Hello my darling Tutu Tribe! Itâs your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, reporting live from Vienna! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the smell of Viennese pastries fills the air⊠a truly magical experience! As you know, my heart beats to the rhythm of ballet and my wardrobe is a rainbow of tulle! So when I was given the opportunity to come to the city of waltzes and Strauss, well, you can imagine the delighted pirouette that my heart did!
This week, Vienna has welcomed me with open arms, and my trip so far has been a symphony of beautiful sights, delightful shopping sprees, and some seriously impressive ballet! And what else could be better? The cityâs rich history and enchanting charm, combined with the grandeur of ballet, has made me feel like a real life fairytale princess!
Now, if youâve been following me for a while (a massive thank you for joining this Pink Tutu adventure!) youâll know that my motto is âspread the pink tutu loveâ wherever I go. So you better believe that Vienna, with its stunning architecture and cobbled streets, became my new playground for a pink tulle revolution!
My First Waltz:
The moment I stepped onto the platform at the station, the vibrant, pink sunrise painted across the sky almost made me swoon. My darling tutus had travelled by train with me of course! How could I leave them behind?! They are my companions, my confidantes! It was almost as exciting as a first night performance at the Royal Opera House in London!
Once I checked in to my hotel, I was off to explore the city. I mean, can you even imagine a more elegant place for a pink tutu debut?! The cobbled streets were perfect for swirling and twirling, the ornate architecture provided a beautiful backdrop for Instagram worthy poses, and the grand palaces were calling out for a Tutu Tea Party (coming soon, dear readers!).
The Viennese Dance of Delights:
As soon as I got my bearings, I headed for the Schönbrunn Palace! Its majestic exterior, and the lush green gardens, instantly put me in a waltz-ready mood! You just canât resist feeling graceful surrounded by so much beauty!
Speaking of grace, I found the most wonderful little vintage shop right by the palace! My shopping radar went off immediately! The owner, an old lady with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, showed me a vintage tutu in a pale shade of pink! It looked like something straight out of a Viennese opera! Sadly, it didnât quite fit, but I took a photo for you lovely lot anyway. It had a delicate embroidery around the bottom that looked like miniature ballerinas. She explained how a lot of these tutus are still well loved and passed down from generation to generation! Honestly, if I were a hundred years old, this tutu would definitely still be gracing my wardrobe!
Opera, Coffee & Cake:
On Thursday, I took a trip to the Vienna State Opera. My first proper ballet night! For someone whoâs had a life-long passion for the dance, it was like reaching the pinnacle of tutu-loving nirvana! I even managed to slip a tiny pink tutu around the bag that housed my beloved dancing shoes, I just couldn't resist. It was such a perfect mix of glamour and passion.
After the performance, I sat in one of the cafes just off the Ringstrasse and savoured a delicious coffee and strudel (it's impossible to avoid the temptations, but who can resist?!) surrounded by the hustle and bustle of this amazing city. The magic of the opera continued to buzz around me! The streets were vibrant and alive with conversation, music, and the aroma of fresh pastries! Itâs honestly one of the most alive and vibrant cities Iâve ever been in! Vienna and I, we're definitely a match made in tutu heaven!
Horses, Bows, and the Pinkest tutu of Them All:
Friday afternoon, I thought I'd explore Vienna's artistic side with a visit to the Belvedere Museum! What I wasnât prepared for was the equestrian sculptures! Some of the finest in Europe! I stood there awestruck, completely spellbound by the beauty and detail of each piece!
It wasnât until later in the evening, walking through the Prater park, that I finally came across a real-life horse! What better way to conclude a day at the Belvedere than a beautiful stroll with a magnificent horse, feeling the gentle warmth of its breath on my face? I have a huge love for these amazing creatures and just couldnât resist petting him! For a fleeting moment, we shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other. He let me pet him and, at one point, even rubbed his nose against me, it felt truly special! I must have been lost in a fairytale, because then it suddenly started to snow! Imagine, a magical Viennese night, covered in snowflakes!
As I walked home that evening, my heart overflowing with happy memories, I decided I would get myself a perfect pink tutu outfit to wear to see a Vienna Ballet Company performance on Saturday! So after a little internet browsing, I found my little jewel on Etsy. The perfect blend of sophistication and sparkle! I think the owner of that shop thought I was mad when I ordered it! But why be boring, eh? Let's be adventurous! I had to have it, so I went all out with matching pink heels, pink glitter nail polish, and, of course, the most wonderful shade of pink lipstick I could find. My friends at home were all envious when I showed them a preview of the ensemble on video chat! You all know how I love a good, vintage style ballet dress, especially a pink tutu! I donât think it's possible to ever go wrong with a well-chosen tutu, wouldnât you agree?
A Vienna Ballet Company Triumph:
Saturday night's performance was nothing short of magnificent. The Vienna Ballet Company absolutely stole my heart with a graceful and stunning rendition of Swan Lake. Their movements, so precise and captivating, made every fibre of my being want to join them on the stage! The stage itself was beautifully adorned with floral displays. Everything was just perfect, the entire theatre felt alive! After the performance, I was still buzzing with excitement! My tutu and I twirled our way through the crowds leaving the theatre. The theatreâs opulent chandeliers still had a magical shimmer reflecting down the road like celestial glow sticks. I knew that my experience here wouldn't be complete until I actually gave dancing a go!
A Viennese Ballet Debut:
You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again. My lovely Tutu Tribe! I simply cannot leave any destination without experiencing the joy of dancing at least once! A waltz class seemed to be in order! So I searched out a studio close to my hotel, and, wearing a slightly less flamboyant pink tutu (the vintage one really needed a good airing out!), I entered the world of the Vienna Ballet School.
The moment I entered the class, I felt my anxiety melt away, the sound of waltz music wafted gently over the elegant room! It filled me with such a beautiful energy, it was as though every beat resonated with the graceful dance of the Vienna Woods, right through the historic heart of this lovely city!
It wasnât quite like a waltz class I would usually do back home! It was a lot less relaxed and very professional! But my dancing teacher, Frau Elser, a wonderfully charming and experienced ballerina, was absolutely delightful! I immediately felt at home and at ease, learning the steps and techniques, just as though I'd been there a lifetime! At the end of the class, I knew I had finally found my ballet âhappy placeâ, here in Vienna!
I have to say, Frau Elserâs style was absolutely captivating, she radiated an elegance and an incredible energy. And just for her, I will be practising these Viennese Waltz moves right up until my next waltz lesson. I may even ask if she could show me a couple of the other dance styles in their repertoire â that's how impressed I was with Frau Elser and the entire experience!
Vienna â The Pinkest of Goodbyes
As I'm leaving Vienna this afternoon, thereâs this overwhelming feeling of happiness in my heart! It's that warm, fuzzy feeling of âperfect holiday vibes!â I have collected so many wonderful memories in my Pink Tutu diary (with a few strategically placed tulle illustrations in case the memories are a little blurry) that I can't help but smile at the mere thought of Vienna, I must confess, it's been rather delightful! I don't know what could have made it better⊠but, perhaps you, dear reader, can give me some ideas? Let me know your Vienna ballet and fashion tips below in the comments!
In the meantime, donât forget, spreading pink tutu love is my mission in life and Vienna is already a lovely hub for such a movement, it seems. So whether it's waltzing through the cobblestone streets, buying vintage tutus from friendly shops, or watching a ballet performance under dazzling chandeliers, letâs spread the pink tutu love around the globe! I can't wait for our next adventure.
Yours in tulle and happiness,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Ballerina
P.S. You can keep up to date with all my Pink Tutu adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! Every Wednesday at 7am! Why donât you join me? Don't forget to tell your friends! The more, the merrier!
