Post 1206: Wednesday 13th June 2018
Bonjour mes amies! The Pink Tutu is back, and this time we're waltzing our way through Vienna!
Oh, how I adore this city! Its cobbled streets whisper with stories of emperors and empresses, its cafes simmer with rich history and delicious pastries, and its music - oh, the music! It’s as if Mozart himself is humming along with the gentle breeze that caresses the city's elegant facades. And Vienna, you know, is the very birthplace of the waltz – how could I, the Pink Tutu, resist a visit?
This week, my dear readers, my journey takes me back to the heart of Europe, to Austria, and the magical metropolis that is Vienna! I arrived in Vienna just last Friday, aboard a glorious crimson train that swept me through emerald fields and silver rivers. I always feel a sense of excitement travelling by train, there's a special magic in it, don't you think?
Stepping out of the train station into Vienna's grand, baroque architecture was a delight. As I always say, a little bit of pink never hurt anybody! My favourite, billowing pink tutu (with just the right touch of silver sequins, naturally) twirled with excitement at the sight of Vienna's opulence.
Vienna, I have to admit, has already captivated me. It's like stepping into a fairytale. Picture this: charming little cafés tucked into shady courtyards, cobbled lanes leading to grand imperial palaces, and the sound of violins playing in the breeze. Vienna is a city for dreamers, and my heart is soaring.
Vienna’s ballet history, a little something special!
And oh my! Can we talk about the history of ballet in Vienna? There's the grand Vienna State Opera, which, to be honest, was the very first ballet company I fell in love with when I was just a little girl, captivated by stories of ballerinas pirouetting across its magnificent stage! This place boasts a heritage of dazzling performances that started all the way back in the 18th century. Can you imagine? I feel so deeply connected to this history, my own love for the art form somehow woven into the very fabric of this city.
The Burgtheater, with its exquisite neo-Renaissance architecture, has its own captivating story. It's Vienna's national theatre, known for its incredible dramatic performances, but even without a ballet, this theatre oozes a certain majestic flair. I can only imagine how absolutely delightful it would be to be swept up in a magical ballet performance on that stage!
A fashion lover's paradise
And speaking of delightful things… have you seen the shopping here?! Every corner is a charming boutique or vintage emporium just waiting to be discovered. I’m having the most splendid time combing through these Parisian-inspired boutiques, finding little treasures for my wardrobe – pink ones, of course. Imagine, silk scarves with swirling, flower patterns, dainty pastel-colored shoes that whisper softly as you walk, and oh, the vintage jewellery – little diamonds sparkling like stars in the moonlight. I simply cannot resist them!
Vienna's shops are so beautiful, almost as pretty as my tulle! I’m quite certain I’ve lost myself in at least ten vintage shops by now. And every time I emerge, there’s another, even prettier store calling to me! It’s simply impossible to leave anything behind – and I have a feeling I might have to come back with an extra suitcase, or even two!
Pink tutu delights: From street performers to grand ballets
As always, my Pink Tutu Adventures have taken me beyond the boutiques and into the streets. It's here where Vienna really comes to life! Every corner holds a little surprise, like the graceful, yet playful, ballet performances I've encountered. They're a delightful sight: young street performers in swirling skirts and leotards, moving with a joy that transcends words. I’ve even caught glimpses of couples swaying gracefully to waltzes in public parks, twirling in an elegance that just feels so quintessentially Viennese! It's almost as if everyone here has a little ballerina hiding within their soul!
Of course, I had to take in a proper performance at the Vienna State Opera. Imagine my delight! The evening's programme, Giselle, was a stunning masterpiece – full of passion, drama, and breathtaking technical artistry. Seeing a ballet live is truly a life-affirming experience – the grace, the music, the sheer skill of the performers! I was completely mesmerised! The air thrummed with emotion and beauty, and for a moment, the world outside those velvet-curtained doors simply disappeared.
And can we talk about those costumes? It's no surprise that Viennese fashion is synonymous with elegance. I was dazzled by the ballerina’s tutus, exquisite and ethereal, their colours ranging from silvery moonlight blues to sun-kissed creams, with more than a hint of sparkling embellishment, just the way I like it! It's clear that ballet, even in modern-day Vienna, is still seen as a form of artistic and social expression, just like my own, personal pursuit of all things pink and tutued.
Sharing the pink tutu love!
During my visit, I discovered an initiative here in Vienna that's very close to my heart. They call it "Pink Tutu Day!" On the last Sunday of each month, folks in the city wear their brightest pink tutus – not to ballet classes, but out and about in their day-to-day lives! How perfect, isn’t it? It’s a beautiful way to embrace joy, to dance through life, and spread a little bit of pink cheer, all whilst embracing that wonderfully whimsical, and feminine feeling!
While I may not be able to pull off a full pink tutu on my day to day explorations of Vienna, let's be honest, I couldn't possibly leave my trusty, trusty pink tutus in the hotel. Just imagine, Vienna is bursting with vibrant, colorful, historical palaces and streets… How could I possibly resist! I simply must incorporate them in to my travels…
Of course, I'm sporting a touch of pink in my outfits – from vibrant accessories to my signature pink ballet shoes! Vienna seems to approve of my vibrant splashes of colour! It's clear that this city loves its colour, and embracing my Pink Tutu journey is just another way to explore its unique energy!
The Viennese Waltz
Tonight, I’m taking a waltz lesson at a charming dance school right in the heart of Vienna. I just have to give the waltz a go! It seems such an essential part of Vienna's essence. This experience is going to be as enchanting as Vienna itself, no doubt!
As for the week ahead, I have even more exciting adventures planned, from exploring more Viennese art galleries to enjoying another exquisite performance at the State Opera – possibly the iconic Sleeping Beauty, oh how I love this ballet, the costumes are so inspiring. And of course, indulging in Viennese culinary delights and savouring delectable pastries at one of those lovely cafes I keep stumbling across – my favourite way to embrace life is through chocolate!
Remember my dears, keep spreading pink tutus wherever you go!
Lots of love and waltzes from Vienna,
The Pink Tutu x
