#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2021-09-08

Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! It’s Wednesday again, which means it’s time for another instalment of the Pink Tutu Vienna Diaries! This week, I’ve been whisked away to the magical city of Vienna, the birthplace of Mozart, Strauss, and yes, even a bit of ballet history too! This post is for you if you love to explore new places, get lost in beautiful buildings, indulge in delicious treats, and, of course, dance your heart out. Grab a cup of tea, put on your favourite ballet slippers, and let’s dive into my Viennese adventures!

My journey began in my charming Derbyshire home, the quaint town of Matlock Bath. With my trusty pink travel suitcase in tow (because even the most fabulous ballerinas need a touch of pink wherever they go!), I set off on the Eurostar to Paris. Now, there’s nothing quite like a train journey. You see, for me, train travel isn’t just a way to get from A to B; it’s a stage for adventure. This time, I was in my element - I whipped out my favourite knitting needles (I’ve been working on a delightful new pink tutu for my next performance!) and enjoyed the picturesque views while working on my latest project.

And you know what? It really isn't fair to keep this bit of pink tutu fun secret from you lovely lot! That's right, my darlings - on my last performance in Vienna, guess what colour I decided to go with? PINK, of course! And it looked fabulous against the red curtains and the dimmed lights. You simply can’t go wrong with a pink tutu in a stunning theatrical setting! But, you don't want me to spill all my secrets, do you? There's more to come on this later!

Arriving in Paris, I took the metro to Gare de l’Est, where I boarded a direct train to Vienna, which arrived a few hours later. This was where the real fun started! Stepping off the train, I took in the atmosphere, the air buzzing with excitement, and even the buildings looked elegant in their baroque finery. It felt like I was stepping onto a film set - one filled with beautiful music and captivating tales.

My home for the week was the legendary Hotel Sacher, and let me tell you, darling, it was like stepping into a fairytale. From the opulent lobby with its sparkling chandeliers to the beautiful views from my room, I felt utterly pampered. But what truly impressed me, besides the elegant décor and friendly service, was the hotel’s storied history. You see, this hotel is famously known for its Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake with apricot jam that’s Vienna's national treasure. Can you guess what I did, you lovely lot? Why, I sampled a slice, of course! It was divine – just as sweet and decadent as one would imagine.

Vienna is simply brimming with ballet heritage, and this city had the perfect blend of contemporary and classical shows to suit my tutu-loving taste. One evening, I went to see a spectacular performance at the Vienna State Opera House, one of the world's most beautiful opera houses. As I stood before this magnificent structure, with its marble facade and elegant arches, I was mesmerized by its beauty. The interior of the Opera House, adorned with gold leaf, was equally breath-taking, and it set the stage for a mesmerizing night of ballet.

The performance, “Swan Lake”, was breathtaking, with exquisite costumes and powerful dancing, bringing Tchaikovsky's enchanting music to life on stage. Every detail was impeccable - from the precision of the dancers to the expressive emotions they conveyed. I swear, my heart leapt into my throat as the swans gracefully moved, with their delicate wings creating a captivating illusion. And, my darlings, I found myself, once again, wondering where I could incorporate these graceful, fluid movements into my own future performance!

Afterwards, I decided to stroll through the streets and let Vienna's magical evening wash over me. As I walked, I listened to the enchanting tunes spilling out from the cafes, with their traditional Viennese atmosphere. Every corner seemed to whisper stories of romance, intrigue, and elegance, and as I sipped on my Viennese coffee, I found myself thinking: this was exactly where my pink tutu would feel right at home.

Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without a little shopping spree! And Vienna, as you can imagine, did not disappoint! From luxury boutiques lining the elegant streets to hidden gems tucked away in the enchanting corners, I was completely spoilt for choice. And with my trusty pink credit card, my hands were soon full of delightful goodies. I even bought a gorgeous hand-painted china cup and saucer set that would be the perfect addition to my collection of pink teacups!

Vienna’s grand fashion history is fascinating! Imagine being surrounded by fashionistas in beautiful silk gowns and perfectly sculpted wigs - you can almost hear the tinkling of their elegant shoes! Today’s style, whilst a lot less formal, still carries some of this elegance and romance. You’ll find everyone here taking time to create a special look that reflects their individuality - whether it be chic street wear or haute couture!

Of course, one can't forget the music in Vienna! Vienna is steeped in musical history, and it was everywhere I looked, even just a waltz emanating from the street musicians on every corner! Walking around this city, I felt the legacy of music whispering to me through the very bricks and mortar. There are some fabulous places in Vienna where you can go to take in a concert, from intimate settings where you can enjoy a chamber ensemble, to larger spaces that stage full symphony orchestras, such as the Konzerthaus Vienna.

And guess what else? It just so happens that this very day, the 8th September, the city hosts a free open-air concert in Schönbrunn Palace Garden! I'm heading there in the afternoon for an afternoon of classical delights with the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra - it is the perfect way to spend a glorious afternoon, enjoying some of the most exquisite tunes Vienna has to offer! And who knows - maybe I’ll even pick up some inspiration for my next tutu creation!

My Viennese adventures are only just getting started, and I promise to share more about my experiences in Vienna next week! You can find me on Instagram at @pinktutublogger for more pictures and stories from my trip. But for now, my dears, until next Wednesday, keep your tutu dreams alive!