Wednesday, 27th September 2017
Guten Tag, darlings! Emma here, fresh off the train from the breathtakingly beautiful city of Salzburg, and already itching to share all my Vienna adventures with you! This week’s pink tutu escapade has me positively bursting with excitement – a whirlwind tour through history, fashion, and yes, plenty of twirls!
Let’s just say, darling, Vienna’s waltzes and whispers of grandeur perfectly suited this pink tutu aficionado. This enchanting city feels like it was made for a tutu twirl or two (or ten!), and with the majestic architecture, the Viennese coffee houses brimming with artistic energy, and of course, the captivating echoes of waltz music around every corner, I knew I’d be in my element.
A Fashionable Journey Back in Time
My journey started at the Hofburg Palace – the epitome of imperial splendour! It was impossible not to feel transported back to the golden age of the Habsburgs as I explored the grand halls, with their decadent chandeliers, opulent furnishings, and whispers of centuries-old stories. And I’ll confess, darling, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered the Imperial Apartments - an opulent suite filled with Marie Antoinette-worthy frills and a touch of the blush that I live for. It wasn't all glitter and gold though. The Silver Collection, with its magnificent display of silver platters and glittering table settings, provided a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Viennese aristocracy.
But a visit to Vienna is incomplete without a peek into the world of fashion! So, I took a trip to the Fashion Museum and found myself completely enchanted by the exquisite historical costumes on display – think bodices, panniers, and ball gowns galore! It’s fascinating to see how fashion has evolved through the ages, and the beautiful, dramatic styles that were once considered cutting-edge still leave me breathless today! I could imagine a young waltz queen strutting down these very halls, wearing the most fantastical gown, maybe even with a little bit of pink in the mix (because who says you can't add a touch of pink even in the 18th century?!)
A Twirl Underneath the Stars
As the evening approached, I found myself craving the ethereal beauty of a Viennese waltz – something that makes the heart skip a beat. This city, steeped in waltzing history, had a performance lined up for me. It was the perfect chance to embrace my inner dancing queen and allow myself to be swept away by the music. I must tell you, darling, the music was so beautiful it literally brought tears to my eyes, and watching those graceful ballerinas twirling effortlessly beneath the chandeliers of the Vienna State Opera felt magical, almost surreal!
Later, I treated myself to a spot of Viennese decadence at a local cafe – a Viennese “gâteau” to die for and a hot chocolate richer than any chocolate I’ve ever had before. Then, a magical waltz played on a tiny radio tucked in the corner, and it was a cue for me to twirl and spin, making this ordinary cafe feel like the grand ballroom of my dreams!
Ballet Inspirations in Every Corner
Speaking of waltzes, did you know the Waltz was almost outlawed by the conservative Viennese upper classes when it first came into vogue?! Thankfully, it triumphed and became a defining feature of the city, a testament to its romantic heart. There are so many interesting ballet and dance stories around this place, each a chapter in Vienna’s enchanting history. And even now, its dance legacy lives on – from the Vienna State Ballet with its legendary dancers, to the bustling ballet studios, and even the occasional street performances that pop up across the city, filling every corner with music and movement.
The Sweetest Treats & the Heart of Vienna
The heart of Vienna is where I found myself, lost in the maze of streets, exploring the historic Old City (yes, and yes, of course with a splash of pink in my attire!). I wandered through the Steffl Church, marvelled at the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, and felt the rhythm of life coursing through the narrow streets and alleys, taking me back to Vienna’s glorious past.
And what better way to round off this enchanting day than with some of Vienna’s iconic delicacies? From the famous Viennese Apfelstrudel (it really was as divine as they say!), to the Viennese pastries (always a winner in my book), this city offers a sweet treat for every palate. The streets overflow with cafes serving a symphony of flavours, each one inviting me to stop and savour a bite of this delectable city.
Until Next Wednesday, Vienna…
My heart is brimming with Vienna’s magic, my senses are awakened by the waltz rhythm that beats in the city’s veins, and my spirit is as light as a pink tutu twirling under a starry night sky!
So, I'll be leaving you, my dear readers, with this thought: a city that whispers waltzes in the breeze, where fashion echoes through the ages, and where the sweetest delights tantalise the tastebuds, has a place in my heart forever! I can't wait to share more of this wonderful city next Wednesday!
Keep it pink, darling!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. Did you know there's an ongoing movement in Vienna called “Tutus for Tutti” advocating for people to wear tutus every day of the week?! This makes my little pink tutu heart leap with joy! They have free pink tutu distributions happening across the city…so if you ever happen to be here, darling, do keep an eye out for the giveaway locations on the Pink Tutu Vienna blog! It's always my mission to encourage people to express themselves through the beauty of fashion and tutus are an amazing way to make a bold, beautiful statement!
What’s happening in the pink-tutu.com world:
I have to tell you, darlings, I'm in the midst of creating some exciting new tutu content for the site. My new video series is on the cusp of completion - showcasing vintage ballet routines I have unearthed and recreated. It's called Tutu Takes, and the first episodes focus on 1950s ballets. This new collection is just bursting with style, vintage details and a splash of my signature pink. I’ll let you know more once the videos go live, and if you haven’t already subscribed to my email list, you're missing out on sneak peeks! So do pop over to pink-tutu.com and sign up today, darlings! You won't regret it!
