Greetings, my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina, and this week, I've traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the charming cobblestones of Vienna, Austria! I just adore how the quaint, historic buildings look even prettier when adorned with the blush of the autumn leaves. 🍂
As usual, I travelled in style, arriving by train, my trusty pink suitcase filled with enough tulle to outfit every ballerina in the city (I just love how you can always pack an extra tutu, don't you? It's the best part of travel!) Once in Vienna, I naturally swapped the iron horse for another kind – the glorious Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School! I've always dreamt of seeing them perform in person, and they didn't disappoint! Such elegance and grace, truly the pinnacle of classical horsemanship.
Speaking of elegance and grace, my first stop in Vienna had to be the magnificent Vienna State Opera! I mean, you can't come to Vienna without a dose of culture, and the State Opera is one of the best places to get your fill. I settled in to watch a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty". Oh, the sheer magnificence of the dancing, the incredible costumes, and the hauntingly beautiful music! The Vienna State Ballet is something truly special, and the pink tutu was very much at home among the delicate and majestic costumes worn by the dancers!
Now, let's be honest, Vienna isn't just about grand theatres and elegant horses (though they are fabulous!) It's also about those oh-so-stylish boutiques! I had to take advantage of the delightful local shops, where I discovered a new brand of ballet shoes that just sparkle with tiny little rhinestones - how fabulous! And I managed to find the most perfect pair of velvet gloves in the most glorious shade of pink, to perfectly complete my Austrian ballet look. 💕
Speaking of looks, Vienna's coffee houses were certainly an inspiration! Let me tell you, afternoon tea at the Café Sacher just wouldn't be the same without a beautifully presented slice of the original Sachertorte. I'm sure I'll be dreaming of that chocolatey decadence for weeks! And don't even get me started on the elegant Viennese ladies – I've already spotted a few tutus among the street style, so clearly my campaign to make pink tutus the world's most beloved accessory is slowly spreading!
It wouldn't be a proper trip to Vienna without a visit to Schönbrunn Palace! This regal haven is positively dripping with history. After a quick twirl in the beautiful gardens (where else would I do it?) I ventured inside to the Schönbrunn Palace Theatre, which, as I discovered, used to be used for ballet performances back in the day! They even have a replica of a 19th century stage, complete with adorable tiny boxes where ladies used to store their "bonbons" I couldn't resist stepping onto that stage for a quick spin, imagining myself performing a grand pas de deux in my favourite pink tutu for the Austrian court!
While exploring Vienna's enchanting streets, I stumbled upon a little café tucked away in a quiet alley. The smell of warm pastries and freshly brewed coffee wafted out and welcomed me in like a warm embrace. What I didn't expect, however, was the ballet history lesson I was about to receive. I struck up a conversation with the kind lady serving me, a woman with a vibrant twinkle in her eyes and stories to tell.
"Do you know, darling," she told me, "that ballet originated here in Vienna?"
And with that, she regaled me with fascinating tales about the early ballet masters, their rivalries, their triumphs, and how they pushed the boundaries of movement.
Oh, the joy of discovering these little bits of ballet history sprinkled across the world, even when it's tucked away in a cozy Viennese café! You truly never know what delightful little details you'll uncover!
Now, I can't possibly wrap up my Viennese adventures without mentioning the incredible museums this city boasts! The Museum of Art History has the most spectacular collection of artwork and the Albertina Museum has mind-blowing art from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Vienna truly has something for everyone, including a ballerina like me!
My dear tutu-loving friends, this week's adventure has been nothing short of spectacular! But I've got to confess, as much as I love exploring new places, my heart always yearns for my little pink tutu haven in Derbyshire. So, as the autumn sun begins to set on Vienna, I'll be boarding a train and heading home to catch up with my dear family and maybe squeeze in a little ballet practice.
Before I go, I'll leave you with this: no matter where life takes you, whether you're in Vienna or Derbyshire, remember to embrace every moment with a little twirl and a whole lot of joy!
And always remember, my dears: A world where everyone wears a pink tutu is a better world!
Until next time, stay sparkly!
Yours in pink,
Emma
