Hello, my darling dears! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad traveller, Emma, writing to you live from Vienna! I just had to share my adventures in this glorious city. It’s been a truly spectacular whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and, of course, the most delightful pink tutus!
Vienna, with its grand architecture and rich history, is the perfect backdrop for a ballet lover’s journey. As I twirled through the cobbled streets, the air buzzing with the melodies of waltzes and Strauss, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of inspiration. Just imagine: waltzing with the emperor in Schönbrunn Palace! That’s what every ballet dancer dreams of, right?
Of course, my first port of call was the Vienna State Opera House, a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Seeing this magnificent theatre, its interior draped in velvet and gold, transported me to another era. As a ballet enthusiast, it was almost like stepping back in time. The history of the Vienna State Opera House alone was worth the trip: I got completely swept away in the stories of ballet dancers of the past – their tutus, their triumphs, their tears… It was a truly magical experience!
The very next day, I found myself gliding down Vienna’s elegant Mariahilfer Strasse, the city's main shopping street. It was a veritable wonderland of designer boutiques and charming vintage stores, all promising fashion finds to die for! And as any discerning tutu enthusiast knows, the perfect accessory for any occasion is, of course, a beautiful, shimmering pink tutu.
After my shopping spree, I treated myself to the most exquisite afternoon tea at the Hotel Sacher – a grand dame of Viennese luxury with an unforgettable history. Sacher torte is their speciality, you know, and my goodness, was it delicious! But no proper afternoon tea is complete without a steaming cup of Earl Grey. After all, the right cuppa is the perfect way to sip and dream of swirling tulle.
But no trip to Vienna is complete without seeing the iconic Belvedere Palace and its famous Klimt Collection. Imagine my delight when I saw Gustav Klimt’s famous masterpiece, "The Kiss" - so symbolic, so elegant, almost a ballet in itself. I couldn't help but admire his artistic interpretation of love, the tenderness, and, well, let's just say the perfect touch of gold shimmer!
Vienna truly has the most wonderful blend of historical charm and modern delights. After my palace tour, I took a trip on a traditional Fiaker carriage – the iconic horse-drawn cabs that wind their way through the heart of the city. What better way to experience the old-world charm of Vienna, and to truly feel like I’ve stepped into a ballet scene. The clip-clop of hooves against the cobblestones was a melody all of its own, echoing through the streets of the city. I may not have been a real princess in a glass carriage, but this experience was magical, nonetheless.
Now, here’s the exciting part: This week, the city was a whirl of cultural activity, celebrating the Vienna Summer Festival. A huge highlight was a stunning performance of "Giselle" by the Vienna State Opera. Seeing a ballet legend like Giselle come alive on stage was breathtaking - the emotions were raw, the music exquisite.
I've always loved ballet since I was little girl – my first tutus were homemade from scraps of tulle! My love of ballet drove me all the way from Derbyshire, England to this stunning city. You might call it a bit of a fairytale, or a story out of one of those charming ballet stories like Swan Lake, and perhaps it is, but this journey has given me a newfound passion for ballet history and even tutu history!
After my thrilling Giselle performance, I felt it was only natural to slip into my own custom-designed pink tutu for an evening stroll through the city centre. Vienna was, of course, a sea of pink tulle. My ballet inspired outfit and tulle attracted plenty of curious glances from other locals – after all, this is Vienna, not a ballet class!
There was an unmistakable joy in the way the music and atmosphere flowed together, and Vienna’s heart was brimming with passion for all things artistic! I couldn't resist the urge to add a touch of magic to my outfit - a pair of sparkly, pink ballet shoes with a touch of gold detail. After all, it’s important to get the perfect tutu with the perfect shoe!
On Saturday morning, I was determined to immerse myself in Vienna’s most beautiful green spaces, starting with the Volksgarten – Vienna’s beautiful green heart. It was a magnificent place for contemplation and enjoying nature’s beauty. Sitting on the grand terrace overlooking the park, the sheer perfection of this garden's architecture left me breathless. It was easy to imagine princesses twirling and dancing on the terraces – so much inspiration for my next blog post!
No visit to Vienna would be complete without a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. The ornate grounds of this UNESCO world heritage site left me breathless! This is Vienna's grandest baroque garden, after all. There is an abundance of statues, fountains, manicured hedges, flower beds and hidden terraces. All this grandeur almost felt a bit like an elaborate, open-air set design. It’s a good job I brought my pink tutu to capture those gorgeous sunset shots in front of the palace’s famous Neptun fountain!
I spent an unforgettable evening at the Schönbrunn Palace’s spectacular "Nightingale Concert" - a breathtaking blend of operatic talent and exquisite sound. I may have danced in my seat, but thankfully I wasn't the only one. Everyone had that special twirl in their step – after all, opera can be an excellent catalyst for unleashing the inner ballerina!
Now, you’re all caught up with my fabulous week in Vienna. I can’t wait for next week’s blog post!
Until then, I leave you with a gentle reminder, to let your inner tutu-wearing ballerina shine! And to make sure you don’t miss my blog post next week – check out my www.pink-tutu.com website on Wednesday. And, remember my friends: always make time for dancing, shopping, and finding the perfect shade of pink!
Stay fabulous, darling!
Emma xoxo
