#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2020-09-16

Hello my lovelies,

Welcome to my Vienna waltz! I'm here in the heart of Austria, surrounded by waltzing music, magnificent palaces, and of course, pink tutus, because darling, where else would I be? It's Wednesday, which means it's Vienna blog day, so grab your fanciest pink tutu and settle in for a bit of fashion-tastic, ballet-loving, tutu-obsessed travel fun.

This week I decided to take a trip down the picturesque Danube, by train of course (who can resist a scenic journey with views of the Austrian countryside?). Donning my cherry blossom pink tutu, I sat by the window and imagined I was gliding through a storybook. Vienna, you are indeed enchanting!

Firstly, let’s talk about tutus, my eternal obsession! Finding the perfect pink tutu is always an adventure. Thankfully, Vienna did not disappoint. I stumbled upon a hidden treasure tucked away in a side street: Le Tulle Magique. Now, you’d think a shop called ‘Magic Tulle’ would be exactly what you’d expect, right? Sadly, they had more black and white tutus than any other colour, let alone the quintessential pink. Shocking! Luckily, a quick chat with the shopkeeper revealed they were willing to customise a tutu, using fabric from their enormous stash (I’m talking layers upon layers of beautiful lace and silk!). I settled on a soft rose-pink, so delicate and light it could have been made from actual clouds. The end result? A dreamy pink tutu fit for a princess.

After acquiring my new pink masterpiece, it was time for some serious culture. You see, darling, Vienna is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and one of my favourite things about Vienna is its passion for ballet. Now, I am an unabashed ballet fanatic and there is nothing I love more than seeing a performance in a beautiful theatre. So, what did I do? I bought tickets to see the Vienna State Opera's performance of "Giselle".

The theatre itself is a magnificent example of Viennese grandeur, with beautiful chandeliers, ornate decor, and red plush seats. Before the show, I took a stroll through the beautiful city, stopping for a delicious slice of apple strudel at a quaint café and marveling at the architecture, stopping for a cheeky little photo shoot at the Hofburg Palace with my pink tutu – I just can’t help myself.

As the lights dimmed, I took a deep breath and settled into my plush seat, ready to be whisked away by the story and the brilliance of the dancers. And oh my darling, what a night it was! Every turn, leap, and pirouette was executed with breathtaking precision and grace, leaving me in awe. This city truly loves its ballet!

Talking of Vienna and ballet, I must mention how integral it was to the development of classical ballet itself. Did you know that it was in Vienna that the first classical ballet school was founded in 1685 by a ballerina who is now almost a legend – Anna Lucia Procopio? Even Marie Antoinette took ballet lessons when she lived at the Viennese court. Ballet, like all art forms, reflects the changing times. While the elegance and poise of court ballet remain, modern dancers have taken it into a new era, combining both athleticism and grace, bringing in exciting new choreographies.

And let’s not forget the tutus, darling! Can we talk about tutu history?! Tutus themselves have also gone through their own fascinating evolution. Originally designed to look like classical drapery, the tutu was a symbol of elegance and ethereal movement. From the flowing and full skirts to the sleek and streamlined designs we see today, they've evolved alongside ballet. In Vienna, I got a chance to visit the Vienna State Opera's costume archive. I managed to see several tutus dating back to the late 1800s and some original designs used by famous ballet stars. And naturally, my pink tutu took its place, alongside those incredible garments.

Now, one can’t talk about Vienna without mentioning the waltz. Vienna is the waltz capital of the world, and of course, I had to learn a few steps. It was so much fun twirling around the ornate dance hall in my pink tutu, feeling the music in my heart. As I learned the intricate steps of the waltz, I felt a connection to Vienna's past, to a time when the waltz was at the heart of Viennese social life. A lesson in history with my pink tutu – fabulous!

For those who are unaware, dear readers, I finance my trips through my dance performances – all to fund my love for all things pink and all things tutu, as you can see! This week, I performed a solo piece called "The Pink Waltz" at the Theater an der Wien – another incredible historical theatre. People were loving my pink tutu and I got a standing ovation, which means the world to me. It is thanks to performances like these, that I can come to cities like Vienna, find my inspiration and hopefully inspire you too, darling.

Darling, this city, Vienna, is a real dream! I love how the waltz and its history are interwoven with the city’s everyday life. But even though it’s bursting with elegance and grandeur, Vienna has also retained its playful and charming character. I am finding the locals so welcoming, everyone's dressed with such style and flair. Vienna feels like the ultimate destination for a ballerina (with a love of pink, of course)!

Well, my darlings, that's it for this week! I've already planned my next stop, the birthplace of Mozart - Salzburg! You know what they say about Mozart, don't you? A touch of elegance, a dash of history and a whole lot of pink - my style exactly!

Until next Wednesday, darlings! Keep waltzing, keep twirling, and keep spreading the love of pink tutus.

Stay chic!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for even more pictures, updates, and pink-tutu fashion!