Wednesday 3rd June 2020. Post 1309
Good morning darlings! š©°
Well, I've made it to Vienna, the City of Music! After a lovely journey across the continent on a sleek, high-speed train (complete with complimentary pink champagne, naturally), Iām finally in the heart of waltzes and Strauss. As I type, the notes of a violin sonata are drifting in from the window ā pure magic!
Itās no secret I adore ballet. There's something utterly captivating about its grace, the strength beneath the softness, and the exquisite costuming. And letās not forget the glorious, dramatic stories they tell!
Vienna has a deep-rooted history of ballet, just as Iām obsessed with its fascinating history. In fact, the Vienna State Opera is famous for its incredible dancers. Today, Iām off to a matinee performance of āThe Nutcrackerā and I can't wait to get my culture fix!
But before the curtain rises, let's talk about outfits, shall we? This morning, I found myself a most delightful new tulle addition in a charming boutique on the Graben (the shopping street here in Vienna). A soft pink number, perfect for twirling around the cobblestone streets, adorned with delicate, handmade silk roses, the perfect accent for the occasion.
And speaking of pink, Vienna's a city teeming with romantic, blushing pink hues. Everywhere you look, it's painted on the buildings, adorned with blooming cherry blossom trees, even on the pretty pastries! Itās definitely a haven for the colour pink!
Vienna's also got me thinking about a fun new project I want to share. Remember that dream I had about opening a "pink tutu shop"? Well, my heartās brimming with new ideas! I've been sketching and brainstorming designs, and I even had a conversation with a local craftsman here about bespoke tutu-making. Can you imagine - Vienna, with its elegant heritage and beautiful women, could be the birthplace of a new tutu revolution!
Of course, a true ballet lover must always indulge in a delicious pastry or two, so I'm heading out to Sacher-Torte headquarters for some decadent indulgence. If I get brave, I might even try my hand at a Vienna waltz at the grandest ballrooms. A girlās gotta dream!
Now, darling readers, I have a challenge for you! Todayās question is - what's the first thing you would do in Vienna? Would you dance like a ballerina at the Opera House, shop till you drop at the vintage stores, or take a romantic carriage ride through the city? I'm all ears (and eyes)!
Love, Emma x
P.S Do make sure you come back tomorrow for another adventure on my website www.pink-tutu.com! It's on every Wednesday so keep an eye out for the latest edition. Until then, keep twirling! āØ
PinkTutuVienna Adventures in Ballet-Land
After my morning of pink and tulle bliss, it was finally time to dive into the world of ballet in Vienna. The Opera House, with its grand neo-classical faƧade, looked as dramatic and imposing as I had imagined. Even before stepping inside, the grandeur of it all was already intoxicating.
As I joined the bustling crowd, I could feel the excitement simmering in the air, the kind of feeling you get at the opening night of a spectacular theatrical performance. And as I walked through the opulent interior, every intricate detail ā the sweeping staircase, the gilded ceilings, the glittering chandeliers ā whispered stories of bygone elegance.
Then, as I took my seat, the stage came alive. "The Nutcracker" in all its fairytale glory! I had been to several Nutcracker performances before, but this one felt different, more magical somehow. The story, set during the enchanting winter holiday season, is an eternal favourite ā a journey through enchanted realms, courageous battles, and an extraordinary journey of love. The choreography was a visual feast, an enchanting blend of intricate movements and elegant formations, highlighting both strength and grace.
Of course, no ballet performance is complete without stunning costumes. I absolutely adored the exquisite dresses worn by the female dancers, their tulle and lace catching the light like the wings of butterflies, reminding me of my own personal love affair with tulle and its sheer, whimsical appeal! And I had to mention the costumes of the male dancers too. Those dashing black-and-white suits made the handsome gentlemen on stage look so striking! It felt like a glimpse into a bygone era of refined elegance and grand theatre.
After the performance, I couldn't help but walk up to the performers' exit, just to witness the incredible dedication and passion in their eyes, even after an intense show. It felt like a private glimpse into the hard work, the resilience, the sheer talent that defines the world of professional ballet.
Back at the hotel, my mind raced with memories of the performance, filled with the beautiful melody and captivating choreography, reminding me of my own journey as a dancer. Itās what fuels my passion, my desire to share this love for ballet with the world, and my dream to get every one twirling in their own pink tutu.
Speaking of pink, Vienna had a truly exquisite boutique offering ballet-inspired creations. And what did I find nestled between silk slippers and handmade dance bags? A delicate rose-shaped brooch, crafted with delicate swirls of ivory and pink tulle! It felt like the perfect accessory for my journey into the enchanting heart of Viennese elegance.
I knew this wasn't just a brooch ā it was a symbol, a reminder of my dreams and the sheer magic that unfolds when you follow your heart and wear your heart on your sleeveā¦ or your pink tutu, in my case!
Viennese Delights: The Sacher-Torte Temptation
I couldn't resist indulging in a Viennese tradition, a pastry thatās become legendary for its chocolatey richness ā the Sacher-Torte. The cafe, brimming with ornate dĆ©cor and the warm murmur of conversation, felt as though it had stepped straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Itās hard to imagine a better place to enjoy this famous dessert.
The torte itself was a symphony of chocolate ā a rich, moist cake layered with apricot jam and topped with the iconic chocolate glaze. Each bite was pure decadent indulgence. But what really made this experience unforgettable was the warm atmosphere. A group of young Viennese men sat at the next table, debating the best spots for a waltz, while a family dressed in their Sunday best savoured their afternoon tea. The cafe was a true microcosm of Viennese culture, bustling with life, stories, and a shared appreciation for simple joys.
This delicious treat left me feeling inspired to explore Vienna's culinary scene. Imagine: pairing ballet and chocolate. A new adventure awaits! Perhaps a āNutcrackerā themed chocolate bar or a tulle-decorated confection! It's an exciting thought, darling!
The Waltz in My Heart
Now, for a bit of a confession: I may love the graceful beauty of ballet, but my two left feet usually get me tangled up on the dance floor! Still, the idea of attempting a Vienna waltz had been swirling in my head ever since I stepped into this enchanting city. I knew the only way to truly understand the magic of Vienna was to dance its heartbeat!
So, in my rose-adorned pink tutu, I embarked on a romantic journey to a Viennese dance hall, a magnificent hall shimmering with gold, adorned with intricate chandeliers and mirrors reflecting the glittering dance floor. It was an atmosphere straight out of a waltz fantasy!
With the melody of a Strauss waltz filling the air, I decided to face my fear of waltzing and embraced the thrill of moving to its beautiful rhythm. Now, Iām not gonna lie, I felt a bit clumsy at first! My steps were less a smooth flow and more of a clumsy ātwo steps forward, one step backā situation! But soon, with the guidance of a charming gentleman dressed in a classic tuxedo, I found my rhythm!
As the melody flowed around us, I discovered the secret to the Viennese waltz: itās not about perfect steps but about the magic that unfolds when you surrender to the music and embrace the romantic flow. And as the dancers twirled, laughing and swaying together, I felt the enchantment of this legendary city flowing through my veins, transforming me from an ordinary girl into a graceful dancer!
The Vienna Waltz, my darlings, is more than just a dance. It's an emotion. It's a romantic whirlwind of swirling gowns, captivating music, and a sense of boundless joy! I realized I hadnāt been just dancing, I was letting go of my inhibitions and embracing a love for something new. And with every graceful turn, I was falling more and more in love with Vienna!
Horses and Carriage Rides - Vienna's Graceful Mode of Transport
For a truly unforgettable journey, a horse-drawn carriage ride was a must. Viennaās cobblestone streets, dotted with stunning Baroque architecture, create the perfect setting for a romantic trip through history. It felt like I had stepped onto the set of a classic film, and I found myself grinning with sheer delight.
As the carriage gently clattered along the streets, I watched the city unfold ā majestic buildings with elaborate facades, charming shops overflowing with delicate trinkets, and enchanting gardens blooming with colourful flowers. It was like an enchanting fairy tale unfolding before my very eyes!
It wasn't just the romantic ambience that captivated me. There's something incredibly serene about the sound of hooves clicking on cobblestones, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the calm presence of the horses. Itās a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can be the most beautiful.
My little pink tutu took on a different character in the carriage! A mischievous sparkle appeared in my eyes, and I found myself daydreaming about the perfect horse-drawn carriage for my future pink tutu shop! A vintage carriage adorned with ribbons and a shimmering tulle canopy ā what could be more enchanting?
Vienna, A City Embraced in Pink
This has been a journey overflowing with magic, darling readers, Iām leaving Vienna today with a heart full of beautiful memories ā the enchanting ballet, the delicious pastries, the waltz that spun my world, and the enchanting carriage ride through its heart. And a special place in my heart will always be reserved for this city bathed in the blushing glow of pink. It was here I discovered my own grace and embraced the magic of waltzing through life!
Vienna, my sweet love, youāve filled my heart with inspiration, reminded me to chase my dreams, and confirmed my belief that even the clumsiest of ballerinas can find beauty in waltzing through life!
Before I embark on a new journey, I leave you with a final thought: Donāt be afraid to dance your own waltz. It might not be perfect, but it'll be uniquely yours, just like a perfectly pink tutu.
Until next week, keep twirling!
Love, Emma x
