Guten Tag, darling readers! It's your favourite tutu-touting traveller, Emma, back from a whirlwind week in Vienna, the city of waltz, schnitzel, and (yes, you heard that right!) a rather surprising dose of pink tutu love.
This week's journey, fuelled by a recent performance of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House, took me straight to the heart of Austria. Leaving the crisp Derbyshire air behind, I boarded the Orient Express, feeling like a princess transported to a fairy tale. You know I love the thrill of train travel, the way the world whizzes by the window, and with every clickety-clack of the wheels, my imagination conjures up a whole new adventure.
But this adventure, oh this adventure was truly special. Vienna, with its grandeur, its cobbled streets, its iconic opera house, just breathed a fairytale air. It was like stepping straight into a Strauss waltz, all waltzing waltzes, and swirly dresses and charming charm!
Tutu Time!
The very first stop? Naturally, the Vienna State Opera. I may have felt a teeny bit intimidated walking into a place of such historical grandeur. It's not every day a girl in a pink tutu gets to walk through those grand doors, but oh darling, let me tell you, this was truly an experience for the ages!
After marvelling at the grand architecture of the Opera House, (can you imagine, it actually started out as a riding school, fancy that!), I headed straight for a Tutu Timeline experience, one I couldn't have missed. The Opera House boasts a remarkable history, from the Emperor himself commissioning it in 1752 to its tumultuous rebuild after WWII, and boy, the ballet scene? Well, it has an illustrious history too, with some legendary ballerinas gracing the Vienna stage - what's not to love? They even had a special exhibition highlighting some iconic tutu designs from throughout history. Imagine, some of those designs are literally hundreds of years old, some with actual hand-painted embellishments, like tiny roses and delicate leaves!
Vienna Ballet Adventures
My inner ballerina wouldn't have had it any other way but to see a show, naturally! I attended a special evening performance of the timeless classic, "Swan Lake." Oh, the beauty of it all. The graceful movements, the poignant music, the powerful stories - the elegance was spellbinding! And I can't leave you without mentioning the costumes. So much intricate embroidery, hand-stitched sequins, and breathtaking feathered boas – each ballerina had their own captivating story. I sat mesmerised, swirling right alongside them, with a wide-eyed, tutu-wearing, dreamy smile!
Fashion in Vienna, Oh La La
Vienna, darling, is a true paradise for the fashionista! Forget the haute couture runway – Vienna offers the true vintage treasures. After the Opera House, it was straight to the Naschmarkt, a delightful market overflowing with unique treasures, quirky crafts, and the most heavenly food. You’ve simply got to check out **‘Re:Fashioned’. I absolutely adore their unique blend of vintage style and eco-conscious fashion. It's all about making those stylish choices while embracing a touch of pre-loved luxury. And, darling, you won't believe it, but the most gorgeous, hand-painted vintage dress in a deep shade of magenta caught my eye – and naturally, it’s now safely tucked away in my wardrobe!
Ballet in the Streets, Where Dreams Come True
But my Vienna experience wasn’t just about museums and markets. Oh, darling, I found the most extraordinary way to experience the city - by horseback! It was truly a fairytale come to life, galloping through Vienna’s enchanting streets, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my face, oh darling, just sublime.
The Vienna Ballet Waltz
As evening descended, and the city lights started to twinkle, it was time for a magical ballets in the streets! This particular evening was a celebration of Vienna’s street performances. And darling, this wasn’t just any performance – it was the world's largest ballets in the streets performance. With hundreds of people, a joyous symphony of whirling tutus and tumbling dancers taking to the streets! Think vibrant, choreographed performances unfolding on cobbled squares, underneath the glorious arc of Vienna's golden arches! This wasn’t just a performance; it was a heartfelt celebration of creativity, passion, and the shared love for the art of dance!
I danced along with the crowd, whirling and twirling in my signature pink tutu – and oh darling, those moments felt utterly magical! Just watching everyone dancing, young and old, it was all so joyful, so liberating, and it reminded me just how powerful a tutu can be - bringing people together, inspiring joy, and celebrating life!
Vienna's Sweetest Side
No trip to Vienna is complete without a taste of Viennese Sachertorte, oh, a real treat! I tried the classic, a dense and rich chocolate cake filled with apricot jam, with whipped cream - perfection on a plate! And the cafe, Cafe Sacher Wien, just exuded that timeless Austrian elegance. And yes, of course, I had to have my traditional coffee - perfect with my chocolate cake, and an equally decadent slice of Apple Strudel, another Viennese delicacy.
Pink Tutu Legacy: Spreading the Love
This journey wasn’t just about exploring new sights and flavours - it was about discovering new inspirations. Vienna, you completely charmed me! From the ballet history and performances to the vibrant markets and delicious Sachertorte, it reminded me how much joy and passion dance brings, not only to my life, but to the hearts of millions across the world! This little trip to Vienna was more than just a visit, it was a deep dive into history, culture, and a chance to find a whole new love for ballet and its powerful impact!
So here’s my call to action - if you are feeling inspired by the magic of Vienna, why not wear a pink tutu yourself? It’s a small act, but it can make such a big difference in spreading joy, fashion, and a little bit of that Austrian flair! And don't forget, to check back in with me every Wednesday for a brand new Pink Tutu adventure!
Love and twirls,
Emma x
Website: www.pink-tutu.com
