Hey gorgeous ballet bunnies! 🐰 It’s Emma here, back with a burst of pink-hued excitement as we kick off the best season ever: SUMMER BALLET! ☀️ This is the time for long, balmy evenings, picnics in the park, and – of course! – showcasing our finest dance moves.
Here in Barkforg, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to getting our ballet fix this summer, whether it’s exploring new styles, getting creative with our dancewear, or catching some mind-blowing performances. So, ditch those chunky boots, dust off your pointe shoes, and get ready to dive into the tutu-rific world of summer ballet with me! ✨
Ballet by the Beach: Seaside Sass 🌊Summer screams for open-air ballet and let’s face it, the seaside is the perfect backdrop for those ethereal twirls! Here in Barkforg, we’re lucky enough to have the Sunset Bay Theatre, a charming little amphitheatre right on the coast. This summer they’re putting on a fab “Ballet Under the Stars” programme with a variety of shows, from classical Swan Lake to a vibrant, contemporary piece inspired by the local fishermen’s stories.
If you fancy getting involved, the Seashells Dance Academy is holding free ballet sessions on the beach every Wednesday morning throughout July! Picture it: sunrise, seagulls, and graceful pirouettes. Sounds idyllic, doesn't it? 🌅
But wait, there’s more! If you want to channel your inner disco queen, there’s the Boogie Beach Ball happening on August 10th, where everyone is invited to come in their most fabulous beach-inspired outfits and learn some disco ballet moves – think strutting across the sand with fabulous head-bops and cheeky side kicks! 😎
Summer Ballet Lookbook: For your beach-side ballet excursions, I’m all about comfy and chic: * A breezy, lightweight tutu in a colour inspired by the sea – turquoise, coral, or a bold seafoam green? * A floral or paisley printed leotard with a matching cropped cardigan. * Chunky, woven sandals that you can slip on and off easily, perfect for dancing on sand!
Top Tip: Bring along a fun sarong or beach wrap, perfect for catching a light breeze and for throwing on during those "off-duty" moments.
Dance the Night Away: Let’s Groove! ✨Summer’s the perfect excuse to embrace our inner dancing divas. The Barkforg Community Hall has a packed schedule this year with an amazing "Ballet Beyond the Basics" programme – from Latin and flamenco, to salsa and hip hop, they have a genre for everyone. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to move with a sensual and sassy flair, this is the place to be!
This year, the Barkforg Ballroom is launching its “Boogie Nights” series. Every Thursday night, DJs will spin those iconic disco hits and there’s even going to be a ballet teacher there guiding everyone through a series of disco moves, complete with shimmering headbands and fabulous flares! This is your chance to strut those funky moves, have a giggle, and release your inner disco queen. 🕺
Summer Ballet Lookbook: Let's go for some shimmer and shine! * A classic black or deep navy leotard – a versatile foundation for any outfit. * Metallic leggings in silver, gold, or a bronze colour that catches the stage lights perfectly. * Chunky heeled boots or high-top trainers to add some cool street-style flair to those disco steps.
Top Tip: A shimmery, jewel-toned eyeshadow will complete your look! And don’t forget the disco ball necklace! 🤩
Let’s Get Creative: A Celebration of Ballet ✨Summer is a time for creativity and there’s a great buzz around Barkforg’s Open Air Studio this year. Their summer programme offers opportunities for everyone to unleash their creativity and express themselves through movement. There are workshops like “Ballet and Nature” which uses the surrounding parkland to inspire and challenge, and "Ballet Storybook" where everyone gets to come up with a ballet story, choose costumes, and perform their own unique dance piece. It's a really empowering and uplifting experience!
I love that you can be as experimental as you like – from improvisational techniques and self-choreography to crafting your own dance costumes. They even have a "Tutu Upcycling" class where you can breathe new life into vintage garments! ♻️
Summer Ballet Lookbook: Let's mix it up! This is the time to embrace unique and playful styles! * Vintage dancewear! Second-hand ballet costumes are a sustainable choice and are perfect for upcycling. You could find amazing beaded, sequined, or beaded tutus that would bring a pop of individuality to any class! * Retro style dresses or a vintage patterned jumpsuit - for a retro-glam touch, try some platform sandals or even some Mary Janes! * Accessories! Tie a silky scarf around your neck, try bold, statement jewellery, or add a dazzling headband.
Top Tip: There’s nothing more fabulous than personalizing your dancewear! Embrace ribbons, buttons, sequins, beads, and even feathers to create your own one-of-a-kind, artistic creations.
Tutu Summer: What to Watch and Where to Go 🎬Here are some of the summer highlights in Barkforg that you won’t want to miss:
- Barkforg’s Summer Dance Festival - It’s the biggest ballet event of the season with a jam-packed schedule of performances, workshops, and even a "Tutu Tea Party" with ballet-themed snacks and cakes! 🎂 This is where you’ll catch the very best dancers in the area, alongside rising stars and even a few familiar faces from stage and screen!
- The "Ballet in the Park" series - These relaxed and free ballet events are held every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer in The Barkforg Gardens, creating a delightful community vibe. They often have live music and there are stalls where you can buy handmade dancewear, gifts, and artisan treats. It’s a chance to enjoy the summer sunshine, the fresh air, and the captivating world of ballet in the heart of Barkforg. 🌻
- "The Ballet Ball" Gala Evening – If you want to make it an event, The Barkforg Theatre Royal is putting on an amazing evening that promises to be glitzy, glamorous, and truly memorable. They are showcasing local ballet talent and have even brought in a few guest performers from other parts of the country. Expect exquisite choreography, breathtaking costumes, and the elegance that only live ballet can offer. ✨
And that's it, my darlings! Summer in Barkforg is definitely about to become a swirling, twirling, tutu-ific spectacle! This is our time to explore different styles, express ourselves, and soak up the magic of dance. It’s about dancing for the sheer joy of it and feeling the magic of movement in every step, pirouette, and grand jeté.
So, dust off your pointe shoes, pull on your finest leotards, and prepare to dive headfirst into a summer full of grace, fun, and unforgettable ballet moments. Let’s create some beautiful memories, inspire one another, and show the world how #tutusummer can truly be the best season ever! ✨ 💖
Stay connected: Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmmaBallets for my tutu-inspired outfits, ballet updates, and some exciting summer giveaway announcements! ✨ #tutuseason #summerballet
