Hey ballerinas! Emma here, and oh my goodness, summer is finally here! Time for sunshine, sandcastles, and… ballet?! Yes, you heard that right! The summer season brings with it a whole host of fun ballet activities and experiences, and I'm so excited to share them all with you!
We've got pink tutus, disco beats, and so much more waiting for us. Get ready to embrace your inner prima donna, because #tutusummer and #tutuseason are in full swing!
The Ballet Delights of PortsmouthPortsmouth has such a vibrant ballet scene. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious newbie, or simply want to embrace the magic of ballet, there's something for everyone here. So, put on your best ballet shoes, grab your sparkly hair ties, and let's get into the action!
1. A Sprinkle of Summer Ballet ClassesLet’s face it, sometimes we need a bit more pink in our lives! And what better way to sprinkle a bit of ballet magic into your summer than with some delightful classes? You might not think about ballet as a summer activity but with plenty of open-air spaces in the city, summer is a beautiful time to get involved.
Summer Camps: Forget about arts and crafts - summer camp gets a serious upgrade with these ballet camps! The best part is, you don't have to be a seasoned ballerina to join in. These camps are all about having fun, making new friends, and exploring the wonderful world of dance. From classical ballet techniques to creative movement exploration, these camps offer a brilliant summer experience for youngsters. Look out for exciting summer workshops with your favourite Portsmouth dance studios – many studios run drop-in workshops throughout the summer months.
Drop-In Classes: Need a ballet fix but don’t want the commitment of a full class? Check out the fantastic drop-in classes on offer! Whether it’s contemporary ballet, ballet barre, or something more whimsical, many dance studios offer fun, informal classes for everyone, at various skill levels. Think jazz ballet with a touch of disco – sounds amazing right?
Outdoor Classes: Summer means sunny days! Get ready for the ultimate open-air ballet experience. Many Portsmouth dance studios offer open-air classes at stunning locations like Southsea Beach or in beautiful gardens, offering a chance to practice ballet under the sun and connect with nature.
The ballet styles to keep an eye out for this summer:
Modern ballet: This is where the traditional rules get thrown out the window (or at least loosened). You'll be exploring expressive movements, contemporary choreography, and the freedom to be yourself, so think lyrical ballet but more dramatic and athletic!
Jazz Ballet: We're talking disco vibes, playful moves, and a touch of glamour. If you love a good boogie and want to dance like you're on a seventies dance floor, then jazz ballet is for you! Imagine ballet barre followed by a cheeky routine to 'Staying Alive' – it’s basically summer holiday fun!
Creative Ballet: Ever wanted to explore ballet with a sprinkle of your own imagination? Well, here’s your chance! This is where you can dive into free-flowing movement, explore stories through your body, and express yourself freely.
Who needs West End tickets when you’ve got summer ballet performances happening right on your doorstep! Prepare for a fabulous treat with a delightful schedule of captivating performances in Portsmouth, a real ballet bonanza!
Classical ballet performances: Nothing quite compares to the magic of classical ballet! Prepare for enchanting evenings as the most prestigious dance companies from around the world visit Portsmouth for limited runs. The traditional styles of classical ballet combined with breathtaking costumes and iconic sets – you won’t want to miss it. Check your local listings for upcoming shows and make sure to grab tickets fast because they tend to sell out fast!
Local dance performances: The talent in Portsmouth knows no bounds, and it shows in the incredible performances put on by local dance studios! Think original pieces, exciting new choreography, and the energy and excitement of dancers who absolutely love what they do! Many of these local productions also involve student dancers, allowing them to show off their skills, which makes it even more magical! You can check your local listings for performances taking place, many schools even run dance showcase events at the end of the summer term – look out for those.
Ballet Gala Evenings: Ever wanted to witness an array of different ballet styles in one night? Now’s your chance! Prepare for an electrifying display of artistry as local dancers perform a selection of incredible dance routines from different genres! Whether you love classical ballet, lyrical contemporary, jazz ballet, or something unique, a ballet gala will keep you mesmerized.
Sometimes a little dose of ballet inspiration is all we need! Don’t think you have to be on stage to get swept away by the beautiful world of ballet, embrace ballet in ways you never thought possible.
Ballet Film: Escape into a captivating world through the beauty of film. Summer evenings call for a cozy night in, complete with a pot of popcorn and a fantastic ballet film! Think classics like ‘The Red Shoes’, ‘Black Swan’ – get ready to be emotionally invested in the lives of these fascinating characters. But if you want to take a lighter tone, perhaps ‘Billy Elliot’ might be the film for you, or why not even have a good chuckle watching the satirical movie 'The Nutcracker: The Untold Story'. There’s so much to explore!
Ballet Books: Unleash your imagination through captivating ballet books, stories about captivating ballerinas, the world of the ballet studios, or perhaps something with a little more flair, maybe a biography of the greatest ballerinas, or delve into the history of the dance! This is your time to delve deeper into ballet and its exciting history.
Ballet Exhibitions: Explore the history of ballet and its artistry through immersive exhibitions that truly take you on a captivating journey. Some exhibitions also have incredible costumes from legendary performances on display, some even have multimedia experiences or even live ballet performances!
Ballet Museums: Take a journey back in time! A ballet museum can transport you through centuries of ballet history, and if you are lucky, even into the life of a ballet dancer in the past, maybe by taking you to see how ballerina costumes have evolved or even witnessing historic shoes worn by the greats.
Ballet Podcasts: Are you on the move, taking your daily walks, or just enjoy the convenience of a good podcast? Many inspiring ballet podcasts offer an in-depth look into the world of dance, so whether you love behind-the-scenes stories of dancers and the studios, or you are seeking fascinating facts and tidbits about the history of ballet, you will find a ballet podcast that tickles your fancy!
A little tip: If you’re after some fantastic books about ballet, head over to Portsmouth Central Library, they always have great new releases and books perfect for delving into the world of ballet!
4. Take a Step in Style: Embrace Your Inner Ballet FashionistaI know how much you guys love a good ballet outfit and what better time to embrace that passion than during the summer season! From elegant ballerina tops and graceful ballet skirts to beautiful shoes that will take your steps to the next level, it’s a real ballet-lovers paradise!
Shop local for balletwear: Support local businesses by discovering hidden gems within Portsmouth. I’m a big fan of visiting smaller, independent ballet stores in the city because their selection of leotards and ballet skirts is often more unique and trendy compared to larger shops. Many offer fantastic custom design options for the ultimate ballet-inspired look.
Ballet-Inspired Fashion: Okay, who says ballet style needs to be kept in the studio? Embrace your love for ballet and rock your inner ballet fashionista anywhere! If you love the look of ballerina shoes, don’t shy away from ballet-inspired flats – I have the most adorable pair in pink – for summer parties, or ballet skirts paired with chic tops. Look for ballet-inspired accessories to complete your summer style.
My tip: A pair of stunning ballet flats in white, black, or even pastel pink, go with any summer look, plus, you can waltz effortlessly through those cobbled streets and be the coolest on the beach!
For Your Inspiration:
- Follow local ballet fashion blogs for inspiration - search using #summerballet and #tutusummer and discover local businesses who showcase their designs!
So there you have it, my fellow dancers! Let's embrace #tutusummer and #tutuseason, Portsmouth’s ballet scene is waiting to inspire you. From classes and performances to fashion and even exhibitions, let’s immerse ourselves in this incredible world and embrace every sprinkle of magic it has to offer. Let’s take this city by storm, ballet-style!
