Hello fellow dance lovers! It's Emma here, back with a brand new blog post and it's about a subject that gets my heart racing - SUMMER BALLET! It's a magical time of year, with ballets taking over outdoor stages, the air filled with the sweet melody of summer tunes, and the chance to twirl in the sunshine with a beautiful tulle skirt swirling around us - ah, pure bliss!
But hold your horses, darlings! Summer isn't just about gazing at beautiful dancers; it's the perfect time to embrace your inner ballerina. From vibrant ballet festivals to dance workshops and everything in between, Blackburn is about to become your haven for summer ballet fun. So grab your biggest, fluffiest tutu (the bigger the better!), crank up the disco tunes (Iām obsessed with Donna Summer right now!), and letās dive into the ultimate summer ballet guide!
Festival Fun & Fireworks!
Blackburn Ballet Festival: July 12th-15th
Kicking off the summer ballet celebrations is the biggest dance extravaganza in Blackburn ā the annual Ballet Festival! This four-day event promises to be a real treat with something for everyone:
- World-Class Performances: Get ready to be swept away by stunning performances from leading dance companies from around the globe. We're talking exquisite choreography, captivating stories, and dancers who make you believe they can fly!
- Family Fun Days: Donāt think this is only for the adults ā bring the kids along for a fun-filled weekend of workshops, bouncy castles, and special family-friendly performances. Think "The Nutcracker" but with added face painting!
- Street Dance Showdown: Get ready to bust a move! The street dance competition is where the hottest crews from across the region battle it out. The atmosphere will be electric, and I predict some pretty amazing moves - keep your eyes peeled!
- Fireworks Finale: Letās end things with a bang! (Or rather, a colourful burst!) On Sunday night, prepare for a spectacular firework display, a stunning ballet performance, and plenty of "oooohs" and "aaaaahs" from the audience!
More Than Just Watching:
So, youāre all set to see some stunning performances at the festival ā now, what if I told you you could be part of the magic? The Blackburn Ballet Festival is also jam-packed with amazing workshops and masterclasses!
Get Your Ballet On!: Workshop Schedule
- Beginner Ballet for All Levels: Ever wanted to try ballet but were intimidated? This is your chance! Led by expert instructors, these sessions offer a fun, welcoming space for absolute beginners to experience the joys of ballet.
- Jazz Funk Frenzy: Prepare to unleash your inner BeyonceĢ! Get funky, sassy and learn some seriously hot dance moves from renowned jazz funk choreographers.
- Ballet Choreography Intensive: If you're a little more experienced, level up with these intensive sessions. Dive into complex choreography and master the art of musicality and technique!
Creative Movement for Little Dancers: My favorite! Let the littlest ballerinas explore movement and storytelling through engaging, age-appropriate sessions. You'll see bright smiles and plenty of "happy twirls" guaranteed.
Get Into the Summer Spirit:
Ok, let's take a step back from the organized festivities and talk about creating our own ballet fun in Blackburn.
Summer Ballet Bootcamp
Why not host a tutu-ific summer bootcamp? Invite your fellow dance lovers (or, dare I say, encourage them!) and take advantage of Blackburnās fantastic parks! Hereās what I have in mind:
- Pick your park!: We need somewhere spacious with lush green areas. My personal pick? The scenic Blackburn Arboretum ā perfect for stretching, practicing, and enjoying the views. But explore the options, there are tons!
- Mix it Up! Letās create a fun playlist (you know Iām going for disco!) and make it all about creative movement, play, and exploration! Donāt worry about technique right now ā let's just move, laugh, and celebrate!
- Outdoor Ballet Picnics: No tutu bootcamp is complete without a picnic! Pack some yummy treats, sandwiches, and sparkling pink lemonade. Then settle under the shade of a tree, watch each other dance, and chat about our favourite moments!
Beyond the Stage: Ballet Style!
Letās talk style! Because what's a summer ballet experience without the perfect attire?
Fashion Spotlight: Tutu Love!
- Tutus galore! My personal summer fashion essential? A tutu! It doesnāt matter if it's full-length or short, classic pink or a rainbow of colors, find the tutu that best captures your inner ballerina. Remember, thereās no such thing as too much tutu!
- Bright & Colourful!: Forget about dull clothes this summer! Let's embrace bright colours like electric blue, sunshine yellow, and fuchsia pink - these vibrant shades will not only reflect your summer energy but also match those beautiful tutus perfectly!
- Disco vibes!: Get your disco groove on with vintage inspired clothes. Flared jeans, sparkly tops, and anything with fringe screams summer ballet party vibes!
Where to Shop in Blackburn?
No need to look further than our lovely high street shops to get your summer ballet style on!
- Vintage heaven!: Blackburn has some amazing vintage shops overflowing with disco gems and playful fashion pieces. Don't be afraid to dig and unearth the perfect outfit!
- The Pink Corner: Every dancer knows the importance of a well-stocked ballet shop. Look out for Blackburnās latest additions like "The Pink Corner" - youāll find everything from stylish leotards and beautiful tutus to fun accessories.
Second-hand sparkle!: Support sustainability and shop responsibly. Our local charity shops are always brimming with hidden treasures. Iāve even snagged a vintage ballerina-themed cardigan that adds a fun touch to any summer outfit!
Summer Ballet at Home
Not a fan of huge crowds? You donāt have to leave your house to enjoy summer ballet. There are many ways to bring the ballet magic to your living room.
Hereās how to make the most of it:
- Dance with the Stars!: YouTube is a ballet-lover's dream! Search for famous ballet performances, choreography tutorials, and even educational documentaries.
- Online Classes: Itās a brilliant way to level up your technique, work out, and learn from some incredible teachers. Plus, the convenience of doing it all from your couch? It's a dream come true.
- Throw a Ballerina Party! Even better than online lessons! Get together with friends, choose a theme (say, a glamorous āGreat Gatsby' party), cook up some delicious snacks (like, those super yummy pink macarons, my favorite!), and spend the night twirling and having fun.
Get Your Creative Groove On:
Iām always telling everyone, ballet is more than just dance moves. It's a celebration of art and storytelling, and what better way to capture those summer vibes than through DIY projects.
Hereās a little summer ballet inspiration:
- Ballet-Themed Decorations: Grab your craft supplies, put on some music, and get crafty! Create beautiful fairy lights that resemble ballerinaās twirls, design your own stage backdrops, or get even more imaginative and personalize your space with handcrafted artwork and floral decorations.
- Ballet Scrapbooking: Document your summer ballet experiences ā take lots of photos! Compile your best memories into a fun scrapbook filled with pictures, tickets, souvenirs and little stories from the festival or your fun DIY projects!
- Write your own ballet story!: I always tell my students - creativity knows no bounds. So put pen to paper, write your own ballet story, and even go a step further by setting it to your favorite summer soundtrack!
The Last Tutu-ly Fabulous Note
I hope you found my ultimate summer ballet guide helpful! Itās time to embrace the spirit of summer, express yourself through movement, and find the joy in dancing. Remember, itās not just about the steps or technique ā itās about passion, exploration, and making unforgettable memories.
This summer, let's make Blackburn the tutu capital of the UK. It's going to be epic!
Get in touch:
Let me know what youāre up to this summer ā share your favorite ballet moments, your creative projects, and of course, your awesome outfits. Use #tutusummer, #tutuseason and #summerballet so we can connect on social media!
Letās get twirling!
Love, Emma āØ
