Hey there, gorgeous ballet babes! Emma here, and the summer sunshine has me completely in my element - not just for soaking up rays (although that’s definitely a part of it!) but because it's the time for summer ballet fun! 💃 Forget the stress of pointe shoes and exams - it’s time for freedom, exploration, and tons of fabulous tutu-filled opportunities to dance like nobody's watching (although actually, you might be! There’s no such thing as a bad audience during a summer ballet festival!)
So, get your sparkly headbands ready, because this summer we're ditching the black leotards and diving into a rainbow of dance styles and experiences. Let’s kick off this summer ballet season with some pink-tastic ideas:
Summer Ballet: Where to Go, What to See1. Take it to the Beach - Sand, Sun, and Swirls! Summer’s all about the beach, isn’t it? And thankfully, NYC has a whole lotta beach, just waiting to be filled with ballet. Imagine those sand dunes with you twirling under the sky - that’s what outdoor summer ballet is all about! From the Battery Park City Conservancy’s annual Summer in the Parks (featuring stunning classical pieces to outdoor choreographies under the Brooklyn Bridge!) to free classes along the beach - think sand, sea breezes, and your bare feet! It’s a truly magical experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and free as a bird - oh, and sooo tan!
2. Get Your Disco On at Summer Festivals Now, here’s where the pink princess in me really shines. Summer festivals aren't just about food and music - they're about embracing that feel-good energy! There are SO many to choose from in New York, but I recommend The Governors Ball Music Festival - picture your ballet leotard paired with an incredible festival fashion statement (let’s go for neon!) – it’s completely iconic! Plus, festivals feature everything from pop, hip hop to dance-filled electronic beats. Take some inspiration from the dance trend of the moment, "Barbiecore" and let loose on the festival dance floor, in all its colourful, pink glory!
3. City Parks Make it Happen This one's for you New Yorkers, especially if you can't make it down to the beach. Bryant Park’s free film series are a must. Take a picnic basket, a good friend, and your love of classic movies - this is all you need for a blissful ballet-inspired summer!
4. Summer Intensive Adventures Ok, maybe not so much about a laid-back summer – more about ballet skills! But hey, we’re passionate about ballet here, right? There are tons of great ballet intensives happening this summer. Go beyond the usual classical syllabus. From New York City Ballet's* Summer Intensive to the School of American Ballet's program, explore exciting new ballet styles and broaden your ballet skills. There are so many workshops, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
5. Rooftop Views and Ballet Bliss! Have you heard of Rooftop Films? No, not ballet movies per se… but everything makes me think about ballet. This film festival showcases unique, indie films – which usually have fantastic music, or dance themes – perfect for some serious summer inspiration! Picture this: a starry sky above, a gentle breeze, and the best independent films with maybe even some disco on the sound system! This combination is the ideal way to spend your summer ballet nights!
6. Ballet Adventures Outside of the Big Apple:
Soak up the stunning scenery and embrace summer festivals, Saratoga Springs, New York’s SPAC Festival, which happens each summer - I can practically feel the cool breezes now - perfect for swirling pirouettes under the stars! And then there's the famous Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts - imagine all the amazing dance styles to explore!
Remember those iconic disco dance scenes? Those are what I think of when it comes to summer ballet fun. But honestly, ballet shouldn’t be defined by these few ballet styles!
1. Embrace the Power of Funky Ballet We’re dancing out of the strictness of barre and classical ballets for a minute… We need to dive into that funky world of hip hop and jazz! Let those hips sway, because we’re channeling Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and even Vogue ballet. Think urban, funky and a lot more spontaneous - and of course, pink shoes!
2. Ballet Fusion: Combining Different Styles Forget just one style! Think ballet-meets-Bollywood – think Indian classical dance! Mix and match different ballet and cultural dances – like a beautiful mosaic of movement. That's what ballet fusion is all about! There are endless possibilities here, so get creative and don't be afraid to experiment! And hey, maybe some of you could even find yourself incorporating that fabulous African dance!
3. The Return of Disco: Feel the Groove!
Summer ballet has an important mission, which is to reconnect with what we love about ballet - the pure joy of moving to the music! And what better than the beat of a disco soundtrack? Put on your dazzling outfits, your pink ballet shoes and those glitter-infused leotards – now we’re talking! Disco ballet combines athleticism with infectious energy. Let’s throw on those sequin skirts – it's definitely my favorite!
4. A Celebration of Ballet Storytelling: Summer in New York City
The summer ballet scene in New York isn’t just about dance classes and fun parties – it's about storytelling. Look up Ballet Beyond Borders and check out their annual program of ballet performances in New York City - from open air performances under the stars to stunning theater shows, they really do have it all!
5. A Summer Ballet Book List: Summer time is the perfect time for a good book. If ballet is your obsession (it is mine!) why not find yourself the perfect ballet novel? These are definitely worth adding to your reading list!
- “The Dance of the Wind” by Kristin Hannah: a touching, poetic story of how ballet shaped the lives of two friends!
- “Swan Lake: A New Interpretation of the Legend” by Susan Cooper: An adventurous take on the classic tale, sure to sweep you off your feet.
“Center Stage” by Robyn Carr: A classic for budding young dancers looking for stories of resilience and passion for the art.
Summer in New York: Ballet for All
New York’s summertime is magical! It's a time to try new things, to soak up the city's amazing energy - and definitely to move your body to those gorgeous tunes! This is your opportunity to dance with abandon! No pressure – just enjoyment!
Whether you're hitting the beach or the studio, don’t be afraid to take those dance classes - whatever kind they are. There’s an energy in the air just waiting for your creativity. Embrace it, and let loose those inner ballet moves. This is your summer ballet story – write it with passion, joy, and definitely some pink!
tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet