Vienna, oh Vienna! I can’t believe it’s been a whole week since I last wrote. It feels like just yesterday I was hopping off the train from Salzburg, and now I’m already plotting my next trip - maybe Bratislava? I’m certainly tempted by the fairytale castles and the river Danube. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, let's enjoy this incredible city!
For the last few weeks, I've been whisked away by the enchantment of Vienna. The golden light filtering through the leaves in the Hofburg Gardens, the rich melodies drifting from the Staatsoper, the smell of fresh pastries in the air - I've been in a perpetual state of blissful wonder!
And what better way to celebrate this beautiful city than with my trusty pink tutu, of course! It's a magical whirlwind of colours, with my tutu swirling around me like a symphony of pink in this truly captivating setting. It’s not just a skirt to me - it's an emblem of my love for life, for adventure, and most importantly, for ballet.
Today's post is all about my adventures this past week. You know how I love to soak up the history, culture, and of course, fashion! I'm telling you, Vienna has so much to offer:
A Fashion Feast for the Eyes
I'm a firm believer that fashion and ballet go hand in hand. This city is like a living museum of elegance. You just can't go wrong with the timeless appeal of Viennese fashion. The other day, I was shopping in the beautifully restored boutiques of Kärntner Strasse and spotted a divine fuchsia silk scarf that practically called out to me. It perfectly complemented my pink tutu, which I felt just had to make an appearance for a chic cafe stop at Demel’s.
Speaking of chic, did you know that the first ball gown, complete with hoops and crinolines, actually made its debut in Vienna during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa? No wonder there's a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi in the air here! Vienna really is the birthplace of fashion-forward ballerinas and the mother of all twirling.
The Waltz of Vienna
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without a taste of its legendary waltzes. This city is known as the ‘City of Waltzes,’ after all. I had the honour of attending a performance at the glorious Vienna State Opera House - a ballet masterpiece by Tchaikovsky! Seeing the dancers spin with grace and elegance in the opulently adorned setting was simply unforgettable. Afterwards, I indulged in a romantic Viennese waltz at the Hofburg Palace, my pink tutu swishing elegantly along. You should definitely add this to your bucket list - it truly is a unique experience!
On the Tracks of Inspiration
Vienna is not just about stunning buildings and majestic palaces. It’s a city steeped in rich history, which you can almost touch. My absolute highlight this week was discovering the Schönbrunn Palace! This imperial masterpiece, built by the Hapsburg Dynasty, holds within its walls centuries of secrets and tales of glamour. The grounds are absolutely breathtaking, with a vast palace, ornate gardens and fountains galore. The Emperor's Children's Palace is a must-see – I swear, the Imperial kids had it good! I even managed to find an original, genuine ballerina outfit from 19th-century Austria on sale there, just for my pink tutu collection, naturally!
Vienna's Tutu Charm
And as usual, the heart of Vienna beat with the rhythm of my pink tutu. From the majestic State Opera House to the charming cobblestone streets, my pink tutu was the perfect outfit for exploring and dancing through the city.
Here in Vienna, the ballet isn't just on the stage. It's in the cobblestone squares where locals enjoy coffee and cake, it's in the music that plays on every street corner, it's in the rhythm of life that flows through every nook and cranny of the city. You just need to listen, watch and feel!
Sharing the Joy of Tutu-dom
It wouldn’t be a proper Pink Tutu blog without some fun tips! Here are some ideas to make your time in Vienna even more magical:
- Join the Viennese waltz: It might seem daunting at first, but trust me, everyone will encourage you and it's such a unique and magical way to connect with the spirit of the city.
- Wander through the Schönbrunn Zoo: You can admire stunning animals and exotic plants, and the palace itself is a magnificent sight. Bonus tip: wear a pink tutu while admiring the magnificent birds of paradise.
- Dine in the most opulent setting: The famous Hotel Sacher’s ‘Red Salon’ is just waiting to be explored and enjoyed, perhaps in your pink tutu, naturally. The cafe culture in Vienna is exceptional and you could happily spend days wandering between the gorgeous coffee shops in the Innere Stadt, stopping at the famous Hotel Sacher’s Red Salon, where Sacher-Torte was born, for some of the most fabulous cakes ever invented!
But for me, the most memorable moments are always about sharing my love for pink tutus and inspiring others to embrace the spirit of the ballet. This past week, I met some of the most wonderful people here in Vienna. Whether I’m spinning around the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens or teaching kids a waltz at the Rathaus Square, it’s all part of spreading the pink tutu joy.
It's all about discovering your own unique story, sharing your passion, and having a whole lot of fun. So, where will the pink tutu travel next? You’ll have to wait for the next Wednesday to find out! Don't forget to follow my pink tutu journey on www.pink-tutu.com and check out the new online boutique, which is overflowing with adorable pink tutus to make every occasion special!
Until then, keep twirling, friends!
Your Pink Tutu loving ballerina,
Emma xx
