Guten Tag, darling readers! It’s Emma here, writing to you from the most magical city, Vienna, the waltz capital of the world. You may have seen my excited posts on Instagram and TikTok about arriving in Vienna a couple of weeks ago – oh, the excitement! As always, it was an incredible train journey, filled with so many romantic landscapes and sleepy villages. And let me tell you, I've found the most exquisite pink tulle shop right in the heart of the city! Imagine my delight!
Today is a particularly wonderful Wednesday because it’s ballet day. Of course, I’m dressed to impress – my go-to vibrant pink tutu, which perfectly captures the spirit of this gorgeous city, topped with a delicate lace blouse and my signature sparkly hair clip. But before I go, I thought I’d fill you in on what makes Vienna so special, and why you need to add it to your must-see list pronto!
Vienna's a city of grand palaces, beautiful parks and enchanting history. Think exquisite architecture, coffee culture and, of course, waltzes echoing around every corner! It’s the city that breathes ballet, you could say, which makes me feel completely at home, especially in my pretty pink tutu.
But let’s rewind to the journey that brought me here…
Travelling with Style: From Derbyshire to Vienna
I’m a big believer in the magic of trains, and that’s how I got to Vienna, on the glorious Orient Express! It’s a journey steeped in romance and history, and my little pink tutu felt quite at home surrounded by all the stunning scenery, ancient castles and grand architecture. I do love the feel of the old-fashioned train compartments and the clinking of glasses and glasses in the dining carriage! A glass of wine, a spot of sketching the scenery and my new journal to capture all my adventures - bliss!
I’m all for enjoying the journey just as much as the destination!
The Enchanting City of Vienna
The first time I stepped out of the station in Vienna, the most wonderful feeling swept over me. I felt like I was stepping into a ballet – the cobbled streets, the ornate buildings and the cheerful melodies filling the air just had a magical atmosphere about them! And I must tell you, there are so many gorgeous pink blooms to match my outfit, not to mention the decadent pink ice cream that makes even the hottest Austrian day feel fabulous!
Of course, I couldn’t visit Vienna without stopping by the stunning State Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world! This building alone is worth the trip - it’s an incredible blend of neo-Renaissance and Rococo styles. It was built in the 19th century, just when ballet was experiencing its most vibrant period, making me think about how ballerinas would have walked those grand stairs with grace and elegance! The ballet program was so rich! I spent my first evening enjoying an exquisite performance of Giselle, complete with breathtaking dance sequences and exquisite costumes! Every element, from the sweeping musical score to the masterful performances of the dancers, had me mesmerised. And just to top off the night, I saw one of the most stunning, intricately beaded pink tutus you ever did see. The perfect finale to an evening spent feeling truly inspired!
Pink Tutu Bliss: The Shop of My Dreams
Let’s talk shopping – Vienna has this magical knack for blending traditional charm with contemporary flair. My absolute favourite discovery so far is a little boutique on the back streets that I just HAVE to share with you. It's a haven of gorgeous tulle, ribbons, sequins and everything a girl could ever wish for when making a beautiful tutu!
I practically skipped inside and found myself completely enveloped in pink goodness! They had the most beautiful selection of delicate tulles, delicate trims, and the softest silks, in all the different shades of pink imaginable, including a lovely dusky pink which is perfect for my new Fall line, and that’s before even getting to the sequin selection! I just knew that this little boutique was meant to be - I have been known to create a few tutus for special occasions and let's just say I came out of that boutique like a pink-clad phoenix rising from the ashes, armed with more materials than a baker!
Taking Ballet Classes: An Austrian Waltz With a Pink Twist
Every great dancer has a passion for perfecting their skills, and I couldn't resist stepping into one of Vienna’s incredible dance studios. My fellow students ranged from professional dancers to enthusiastic beginners. I learned about the incredible history of the waltz and got some valuable insights into the local dancing culture, all whilst in my adorable pink tutu. They said it’s so rare to see someone dance in pink tutus - a bold statement I would say! And you can be sure, it’s a look that I will be proudly rocking at the next Vienna Ballet ball!
I was surprised to find how different Austrian ballet was, it felt more playful and whimsical - just what I needed!
Living My Best Pink Tutu Life: A Ballerina’s Dream in Vienna
Vienna is full of beautiful little gardens and parks, perfect for strolling and enjoying the sunshine and of course my trusty pink tutu! I found myself exploring the lush gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, with its iconic fountains and statues – oh so inspiring!
Another absolute must-see for any ballet enthusiast is the Theater an der Wien. This grand venue is home to the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) and holds the world’s longest opera traditions – oh the excitement!
Fashion Finds in Vienna: Embracing the Parisian Flair
You’ve heard of Parisian fashion, but Vienna definitely knows its style! And I found it bursting with inspiring fashion finds! Imagine cobblestone streets filled with little vintage shops overflowing with the most gorgeous vintage accessories and stylish threads. Oh, I spent many happy hours browsing! It seems Vienna knows a thing or two about finding beauty in the details, and that’s why I have to share with you these little hidden gems. There was a fabulous shop in the Old Town overflowing with dainty jewellery and scarves - my imagination went wild with all the new fashion outfits I could create!
I even found myself an exquisite pair of sparkly ballerina flats (perfect for all my walking and shopping, and in a glorious rose pink - what more could a girl ask for!). They are a must have for all ballerinas wanting a comfortable, cute shoe to match a glamorous outfit!
Dining in Vienna: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors
My adventures in Vienna wouldn’t be complete without exploring its fabulous culinary scene, right? You can’t visit Austria without tasting the classic Vienna Schnitzel, and I managed to get it from one of the cutest cafes with pink tablecloths and rose motifs! Oh, I felt completely at home in this sweet little spot, indulging in decadent Austrian desserts with a delightful dollop of pink cream. You know I can't resist a good pink creation!
The beauty of Vienna is that it truly encompasses a blend of old and new – traditional culinary delights and vibrant, exciting eateries popping up all the time.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in my Pink Tutu Adventure
My week in Vienna was a dream come true, and my pink tutu is already feeling nostalgic! You know how it is.
My trip here, so steeped in history and beauty, has made me realise what truly matters: dancing, passion and embracing your inner ballerina. This vibrant city reminds us that elegance and grace aren't just found in fancy ballrooms. They're in the air, the streets, and the hearts of everyone who truly appreciates life's finer things.
Next, it's time for me to head south to Italy - and that’s a whole new adventure! Imagine the amazing Roman and Tuscan scenes that my trusty tutu will feature in! I promise you will see lots of photos on my Instagram and Tiktok! Ciao bella!
Don't forget to join me next week for my next blog post about my adventure in Italy! I will share everything with you, so until then, embrace your inner pink tutu-loving ballerina, live your dreams, and have fun!
And for you, dear readers, my pink tutu is just a starting point. Why not unleash your creativity and discover a colour or a garment that makes you feel bold, fabulous and alive? Let’s make the world a little more sparkly and whimsical, one tutu at a time!
Love and sparkles,
Emma
