Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, and I'm back with another scintillating travelogue straight from the heart of Vienna! This week, I'm waltzing through the City of Music, where the air is filled with the strains of Mozart, the streets echo with the clack-clack of Viennese waltzers, and even the cobblestones seem to tap in time with the rhythm of this magnificent city.
As always, I'm armed with my trusty pink tutu (a gorgeous shade of blush this week, paired with a little black shrug and my signature pink beret), a notebook overflowing with ballet history facts, and a heart brimming with excitement!
This Wednesday's post is extra special. It's my birthday! Yes, believe it or not, this little ballerina turns a year older today, and you know what? I couldn't have asked for a more magical setting to celebrate!
Vienna, a city steeped in ballet history, has me twirling with delight. From the opulent Vienna State Opera, where I saw a stunning rendition of Swan Lake last night (so much fluttering! I just love a good swan dive, even if I do spend most of my time in a tutu, not a tutu-covered swan!), to the delightful Vienna Ballet School, where the air is buzzing with the energy of future ballet stars. My head is absolutely spinning with inspiration.
*But before I bore you with all my ballet-related musings, let's rewind a little. How did I get here, you ask? Well, this week, my journey started in Derbyshire, where I bid farewell to the rolling green hills and cosy country cottages (oh, how I miss my home, and my little teapot!), and hopped on board the train with my pink tutu luggage bag! I confess, a bit of a dilemma on this one - I have so many stunning pink tutus it was almost impossible to choose! Thankfully, the new train route from Derbyshire to Austria has added a "Tutu luggage space" (no jokes!), so I didn't have to worry about crushing a single tulle pleat. *
Let me tell you, there's something absolutely magical about travelling by train. It allows you to soak up the scenery, enjoy the rhythmic chugging of the engine, and even strike a few poses for my Insta-story! I did have a rather funny incident at the border, when the conductor thought my pink tutu was some kind of security risk (who would have thought?). A swift "En pointe" move with my favourite pink pointe shoes had him in awe and my luggage was whisked on without a fuss. Of course, it didn't hurt that I have a pretty persuasive argument in my "Why We Need Pink Tutus" brochure, so all is good!
The journey wasn't the only ballet-inspired experience! You see, my birthday trip wouldn't be complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Vienna! After a quick visit to the most delightful millinery shop (they even had a tutu-shaped hat, perfect for a ballerina on the go!), I boarded a splendid horse-drawn carriage, pulled by the most beautiful chestnut stallion, his coat gleaming like the Viennese sunshine. And there we were, a ballerina and a magnificent horse, gliding through the history of the city. It was like stepping out of a fairytale! Of course, I'm sure a fair amount of people thought it looked odd, but this ballerina always says it's best to "stand out", and to be "bold and bright" like a bright pink tutu in the evening sky! They also thought I looked like I was off to a fancy dress ball! Oh, how I long for those evenings!
Vienna is definitely living up to its reputation for beauty and elegance! Every corner boasts a stunning palace or a charming cafe. The scent of Viennese coffee hangs in the air, a tantalising reminder that it's time for another pastry. Oh, the pastry shops! Oh, the delights of cake and sweet treats! So, much sugar, but so much loveliness. And after a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing better than finding a cosy spot in one of Vienna's charming squares to enjoy a delicious piece of strudel (I prefer the cherry, for the sake of my fellow pink-loving friends, obviously) and watch the world go by. The Viennese, even in their crisp grey coats, have so much stylish grace! What could be a better way to soak up the Parisian spirit than sipping coffee under a pretty pastel parasol with my newest pink tutu, and watching the clouds roll by! My new motto: if in doubt, have another pastry! Maybe in my new "Vienna Opera" tutu!
But my true passion, of course, lies with ballet. I’ve been researching the ballet scene here and let me tell you, the history is absolutely fascinating! Did you know that the Viennese Waltz was a popular dance for aristocrats as early as the 1600s? Vienna really does feel like the beating heart of ballet in Europe! Not surprisingly, with a history so rich, they hold incredible annual festivals, some focusing on ballet history itself! I can't wait to immerse myself in them! It’s already a favourite city for ballerinas, both the famous and the amateurs! Of course, I found the best tutu shop ever, and a fabulous ballet studio. Naturally, I just had to buy another tutu (I promise, I'm a good girl - just like Cinderella! She even wore a pink one - didn't you know?) and take a lesson or two (the teacher was delighted to see my "Pink Tutu" approach to class!). Who knew they would have pink barre? It felt divine!
*The ballet performances have been absolutely sensational! This city truly embraces its artistic heritage, with numerous theatres and opera houses hosting world-class ballets. One evening, I found myself completely mesmerised by the intricate choreography and graceful movements of a ballet telling the tale of ‘Cinderella.’ It felt like I was watching my own ballet fairytale unfold right before my very eyes! And yes, I do make it a mission to buy a pink tutu souvenir from every city, as a reminder of my travels, but even more to bring home with me and display as an ode to the best thing that has ever happened to the world - pink tutus, of course! So watch out Derbyshire - a big delivery is on its way! *
So, darlings, that's a little taste of my Vienna adventure so far. There's still so much to discover, so many graceful movements to learn, so many pink tutus to be spotted (yes, I saw a young girl today in the most fabulous pink tulle! I knew we were meant to meet!), and so many cakes to sample! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my magical Viennese birthday celebration. But let’s keep the festivities going - let me know what your favourite birthday treats are! Maybe some birthday ballet moves!
*Stay tuned for more adventures as I continue to explore this beautiful city. Remember, life's a dance, so let's all twirl in our pink tutus! And don't forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, to catch up on my other adventures. *
Until next Wednesday, keep dancing!
Emma xx
