ballet show right here in Vienna, in the gorgeous Palais Garnier with a storyline that intertwined the city’s beautiful culture, architecture, music, and of course – pink tutus! Now wouldn't that be a fabulous and unique show?! I can't wait to talk to some local dance troupes about my ideas!
And I don't know about you lovely readers, but as I looked out onto the street from my hotel balcony after that extraordinary performance, Vienna suddenly seemed even more vibrant, almost as if it were illuminated by the very light of the stage lights!
For my last evening, I decided to put on a very special show myself, a Pink Tutu Waltz across the city! I put on my most vibrant pink tutu, one that shimmered with iridescent pink sparkles under the twinkling Vienna street lights. It truly made me feel like the queen of the city! I wandered around the historic streets, taking in all the magic and elegance Vienna offered. It was magical – waltzing to the rhythm of Vienna's spirit, all in the most exquisite shade of pink!
After a day filled with exciting adventures, historical exploration, ballet dreams, and the perfect amount of pink tutu magic, I felt a sense of calm settle upon me. This enchanting city, with its elegant charm and historic beauty, left a little piece of its magic inside my heart.
Now I’m about to settle into a good book (I found the most gorgeous book on the history of ballet at a vintage bookstore!) Tomorrow, I’m hoping to take a horseback ride through Vienna Woods. It should be just the perfect start to an unforgettable day! After all, when in Vienna, there's always a reason to dance. Even with a pink tutu!
Stay tuned for my next post! I promise you won’t be disappointed – there will be stories of Vienna, ballet, shopping, and of course, more beautiful pink tutus.
Until next Wednesday,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Ballerina.
www.pink-tutu.com
