Wednesday 13th May 2026
Guten Tag, my lovelies! Emma here, writing to you from the heart of Vienna, a city as enchanting as a waltz itself. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked strudels and the rhythmic thrumming of a million horse-drawn carriages, all weaving their way through cobbled streets. I'm here for a whirlwind tour of Viennese delights – and of course, I couldn't leave home without my trusty pink tutu!
This week's journey started in Derbyshire, a picturesque corner of England. I bid farewell to my little cottage, its lavender-painted door and window boxes bursting with colour. Packing my suitcase, I couldn't resist throwing in a few new tutu additions - a delicate blush-pink one, and a daring fiery pink that makes a statement like nothing else.
My train journey was a delight. There's nothing quite like watching the English countryside blur past, a kaleidoscope of emerald green fields and quaint villages, each one seemingly more charming than the last. I spent the hours lost in a captivating novel – "The Secret History of the Tutu" - while the rhythm of the train and the click-clack of the wheels inspired an internal ballet in my heart.
Arrival in Vienna was like stepping into a painting, a whirlwind of pastel-hued buildings, bustling squares, and charming shops filled with intricate crystal chandeliers and hand-painted porcelain. I checked into a quaint little hotel right next to the Opera House, its façade adorned with cherubs and intricately carved stonework. My room was pure pink heaven - with frills, bows, and a luxurious feather-boa draped over the armchair. I even found a vintage pink ballet tutu hidden in a dusty trunk - destined for a fabulous Viennese evening, of course!
Speaking of evening adventures, tonight was all about the Vienna State Opera. Imagine - a glorious building with gilded ceilings and velvet-draped boxes, echoing with the strains of a powerful orchestra and the grace of world-class ballet dancers!
The programme featured Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," and I simply cannot put into words the beauty and artistry of the dancers. Their leaps seemed effortless, their pirouettes a whisper of silk. I could barely keep my eyes off the elegant movements, the story unfolding right before me, the swans' anguish and hope so eloquently expressed through their graceful limbs. The costumes were spectacular - sparkling with Swarovski crystals and feathers that seemed to shimmer and dance under the stage lights. A perfect evening!
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without indulging in some delicious pastries and Viennese coffee. I savored a delightful slice of Sachertorte, its dark chocolate richness a decadent contrast to the airy, slightly bitter Viennese coffee. It was the perfect sweet ending to my delightful evening at the opera.
But today was not about ballet alone. In the afternoon, I embarked on a leisurely carriage ride through the city. The horses trotted gently, their hooves clicking a steady rhythm on the cobbled streets. I took in the grand architecture of the Hofburg Palace, the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace with its manicured gardens, and the quaint cafes with their wrought-iron tables and wicker chairs.
For an avid shopper like myself, a visit to Vienna's famous Naschmarkt was a must. The market buzzed with life, vibrant stalls piled high with fresh produce, cheeses, spices, and handcrafted treasures. I picked up a delicate pink shawl for my opera performance tomorrow and found a gorgeous bouquet of wildflowers – the perfect accessory for a ballerina on the go.
I couldn't leave Vienna without seeing a few other shows. Tonight, I'll be watching a spectacular performance by the Wiener Staatsballett at the Vienna State Opera – a celebration of dance history with a contemporary twist.
And as for my ultimate aim – inspiring the world to embrace the pink tutu – Vienna has proven to be a perfect platform. Every day, I encounter charming Viennese ladies with their floral-printed dresses and stylish hats. It only takes a little nudge to bring the tutu to the forefront of their fashionable minds. You just never know who you might inspire with a little touch of pink and twirl!
Tomorrow, I'll be writing about the beautiful gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. And hopefully, I'll have a picture of myself in my new pink tutu posing amongst the blossoming rose bushes. Join me again next week for another journey in pink!
Until then, keep twirling and dreaming!
With love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
