#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2023-06-21

Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing adventurer, reporting live from the beautiful, waltzing city of Vienna! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another adventure in my favourite colour - PINK! This week's journey takes me from the majestic Hofburg Palace to the whimsical world of Vienna's ballet scene, and I'm thrilled to share every twirling detail with you all.

So, buckle up, darling readers, because this blog post is about to be a right old rollercoaster of pink delights!

This week, my journey started in my hometown of Derbyshire, where I swapped the glitz and glamour of a recent ballet performance for the rustic charm of a horse-drawn carriage. There's nothing quite like the feeling of the wind in your hair, the clopping of hooves on cobblestone, and the gentle sway of a carriage ride to set the mood for a grand adventure.

After a whistle-stop trip on the Eurostar (which I always enjoy – I've got a whole routine down, with a fluffy pink travel blanket and a bag of sweets, and of course, my pink tutu!), I arrived in Vienna and was immediately swept up in the city's magical atmosphere. Imagine a fairytale backdrop, with stunning architecture and a vibrant energy that's contagious! I'm completely in love with Vienna’s historical grandeur.

One of my first stops was the Hofburg Palace. This magnificent palace, a former imperial residence, felt like stepping straight into a royal storybook. I even got to see the famed Spanish Riding School - where the Lipizzaner horses, all in their elegant white coats, are trained to dance.

Speaking of dance, did you know that the waltz, that oh-so-romantic dance, actually originated right here in Vienna? You can almost feel the history swirling around you in the very air, as you wander through these breathtaking places.

Vienna's love for dance is undeniable. I mean, think of those epic waltzing balls, the graceful movements of the Lipizzaners, and of course, the grand ballets at the Vienna State Opera. My journey took me straight to this beautiful theatre, where I watched a stunning performance of La Bayadère by the Vienna State Ballet. Oh my, the costumes! The sets! The incredible skill of the dancers – I felt like I was transported to a world of pure beauty.

You see, there's just something special about seeing live ballet performances. The feeling of the energy from the dancers, the thunderous applause after each incredible scene – it’s utterly exhilarating.

And of course, the costumes. They were so opulent and dramatic! From flowing silk to shimmering sequins, these costumes had all the ingredients for a delightful performance. It was hard not to get lost in their beauty.

One of the most charming things about Vienna is the delightful mix of grand architecture and cosy cafés. I absolutely adore wandering through the city's streets, getting lost in the maze of charming alleys, exploring boutique shops with an exquisite selection of hats and handbags - and the vintage clothing shops were a real delight, filled with so many pretty frocks! My new floral hat, just bought from a hidden gem shop on a side street, feels like a real find, don’t you think?

Speaking of costumes, let’s talk tutus! You already know that tutus hold a very special place in my heart, and there's nothing more enchanting to me than seeing them come to life on stage. Vienna is actually a fantastic place for those who, like me, are absolutely fascinated by the history of ballet and the stories woven into every stitch and pleat of a tutu.

If you’re like me, with a passion for ballet history, then you should absolutely check out the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library). They have a remarkable collection of old theatre costumes, including some beautiful historical tutus!

It’s so fascinating to see how these tutus have evolved, from the simple and utilitarian beginnings of early ballets to the elaborate and often extravagantly detailed designs of today’s tutus. Every frill, every layer of tulle tells a story – it’s like unlocking the secret language of these graceful costumes.

My search for vintage tutus also led me to an absolutely fantastic vintage clothing shop in Vienna, aptly named “Ballet Street”! You’d never guess what was hiding behind the door - a wonderland of shimmering fabric and feather boas! I managed to snag a gorgeous pale pink tulle tutu (of course, it's pink!), perfect for my next adventure.

This trip has reminded me how incredibly beautiful Vienna is, how exciting and lively the city feels, and just how powerful ballet can be – a powerful blend of athleticism, artistry, and expression.

My fellow pink tutu-wearing friends, this week I leave you with a call to action: Let’s bring back the magic of tutus and spread joy with a wave of pink! Whether you’re on a Parisian café terrace or dancing in your living room, put on your pink tutu, and let your spirit soar. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?

Stay fabulous and keep your hearts open for joy, my dears.

Yours in pink,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

Join me on social media @PinkTutuEmma

See you next week, with more pink-tastic adventures!