2024 Summer Ballet Fun for Northampton

Hello, my gorgeous dance-loving friends! Summer is finally here, and you know what that means? It’s tutu season! The time of year where everything feels lighter, brighter, and just plain more fabulous (think sparkles and sequins). 🌸💃

This summer, Northampton is going to be the epicentre of all things ballet! There’s a whole bunch of exciting events, classes, and opportunities to indulge in all the dreamy ballet fun you can handle. I’m so excited to share my favourite discoveries with you. Let’s dive in!

First things first, it’s all about the tutus! 💖

Forget those old fashioned, stuffy tutus from ballet school! We’re talking about bold, vibrant colours, oversized, statement pieces, and flowing, whimsical shapes that feel more like wearable art than just traditional costumes.

Get ready for a tutu explosion! Imagine bright pinks, hot fuschias, sparkling sequins, and shimmering tulles - we’re basically in a fairytale come to life! If it's a little bit over the top and fabulously extra, then it's definitely a tutu for this season!

This summer is all about expressing yourself through your fashion choices! Don’t be afraid to be bold, embrace a disco attitude, and turn your summer into a full-on tutu celebration.

But what else is happening in Northampton's Ballet Scene?

1. Classes and Workshops:

• Northampton Dance Centre: This iconic studio is offering a whole bunch of fun, fresh ballet workshops this summer, catering to all levels and styles. Their schedule is bursting with everything from "Ballet Barre Bootcamp" to "Classical Ballet for Beginners", even "Dance Party Fusion", combining the best of hip-hop, jazz and ballet for an energising workout that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. You can even try a contemporary ballet class, for a more emotive and expressive style that plays with gravity and movement.

• The Ballet Attic: Don't be fooled by the name, this is no attic - this hidden gem is actually packed full of talented instructors and a great selection of workshops for all levels and ages! Their "Ballet for Grown-ups" is a really popular class, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone wanting to discover or rediscover the joy of ballet. For the adventurous, their Acroballet workshop is sure to make your summersaults and twirls even more spectacular!

• The Summer Dance Project: Get ready for some sunshine and spectacular ballet workshops at Northampton's parks! They've got a program designed for absolute beginners to experienced dancers, and everything in-between.

2. Ballet Performance Spectaculars:

• The Northampton Open Air Ballet: Grab your picnic blankets and prepare to be captivated! Every year they bring classic ballets to life with a delightful outdoor setting and breathtaking choreography, making it the ultimate summer event! From 'Swan Lake' under a starlit sky to 'Sleeping Beauty' in a sun-kissed meadow, these performances are enchanting!

• The "Let’s Dance! " Ballet Gala: Join them for an evening showcasing incredible dancers, guest performers, and maybe even a couple of famous faces from the West End. They’ve got everything from contemporary pieces to ballet classics. You’re sure to see the biggest names and best moves in ballet!

3. Dance-Themed Activities & Events:

• Ballet Inspired Fashion Fair: Don’t miss this! It’s like stepping into a ballet wonderland, packed full of beautiful vintage tutus, dazzling dance wear, accessories, and maybe even a handmade tutu crafting workshop. If you're dreaming of adding some sparkle to your summer wardrobe, this is the place to be!

• The "Dance for Charity" event: Get ready to shimmy, shake, and move your heart out! They have an incredible program with dance competitions, choreographed performances, and a silent auction, all designed to raise money for a wonderful local charity.

Bonus Tip: Dance into the Night!
- Find some local restaurants, bars, or clubs that have themed nights or DJs that specialize in dance music! I guarantee you’ll want to “Boogie Wonderland” with those sparkling heels and bright tutus, maybe even dance on tables! It's totally going to be fabulous. 😉

How to Make The Most Of Your #Tutuseason:

1. Find your favourite Ballet Look: Embrace bold colours and sparkling embellishments! Don’t be afraid to play with textures and mix different shades. If it’s bright, bold and makes you feel good, then it’s perfect.
2. Pick a Style & Challenge Yourself: Try a new type of ballet. From classical to contemporary or even tap or hip-hop - who knows? You might discover your next passion.
3. Embrace Your Inner Ballerina: It's not just about the steps. It's about feeling graceful, elegant and utterly fabulous!
4. Snap Those Tutu Photos: Don't forget to document all the fun with pictures. Be sure to tag me on Instagram, @Emma.Loves.Ballet!
5. Make Memories and Have Fun!: Let's create some tutu-ally unforgettable experiences.

See you at the barre (or on the dance floor)! 💖🩰