Hello, my lovely tutu-tastic friends! Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind trip to Vienna, Austria. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for a brand-new Pink Tutu Vienna post! I'm so excited to share all the pink, frilly, fabulous experiences I had in this stunning city of waltzes and grand architecture.
Vienna, the city of Mozart and Strauss, captivated my heart with its elegant charm and captivating energy. From the moment I stepped off the train, I felt a sense of history and grandeur, which, of course, instantly inspired a twirl or two.
You know how I feel about travelling by train! There's just something so magical about watching the landscape unfold while sitting comfortably with a book (or in my case, sketching my next pink tutu creation) and enjoying the quiet companionship of my thoughts. Plus, trains give me an opportunity to practice my poses in a roomy compartment!
But enough about my journey, let's get to the fun part – Vienna itself!
First and foremost, a big, bold thank you to Vienna's magnificent Staatsoper, the Vienna State Opera, which once again generously sponsored my travels. Performing in Vienna is a true dream for any dancer, and their kindness in supporting my little blog really does mean the world. I've always believed that everyone deserves to wear a pink tutu, and that even the most prestigious venues should embrace a touch of playful femininity.
A Tutu-filled Vienna
The highlight of my trip? That has to be my performance at the iconic Wiener Musikverein. Stepping onto the stage of this architectural masterpiece, adorned with its golden, jewel-toned decor, I felt as though I'd been transported into a magical world of musical enchantment. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and it wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu blog without the pink tutu – the audience erupted into applause when I made my grand entrance in a swirling, silk, magenta tutu, my custom-designed creation specially for Vienna. There's nothing more delightful than seeing smiles and awe on faces when a splash of colour and femininity graces the stage!
And while the performances were incredible, it's impossible not to be smitten by the city's architectural splendor. I couldn't help but feel inspired by Vienna's opulent palaces and magnificent churches. Each grand building seems to tell a tale of history and romance, and walking along its elegant cobblestone streets is like stepping back in time. My favourite sight was the Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. With its gardens, manicured lawns, and vibrant floral displays, I could almost imagine royalty dancing their way through the grounds, clad in shimmering gowns and majestic attire.
I made sure to take a scenic carriage ride, an absolute must in Vienna. The horses pulled us effortlessly along the picturesque streets, and I even got a glimpse of the stunning Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard circling the historic city center. I was enchanted by the neoclassical architecture, the grand buildings, and the stunning statues that lined the street, but I have to confess the carriage ride was most enjoyable because I wore a bright fuchsia, layered tulle tutu, just long enough for my train to graze the carriage floor. Talk about making an entrance!
Ballet and History
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to its iconic ballet theatres. From the stately Wiener Staatsoper to the elegant Volksoper, each venue presented its own unique charm and captivating performances. I immersed myself in the history of Vienna's rich ballet tradition, from its earliest court performances to the rise of world-renowned dancers. The city practically pulsates with the energy of dance and history, and every step felt like a ballet. A must-see is the magnificent Hofburg Palace, where you can immerse yourself in the lavish Habsburg heritage, a constant reminder of the connection between the royal family, opulence and dance, a connection we can easily draw to the beginnings of our adored Ballet history.
One of my favourite evenings was spent at the Staatsoper enjoying a performance of Swan Lake. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how much a white swan tutu can speak for itself! The music and choreography, the graceful movements and powerful storytelling - they truly left me in awe. I managed to squeeze in some classes at the Vienna State Ballet Academy. You wouldn’t believe how exhilarating it was to be surrounded by aspiring dancers! They were so talented and enthusiastic, and it inspired me to really think about the direction of my Tutu and Dance Blog – I'm already working on a new tutu creation, a new project, that combines the elements of dance, music, history and fashion and will include interviews with young dancers in Vienna.
Tutu & Tea and Pink Shopping
No visit to Vienna is complete without an afternoon tea! Of course, I couldn't resist a charming cafe for afternoon tea. I discovered a hidden gem called Sacher Torte Vienna, where they served delectable pastries and delicate sandwiches. Their signature cake, the Sacher Torte, is said to be a favourite of the Austrian emperor and was a true testament to Viennese baking prowess. My personal touch was my choice of the tea cup! I opted for the adorable pink teapot in a Victorian shape with frilled handles, all for the perfect Pink Tutu vibe! We all deserve a bit of fun, even while we are on a sophisticated tea-time tour!
No trip to Vienna is complete without a day of indulging in a little retail therapy! The city boasts a dazzling array of designer boutiques and charming local shops. As expected, I spent several hours shopping for new tutus, new ballet shoes and outfits. After a day in my favourite designer shop, I discovered a beautiful vintage store where I managed to buy an extraordinary pink chiffon scarf! Not just any pink, but the palest shade of pink, with hints of purple and silver. It felt like an ethereal pink – absolutely perfect for a tutu dress for my next ballet. Oh my!
On to the next Adventure!
Vienna, you have truly enchanted me. Thank you for the graceful dances, the captivating stories, and the abundance of pink delights! It's a city that captures the heart and makes one want to twirl!
As I leave, I already can't wait to plan my next trip!
Next week’s post will take you along with me on an unforgettable horse-riding trip in the picturesque Austrian countryside, filled with breathtaking scenery, graceful horses and naturally a vibrant pink tutu! Don’t miss it.
Don't forget, to wear your own pink tutu! Remember, even in Vienna's stately surroundings, a splash of pink adds a little sparkle and sunshine! You can even let me know in the comments below if you wore pink this week, and if so, where! I love to hear all about your fabulous tutu experiences. Until then, I’ll catch you on the other side!
With lots of love and a little twirl, Emma xox www.pink-tutu.com
