Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, ready to bring you the most fabulous, sparkly, and twirly guide to Summer Ballet Fun right here in glorious Gloucester! 🩰☀️ It's officially time to trade in those winter woollies for a flurry of tulle, so grab your best pink lipstick, dust off your favourite ballet shoes, and get ready to dance into the most magical time of year!
Summer's the perfect time to explore all things ballet, whether you're a seasoned dancer or just dipping your toes into the world of twirls and leaps. So, grab your best friend, your little sister, your grandma (even my Nana loves a bit of ballet!), and get ready to indulge in the delightful delights of this exciting season.
Gloucester Ballet: A Showcase of Talent
Let's start with the obvious, shall we? Gloucester's own ballet scene is buzzing with talent and excitement. Here's the lowdown on the must-see summer shows:
Gloucester Summer Ballet Festival: Every summer, Gloucester comes alive with an exciting program of workshops, performances, and events at the iconic City Museum and Art Gallery. The highlight is, of course, the "Summer Showcase" featuring dazzling performances from the best local ballet schools, including dazzling ensembles, contemporary numbers, and, of course, my favourite - the classic ballet excerpts!
Ballet on the Lawn: Get your picnic blankets and Prosecco ready! This magical open-air event brings ballet performances under the summer sky in the gorgeous grounds of the Gloucester Docks. Perfect for a romantic evening or a family outing. This year's lineup includes some stunning modern choreographies with a distinctly summer vibe - I'm practically bouncing in my seat with excitement!
Gloucester Ballet Theatre: Don't forget about the local ballet companies, showcasing world-class performances and engaging educational workshops. This year they're performing a fabulous interpretation of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the grand New Theatre Gloucester.
And beyond the traditional
Gloucester Ballet and the Arts: Summer isn't just about tutus, you know! Don't miss the innovative and contemporary ballet performances at the Gloucester Guildhall. Their focus is on pushing boundaries, so you can expect an intriguing mix of styles, incorporating everything from aerial acrobatics to digital art, creating a truly immersive experience.
Let's talk classes!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, there are endless opportunities to learn and grow this summer.
For the Ballerinas in Bloom:
Gloucester Dance Academy: This esteemed dance academy welcomes budding ballerinas with their "Summer Ballerina Programme," packed with fun workshops, guest classes with top professionals, and even an "En Pointe" Bootcamp. Trust me, this will be a real game changer if you’re looking to improve your technique. They offer introductory sessions for all ages, so grab your little ones, it's a fantastic chance to get them moving!
Gloucester City Ballet School: This local gem offers "Summer Taster Days" throughout the season. They’re a perfect introduction to ballet if you've never tried it before, or you’re ready to explore new styles like contemporary ballet. I'm sure they'll have you leaping and twirling in no time.
Dance-Off with Disco:
Let's be honest, summer isn't complete without a touch of disco. This year, many dance schools in Gloucester are embracing the disco craze.
Funky Fresh Studios: This popular dance studio is offering a "Disco Divas" summer class! Think glitter, platform shoes, and funky grooves. I'm planning to take my grandma there – she loves ABBA and this is sure to be a riot!
Gloucester Groove Academy: They’re taking the retro fun to a whole new level with their "Saturday Night Fever" class! Prepare to move like John Travolta and rock your favourite retro disco outfits!
Ballet Fun for Everyone:
Summer is about relaxing, and the ballet scene in Gloucester offers a plethora of options beyond performances and classes.
The Tutu Tea Party:
Imagine afternoon tea, pink lemonade, scones with jam and cream, and all served on a dainty set of pink-themed crockery, all under the theme of Ballet. You can even wear your best tutu. This is the perfect event to indulge your inner ballerina and enjoy a whimsical afternoon tea! I know I will!
Ballet Book Club:
Gather your ballet besties for an evening of delightful ballet books and movie nights! Dive into the worlds of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, or explore lesser-known stories! The perfect excuse to unleash your inner bookworm and have a delightful chat with friends!
The Art of Ballet Photography:
If you love documenting your ballet adventures, why not take a course in ballet photography? This will not only teach you the technical aspects of capturing the magic of dance but also help you express your artistic vision through the lens. This is on my "must do" list!
Summer Fashion:
Let's talk about what to wear! This is my favourite part!
Pink, Pink, Pink!:
Pink is a must, and the bolder, the better! My favourite combo is a hot pink tutu with a cute, pastel pink top. The bolder the better, my dears! This combination perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of summer. And let's not forget the shoes.
Shoes:
Tutu Ballet Slippers: Pick a classic pair, maybe a lovely shade of pale pink or a whimsical lavender, and wear them with an outfit like a long flowing dress with an elaborate sash, so they really pop. You can also have a pair that's brightly coloured!
Statement Shoes:
Embrace a more playful side of summer ballet fashion and choose statement ballet shoes! Maybe an elegant, pointy-toed pump in white with a bow, a metallic silver platform, or a chic stiletto with a delicate, elegant heel. These are perfect for pairing with more sophisticated outfits, giving a little "ballet flair" to your evening look.
Let's be extra:
Summer is for sparkle, darlings! So, if you want to really unleash your inner disco diva, then try layering with sequins, feather boas, and adding bold jewelry – earrings, necklaces and a watch or two! Remember, there is no such thing as "too much sparkle". This is where you can show your personality with different types of embellishment on a tutu – don’t go for just one style, experiment and embrace all things shimmery!
*And the most important thing? *
Have fun!
The beauty of ballet is that it’s accessible to everyone, no matter your age, shape or experience. It's a beautiful form of self-expression, a chance to build confidence and create beautiful moments in a stunning summer setting.
So, go out there, explore the vibrant ballet scene, twirl, leap, and unleash your inner ballerina. This summer is calling your name, and it’s time to enjoy a summer of magical ballet memories!
tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet