Hello my lovely twirlers!
This week finds me twirling through the glorious streets of Vienna, the city that's waltzing its way straight into my heart! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for my weekly Pink Tutu Vienna post, fresh from the heart of Austria. And what a week it has been – I've been sipping Viennese coffee, twirling around the Hofburg Palace, and soaking up the ballet scene, of course!
I arrived here by train last week - there's nothing quite like the rhythmic sway of the carriage and the whiff of freshly baked pastries to set the scene for a European adventure. It's truly magical! My trip here is made possible thanks to some lovely ballet performances – I've been busy swirling and leaping across the stages of the Derbyshire Ballet Theatre (a huge thank you to everyone who came to see my latest show!), and it's with those lovely, hard-earned shillings that I'm able to chase my pink-tutu dreams.
Speaking of chasing dreams, did you know Vienna was home to the very first tutu? It’s true! That magnificent swirling confection of tulle was born right here in this very city, a symbol of grace and artistry. The very first tutus, you see, were made to imitate the ruched underskirts worn by the French ballet dancers of the 17th century. They wanted to create a lighter, more fluid garment for their dancing, so the ruches were simplified and the skirt shortened – and voila! The first tutus were born.
This fascinating little nugget of tutu history has me buzzing with excitement, and it made me realise I should take a detour to the Vienna State Opera. It's a grand, glittering gem of a building, oozing historical charm and boasting exquisite acoustics. And, lucky for me, there's a special show playing this very night! Swan Lake, one of my favourite ballets, starring the incredibly talented, rising ballerina, Anastasia Petrova. I can practically hear the music swirling through my mind already!
But Vienna is so much more than just a place to appreciate ballet. It's an intoxicating city overflowing with history, charm, and oh, those dreamy pastel cafes! You just can't escape the undeniable pull of Viennese charm. Even my morning walks through the city's parks are like stepping into a beautiful, pink-hued fairytale! Think endless avenues of chestnut trees, glistening fountains, and colourful flowers that make you want to twirl! I practically feel like I'm in a waltz myself, gliding across cobbled pavements and stopping for an impromptu photo shoot at the iconic Hofburg Palace.
I can't resist mentioning the city's amazing shops either, of course! From quaint little boutiques bursting with beautiful handcrafted treasures to grand department stores where I could literally lose myself in a flurry of fashion. Speaking of fashion, I've been hunting down the most gorgeous silk scarves and beautiful lace trimmings, perfect for adding a touch of Viennese flair to my tutu wardrobe.
As I'm writing this, the sun is starting to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and purple, a scene straight out of one of my favourite ballets. It's moments like this, with Vienna's rich cultural heritage swirling around me, that make me truly appreciate this beautiful city. It's a place that whispers of romance, history, and artistry, a place that stirs my soul and makes me want to twirl for joy!
Tomorrow, I'll be exploring the Schönbrunn Palace, taking in its grand architecture and maybe catching a glimpse of the magnificent Lipizzaner horses! After all, what's a trip to Vienna without a touch of equine elegance, right?
Until next week, twirlers,
Emma xx PinkTutu.com
P.S. Remember, I love seeing you wearing your pink tutus, so don't forget to share your pictures with me on Instagram, using the hashtag #PinkTutuEverywhere. And for those who haven't donned a pink tutu yet, remember: It’s never too late to embrace your inner twirling ballerina. You're beautiful in every shade of pink!
A Pink Tutu View on Vienna:
- Must-See: The Hofburg Palace (where it all began!), the Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna State Opera, the Stephansdom, and the enchanting Volksgarten.
- Must-Do: Watch Swan Lake at the Vienna State Opera, take a carriage ride through the city centre, lose yourself in the fashion shops of Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the delightful cafes, and maybe even have a go at waltz dancing yourself!
- Must-Eat: A Sachertorte (a heavenly chocolate cake), a classic Wiener Schnitzel, Viennese coffee, and traditional pastries.
Remember, darling, there's a little bit of pink tutu magic in every corner of the world! Let's keep those tutus twirling!
