2024 Summer Ballet Fun for America

Hello, gorgeous dancers and ballet lovers! It's your girl Emma here, back with another sizzling post, just in time for the most glorious time of year – summer ballet season! The air is filled with the scent of sunshine, the parks are alive with laughter, and the stage is set for a summer of breathtaking dance, glittering tutus, and endless joy.

Get ready to unleash your inner prima ballerina and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of #tutusummer adventures!

Oh my goodness, let's talk about the plethora of fantastic dance performances taking place throughout the city this summer! Whether you're after the classic elegance of the New York City Ballet, the raw energy of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, or the quirky, contemporary style of BalletCollective, you're bound to find a performance that will sweep you off your feet.

Hot tip! Be sure to check out the outdoor dance festivals happening in various parks across the city. These free events offer a taste of ballet magic under the stars, with stunning choreography and beautiful costumes.

My personal picks:

• Summer Stages Dance at Lincoln Center is a free summer festival showcasing diverse dance styles, including ballet. It's the perfect place to discover new choreographers and dancers.
• BAM Next Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music often features international ballet companies and exciting, experimental dance works.

Ready to take your ballet technique to the next level? NYC boasts a phenomenal range of summer dance workshops and intensive programs for dancers of all levels.

• Summer Intensive at School of American Ballet - The legendary school that nurtures the next generation of dancers, this program is a serious contender for aspiring professionals.
• Dance New Amsterdam - Offering workshops in various dance styles, including ballet, it's a fantastic option for those looking to expand their dance vocabulary.
• Steps on Broadway - Another renowned school offering intensive programs across different disciplines, including ballet. You can even catch some of the biggest Broadway stars teach!

Who says you can't combine ballet and picnics? Gather your best gal pals, grab a basket overflowing with yummy treats, and head to one of NYC's beautiful parks for a tutu-themed picnic!

What to bring? Sparkling lemonade, gourmet sandwiches, a pastel-colored picnic blanket (think pinks and baby blues!), and of course, your most fabulous tutu!

Hot Tip! Don't forget the photo op! Strike a pose in your tutu for a series of envy-inducing Instagram pics to make your followers scream #tutusummer!

Okay, confession: I'm obsessed with musicals! So what's better than watching amazing dancers bring musical theatre to life on the stage? Absolutely nothing!

Summer in NYC means a whole bunch of jaw-dropping shows with fantastic choreography.

* My top picks:*

• "An American in Paris" is a vibrant and romantic musical with captivating ballet sequences that will leave you breathless.
• "Chicago" - A sassy and iconic show featuring captivating dancing and powerhouse vocals that are bound to leave you energized.

I'm a true believer that every ballet dancer has a secret disco queen waiting to break free! Summer nights are the perfect time to unleash that inner dance diva.

Here are some of my go-to disco spots for a night of music and moves:

• Webster Hall - A legendary NYC venue hosting electrifying disco nights.
• The Brooklyn Mirage - A waterfront venue boasting sprawling dance floors perfect for spinning to those classic disco hits.

• Le Poisson Rouge - A beloved underground club hosting unique and themed nights, often with a disco twist.

  Hot Tip: Don't be afraid to bring a little bit of ballet to your disco moves. Mix it up with some elegant extensions and dramatic poses!

Summer is also a great time to delve deeper into the artistic side of ballet! Immerse yourself in the world of ballet through photography, painting, and sculpture.

Places to visit:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Boasts a collection of impressive sculptures and paintings related to dance.
• The Morgan Library & Museum - Features stunning illustrations and drawings of famous ballerinas throughout history.
• The Museum of the City of New York - Offers exhibitions showcasing the history of dance in NYC, often featuring intriguing photos of ballerinas throughout the years.

My secret indulgence: Attending the Metropolitan Opera's production of "La Bayadère" is a dream. The breathtaking visuals, stunning costumes, and exquisite choreography will leave you mesmerized.

You can't mention summer ballet without talking about en pointe! Those graceful, beautiful moments on pointe, a symbol of a dancer's dedication and mastery.

This summer, I encourage you to attend classes focusing on pointe work. This can be a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your technique and truly embrace the magic of ballet en pointe.

Places to explore:

• American Ballet Theatre - Offers open classes in ballet, pointe included, during the summer months.
• Ballet Academy East - Another amazing spot for advanced dancers, providing professional training in all facets of ballet, including pointe work.

Summer is perfect for catching up on reading and diving into the rich history and insights of ballet.

Some must-read books:

• "The Autobiography of Rudolf Nureyev" - A captivating read about the legendary dancer's life and career.

• "The World of Ballet" by David Drew - A comprehensive exploration of ballet history and its development over the years.

  Podcasts:

• "Ballet Talk" - Hosted by a panel of ballet professionals, offering insightful conversations on the world of ballet.

• "Dance Informa Podcast" - A go-to source for the latest news and interviews from the dance world, including ballet.

Follow me on Instagram, @EmmaLovesTutus, where I share inspiring photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses into my ballet world, and of course, my endless passion for all things pink, fabulous, and ballet-related!

Summer is all about spreading joy and living your life to the fullest. This is a season to celebrate everything that makes ballet so magical – the elegance, the artistry, the passion, and above all, the unwavering spirit of those beautiful, fearless ballerinas!

So put on your pinkest tutu, raise a glass to the glorious summer ballet season, and get ready for the ultimate #tutuseason!