A Letter Before We Part for Vienna

Hello, Dancers!

As we approach our departure dates for Vienna, I wanted to take a moment to remind you to breathe, relax, and get excited—you're about to embark on an unforgettable trip.

A few things to keep in mind as you make final preparations:

1) Vienna is your blank canvas.
You are stepping into a foreign city where next to no one knows you. Take full advantage of that. So often in our daily lives, we carry the weight of expectations - of who we’ve been, what people assume about us, and the roles we play. Vienna is your chance to shake all of that off and be whoever you want to be. Let yourself fully embrace the present, the moment, and the potential magic of this experience.

2) Let the city reveal itself to you.
Vienna is filled with grand palaces, charming cafés, stunning museums, and hidden gems, but don't feel like you have to map out every step in advance. Some of the best moments happen when you let the city guide you - when you take a turn down an unfamiliar street and stumble upon a breathtaking square, an old bookstore, or a perfect little café where you can watch the world go by. Allow yourself to wander.

3) The day of the ball, slow down and savor it.
The ball is a long, thrilling night, and you’ll want to feel your best. Treat the day as part of the experience - sleep in, book a massage, have a luxurious breakfast, and take a slow walk. Avoid packing in too much sightseeing that day. By dinner, you should feel refreshed and ready, because truly, dinner is just the beginning of the night.

4) Make space for spontaneity and joy.
Vienna is a city where music spills from open windows, history lurks around every corner, and beauty is everywhere. Be open to saying yes to unexpected invitations, a late-night waltz in the streets, or an extra slice of Sacher Torte at Café Mozart. This trip is about joy. Let yourself fully experience it.

5) Stay in touch!
Shoot me a text when you arrive. Let’s grab a drink or a bite to eat and toast to the adventures ahead.

I can’t wait to see all of you dressed to the nines!

See you in Vienna!

Best,
Matthew