Dearest fellow twirlers,
Greetings from Vienna! I’ve finally reached the city of music and magic, the capital of waltzing, the heart of Central Europe. Vienna has called to me for years, whispering sweet melodies of baroque architecture, Imperial grandeur, and the graceful twirling of a million waltzing couples. And, as I step onto the platform at Wien Hauptbahnhof, my pink tutu (a whimsical and slightly more vibrant shade than the usual blush) billows around my legs, like the hem of a thousand waltz dresses, all saying, "Vienna, here I come!"
This week, as always, I'm posting from my Wednesday afternoon Vienna haven – a charming little cafe called "Das Süsse" near the Opera House. It's a pink and white dream with sugary delights in the display case, all smelling divine!
Travel Tales & Pink Tutu Delights:
My journey here was, as always, an adventure! It's become a firm tradition to make my way to a new European city via rail. I absolutely love watching the world go by through the window, especially from a charming compartment on the Eurostar. My latest obsession is travelling in style: I found the most adorable little straw hat at a vintage market in Derbyshire just before leaving – it has a silk pink ribbon to match my tutu, of course! I feel so Parisian, don't you? And even on trains, the pink tutu makes its presence known. After all, a tutu is always ready to dance – even in transit!
Now, before you start picturing me on a high-speed train doing pirouettes, I will say I keep my tutus tucked safely away in my suitcase for arrival. (Safety first! Imagine a rogue tutu escaping and causing mayhem on the Eurostar – not exactly a graceful ballerina move).
Speaking of grace, imagine my delight at actually getting to ride a horse on my journey! I was travelling from Linz, another charming Austrian city filled with the scent of schnitzel and Mozart, to Vienna, and there was a stagecoach on offer for part of the route! I confess, I let out a squeal that was probably heard in Salzburg (my voice was certainly higher pitched than usual from all the 'ooh-ing' and 'ah-ing'). I’d imagined my journey to Vienna on horseback for weeks. My new travel goal: to discover every city in the world that offers horseback carriage tours!
The Ballet Beyond the Danube:
Vienna is alive with music, and I'm completely entranced by its history! The Vienna State Opera House, perched so majestically on the Ringstrasse, is like stepping into a fairytale. Its facade, a grand architectural poem, with soaring columns and sculpted figures, promises enchanting nights of ballet and opera.
I have tickets to see "Giselle" this weekend, the haunting story of a betrayed village maiden who finds peace in the embrace of a spectral world. It's the perfect fit for the gothic elegance of Vienna! Imagine: swirling tulle, a haunting score, and a love story intertwined with supernatural grace. It’s a ballet masterpiece that whispers secrets of love, loss, and redemption – I'm so excited!
Vienna's Waltz with Fashion:
Naturally, a ballet-loving, pink tutu aficionado has to dive into Vienna’s fashion scene. From its vintage boutiques to the designers who embrace the city's timeless elegance, the style here is breathtaking. I found the most delightful little shop called "Rosa's Atelier" yesterday – filled with delicate pastel hues and clothes made for twirling. Imagine, silk skirts with tiny bows, floral prints that would make even a rose blush, and velvet jackets perfect for a night at the Opera! I treated myself to a new silk scarf, printed with waltzing ballerinas (I had to!) and an elegant beret. It's amazing what a new hat can do for the wardrobe, and this one completes my 'pink and playful in Vienna' ensemble!
The city’s charming street style has a touch of nostalgia, like walking into a Jane Austen novel. But the residents of Vienna wear it with such confidence – they embrace their individual styles with grace. It reminds me of why I love embracing a pink tutu - to have fun with fashion, express your unique spirit, and turn heads wherever you go!
More than just a Pretty Face (but really, so much of that too!)
Vienna has been a revelation so far – a perfect blend of classical beauty and playful charm. From the grand palaces to the quaint cafes, the city embraces its historical legacy while celebrating the playful joy of life. It’s inspired me to see ballet as an ever-evolving form of art – from the grand, classic stories of centuries past to the thrilling contemporary works that dance their way into modern hearts.
The world is our stage, my dear twirlers, and it’s our time to take centre stage! As I embrace Vienna’s captivating embrace, I want to invite you all to let loose, to dance with your hearts and spread the pink tutu revolution across the globe. Don't be afraid to wear your personality, to celebrate your own style, and most importantly, to spin and twirl through life, bringing a bit of ballet magic to every moment.
Now, I'm off to explore some more of Vienna's hidden corners! Until next time,
Sending you all pink and twirling love!
Emma
xx
PS Did you know that Vienna’s rich musical heritage extends even to tutus? In the 1800s, the first tutu designs were influenced by Austrian court ball gowns! The "tutu", as it was first known, was a swirling confection of layers of fabric, evoking the grand waltzes of the era. Today, while tutu styles have evolved, they still carry that same spirit of beauty and grace.
P.P.S. You can catch my new "Pink Tutu Vienna" Instagram Stories where I'm documenting all my Viennese adventures!
