Happy New Year, my darling dears! Can you believe it's already the 2nd of January? Time really does fly when you're having fun, and this past year was a whirlwind of twirls and sparkles. But fear not, I'm back in Vienna, and this year promises to be even more spectacular!
I've already had a wonderful start to 2019. After saying "Auf Wiedersehen" to the chilly Derbyshire air (though not without a farewell twirl or two in my trusty pink tutu!), I boarded a delightful train to Vienna. It's no secret that I'm a firm believer in the joys of train travel – a slow journey that allows me to gaze out the window and dream of all the ballet adventures to come.
Vienna – a city made for tutus
As soon as I stepped off the train, I felt that familiar spark – Vienna truly is a city for ballerinas! Imagine a ballet performance on every corner, elegant waltzes replacing the rumble of traffic, and an enchanting atmosphere that invites you to glide across the cobblestone streets.
My heart practically did a pirouette as I unpacked my bag (filled to the brim with new tutus, of course!) and made my way to the hotel. And speaking of hotels, mine is quite a marvel – imagine a grand old building, adorned with exquisite chandeliers and antique furniture. It truly feels like I've stepped into a ballet set!
The grand opening – A magnificent waltz through time
Later that evening, I had the pleasure of attending a spectacular gala at the Vienna State Opera. I felt as though I were part of a ballet scene – everyone looked utterly stunning! And as the music swelled, it was as though my very soul took to the stage, gliding along with the dancers.
It's all about the pink, darling
My signature pink tutu was the perfect accompaniment, its swirling tulle a delicate echo to the ballerinas' flowing skirts. And speaking of pink, Vienna is a pink lover's dream! From the blush-hued buildings to the charming little cafés, the colour is simply everywhere, and I can't resist indulging in a little pink-themed shopping. You can bet I'll be sharing some amazing finds in my next post!
Dancing on cobblestones: A Parisian Ballet Performance
After a hearty Viennese breakfast (with, you guessed it, a hint of pink!), I headed out for a day of exploring. My itinerary was brimming with exciting events – first, a Parisian ballet performance in the heart of Vienna! I was utterly mesmerized. The ballet company is world renowned and brought all the grace and artistry of Paris right here to Vienna. I was completely swept away by the performances, their every move as beautiful as a spring flower unfurling.
Vienna State Ballet: A peek behind the curtain
My next stop was the Vienna State Ballet, a ballet school renowned throughout the world. The graceful students captivated me, their passion shining through with every step and twirl. I was fortunate to spend some time talking to a young ballet student who has been dancing since the tender age of 6 – what a delightful, vibrant young woman she is! Her eyes lit up as she told me all about her love for ballet and her dreams of performing on stage one day. It was a moving reminder of the sheer magic of this art form.
Time for a Ballet history lesson – It’s all in the details!
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without delving into its rich ballet history. I made my way to the Vienna State Opera House, where I immersed myself in its storied past. The Burgtheater, once a grand, austere 18th-century theatre, holds centuries of theatre history. From Johann Strauss to Richard Wagner – a perfect place to lose yourself in history.
I spent the afternoon strolling through the hallways of this magnificent structure, picturing the ballerinas who graced its stage in the past. Their stories danced before my eyes, and I felt a profound connection to the rich legacy of dance that pervades this extraordinary city.
Vienna Waltz - a touch of vintage glamour
You simply can't visit Vienna without indulging in a Viennese waltz. My tutu and I ventured to a local dance hall, where I was welcomed by an orchestra that transported me straight into a romantic Viennese fairytale. The dancers, graceful and elegant, twirled and dipped with effortless grace.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself feeling utterly charmed by this enchanting city. I had waltzed through its history, learned a little about the artistry of dance, and made many delightful memories.
Pink Tutu, Pink Perfection - my evening treat!
The highlight of the day? A delicious dessert at my favorite Parisian café in Vienna. Imagine the scent of vanilla and pastries wafting through the air as you sip your coffee and watch the world go by. And of course, I wouldn't be true to my Pink Tutu spirit without ordering the most decadent pink dessert I could find – a fluffy strawberry mousse. Every bite was a delightful symphony of flavours! This café has truly captured my heart with its Parisian charm. I can’t wait to revisit!
See you next week
That’s all for this week, dears. But stay tuned! I’ve got a whole week’s worth of new adventures ahead, including a visit to the Vienna Ballet Opera.
In the meantime, remember: Embrace your inner ballerina, don a pink tutu, and twirl your way into a new year filled with grace, joy, and a sprinkle of pink magic!
Yours always, Emma 💕🩰💖
www.pink-tutu.com
