Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing traveller, Emma, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be penning this blog post from the glorious city of Vienna, Austria! This week, we're diving headfirst into the waltz-filled, cake-laden, and utterly enchanting world of Vienna. And of course, we're doing it in style, my dears - a dazzling pink tutu, of course!
As always, I've been following my heart's desire and hopping around Europe by train, taking in the sights, sounds, and yes, even the smells, of each wondrous destination. This week's journey started in the stunning, rolling hills of Derbyshire. Now, you might know Derbyshire as the birthplace of my absolute favourite things - tea, scones, and yes, you guessed it, tutus! It was in Derbyshire that my tutu journey began, and every adventure since then is thanks to those graceful little frills!
The train journey was, as always, filled with delicious delights – from reading vintage fashion magazines and designing outfits in my head to devouring the finest artisan cheeses the French countryside has to offer. Oh, and of course, there were the absolutely divine croissants that my lovely fellow train passengers shared with me! (I do adore a good French croissant, they're so effortlessly chic!)
Upon arriving in Vienna, I was swept away by its enchanting atmosphere. The charming cafes, the opulent buildings, and the infectious sound of music (not to be confused with the musical, but let's be honest, both are amazing!) made me feel like I was living in a fairytale. I simply had to twirl!
But Vienna is far more than just charming cafes and magical music, dear readers. The city has a deep-rooted connection with ballet, a love that goes back centuries! Did you know that Vienna was a powerhouse of ballet in the 1700s? You'll find evidence everywhere you look – from the elaborate costumes housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum to the grand Opera House, built to house some of the world’s greatest ballet dancers! I even heard rumours that there's a secret ballet society tucked away somewhere in the heart of Vienna!
Of course, I had to indulge in a little ballet myself, and so I took a waltz lesson at a charming little studio nestled in the cobbled streets. You won't believe the grace and artistry I witnessed – it was breathtaking. My ballet teacher, a dear lady with a warm smile and even warmer eyes, reminded me why I fell in love with ballet all those years ago. It truly is a beautiful art form!
To top it off, this weekend marks the Vienna International Ballet Festival! My tutu and I were positively glowing at the sheer majesty of the event. Imagine, a whole city celebrating the art of ballet! The performances were stunning - graceful leaps, delicate movements, and intricate footwork all set against a backdrop of shimmering lights and elegant music. It was a dream come true!
Between ballet performances and delightful walks through the beautiful Prater, I made sure to make some time for shopping! Vienna, darling, is a fashionista's paradise! I found a few pieces I simply couldn’t leave behind - a lovely, vintage tulle dress in a breathtaking shade of dusty rose (perfect for a balletic twirl!), and a gorgeous pair of ballet flats adorned with delicate floral embroidery (perfect for traversing those charming Viennese cobbled streets!).
And let’s not forget the incredible food! Vienna is a haven for foodies, offering everything from traditional Austrian cuisine (those potato dumplings with a generous helping of sour cream…sighs!) to modern European delights that tickle the taste buds and warm the heart.
I indulged in some delightful pastries – the Wiener Schnitzel was absolutely delicious! – and let’s not forget the magnificent coffee, oh, the coffee! It truly is the nectar of the gods. And as if this wasn’t enough to fill me with joy, I came across the most wonderful vintage tutu shop! It was full of incredible tutus from the golden age of ballet, and I felt like a child in a candy shop! (Except it wasn't a candy shop... it was a tutu shop... the best kind of shop, naturally!)
As my time in Vienna comes to an end, I find myself filled with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. It's been a whirlwind of delightful experiences, delicious treats, and incredible dance performances, and I'm already plotting my return. There’s still so much to see, and so many tutus to try on!
Remember, dear readers, I want to bring the magic of ballet and the joy of tutus to every corner of the world! So, don't be afraid to twirl, don't be afraid to wear pink, and above all, don't be afraid to embrace the joy of movement and dance.
See you next week, darlings! I'll be sharing my experiences from my next exciting adventure! And who knows? Perhaps I'll find some incredible tutus along the way. Until then, happy dancing!
P.S. I'm absolutely dying to hear your Vienna stories! Let me know your favourite moments and most beautiful ballet experiences! Don't forget to join me over at www.pink-tutu.com to see all my adventures and learn about ballet and tutu history. I post a new blog every Wednesday, so make sure to pop back and see me!
P.P.S. I've had such an amazing time meeting you all on Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to come and say hi - I'm always happy to connect with fellow tutu lovers!
