Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-tastic traveller, Emma, and I'm buzzing with excitement to bring you this week's blog straight from the heart of Vienna, Austria! The air here is positively electric, infused with the magic of waltzes and the echo of centuries of stunning artistry. It’s truly the perfect setting for a pink tutu aficionado like myself!
I must confess, the journey here was a delight. I travelled by train from lovely Derbyshire, where I started my dance career. Remember the quaint little ballet school nestled in the rolling green hills? We were doing pirouettes in the garden, and I remember being utterly entranced by stories of ballerinas dancing in grand, elegant venues like the Vienna State Opera. This time, though, I was fortunate enough to travel first class! I felt like a princess nestled amongst the plush velvet seats, with a delicious cup of tea and an even more delicious scone, all whilst marvelling at the picturesque countryside flashing by.
Speaking of princesses, you simply must see the Schönbrunn Palace! Oh, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale! Imagine acres of manicured gardens, beautiful fountains cascading with water, and opulent rooms filled with history. They even have a grand ballroom – can you imagine a waltz there? I spent hours dreaming of performing there in a blush pink tutu, so very much like the one I’m wearing today.
This gorgeous, floaty tulle is perfect for exploring Vienna, and trust me, there's so much to explore! I’ve been wandering the charming cobbled streets, window shopping at the exquisite boutiques. My eyes are practically popping out of my head, there’s such an abundance of exquisite fashion here! Vienna has this effortlessly chic vibe, you know? From delicate lace to bold brocades, it’s the city where couture dreams are born. Oh, and have you seen their bakeries? Divine! Everything is a feast for the eyes and even more so for the palate.
But this isn’t a trip all about indulging my fashion fantasies (although, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a little retail therapy!), I'm in Vienna to truly experience the magic of dance. Last night I went to the Wiener Staatsoper, which is Vienna State Opera, the very theatre that inspired my dreams of grand performance. Can you even believe it?!
As the orchestra struck the first note of ‘The Nutcracker,’ the theatre came alive! The chandeliers twinkled above, their glittering reflections sparkling like a thousand stars. And the dancing… oh my! It was simply sublime, with movements so fluid and precise that they were practically whispering secrets. And guess what? A pink tutu was on stage! Not quite the blush of mine, but a stunning vibrant pink with sparkling embellishments. I think my heart skipped a beat.
Before I head back to my hotel for a luxurious bubble bath, I simply must tell you about a truly unique discovery: Vienna has a charming little "Ballet Boutique" filled with everything from handmade pointe shoes to vintage ballet costumes. They even had a replica of a tutu worn by the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova! I spent a blissful hour chatting with the owner, who told me some fascinating stories about the history of the ballet in Vienna.
And speaking of history, how about a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum? This magnificent building houses a vast collection of art and antiquities. Imagine statues of dancing nymphs sculpted from exquisite marble, breathtaking paintings that whisper of ballet history, and centuries-old garments – the inspiration behind those iconic ballet costumes we see on stage.
I can feel this being the beginning of something beautiful. My pink tutu is practically vibrating with energy! There’s a rhythm to life here, a harmonious waltz of creativity, culture, and history, which I plan on getting caught up in, tutus twirling and dreams spinning!
Until next Wednesday, stay fabulous and remember to find the sparkle within you. Until then, go forth and embrace the power of a pink tutu.
Yours in dance and fashion,
Emma.
