Wednesday 6th November, 2019
Guten Tag, my darling darlings! Emma here, back from the breathtaking city of Vienna, where the waltzes are just as enchanting as the buildings are majestic! This week, my journey took me on a truly magical escapade through Austria's capital, a whirlwind of elegant cafes, historic architecture, and of course, ballet performances that had me twirling in my pink tutu!
As ever, Vienna greeted me with open arms and even more open shop doors - how can a girl resist the allure of so many charming boutiques and vintage treasures? My pink tutu, ever the star of the show, fluttered excitedly with every new discovery! But before I delve into my fashion escapades, let me whisk you back to the beginning...
Riding into Vienna with Flair
My journey began in Derbyshire, England, where the air was crisp and the trees were painted in autumnal hues. Leaving my dear home was bittersweet, but the anticipation of a new adventure made my heart flutter. The train journey to Vienna was a picture-perfect spectacle. Lush landscapes, charming villages, and the ever-increasing buzz of excitement - the journey was as captivating as the destination!
Upon arrival, I couldn't help but squeal with delight! Vienna's grandeur is undeniable - the ornate architecture, the vibrant squares, and the scent of freshly baked pastries! With my pink tutu fluttering in the wind, I boarded a hansom cab, eager to embrace the romance of Vienna's iconic streets. This is the perfect mode of transport in this city; you feel as if you're part of a fairytale! The clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoed a melody of joy as I whisked through the cobblestone streets.
Vienna's Enchanting Ensembles
Of course, my quest to embrace all things pink and tutu-tastic began at once! My first stop: the beautiful Hofburg Palace. The very halls where waltzes were born! What better inspiration for my tutu? I wandered through its grand chambers, imagining the glittering balls of centuries past, the elegant ladies in their silks, and the dapper gentlemen bowing with grace. I imagined myself in a delicate pink tutu, twirling gracefully amidst such splendor.
Then it was onto the delightful Stephansdom, Vienna's majestic cathedral. I love these intricate architectural details. It's so inspiring for me and the embroidery I design for my own pink tutus.
For lunch, I indulged in the most delightful Wiener Schnitzel, accompanied by a refreshing glass of iced tea. (This city is amazing for tea too!) Vienna truly is a symphony of flavors! And to continue my "pinky" theme, I picked out the perfect bouquet of bright pink peonies at a charming little florist nearby. These will be the perfect addition to my dressing table back in my hotel room, and oh how perfect for Instagram!
A Ballet Ball at the Opera House
No trip to Vienna is complete without experiencing the world-renowned Vienna State Opera! Dressed in my most enchanting pink tutu, of course, I prepared for an unforgettable night of ballet bliss.
This week, I was fortunate enough to see a production of Swan Lake, with the most beautiful ballerinas you can imagine! The story of Odette and Siegfried resonated with me deeply - I've always been fascinated by the symbolism of the white swan, embodying purity and grace. And let me tell you, I felt like a swan myself as I sat there mesmerised!
The performances were absolutely breathtaking, filled with grace, fluidity, and passion. It was almost as if the dancers were twirling right through my heart! The music was a melody of emotions, the costumes a symphony of colors. My pink tutu, blending with the theatre lights, felt right at home. It was pure magic, truly!
The Whimsy of the Waltz
But my Viennese adventure didn't stop with the Opera. I took a lesson at the famous "Dance academy" where they have beautiful ballrooms with incredible history. The teacher, a kindly gentleman with twinkling eyes and a passion for the waltz, shared some captivating stories of waltzing's history. He taught me some simple moves, and let me tell you, a twirl in a pink tutu accompanied by the music of Johann Strauss II is a symphony in motion!
Vienna Through a Tutu-Coloured Lens
Everywhere I went, Vienna seemed to whisper secrets to me through its cobblestone streets and majestic architecture. The city’s charm was palpable in every cup of Viennese coffee, every stroll through the gardens, and every moment of my ballet adventure! I have filled my camera roll with breathtaking photos, my notebook with creative ideas, and my heart with inspiration.
This week has truly been a delightful waltz, full of delightful discoveries, heartwarming moments, and an abundance of twirling! Now, I am already daydreaming about my next Viennese adventure!
Don’t forget, you can see more of my pink tutu moments from Vienna on Instagram - and if you ever visit this incredible city, don't forget to give me a twirl!
Love, Emma
P.S. Have I inspired you to wear a pink tutu today? Because remember, a pink tutu makes the world a more magical place! 😉
Emma’s pink tutu-fied Vienna itinerary:Where to go:
- Vienna State Opera: This magnificent opera house is a must-see for any ballet aficionado! Don't miss a show for an enchanting evening of music, dance and atmosphere!
- Stephansdom: Marvel at this Gothic masterpiece and learn about its incredible history, but be sure to take a photo from every angle!
- Hofburg Palace: Let your imagination soar through the grand chambers of this historic palace and take a wander through the intricate gardens!
- Vienna State Ballet Academy: For a real inside scoop, see how the stars of tomorrow are trained.
- Albertina: A museum dedicated to photography and graphic art with contemporary art exhibitions and impressive gardens - always worth a visit.
- Belvedere Museum: Home to masterpieces by Gustav Klimt, with panoramic city views - I'm not just saying this because of the colour yellow!
What to do:
- Attend a ballet performance: There is always something special happening at the Vienna State Opera. Take a moment to watch the stars and be prepared for stunning scenery, elegant costumes, and mesmerising movements.
- Learn the waltz: I found the waltzing lesson to be so much fun, and Vienna is a wonderful place to learn this elegant dance. Don't forget to twirl in a pink tutu!
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: A quintessential Viennese experience that lets you explore the city in style - the clip-clop of horses' hooves really is as charming as it sounds!
- Visit a Viennese coffee house: Sit back, relax and savor the authentic atmosphere of these elegant establishments and let yourself be inspired!
- Explore the city's stunning parks and gardens: Vienna boasts beautiful parks like the Stadtpark and the Schönbrunn Gardens, offering tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle!
Shopping in Vienna:
- Boutique shopping: Check out the trendy boutiques along the Mariahilfer Straße. The window displays are always so gorgeous!
- Vintage treasures: I found some amazing bargains at the Naschmarkt for some really unique and beautiful vintage pieces.
- Department Stores: If you want to shop for everything in one place, Vienna boasts many large department stores, from luxury brands to independent fashion!
- Artisan markets: A beautiful place to pick up some unusual souvenirs - I picked up a few very lovely items for my collection and my website.
- Shopping centres: There are plenty of shopping centres for all the things you could possibly need - and many more than you probably do!
Travel Tips for Pink Tutu Ballerinas:
- Comfortable shoes: If you're doing a lot of walking, as I usually do, make sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes! My tutu never stops me exploring!
- Pack a pink tutu: Of course! A pink tutu is always the perfect accompaniment to your explorations. You never know what magical opportunities might come your way!
- Pack light: My luggage is a pink ballet bag on wheels - this can be a little tricky to navigate in narrow Vienna streets - so take advantage of hotel laundry services for all your pink tutu and ballet essentials.
- Book in advance: Especially for ballet performances and theatre tickets, book well in advance! Tickets are always in demand.
I am absolutely loving Austria! And with Vienna under my pink tutu, my next stop is a tour of some of the other majestic castles that Austria has to offer - and I'll be writing about all of that next Wednesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Don’t forget to stop by to join my ballet community and let me know your favourite part of Vienna!
Love, Emma 💕
