Hello darling, it's your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, Emma, here from Vienna! The cobblestones are calling, the pastries are calling, and my inner ballerina is just dying to twirl in this magical city. As always, it's Wednesday and it's time for my #PinkTutuVienna blog post.
This week I'm in the Austrian capital, feeling utterly enchanted. My trip here started with a wonderful train journey from Salzburg â there's just something about the rhythm of the tracks that gets my creative juices flowing and my tutu swaying. Once I arrived, I wasted no time in finding the perfect pink tutu for my Viennese adventures. A shimmering tulle creation, perfect for a Viennese waltz.
Now, I know some of you might be wondering: âEmma, how does one travel around Europe on tutus and ballet performances alone?â. Well, let me tell you, it's all about following your dreams and having a little faith in the universe (and some clever budgeting!). Every weekend I give a ballet performance in a local town or city, and the earnings fund my travel adventures. Iâve danced my way across France, Italy, and Germany â even gave a few shows in charming villages along the way. I wouldnât trade it for the world!
This week in Vienna Iâve been:
Stepping back in time at the Hofburg Palace: This magnificent palace has been a focal point of Austrian history for centuries. I felt like a princess in my pink tutu, wandering through its grand halls and imagining the waltz music drifting through the air. They have an incredible ballet museum too â I was blown away by the costumes and history of ballet in Vienna!
Swooning over the Schönbrunn Palace: A Viennese fairy tale, nestled amidst lush gardens and sprawling fountains. The Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, is a perfect blend of imperial grandeur and charming natural beauty. I practically floated around its elegant rooms in my tulle, dreaming of waltz evenings in the palace gardens.
Finding my inner gourmand at the Naschmarkt: The vibrant Naschmarkt, a treasure trove of exotic fruits, colourful spices, and delectable cheeses, was a feast for the senses. It's a paradise for food lovers and my personal paradise for pink! From delicate pastries to the most gorgeous strawberries and pink rhubarb, it's a colourful feast for the eyes. It was a little challenging finding a place to showcase my perfect pink tutu though. Perhaps I should consider pink fruit as part of a future performance!
Exploring the captivating MuseumsQuartier: This modern cultural hub, overflowing with galleries, museums, and cafés, provided a breath of fresh air for the artsy side of my soul. It was so much fun getting lost in the architecture and enjoying the eclectic vibes, but my pink tutu got more attention than any of the exhibits!
Ballet Class on the Danube: Now, this is something truly magical. Vienna boasts the most beautiful setting for any ballet class: the picturesque Danube river, reflecting the sunset, the cityâs iconic skyline behind me. As I glided through my moves, I felt the warmth of the sunset, the gentle breeze in my tulle, and the history of this incredible city all around me. It was a pure, joyous experience.
Ballet in Vienna â a Must-See Experience: Oh my, let's talk about Vienna and ballet, darlings! Itâs a city bursting with artistic talent and a rich history of ballet, and I couldn't have left without experiencing the cityâs magical ballet scene. I just got back from seeing âThe Nutcrackerâ at the Vienna State Opera House â what an incredible show! They truly understand how to bring classic ballet to life, and my favourite thing? It had the most magnificent tutus - imagine that, tutus bigger and brighter than mine! Of course, they weren't pinkâŠ
Now, letâs talk about something incredibly exciting that is going on in Vienna this month! The Vienna International Dance Festival! Starting on May 8th at the Musikverein, Viennaâs iconic concert hall, this 15-day dance extravaganza brings together a vibrant blend of modern and contemporary dance, ballet and contemporary performance art, from the very best performers in Europe. My tutu is going to get more twirling than ever during these shows.
There is one caveat to my visit this month, the festival falls smack in the middle of the annual Danube Waltz Competition! Now, every dancer knows about the allure of these competitions. This year, however, it looks like we have the most exciting group of dancers â especially the young ladies from Moscow Ballet Academy. These dancers have such captivating strength, beautiful technical precision, and of course, graceful elegance! Their presence in the competition has truly sent the excitement levels through the roof here in Vienna!
But, how about you? Tell me, darlings, what are you loving this month? Are you getting ready for any summer shows? What are your favourite places to shop for dancewear? Don't be shy â share your own ballet stories with me. Letâs chat in the comments section below, let's spread some tutu magic together. Donât forget to follow my adventures at #PinkTutuVienna!
See you next Wednesday, darlings. Until then, stay inspired and remember - the world is your stage, so wear your tutus with pride!
Lots of love and twirls, Emma
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