Wednesday 11th January, 2017
Guten Tag, my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, reporting live from the heart of Vienna! It feels like a dream come true ā the cobblestones, the majestic buildings, the air thick with the scent of coffee andā¦wait for itā¦ tutu shops!
I've arrived in Vienna after a delightful train journey through the Austrian countryside. I do love travelling by rail, and something about the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels against the tracks just screams ātutu time!ā Plus, it gives me a chance to show off my latest vintage finds, a floral printed dress with a big ol' pink ribbon tied around my waist. Canāt leave Derbyshire without a touch of floral, can I?
And wouldnāt you know it, right in the station, a street performer is twirling in a vibrant fuchsia tutu, her smile brighter than the sun peeking through the frosty air. I just had to applaud her talent ā a truly dazzling display. Vienna, youāve already stolen my heart.
A Waltz Through the Viennese Ballet Scene
Speaking of dazzling displays, tonight's agenda involves the most beautiful ballet company in the world (Iām being serious, darlings!) ā the Vienna State Opera Ballet. Tonight they're performing Swan Lake, which I am SO excited about! Itās the story of Odette, a beautiful swan cursed to spend her days as a bird until a true love breaks the spell, and you just know I'll be sobbing into my opera glasses, a touch of glitter falling from my eyelashes like shimmering swan feathers.
Vienna has such a rich history when it comes to ballet, you know? They have one of the oldest ballet schools in Europe, founded way back in 1713. I'm already planning a trip to the school tomorrow. The very thought of all those talented young ballerinas practising, perfecting their arabesques and fouettƩs, makes my own twirling foot tingle!
Speaking of twirling, did you know tutus have been around for centuries? While modern tutus date back to the 1800s, with the invention of the tutu romanesque, dancers have always adorned themselves in elaborate costumes, adding an extra touch of magic to their movements. A little fun fact to add to your ballet trivia collection.
Shopping for a New Tutuā¦Maybe Two!
After the ballet, I'm off to the legendary Vienna State Opera itself ā rumour has it, it has an impressive collection of costumes in its wardrobe, some even dating back to the late 1800s! My imagination is already swirling with visions of all the vintage tutus they could have hiding behind those grand doors. Imagine the vintage shopping potential! I just hope I don't get swept away in a dizzying whirl of crinoline and feathers.
Speaking of shoppingā¦ I canāt possibly leave Vienna without some new additions to my tutu collection. Thereās this adorable little boutique on the KƤrntner StraĆe I've been eyeing, with pink velvet walls and a display window that could make even the most jaded shopper swoon. I can already see myself rocking a fluffy, tulle masterpiece for my next performance in Derby!
Vienna is absolutely brimming with fashion inspiration, you know? I saw the most stunning silk scarf, the colours as vibrant as the Danube at sunset. It even inspired a dance move I'll definitely be adding to my repertoire.
But before I get completely swept away by my shopping urges, thereās one more Viennese ritual I absolutely must try - the Viennese coffee. This dark, strong, aromatic elixir sounds like just what I need to fuel my explorations and my dancing energy. I even heard it pairs nicely with the decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate called Sachertorte.
From Derbyshire to Vienna ā And Beyond!
Who knew travelling to a city with such an impressive ballet legacy would be this much fun? Vienna, you are truly living up to your name as āThe City of Music.ā You've captured my heart and soul ā and I haven't even tried the pastries yet!
This trip feels extra special, as itās also a celebration of the fact that I'm now fully funding my travel through my ballet performances! Itās not just a hobby anymore, my love of dance has turned into my very own fairytale! And, my darling darlings, you are a huge part of this dream! You continue to inspire me with your incredible love of all things pink and tutus.
So remember, every time you see a twirling tutu, remember to dance your heart out. Life is a beautiful, sparkly, twirling performance, and every moment is worth celebrating. And maybe, just maybe, one day weāll all be twirling together in a sea of pink tutus!
Yours truly,
Emma
P.S. If youāre ever in Derbyshire, Iāll take you for a ride on my trusty steed, Gypsy! She loves tutus just as much as I do, and a jaunt through the countryside is just the tonic for a ballerinaās soul!
P.P.S. Donāt forget to follow my pink tutu adventures! You can find me on my blog: www.pink-tutu.com, on Instagram @pinktutuvienna and Facebook @PinkTutuEmma. Let's spread the love of tutus and twirling together!
