Hello darlings! Emma here, back with a super sparkly update for you all! It's summertime and the livin' is easy, right?! Well, unless you're a professional dancer like yours truly, battling the humidity with gallons of sweat, haha! š But let's face it, even with the heat, there's nothing quite like summer ballet. The energy, the joy, theā¦ pinkness, oh my! š š
We're right in the heart of #tutuseason now, and the entire dance scene is abuzz with a glorious blend of sunshine, grace, and everything fabulous! So, grab your pinkest ballet shoes and let's dive into this weekās Bournville dance review!
Bournville, you glorious, glorious place!
You already know how much I adore Bournville. This beautiful corner of the West Midlands always feels like stepping into a fairytale - a bit like a less saccharine, slightly more relatable "Alice in Wonderland". āāØ
Bournville's unique charm isn't just about the chocolate factory - (though let's be honest, that's a big plus! š) - itās also about the sense of community. A community of passionate, arts-loving people! Itās no surprise then that this area truly comes alive in summer, with all its dance classes, workshops, and performances, bringing together dancers of all levels, ages, and backgrounds!
Where To Find Your Inner Ballerina
Right, letās get down to the nitty-gritty. Hereās where you can find your summer ballet groove:
1. The Bournville Village Ballet School:
Let's kick off with a timeless classic ā the ballet school! āØ And when it comes to bournville, Bournville Village Ballet School has been teaching dancers of all ages since 1988. These folks really know their stuff! They offer classes for beginners to advanced students, plus specialist summer programs, including ballet-themed tea parties for little ones, "Summer Swan Lake" workshops for budding ballerinas, and even ballet barre sessions for grown-ups.
If you've ever dreamt of becoming a professional, they've got the "Aspiring Professionals" summer boot camp program, covering everything from performance skills to professional dance etiquette. Donāt worry if you're not ready for professional ballerinas yet - even the regular adult classes are a fantastic way to boost confidence and have a fabulous time, whilst learning all about the joys of graceful movement. š
2. The Bournville Dance Academy:
Want something with a little more zing and pop? Look no further than the Bournville Dance Academy! š This place offers all the classic styles, but they've also got something thatāll have you begging for more ā dance fitness! š Imagine ballet exercises combined with your favourite dance styles: hip-hop, jazz, and salsa - all blended together to burn calories and improve your core strength, all in a super fun and social environment. š„
Donāt underestimate this place either: Theyāve got workshops for kids with names like "Dance With the Disney Princesses" (always a favourite with my little sister) and "A Night At the Musical", for those who have a penchant for singing and dancing in equal measure!
3. Summer Workshops: Dive Into Different Styles
Here's the fun bit. Letās not forget the vibrant workshops buzzing all over Bournville! It's your chance to dabble in some different styles, meet other dancers, and create lasting memories!
- āBallet in the Parkā: Yes, you read that right! Grab a picnic blanket, some delicious nibbles, and enjoy outdoor ballet in one of Bournvilleās beautiful parks. These are often free or low-cost sessions hosted by various community groups, designed to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to get into the ballet groove. Donāt be shy! Itās all about having a great time and connecting with the local dance community. āØ
- āBournville Dance Daysā: Imagine a full day dedicated to nothing but dancing! Bournville hosts a dance extravaganza at the Village Green, showcasing a wide range of styles and genres - contemporary ballet, flamenco, tap dancing, and even a few pop-up dance battles to really liven things up.
- āBallet for Beginnersā: These workshops are exactly what they say ā no prior experience needed! Led by experienced teachers, you'll learn the basics of ballet, understand the technique, and even pick up some nifty tips and tricks.
āCreative Dance Explorationsā: These classes are super fun! They delve into movement and expression using your imagination, all to upbeat music ā great for those who are naturally free-spirited or have been itching to explore the "modern dance" styles of the world.
A Little Something Extra
You donāt have to just participate! Watching others dance is just as exciting. Bournville has some fantastic venues that hold Summer Ballet Performances!
1. Bournvilleās Open Air Theatre:
Enjoy dancing in the moonlight! They're renowned for putting on beautiful and moving ballets under the starry skies! 2. Bournville Arts Centre: A cultural hub with a fantastic performance space, perfect for hosting summer ballet shows! From graceful classical ballets to exciting contemporary pieces, they offer a diverse range of ballet productions for all tastes.
Make It a Summer of Ballet!
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, there's a ballet-filled summer in Bournville just waiting for you. This beautiful town comes alive in summer and embraces all things dance, offering so many exciting opportunities.
So, my fellow ballet lovers, embrace this enchanting summer! #tutusummer has never been so exciting!
See you at the barre! š
Emma xx
P.S. Follow me on Instagram: @EmmaBalletQueen
(Be sure to follow the hashtag #tutusummer for a stream of the most inspiring summer ballet content, plus keep up to date on all the fun and fabulous ballet events happening in Bournville!).
