Hey everyone! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving, disco-dancing ballet enthusiast! Summer's finally arrived, and for me, that means one thing: it's Tutu Season! 🎉 The air is buzzing with excitement, and I'm already dreaming of pirouettes in the sunshine and those magical, balletic moments under the summer sky.
Manchester, my beloved home city, is a vibrant hub for ballet throughout the year, but there's something extra special about the summer season. We've got an exciting line-up of workshops, classes, and performances happening right here in the heart of the city. So, if you're ready to embrace your inner ballerina and tap into some seriously fabulous summer vibes, keep reading!
Ballet in the Park: 🌳
Forget the stuffy studio for a while - this summer, we're taking ballet to the park! Imagine yourself leaping, twirling, and grand jetéing under the open sky, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. There's a real magic in embracing the outdoors for a ballet experience.
Where to find it:
Heaton Park: This sprawling green oasis is hosting a series of free introductory ballet workshops led by talented local dancers. No experience is necessary! They'll teach you the basics, and trust me, you'll be feeling the joy of movement and discovering a new side of your inner ballerina.
Platt Fields Park: The iconic bandstand here transforms into a summer stage, hosting "Ballet in the Park" performances. Think ballets inspired by Shakespeare, contemporary dance pieces, and even a "disco-themed" ballet finale featuring some of your favourite 70s tracks (yes, you heard that right!). Get ready to bop to the rhythm and groove like there's no tomorrow!
Piccadilly Gardens: Every Saturday, the "Street Ballet" sessions invite the whole city to join in the fun. Grab your friends, wear something sparkly, and get ready for a truly immersive experience as street dancers and professional choreographers take to the square. There’s also the opportunity to learn some cool moves from seasoned professionals.
The Magic of Summer Workshops:
Summer is the perfect time to explore new aspects of dance, expand your ballet vocabulary, or simply indulge in the sheer pleasure of movement. Here's where you can tap into the creative energy of summer with some workshops and classes:
- The Northern Ballet School: Their renowned summer programmes are a chance to learn from master teachers in a supportive and fun environment. You can explore a range of disciplines, from classical ballet to contemporary dance, to even musical theatre.
- Manchester Royal Ballet: Don't miss their exciting "Summer Intensive" programme, designed to hone your ballet technique. It's a brilliant opportunity for anyone, from aspiring professionals to hobby dancers, to immerse themselves in a rigorous but rewarding ballet experience.
- The Dance Factory: Their summer workshops offer a fantastic opportunity for exploring a diverse range of dance styles, including hip hop, jazz, and contemporary. A fun and vibrant atmosphere will have you dancing the day away!
Ballet on Stage:
Manchester’s ballet scene is alive and kicking! There are a wealth of performances to enjoy, from classic masterpieces to innovative new works.
Here's what you don’t want to miss:
- Manchester Royal Ballet at The Lowry: Catch their incredible productions at this iconic theatre. This summer they are performing a classic and exciting ballet classic: The Sleeping Beauty! Get your tickets in advance; this will sell out quickly.
- Northern Ballet at the Palace Theatre: Be blown away by the Northern Ballet’s repertoire, which combines beauty and intensity with a touch of modern flair. Expect dramatic costumes and a strong sense of storytelling through the expressive medium of dance. They are showcasing Giselle - a stunning work about love and betrayal with incredible, heart-wrenching performances that will stay with you.
Summer Style:
My Style Guide: Embrace Your Inner Ballerina:
Okay, ladies, this is where things get seriously fun. You’re all probably thinking, “How can I rock the tutu trend this summer?”
Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own flair to the classic ballet style. Think bright pink and fun colours, sparkly details, and playful additions that will help you turn heads and stand out.
The Ballet-Inspired Wardrobe Essentials for Summer:
Pink Everything! Summer is the perfect time to rock the color pink. Embrace your inner fashionista and make a statement with this feminine and joyful color. Think bubblegum, blush pink, and hot pink. Anything goes, as long as you feel confident and happy!
Sparkling Details: The summer season calls for shimmering accents. A sprinkle of glitter, sequined straps, or beaded accents can instantly transform your look and elevate your outfit. Let your inner ballerina shine!
Flowy Fabrics: Let the summer breeze flow through your hair, and your outfit! Embrace airy fabrics like silk, chiffon, and tulle. They're comfortable and add a delicate, whimsical touch that is oh-so-summery!
The Tutu: Let’s face it, summer wouldn't be complete without at least one fabulous tutu! If you want to truly commit to your ballet love, opt for a tutu that matches the pastel colours of the season - maybe peach or lemon? Alternatively, you can rock a fun, colourful tutu to take your look to the next level! If you want something more low key, try a short tutu that you can layer with a blouse or T-shirt.
Leotard Life: The trusty leotard - a staple in any ballerina's wardrobe - has gotten an amazing upgrade this summer. You'll find leotards with unique cutouts, daring straps, and incredible colours! Experiment with them, rock them with leggings or a skirt, and let them take you on your own "Tutu Season" adventure.
Pro-tip: A touch of tulle: Want to add a little bit of the "ballerina flair" without going all out with a full tutu? Experiment with tulle accents - perhaps a tulle scarf or a tutu skirt to be worn over leggings. They will create the same enchanting and whimsical effect while giving you more everyday wearability.
Ready for an Unforgettable Tutu Summer:
So there you have it, ladies. Let's embrace the bright colours and joyful spirit of summer and express our love of all things dance in this gorgeous city. I hope this little guide inspires you to step outside your comfort zone, embrace your inner ballerina, and create some magical memories during this fabulous Tutu Season. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just a tutu enthusiast, let's celebrate the magic of summer and dance our way into the sunshine! #tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet 💖
