Hello my darlings! It's Wednesday, which means a new Pink Tutu adventure is waiting for you! This week I'm whisking you all away to the glorious city of Vienna, Austria - a place that simply bursts with fairytale charm. As you know, I'm an absolute sucker for history, architecture and, of course, fashion, and Vienna delivers on all fronts! This week has been a whirl of tutus, waltzes, and all things delightful.
Vienna's got this magical air about it, a lingering echo of emperors and empresses, waltzing through grand ballrooms, and I can't get enough of it! I was captivated the moment I arrived at the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) - a grand, imposing structure that took my breath away with its intricate details. I had travelled overnight from Switzerland by train - I do love a good train journey, it's like a moving fairytale - and stepped into a city that was bathed in autumnal gold. It's a colour that's just as beautiful as pink, but let's be honest, no colour beats pink!
My arrival was made even more magical because I'd snagged the last ticket to a show at the Vienna State Opera. The very building is a work of art, a grand, ornate masterpiece that speaks to a rich theatrical history. It's easy to picture the elegant crowds arriving in horse-drawn carriages - and the horse drawn carriages are still around, though less often these days, thank goodness for the trains! The show was "Tosca", a drama about forbidden love and political intrigue set in Rome during the Napoleonic wars. The music was breathtaking - it filled the whole auditorium, swirling around us, creating a mood that was at once tragic and glorious. As a passionate dancer myself, I find operas enthralling – the costumes, the sets, the dramatic flourishes, the spectacle of it all – pure joy!
Shopping in Vienna - Where Else?!
Of course, a visit to Vienna isn't complete without a foray into the world of fashion. This city is famous for its high-end designers, and I simply couldn't resist the allure of Vienna's elegant shops. The shopping streets around the Graben are simply breathtaking - charming little boutiques tucked into historical buildings, and elegant designer stores lining the squares. And let me tell you, finding pink tutus here has been like a treasure hunt - each day brings a new surprise, a different colour, a unique fabric - the city simply inspires!
Today, I fell in love with a beautifully crafted, blush-pink tutu with a layered tulle skirt. The shop was tucked away in a charming little courtyard off the main shopping street, a hidden treasure overflowing with fashion that was simply begging to be explored. As I tried on the tutu, I was swept back to the elegance of Vienna’s rich history. It was perfect.
Vienna has a fascinating ballet history too - it was once home to famous dancers and choreographers - a tradition that still thrives in its vibrant contemporary ballet scene.
Ballet Heaven!
As I twirled through the streets today, feeling utterly glamorous in my pink tutu, I spotted a ballet school. How could I resist a peek inside? The sound of tiny dancers' feet tapping rhythmically on the wooden floor, the scent of leather ballet shoes, and the sheer passion and dedication of every little ballerina, gave me goosebumps.
You wouldn't believe the stories the tutors were telling! It seems like every generation here has their own memories of Vienna and its legendary ballet traditions, and this love for dance seems woven into the fabric of Viennese life. There's a strong focus on training young ballerinas here. They are meticulous in their techniques and very traditional - they have been teaching this art form for centuries! What's more, the tradition here means they offer many classes, often open to everyone and anyone – no matter your age or experience! And it isn’t only traditional ballet - there’s a contemporary, modern side too – very inspiring! I'll be making a point of trying some of their classes.
History Unfolding
But Vienna is more than just elegance and grace. Its history is as fascinating as the ballet traditions and, of course, its architecture. Today, I found myself mesmerised by the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence. Standing in the centre of the inner city, its towering walls whispered secrets of emperors and empresses who walked these corridors centuries ago. It felt like stepping back in time – a testament to the opulence and extravagance that once graced Vienna. The Hofburg Palace is also home to several museums and the world-famous Spanish Riding School.
Later, as the golden hour settled upon Vienna, I found myself at Schönbrunn Palace, another masterpiece of architecture that captured the city's royal past. I’d be tempted to plan a trip just to go through all these grand, elaborate gardens - imagine the fashion photo opportunities! The gardens, are truly stunning - vast and sprawling, a sea of colour with fountains and statues dotting the manicured lawns. And then, on top of everything, I discovered this adorable little café in the heart of the palace grounds. Oh, the cakes were just divine – a delicious symphony of flavours, as light as a feather! You know I can't resist a slice or two (or three!) when faced with such decadence.
I took the time to stop by one of the local cafes, tucked away in the shade of a cobbled side street. As I savoured my Vienna Coffee, it was impossible to ignore the warm atmosphere. I listened to the conversations unfolding around me, the clink of spoons on china, and the excited chatter of the locals as they sipped their caffeine fix – a true Austrian experience!
And the pastries are simply sensational - a delight for the eyes and a heavenly experience for the taste buds. You could even wear a pink tutu to these cafes, no-one would bat an eyelid, and if they did, well just think of all the positive press for spreading the word! Every time I try a new one, I think – oh, I could make these my staple outfit!
And let me tell you, dear readers, Vienna's nightlife is just as vibrant as its daytime energy. Last night, I found myself dancing in a lively Viennese club, a mixture of locals and tourists, all of us swaying to the music, enjoying the magic of the night. You'd be surprised, Vienna's nightlife is fantastic, especially if you are into dancing, the Viennese love to dance! And even the pubs are a whirl of traditional music and dancing - the most enjoyable time you'll have, I promise you!
Sharing my Pink Tutu Love!
This week, Vienna has captured my heart. Its enchanting history, its captivating ballet scene, its fashion havens, and its decadent cuisine - everything about it just makes me want to twirl. And speaking of twirling, you can find me in Vienna this week, rocking my pink tutu, sharing its joyful message of femininity and empowerment.
Remember, the most important thing is to embrace your own inner pink tutu princess, let your light shine, and live life to the fullest. If you see me around Vienna, be sure to say hello – let’s take a spin!
See you next week! And if you can't be in Vienna for the Pink Tutu dance, follow me on my website www.pink-tutu.com where I'll be posting regular pictures and blog posts!
Love,
Emma
