Wednesday 25th December 2019
Oh, darling, Vienna is absolutely divine! It's the most magical city, with its grand buildings and cobbled streets. I’ve arrived just in time for Christmas – and it's even more spectacular than I could have ever imagined. Imagine all the usual Christmas festivities, but on a grander scale. The Christkindlmarket by the Town Hall Square is bursting with twinkling lights and delicious smells, and the Rathaus is a truly breathtaking spectacle, adorned with fairy lights and snowflakes.
My heart is full. Not just because of the Christmas magic, but also because I’m actually here! You see, dear readers, this trip is especially momentous because it was born from a truly wild dream. As some of you know, I absolutely love horses (second only to tutus, of course!). And so, a couple of months ago, the idea to visit Vienna, see a show, and then explore the city by riding through the snow on a white Lipizzaner, simply took over my imagination. It was such a romantic notion, something out of a storybook.
Now, you may wonder how I manage to fund all of these trips. It’s all down to my fabulous ballet performances. It’s no secret I’m absolutely bonkers about dance, and I love performing for my lovely audiences. Each show gives me a little taste of adventure – a trip to a different city, a different culture, new experiences to fuel my creative spirit.
This time, it was a charming performance for a small-town gala. The people were lovely, the scenery breathtaking, and it even brought back nostalgic memories of my childhood home in Derbyshire. Just imagine, me in my glittery pink tutu under the stage lights in a cosy English village. Pure magic! I even spotted a couple of gorgeous antique tutus for sale – one made of silk and tulle, perfect for a performance. Oh, to have been there during the Victorian era, just imagining all those delicate designs. I might have gone crazy in that shop if I'd not been on a deadline.
And so, I'm finally here in Vienna, nestled in a cosy hotel with a view over the Danube River, sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace. And I am simply brimming with anticipation.
First things first – I must tell you about my extraordinary wardrobe for this magical Christmas in Vienna. A trip to the beautiful city simply calls for a statement look, don’t you think? This time I’m going for a regal Christmas palette, a deep crimson against my signature pink. Imagine a deep red vintage fur coat over a pink-tulle skirt and sparkling cranberry-coloured tights. I have to admit, the thought of that beautiful look swirling on a horse just brings tears to my eyes.
Tomorrow is a day filled with exciting discoveries: Vienna State Opera (for which I managed to nab a seat thanks to a kind ballet-loving soul!) followed by some very special shopping – for tutus, naturally! But tonight, Vienna’s magic is truly dazzling. The Christmas lights glitter on the frosty streets, and the city smells of freshly baked cookies and warm spiced wine.
Let me share some fun, Christmas-themed ballet fun-facts before I get lost in Vienna's wonderful winter wonderland.
Did you know...
The Christmas ballet "The Nutcracker" was first performed in Russia in 1892 and is still a beloved classic today. Imagine me, in a dazzling pink tutu, dancing along to the music!
*The first ever ballet performance in Vienna was in 1568, and boy, was that tutu-tastic! *
Ballet is actually rooted in court dancing - just picture me twirling at the royal court of the Austrian monarchy!
That is all for now, darling. I'm off to indulge in the most delicious, sweet, sugary pastries – perfect for a truly decadent Christmas Eve.
Until next Wednesday!
Love,
Emma xoxo
