Hey everyone! Emma here, your resident ballet enthusiast and self-proclaimed Queen of Tutus! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and that can only mean one thing – summer ballet season has officially begun! Hammersmith, prepare to twirl! 🎉
It's that magical time of year where the air vibrates with the energy of dancing and the streets are buzzing with tutus. I mean, what's not to love? Summer means longer, sunnier days for endless dance classes, vibrant outdoor performances, and maybe even a disco-inspired ballet performance or two. Get ready for a season of pirouettes and pliés, laughter and new discoveries.
And you know I'm always ready to guide you through the wonderful world of summer ballet. This year, I’m obsessed with how all things ballet are being seamlessly integrated with summer fashion – think flirty floral print tutus, sequined sandals that wouldn’t look out of place on the dance floor, and even neon pink tights for that extra pop of summer colour! This season is all about being bold, being brave, and expressing yourself through dance.
So, let’s dive in! I’ve put together a complete guide to everything that’s making Hammersmith a must-visit destination for ballet lovers this summer:
1. Embrace the Summer Ballet Styles:
Let’s face it, nothing beats the joy of exploring different ballet styles during the warmer months. This summer, I’m excited to see how these exciting dance forms are making their way into Hammersmith:
Ballet Under the Stars: Grab your picnic blanket and head to Ravenscourt Park or Olympia Park. They've both got fabulous, free outdoor dance performances happening throughout July and August. Think beautiful ballets in a stunning natural setting under the twilight sky – pure magic!
Ballet Fusion: Want to step outside of the traditional? Check out DanceFusion in Hammersmith. They're mixing up their class schedule this summer with unique fusion styles like Afro-Latin Dance, Bollywood, and even some contemporary jazz mixed with ballet. Perfect for those who want a little more spice in their routine.
Ballet & Beyond: Fancy a new challenge? The Hammersmith Dance Academy is hosting workshops focusing on "Ballet for All Ages." You don't need prior experience to give these sessions a go, so you can be assured it's beginner-friendly.
Beach Ballet: Who says ballet has to be in a studio? There's a whole trend of beach ballet classes gaining momentum, with amazing studios popping up along the south coast of England!
Disco Ballet: Prepare to groove! This new, fun, high-energy style mixes disco music with classic ballet moves, resulting in an incredibly joyful and uplifting workout.
2. Finding the Perfect Tutu (and matching outfits!):
Look, no one tells you to go out and buy a brand new tutu. But trust me, it's an absolutely fabulous idea! Here's why:
Tutus are in: Think colourful tutus in soft pastels like pinks and baby blues, statement tutus in bold neon colours, or tutus with cute embellishments for that extra "summer vibes" effect.
A great outfit idea: Tutus are incredibly versatile. Dress them down with casual denim and a white tee for a trendy, playful look. Or go all out in your brightest, boldest summer clothes. Tutus always work!
Tutu stores galore: Hammersmith has a hidden treasure: Hammersmith Dancewear. They have an absolutely stunning selection of tutus, leotards, and other dance wear in gorgeous colors and styles. It's practically a summer fashion destination.
Online shops for even more options: Sites like Etsy and eBay have so many cute tutus – from the classic to the crazy, and everything in between! I highly recommend browsing around and getting that perfect summer tutu!
3. More Summer Ballet Adventures in Hammersmith:
But the summer ballet fun doesn’t stop at dance studios! It’s also about experiencing the art and inspiration that ballet can offer:
Ballet Inspired Exhibitions: The Hammersmith Art Centre has a great exhibiton running on “The Art of Ballet”. Check out the collection of photographs, sculptures, and paintings capturing the beauty and drama of ballet performances throughout the decades.
Ballet Movie Marathons: Gather your friends and enjoy some classic ballet films. There's nothing more uplifting than seeing amazing dance on the big screen, especially in summer! Think films like "Black Swan," "The Red Shoes," or even "The Turning." You’ll find special screenings and film events taking place throughout Hammersmith.
Dance Festivals: From small-scale local events to massive street parties celebrating all kinds of dance – Hammersmith has a variety of dance festivals you won’t want to miss! They're all about promoting community and exploring different dance forms.
Ballet Theatre Performances: Immerse yourself in the storytelling and breathtaking choreography of professional ballet performances. The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre always hosts an incredible ballet season with some absolutely brilliant companies visiting the stage throughout the summer.
The Grand Finale: Don't forget, there's also the much-awaited, annual Hammersmith Ballet Gala at the end of summer! This is the ultimate celebration of all things ballet, featuring talented dancers from across the area and even a stunning fireworks display to top it off!
The Ballet Buzz in Hammersmith
So, what are you waiting for? Summer is calling. Pack your pink tutus, find your inner dancer, and let your imagination take flight. This season, Hammersmith is brimming with opportunities to explore, enjoy, and discover the joy of ballet! Remember, this is the season to let your passion flow and get swept up in the beautiful, vibrant energy of summer ballet!
Stay Tuned and Follow Along
Want more? I’m posting updates, inspiration, and all things tutu on my blog. Make sure to check back for exciting articles and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of the best summer ballet happenings in Hammersmith.
Follow me on my Instagram account - @emmaballetqueen (it's pink, just like my favourite tutu! 💖)
Have an absolutely amazing summer, dancers! #tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet
