#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2017-09-20

Dearest Tutu-Lovers,

Greetings from Vienna! It's Wednesday, the day you all know I'm live from another incredible city, and I'm simply bubbling over with excitement for this week's adventure. Vienna is truly a magical place, bursting with history, culture, and an air of timeless elegance – everything a tutu-loving ballerina could dream of!

It's my 1168th blog post, which I’ve named ‘Vienna Whirl' because honestly, I haven't stopped twirling since I arrived! And my new tutu - oh, the pink! This is one of my most exquisite, with delicate layers of tulle that shimmer like starlight and a ribbon that's the colour of Austrian sunsets. It’s simply a dream. I’ve worn it to every one of Vienna's many ballet performances and have had so many wonderful encounters. Many locals and tourists alike stopped to ask if I was a dancer and where I got my lovely tutu. This one was an absolute steal in a vintage boutique down in the cobbled backstreets of Vienna, tucked away amongst antique shops and coffee houses.

Speaking of ballet, Vienna is truly the capital of ballet in Austria. This city practically breathes balletic charm. I've been captivated by the city's grand opera houses, ornate theaters, and elegant ballet schools. I feel so inspired, it's a real creative rush! It’s almost as if the Viennese air is full of music and the scent of beeswax candles, giving a wonderful fairytale feeling to the entire place! Just last night, I was completely enthralled by the Vienna State Opera's performance of 'Giselle', a breathtaking portrayal of love, loss, and the haunting magic of the ethereal realm. I had the opportunity to meet some of the principal dancers, all elegant and kind - they are living, breathing, inspirations! The music of Johann Strauss filled my soul as the beautiful ballerinas took to the stage. This kind of elegant ballet is absolutely divine!

My journey here was just as delightful. I boarded a train from Prague with my most beloved travelling companions - a suitcase full of tulle, a hatbox filled with all of my dancing shoes, and a book about Tutu history. I’ve always loved taking a train - the rhythm of the tracks, the slow unfolding landscapes, the scent of steamy tea!

There is just something about trains that speaks to the romantic and the wanderlust within a tutu lover's heart, I truly believe. They whisper a story about grace and adventure, which resonates with the very heart of our feminine soul! And with every mile, my pink tutu seemed to blossom brighter, a joyous whirl of colour amongst the passengers' grey jackets and tweed overcoats. I can’t resist giving a little twirl from time to time, even on the crowded platform, especially if the fellow commuters smile and look happy to see a touch of joy.

My journey in Vienna started at Schönbrunn Palace, one of the grandest baroque palaces I have ever witnessed, filled with regal rooms, opulent tapestries, and stunning gardens - an incredible time capsule of history! It felt so surreal to walk in the footsteps of royalty, and imagine all the balls, grand dinners, and graceful waltz performances that had once graced these halls! It is truly a palace fit for a ballerina, with so much historical ballet relevance and beauty in every corner, making this city even more magical for me. The architecture of the Schönbrunn Palace is just incredible and breathtaking, but to learn that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, was once the daughter of the Empress, makes this visit really feel extraordinary! This place just sings of ballet! It felt so magical and wonderful to spin under the shade of ancient trees in its gardens! I have some wonderful pictures for you - and I know you will adore the pink tutu I paired with this incredible location - just magical.

Speaking of magical, no trip is complete without indulging in a little fashion adventure! Vienna, oh Vienna, you truly have captured my heart. You offer endless possibilities! This city’s shopping is something truly special. From designer boutiques nestled in hidden alleyways to grand department stores that would put even Harrods in the shade, Vienna is an absolute paradise! And believe me, my dear tutu-lovers, I had a ball (no pun intended!) trying on gorgeous frocks and searching for unique, sparkly pieces to add to my tutu collection.

I've found the most amazing, delicate ballerina slippers in the colours of the sunset in one tiny little boutique called The Golden Slipper, which is full of wonderful surprises. I have a few secret spots that I won’t divulge because we would have to have an actual shopping trip and I wouldn't want anyone to know where I shop for my accessories, because the more secret, the more precious.

But for all you fashionistas out there, I can’t let you down on tips, so let me share: I do suggest wandering through the city's bustling streets, taking a stroll through the historic squares, or just getting lost in a quaint cobbled street or two. Trust me, every corner of Vienna holds hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered.

But shopping and ballet aren’t everything, are they? In Vienna, it's not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey! You must have a ‘Wiener Kaffee’ – this exquisite Viennese coffee with its delicious and velvety flavour that is truly a ritual, a daily tradition that whispers through the city. It's enjoyed with a simple pastry or slice of Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate cake - and honestly, what could be better than enjoying a leisurely coffee in the heart of the city while the music plays gently around you? It truly evokes an atmosphere of relaxed elegance that speaks to the very soul of Vienna!

I've enjoyed many an afternoon taking in the views while indulging in my favorite indulgence: a perfect Viennese coffee with a light strawberry pastry, the scent of the pastries blending so sweetly with the aroma of the coffee – pure delicious bliss. You truly can't get much better than this! And my lovely, delicate pink tutu is always a lovely accessory!

Vienna has truly become a special place for me. And you know, dear tutu lovers, there is no better inspiration than to see how the elegance and tradition of Vienna have influenced fashion for decades and centuries - it's all so graceful, so charming! Every day in Vienna has filled me with inspiration - the music, the dancing, the graceful Viennese waltzing couples swirling through the cobblestone streets - this is a city for ballerinas and for lovers of exquisite beauty! I’m sure the moment you visit, it will steal a piece of your heart too.

I know that you all must come here someday. It is truly the perfect tutu escapade - and so you know you’ll look great, I will even create a personalized travel plan so you have all of the perfect tutu outfits for all the occasions that your Viennese adventures bring. Because let’s face it: you know that if there is a beautiful ballet studio to be visited, I will be there in my pink tutu to say hello to the ballerina world and inspire you!

Don’t forget your twirling shoes and a lovely new pink tutu. I can’t wait to tell you about the wonders of Vienna next Wednesday in post #1169. Until then, remember to spread tutu magic and remember, the only thing that is better than wearing a pink tutu is everyone wearing one!

Stay lovely,

Emma x

Website: www.pink-tutu.com Social media: @pinktutublogger Travel Style: Feminine, Romantic, Tutu-filled, with a whimsical flair.