Hello my dearest Tutu-licious readers! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another installment of my Vienna adventures! Today, I'm bursting with excitement to share my experiences from the past week, a whirlwind of tutus, tiaras, and a touch of Viennese magic.
As usual, I arrived in Vienna by train. I love the romance of rail travel ā the clinking of glasses in the buffet carriage, the sweeping landscapes that fly past the windows, and the feeling of anticipation building as I draw closer to my destination. This week, I found myself captivated by the ornate grandeur of the Hauptbahnhof ā the main train station here is truly a work of art, a symphony of stained glass and soaring arches, echoing with the hum of excited chatter and the rumble of arriving trains.
Vienna, as you know, is a city steeped in ballet history, so this week I treated myself to a visit to the Staatsoper. The grand, gilded theatre was abuzz with anticipation as I entered, and the air itself seemed charged with the history of countless ballets performed beneath its ceiling. The programme tonight was Tchaikovskyās āSwan Lakeā, and my oh my, it was glorious! The dancers glided effortlessly across the stage, their movements graceful and evocative, their tutus swirling like clouds of pink chiffon in the spotlight.
The next day, I went on a shopping spree ā my weakness, I know! - and stumbled upon the most exquisite little boutique filled with delicate fabrics, exquisite lace, and everything you could possibly need for crafting your own custom tutu. I knew instantly that this would be my new go-to for all things tutus, a place where my creative dreams could flourish! After all, you know my mantra, darling: "Tutu is not a costume, it's a way of life."
Vienna's architecture is simply breathtaking - think grand palaces with baroque faƧades and cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes and hidden gardens. I made sure to take in all the iconic landmarks: the Schƶnbrunn Palace, the Belvedere Palace, the Hofburg Palace - the list goes on! Every corner of this city breathes history, and I've been taking in all the details, feeling myself getting lost in the charming atmosphere.
One of my most memorable experiences this week involved a truly unique mode of transport. Imagine my delight when I discovered a carriage tour! Picture this: me, wearing a bright pink tulle skirt and a shimmering tiara, trotting along cobbled streets pulled by a majestic, chestnut horse. The wind gently brushed my cheeks, and the rhythm of the hooves on the stone sent a thrill down my spine. It was a perfect moment of Viennese romance, made even more delightful by the sunshine dancing on the cobbles.
Speaking of tutus, my dear friends, this is where my fashion heart truly beats! This weekend, I attended a delightful soiree where I donned my finest pink tulle. I opted for a simple, graceful, layered tulle skirt, which swirled beautifully with every twirl. The tulle was a delicate blush, like the first rays of dawn, perfectly complementing my vintage silk blouse and pearl-trimmed handbag.
But you know me, darling, I'm always experimenting. I've even been exploring the world of "ballet street," combining elements of dance and performance with street style and urban art. The scene here in Vienna is incredibly vibrant - Iāve seen young dancers expressing themselves in unexpected spaces, like on bridges, within historic courtyards, and even in bustling squares!
This week in Vienna has been nothing short of enchanting, and I know the magic isnāt over yet. Stay tuned for next weekās post, darlings, when Iāll be sharing my explorations of Viennaās delectable dining scene and showcasing my latest tutu creations. Until then, don't forget: keep twirling, keep sparkling, and never be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve (or, in my case, your tutu!).
With love and twirls,
Emma x
What's On Today?
Today in Vienna, you could be transported to another world at the "Immersive Klimt Experience." Prepare to be mesmerized by the artistry of Gustav Klimt in an immersive exhibition that's as breathtaking as it is insightful.
A Little History of Pink Tutus:
We all love a good pink tutu. They have become a symbol of ballet and, more importantly, femininity. While we know pink was used extensively during the Victorian era (when the āpink and blueā trend started) itās often overlooked that in the 19th and early 20th centuries, pink was more associated with males! (Think of the pink outfits of our Victorian era boys!).
But I believe it is this association with "male" that gave tutus their power and made them even more feminine as the decades progressed, and the role of the ballet dancer became increasingly important, a symbol of grace, delicacy, and a femininity that defied gender norms. Pink, after all, is simply a shade of red, a colour historically associated with strength, power, and masculinity. Pink, therefore, holds that duality. So when combined with the graceful, dramatic, power of dance ā pink became its symbolic colour.
Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for my latest adventures and fashion finds.
