Wednesday, 19th July 2023
Good morning, darlings! 🩰
I'm writing to you from Vienna, Austria! Oh, how I adore this city, steeped in history and elegance, where every cobbled street and grand building seems to whisper stories of waltz and waltz and more waltz! It's no surprise, then, that this is the city where my tutu-clad heart feels truly at home.
Vienna, darling, is the place where the spirit of ballet practically dances in the air. The music is almost palpable, floating out of café windows and cascading from open doorways. It’s in the rhythmic sway of the horse-drawn carriages, the elegant flow of the people, and the grace of the city's architecture, all perfectly intertwined to create a visual ballet.
And guess what? I’ve just witnessed a spectacle - a ballet show unlike any other. A production that transported me back in time, swirling in a whirlwind of silks, satins, and tulle. It was simply magnifique!
The Vienna State Opera, now that's a venue with serious history! I was utterly captivated by the stunning artistry, the powerful emotions conveyed through each graceful step, and the intricate details of the costumes. You know I adore a good tutu, but these were something truly special – glittering with pearls, embroidered with intricate details, and crafted with such love and skill. Honestly, they could make even the most novice ballerina feel like a princess.
And the performance, well, let's just say it was magical. I'm a little bit speechless (something I know you don't often hear from yours truly), the beauty of it left me awestruck. I could have sat there for hours, letting the exquisite movements wash over me like waves of grace and artistry.
This whirlwind tour of Vienna has been filled with adventures – you wouldn’t believe the treasures I’ve unearthed in the vintage shops and boutiques here. From antique lace trim to hand-painted tutus, Vienna truly does hold a piece of ballet magic in every corner. I may have purchased a teensy bit more than planned (let’s be honest, the “teensy” was more of a significant amount).
Oh, and I simply had to try a horse-drawn carriage ride! You've got to believe me when I say, there’s something incredibly charming about gliding through Vienna, the clip-clop of the horses' hooves adding a lilting rhythm to the city's beat. Imagine, a ballerina travelling like a real-life fairy tale princess – with a sprinkle of pink tutu magic, of course!
The highlight of my week was taking a lesson at the Vienna State Ballet Academy. I can't explain how thrilled I was to step inside the hallowed halls, feeling like I'd taken a magical leap into the heart of Austrian ballet. The room resonated with years of dedication and grace, each step I took echoing with the footsteps of ballet legends who had walked before me. I even got to try on a classic tutu from their archive, a little piece of ballet history!
Speaking of history, I took a trip to the Imperial Palace to marvel at its grand ballrooms, adorned with breathtaking murals. Just picture it, dear readers: a magnificent hall with towering ceilings, glistening chandeliers, and enough space to pirouette for hours without colliding with anything. Honestly, you could feel the history dancing through its halls! I even tried my best to find the "Tutu Room" – that’s what I call them when I stumble across an extraordinary vintage shop – but, alas, my search remains ongoing!
However, Vienna wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Schönbrunn Palace, now would it? With its lavish gardens and grand terraces, it's easy to see why this palace was once home to royalty. My heart went aflutter when I pictured all the waltzes, the parties, the music... the memories this place holds! You can almost hear the whispers of tutus swirling through the grand rooms! This is a place where a pink tutu simply begs to be worn!
And the food, oh my darling! Let's just say that Vienna truly embraces the art of culinary delights. Every meal is an adventure for my taste buds, with flavours I could dance a jig for. And don’t even get me started on the cakes. Divine! There are simply too many pastries, tarts, and sweet treats to count. But rest assured, my darling, I'll be sharing the most decadent discoveries with you all in the weeks to come.
My darling, I’m already counting down the days until I can return to Vienna. I promise to share even more stories, from the charming cobbled lanes to the opulent halls of its palaces. Don't forget, darling, to join me next Wednesday for a new post right here on the Pink Tutu Vienna blog. You’ll want to hear all about the next waltz that’s whisked me away, the newest additions to my tutu collection (you just know I'll be indulging in more treasures), and of course, all the exciting things this beautiful city has in store!
Stay tuned for more stories from my pink-tutu-filled travels. And, as always, keep those pink tutus twirling! 💖
Yours,
Emma 🩰