#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2020-12-02

Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina, Emma, reporting live from the glorious city of Vienna! As I pen these words, snowflakes are twirling gently outside my hotel window, transforming the charming cityscape into a winter wonderland. And guess what? I'm surrounded by tutus! You can't be in the heart of Europe and not find yourself in a tutu-tastic dream!

Vienna, the City of Music, has been calling my name for years. This week, I finally answered, and oh, the magic! I arrived in style, of course, by train from Switzerland, the carriages filled with friendly faces, chattering away in the languages of Europe. A fellow traveler, an old lady with sparkling eyes and a twinkle in her smile, saw my pink tutu and whispered "You look like a Vienna dream." You have no idea how much that made my day!

The energy in Vienna is captivating, a blend of classic elegance and vibrant youthfulness. From the towering neoclassical buildings with their pastel facades to the cobblestone streets alive with laughter and street performers, every corner exudes an enchanting atmosphere. It's as if the city itself is waiting to twirl, to burst into a beautiful, graceful waltz. And of course, I'm ready to waltz with it!

Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without a good tutu spotting spree! While tutus might not be as commonplace as they are in London or Paris (it’s still England's best friend, I'll admit!), the Viennese ballet world is alive and well. The Vienna State Opera (yes, the very same one I’ve admired from a distance for years!) is a treasure trove of tutus, from the classic Swan Lake white tutus to the majestic “Sleeping Beauty” pink ones (pink, just like my favourite colour!). But there's a hidden side to the tutu game, my darling readers: Vienna's vibrant dance community.

On a whim, I ventured into the historic Hofburg Palace to see the Spanish Riding School. And boy, was I in for a treat! I didn't just find horses and riders, but some of the most elegant costumes imaginable. Yes, the horses were wearing tutu-like garments, those grand saddles with billowing white skirts, making each step, each leap, a stunning ballet in itself. The riders, oh they were elegant, wearing knee-length riding skirts, their posture radiating grace and precision. It was truly breathtaking and a lovely twist on the traditional tutu!

The street also plays host to a dance phenomenon - street ballet! I watched as dancers swirled on the streets, their tutus swirling with them. Every so often, a group of young ballerinas in shimmering pink and white would take a corner for a quick choreography. Imagine! These beautiful girls, dressed in pink tutus, practicing their moves under the Vienna skies! It was the perfect ballet street scene.

Of course, no trip would be complete without some retail therapy! Vienna, with its heritage as the cradle of art nouveau, is a shopping paradise for the vintage-loving ballerina. On Kärntner Straße, a bustling pedestrianized street, I stumbled upon a charming vintage boutique that was simply overflowing with fabulous fashion finds. Amongst racks of sparkling vintage jewelry and decadent velvet dresses, I found an exquisite hand-embroidered silk tutu! Imagine a white silk tulle with the most delicate pink embroidery depicting floral patterns - perfect for my next Vienna Waltz! The shop owner, a sweet old lady with twinkling eyes, even gave me a gift: a tiny box containing a tiny ballerina with her own little pink tutu, the most adorable trinket to carry around.

This week, the Vienna Fashion Week was underway. This meant that Vienna's elegant women were stepping out in style. Every corner was an Instagram opportunity with my tutu on. The energy was captivating - a vibrant mix of contemporary fashion and timeless elegance. And amidst the sophisticated city, a dash of playful colour!

The Vienna State Opera is a dream come true for any ballerina, let alone a pink-tutu loving one! Seeing the beautiful building with its elaborate ornamentation is already an exciting experience! And once inside? You're welcomed into a space filled with history and artistry. From the opulent chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the meticulously designed velvet seats, each detail screams opulence and artistry.

Beyond the glamorous setting, it's the performances that really steal the show. This week, I had the pleasure of seeing Swan Lake, a ballet classic performed to perfection. The beauty of the ballerina's graceful movements combined with the intricate storytelling was truly magical. My favorite part? The scene when the dancers transformed into the graceful white swans, gliding effortlessly across the stage, it sent shivers down my spine!

But my Viennese ballet adventure wasn't confined to the opera. I explored Vienna's diverse dance scene, attending a fascinating ballet history lecture at the Vienna State Ballet's beautiful library. There I discovered the hidden origins of ballet costumes, those first tutus fashioned out of simple fabrics and ribbons, designed to offer freedom and beauty to the dance. How interesting to trace the evolution of the tutu, from its simple beginnings to the stunning creations we see on stage today! The lecture itself was a delightful experience, full of charming anecdotes and beautiful visuals, proving that the love for dance goes back centuries.

After my exciting ballet adventure, I took a carriage ride through the city. The Prater, Vienna’s amusement park, twinkled with fairy lights while the scent of sweet chestnuts filled the air. It was the most perfect end to an incredible day. Vienna's enchanting atmosphere, paired with my love for ballet and tutus, created an unforgettable experience!

So, darling readers, are you ready to don your pink tutu and explore the magical world of Vienna? Remember, a pink tutu can open doors to incredible adventures, connect you with other lovely tutu-wearing souls, and, most importantly, inspire you to find the ballerina within!

Stay tuned for more Viennese adventures next Wednesday on my blog. And until then, remember: every day is an opportunity to twirl!

Lots of love and pink twirls,

Emma x