Hello my darling Tutu Tribe!
It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for a new blog post from yours truly, Emma, the pink tutu-clad wanderer. This week, I'm taking you on a journey to the heart of Europe – Vienna, Austria!
Vienna has always held a special place in my heart. From the majestic palaces to the charming cobblestone streets, it's a city steeped in history, elegance, and of course, a deep-seated love for the arts – especially ballet! This makes it practically a haven for a girl like me, who believes that life's best moments are spent twirling in a pink tutu.
The journey to Vienna was itself an adventure. I boarded a train from Derbyshire, my luggage crammed with enough pink tulle to satisfy a thousand ballerinas (you never know when a spontaneous tutu-wearing photo opportunity will strike!). As the train chugged through the picturesque countryside, I felt a sense of pure excitement bubbling within.
Speaking of exciting journeys, I just have to tell you about my recent encounter with a local horse-drawn carriage. It’s a beautiful sight – a carriage with ornate details and a majestic horse cloaked in shining black. And oh, the way that horse glided along the streets, the tinkling of the bell! Pure magic. You can’t visit Vienna and not take a trip in one, darling. It was a moment I’ll always cherish, a delightful glimpse into the city's elegant past.
Now, back to the true star of the show – ballet! As I entered the Vienna State Opera, its grandeur struck me immediately. With ornate ceilings, shimmering chandeliers, and a deep history echoing through its walls, it’s simply breathtaking. On Monday, I had the privilege of watching a captivating performance of Swan Lake – it was like watching a dream come alive! The choreography was stunning, the costumes, glorious. Every graceful movement of the dancers felt infused with such passion, and I swear I could almost feel the stories of the swans and the prince unfolding on stage. You'd think, in Vienna, ballet would be something to only see at the grand opera, but guess what? There's a whole street where they have daily shows and ballet lessons – so fun!
Oh, darling, and the fashion scene here? It's beyond delightful! From the vibrant shops lining the Kärntner Straße to the hidden vintage boutiques in the narrow back streets, Vienna is a treasure trove for a fashion lover like me.
This morning, I was inspired by a beautifully painted mural showcasing traditional Austrian attire - complete with stunning folk costumes. The patterns, colors, and intricate details inspired me. Later, in a quaint coffee shop (which I have to tell you about because their cakes are divine!), I sketched a tutu design inspired by the details of the traditional costumes, and you know what? I just knew that my vision for my next tutu was about to bloom! Vienna's streets are just bursting with inspiration!
But even as I indulge in all that Vienna has to offer, my mind is constantly swirling with new ideas for my next tutu designs. Every performance, every building, every charming café is whispering a new tale into my imagination. It’s all I can think about - how to translate this captivating beauty into a swirl of pink tulle and feathers. I even spent hours researching Viennese ballet history in the city's magnificent museums. Did you know Vienna was at the centre of the Romantic Ballet era? They called it "the first ballet theatre in the world"! What a treasure trove of inspiring history!
So you can see, Vienna has completely stolen my heart! This city has this incredible combination of artistic beauty and lively culture. And you know what's even better? This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to catch the opening of a magnificent new exhibition about the history of the tutu. It’s showcasing incredible gowns from iconic performances and highlighting the remarkable evolution of this iconic piece of ballet attire – from the 19th century onwards! And just imagine my delight when I discovered a whole section dedicated to the history of the pink tutu – it was practically made for me!
It truly has been a whirlwind of fun, fashion, and fabulous dancing – and I've barely even scratched the surface! So, stay tuned, darlings! I'm already plotting my next Vienna escapade, which will surely involve more magnificent performances, divine fashion discoveries, and, of course, countless photos of me in my beloved pink tutu, twirling happily amongst the grandeur of this magnificent city.
Until then, happy twirling, and don't forget to embrace the magic that lies in each and every one of you!
Lots of love,
Emma x
P.S. My dearest Tutu Tribe, don’t forget to check out the amazing articles on my website, www.pink-tutu.com! Each Wednesday, I'll be posting my travel stories here and more insightful articles, as well as the amazing behind-the-scenes glimpses into my latest projects and performances! Let’s keep this Tutu Tribe flourishing and twirling! You can always connect with me on social media, too! Follow me on Twitter @pinktutuvienna and Instagram @emmapinktutu - let's share this love for ballet and the magnificent pink tutu together!
