Wednesday, 15th December, 2021
Darling readers! Greetings from the most magical city in Europe, Vienna! This week, the wind is whistling through the trees, snowflakes are swirling through the air, and Christmas lights are twinkling in shop windows, filling the city with a warm, festive glow. It's enough to make even the most hardened tutu-phobe want to don their most sparkly leotard!
As usual, Vienna hasn't disappointed. I landed yesterday, having travelled by train (first class, naturally) from Salzburg - such a journey through the Alps. What better way to travel than surrounded by breath-taking scenery and the most delightful tinkling music of the carriage wheels on the tracks! It truly is the sound of my dreams, almost like the music from my favourite ballet, "La Bayadère" by Petipa and Minkus. My travel essentials? My pink tutu, my matching cashmere hat and gloves (perfect for keeping warm in those mountain tunnels) and my newest pair of blush pink ballet shoes. You never know when inspiration might strike, even during a journey!
Vienna's already in a festive mood. Everywhere I look there are Christmas markets - twinkling lights, mulled wine, and tempting treats like candied almonds and gingerbread cookies! I think I'm getting quite peckish! Of course, no visit to a Christmas market would be complete without indulging in the local delicacies, like the legendary Sachertorte. I even tried my luck with some fortune cookies. Mine promised an exciting year of "ballet, beautiful music, and romance!" Can you imagine! This definitely fits the bill of a fantastic Christmas!
But Vienna's more than just Christmas markets, as lovely as they are. I'm actually in the city to see "The Nutcracker"! It's a production of the Vienna State Opera, featuring the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra! If you are ever lucky enough to be in Vienna, especially around this time of year, you simply must see a performance. It's a spectacle you will never forget, featuring world-class ballet and glorious music, which truly is the "language of angels". And I won't lie, I love seeing the dazzling costumes too! They inspire me to add a little extra sparkle to my own tutu wardrobe! I do try and go to at least two ballet shows each week during my time in the cities I visit, it truly is my dream, seeing my love of ballet all around me. But tonight, I need to find that elusive, most wonderful, pink tutu that I dreamed of! Luckily I heard that Vienna is the home of one of the world's most famous, historic fashion houses, "Christian Dior", so perhaps they will have a wonderful ballet inspired pink tutu for me to wear at my next show. I am sure they will understand my "Pink Tutu Obsession", it's almost an addiction, like a chocolate cake! I can't wait to go shopping! I wonder if the famous, Vienna Opera House boutique will have a special collection? My wish is to have a full length tutu in pink, that way my whole lower body is pink - well it almost is already!
Speaking of ballet history, did you know that the Vienna State Opera is one of the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in the world? It dates back to 1869, with its foundations laid during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph! Can you imagine? That means this beautiful building was erected the year after my beloved Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake was first performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. I always think about the ballerinas that came before us, it's so magical to think about their costumes and their moves on that same stage as I dream of dancing on. A moment to stop and take a moment to breath, breathe and believe. That's what all ballerinas, past and present, need to remember to do!
My lovely friends and fellow ballet enthusiasts, it's been another fantastic week exploring Vienna! I hope this peek into my European travels has brought some sparkle to your Wednesday. I know it's almost time for the festive season to kick off in earnest, but remember - it's never too early for a bit of twirling and a pink tutu! You can catch all of my updates every Wednesday right here on www.pink-tutu.com. If you are in Vienna I might see you at the Ballet, but until next Wednesday darling, remember... " A pink tutu is more than just a tutu, it is a dream, it is a passion, and it's most definitely the best choice for every outfit!"
