#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2027-05-05

Guten Tag, my lovely readers! I’m so excited to be back with another instalment of my Pink Tutu travels! It’s Wednesday, and as usual, you know what that means – Vienna beckons! ?

Vienna. It really is one of those places that you just have to experience for yourself. A true symphony of architectural wonder, musical majesty, and of course, delicious coffee, it's a city that wears its history and culture on its sleeve - and by that I mean its magnificent historical buildings! I don't know about you, but I absolutely love being transported back in time and exploring a city with so much story to tell.

This week, however, I'm not just soaking up the cultural delights. My mission this week, dear readers, is tutu-related, and it all revolves around...drum roll please… a very special vintage tutu shop I've been dying to visit!

But first, a bit of myself, as always!

I woke up this morning feeling like I’d stepped out of a Strauss waltz - so very full of life and energy! It was one of those days when the sun seems to be laughing and the birds are singing a sweet tune, just to make your morning even brighter. ☀️

After my usual routine - which, for those who are new to Pink Tutu, always involves a light stretch in my ballerina-inspired silk dressing gown and a bowl of pink grapefruit and raspberry porridge – I headed for the local market for some freshly picked peaches. Nothing beats a sweet juicy peach in Vienna! ?

From there, I jumped on the local tram (always wearing a chic pink tweed coat to blend in, naturally!). It’s always such an adventure riding public transport, with every carriage offering a kaleidoscope of faces - from elegant ladies sipping coffee, to tourists in brightly coloured dresses, to school children bouncing with nervous energy, heading back to their classes. Every ride is a unique snapshot of life in the city, and it never fails to spark my creative inspiration.

Today, though, my inspiration had a particular destination – Vienna's beautiful Opera House. Nothing quite sets the stage for a ballet enthusiast like a quick glimpse at the grandeur of a venue steeped in operatic and ballet history. Even a walk around the exterior, marvelling at the ornate architecture, is enough to give my soul a gentle shimmy.

And let's not forget the pièce de résistance, dear readers! I popped into the most delightful little vintage shop for a delightful afternoon of tutu-treasure-hunting. ?

You’ve all heard the expression, “A girl’s gotta have her priorities” - and let’s be honest, my darling readers, a proper tutu enthusiast is no exception. You’ll never understand the thrill, the excitement, the utter magic that comes from finding the perfect tutu in a vintage shop!

For me, it’s more than just finding a lovely piece of clothing – it’s a journey through the history of dance and style.

Today’s adventure took me to the quaintly named “The Dancing Swan” vintage tutu shop, located right in the heart of Vienna’s bustling artistic district. Stepping into this magical place, I was instantly transported to another era. Delicate tulle and silk creations in all hues imaginable, carefully hung like dreams on wooden mannequins – what a sight! It felt as though history was whispering in my ear.

For those of you who are not in the know about tutu history – and darling, how lucky are you, because it’s utterly fascinating! – the tutu’s design has actually gone through a pretty drastic evolution throughout history. There was the original, full-length ‘romantic’ tutu which, like the romantic era it originated from, was long, fluid and dreamy. But over the years, and in parallel with changes in choreography and dance style, it was shortened, giving rise to the more agile and impactful ‘classical’ tutu – think, say, Giselle and Swan Lake. But there are so many other wonderful tutus that have come into the world – from the impossibly voluminous The Nutcracker tutus to the featherlight tutus of ballet theatre, each with its own captivating history.

Now, at the Dancing Swan, I felt like a ballet historian's dream come true! There were rows of delicate tutus in shimmering silk, layered tulle tutus from the early twentieth century, and even a collection of magnificent feathered and embroidered costumes that belonged to Vienna’s Ballet Operahouse in the early 1900s!

After an afternoon of playful swirling and a very patient shopkeeper, I emerged clutching a most divine discovery: a stunning blush-pink tutu, layered with soft, swirling tiers, perfect for those spontaneous ballet performances that seem to spring up out of nowhere!

After my exhilarating visit, I strolled through the city, enjoying the crisp Viennese air and the beautiful sunset casting a golden glow across the grand architecture. With my pink tutu bundled safely in my bag, I felt ready for anything, ready for any opportunity to twirl my way through the city. And this opportunity didn’t have to wait long!

Later that evening, as I sipped on a delicious cup of Viennese coffee in a cozy café – a cup topped with fluffy whipped cream, of course – I noticed a poster outside advertising a ballet performance later that night! The Vienna Ballet Operahouse had an open stage showcasing new choreography by local dancers, which felt very exciting!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a secret with you - whenever I spot a poster for a dance performance in a foreign city, I'm never afraid to throw on my dance shoes, give a sweet smile and ask if they’d welcome a guest artist. Nine times out of ten, they love the excitement and a little surprise appearance from someone in a pink tutu! And Vienna was no different. They welcomed me with open arms and, as if I was meant to be there, the choreographers even incorporated a mini performance featuring a vintage pink tutu as the central theme! ✨

Let’s be honest, this week, Vienna truly exceeded my expectations, proving itself a city that knows how to make dreams come true!

Now, back to Derbyshire I must go - but never fear, I'll be back here soon to unveil a special surprise to all of my fabulous Pink Tutu followers! Be sure to check back next week for another captivating tale from the magical city of Vienna, filled with enchanting stories, charming adventures, and of course, the most magnificent tutu moments.

Until then, keep your eyes on the skies, my dearest readers, for who knows where our dancing adventures will lead us next!

Love,

Emma xoxo