Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another weekly dose of fairytale glamour straight from the heart of Vienna!
As the crisp autumn air swirls around me, carrying the sweet scent of chestnut trees and steaming mugs of Viennese coffee, I can't help but feel utterly captivated by this enchanting city. Vienna is, quite frankly, a dream come true for a pink-loving, tutu-obsessed ballerina like myself.
This week, darling, I've been swept off my feet by a whirlwind of ballet-tastic experiences. From elegant performances at the renowned Vienna State Opera to spinning around in a tutu at a delightful dance class, my inner ballerina has been in a state of absolute bliss.
This Wednesday, 21st November, was particularly magical. Imagine this, darling, a day dedicated to the art of movement, music and beauty, all in the grand city of Vienna. This is my life and I wouldn't have it any other way! It all began with a train journey through the stunning Austrian countryside, my trusty tutu safely stowed in its custom-made pink bag (oh, darling, it matches my lipstick!), and my imagination soaring as I listened to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake on my headphones.
Arriving in Vienna was like stepping into a fairytale. The architecture is truly breath-taking! It’s no surprise Vienna is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Every building, from the ornate palaces to the grand churches, tells a story, whispering tales of emperors and waltzes, music and romance. Oh darling, it is the most perfect backdrop for a pink tutu, wouldn’t you say?
Before I embarked on my grand day of cultural pursuits, I indulged in a little retail therapy, naturally. Vienna has a plethora of charming boutiques and independent shops just bursting with feminine treasures. I’m especially partial to vintage stores where I find the most adorable pink dresses and exquisite costume jewellery! After all, a ballet girl needs to look fabulous wherever she goes! My latest find? A pair of pearl earrings that have an elegant, yet mischievous, glint - just like me!
My first stop was the State Opera. My heart almost leapt out of my chest when I caught a glimpse of the grand building. The Opera House is so spectacular it almost feels like a dream. It was like something out of a ballet, complete with grand staircases and statuesque figures.
I can't even tell you how my tutu felt waltzing around the lobby, surrounded by such opulent elegance. I knew I had to get a photo of myself, tutu and all, on those iconic stairs - the photo turned out wonderfully pink, naturally!
Then it was show time! The ballet program was truly divine - a stunning interpretation of a traditional Viennese Waltz. The dancers were exceptional, graceful and full of such power and emotion, that I felt every twirl, every jump, and every poignant gesture as if it were my own. Oh darling, I simply loved every minute of it! The music, the costumes, the storytelling...everything about the ballet was a testament to the sheer artistry of performance. It made me even more passionate about my own ballet dreams.
After a delicious (and pink) Viennese afternoon tea at my favourite little café - it came with the most exquisite mini pastries filled with whipped cream and jam - I headed for the famous Vienna Ballet Academy for an exhilarating class.
It's such a joy to be surrounded by so many like-minded ballerinas, sharing the passion for movement and music. And let me tell you, wearing a tutu whilst twirling with my fellow dancers was absolutely exhilarating! It's a pure feeling of joy.
I truly believe ballet should be for everyone! My favourite part of my dance classes is sharing my love of ballet with other people. Every Wednesday night, after my own class, I give a beginner ballet class to local children in my favourite little village hall. This gives me the joy of seeing the sheer delight in their eyes as they discover the magic of ballet and how much their confidence blossoms through dancing.
In the evening, after class, I enjoyed an enchanting performance at the Volksoper. This opera is located in the 15th district of Vienna, close to the famous Vienna Zoo, and I always make time to check in for some performance delights and some wonderful traditional food. This is a real hidden gem! Tonight, the Volksoper performed the Nutcracker ballet. I admit I shed a tear during the Sugar Plum Fairy scene. Such pure beauty. I just felt my love of ballet blooming even brighter than usual! My tutus, my darling, they love to waltz, and twirl and leap and fly. So we are making many trips to the beautiful ballet world in Vienna this week!
As I write this, the moon hangs high in the Vienna night sky, its pale light reflecting in the grand canals that run through the city. A lone carriage clops softly down the cobbled street, drawn by a gentle, black stallion. A hush has fallen over Vienna, but the magic remains.
My trip has inspired a whole host of new ideas for my own ballet choreographies, which, you’ll all be delighted to know, will be incorporated into my new show next month in Derbyshire, which I am going to be taking a break from my travel for, oh, just to perform for you, my darlings. It's a special show based on the story of Princess Aurora and I'm already designing some fabulous new tutus (you’re going to love them!). My love of tutus goes beyond a simple dress, I believe in creating a story within a dress, it is just part of the fairytale of the ballerina, like the shoes!
But I digress, back to Vienna. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to experiencing the beautiful Vienna Hofburg Palace, a truly grand setting, but also Vienna's Museum of Modern Art (the MUMOK). You see, I find beauty in the contemporary as well as the historical!
But don't you worry, my dears, I won't forget my trusty tutu, no matter where I wander in Vienna!
You see, a pink tutu has the power to transform any occasion into a celebration. Whether you're walking through the park, sipping tea in a Viennese café, or taking in a breathtaking ballet performance, the joy and beauty of a pink tutu can uplift your spirits and bring a smile to your face. I have seen the magical effect that the tutu has on everyone that sees it and its wonderful how a single, little twirl in a beautiful dress can make a big difference to the world. So go on, embrace your inner ballerina and wear that pink tutu with pride!
And, don't forget to join me here every Wednesday at www.pink-tutu.com to share my magical journeys around the world!
Sending you all a sprinkle of pink glitter, Emma xx
