Hey beautiful ballet babes! âïž Emma here, back with a summer ballet guide thatâll have you twirling with glee! Summer in Stockholm is positively magical, with its long, light-filled days and endless opportunities for ballet fun. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just getting started, this city comes alive with balletic brilliance all season long. Get your tutus ready, and letâs get our summer ballet groove on! đ
Get your tutus ready!
This summer's ballet season is bursting with flavour â and pink, oh, so much pink! Think shimmery pastels, playful pops, and everything utterly fabulous. Don't forget your classic white tutu either â the crisp, timeless look always comes in handy! But remember, itâs all about embracing your individual style.
Where to learn?
Stockholm is a haven for aspiring ballerinas and experienced dancers alike. There are so many dance schools around town, each offering a fantastic selection of classes to choose from.
Swedish Ballet Academy: A legendary Stockholm institution offering ballet training from beginners to professionals, you can find something to fit you. Their summer programme has something for everyone from barre basics to advanced technique. You'll feel so inspired watching the amazing faculty!
Royal Swedish Ballet School: Want to delve into the rich history and culture of ballet in Stockholm? Their summer program boasts unique classes, and their teachers, are steeped in ballet knowledge! Plus, being surrounded by the beauty of the Royal Palace is pretty darn inspiring!
Dansskolan: Dansskolanâs welcoming atmosphere makes it a haven for anyone wanting to dance. The summer courses for adults offer diverse classes from contemporary ballet to fun fusion classes for the total dance experience! They also run a series of workshops for the budding professionals and all ages!
Dancing outside the studio
Who says summer ballet needs to be confined to the studio? Letâs take things outside and make the most of Stockholm's stunning beauty!
Summer Parks Ballet is the perfect summer workout! In between your dance sessions, make the most of the glorious Swedish weather by enjoying Stockholm's many parks. Get your friends together, practice some outdoor moves, and just dance! Parks in Stockholm, like DjurgÄrden and KungstrÀdgÄrden, are perfect for an impromptu outdoor ballet session, so why not put on some music and make your own performance!
Ballet by the Water Take a break from your routine and practice your skills by the stunning waterfronts. Breathe in the fresh air and watch the beautiful boats go by while you do your adagio! Nothing can be better than feeling the sand between your toes and the warmth of the sun on your skin as you practice your pliés.
Stockholm's Ballet Scene Stockholm's cultural heart comes alive in the summer! Ballet performances in a wide range of styles, from classic to contemporary, abound. Here are some highlights of the 2024 summer season:
Royal Swedish Ballet: Witness the magic of classical ballet in all its glory. It's not just their incredible choreography, it's the beauty of the theatre itself - The Royal Opera House - a historical venue with so much charm and magic. Their performances are breathtaking! Balett Stockholm: Looking for something modern and dynamic? Then Balett Stockholm is your place. This contemporary ballet company constantly pushes boundaries, presenting unique performances that explore both dark and whimsical themes! Summer Open-Air Performances: Be prepared to get totally immersed in outdoor performances like "Ballet in the Park" a free performance series under the stars in KungstrÀdgÄrden, and the "Ballet by the Beach" an exclusive seaside performance under a starry sky - truly breathtaking. These outdoor experiences offer a more relaxed and approachable take on ballet, with a vibe of shared joy and connection. Opera House & Balett Stockholm events: It's not just about watching performances - there are so many exciting events to get you involved! Workshops, open rehearsals and backstage tours, and even meet-and-greets with the dancers - give you a closer look at the ballet world!
Dance at your favourite cafes
Want a casual dance session with an espresso? Embrace the relaxed cafĂ© culture and blend ballet with a delicious pick-me-up. Check out these amazing cafĂ©s and bars that are totally dance-friendly: Espresso House: This trendy chain, found everywhere in Stockholm, has become a great place for quick rehearsal sessions. The large, spacious cafĂ©s have plenty of room to stretch and work on some turns, maybe even a few grand jetĂ©s! Vete-Katten: Tucked away in a quiet alley, itâs a great spot for some calm solo work. With its low ceilings and wooden floors, this cafĂ© creates an intimate, inspiring space for your practice. The added bonus? Delicious Swedish cinnamon buns for your break!
Where to shop:
The perfect ballet look isn't complete without the perfect outfit!
Stockholmâs department stores: Think stylish, comfortable, and oh-so-chic! Head to the iconic department stores - NK or Ă hlĂ©ns - and find that chic ballet-inspired look youâve been dreaming about. Whether you want a flowing chiffon skirt for your dance class or a super cute pair of leg warmers for a day out in the city, these stores offer an array of stylish options for any occasion!
Indie stores & vintage boutiques: If you love a bit of character and unique finds, explore Stockholm's charming independent boutiques and vintage shops for some amazing pieces to complete your ballet wardrobe.
Make a statement! One of my personal favourite places to find the most adorable tutus is on Etsy! It's a global marketplace bursting with talent and originality - from sparkly creations to custom designs - you can find it all!
What's Emma listening to?
This summer's playlist is a vibrant blend of disco beats, contemporary melodies, and soulful tunes perfect for dancing!
1. âSeptemberâ by Earth, Wind & Fire: A summer staple for any dance session!
2. âStayinâ Aliveâ by The Bee Gees: I love how these iconic beats help me find my inner disco diva!
3. âUptown Funkâ by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars: A playful and upbeat energy perfect for dancing on sunshine days.
4. âThe Hustleâ by Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony: An absolute classic for a vibrant mood.
5. âVogueâ by Madonna: Itâs always a hit! You just can't resist hitting those poses and feeling utterly fabulous!
Tips for dancing under the Swedish sun * Stay hydrated â water, water, water! * Always wear sunblock. Your skin is your most beautiful asset - take care of it! * Use a lightweight makeup â and don't forget your trusty sunhat. * Comfortable footwear is a must for your long days and evenings.
Summer is all about embracing the simple joys and having fun. From outdoor dance parties to enchanting performances, this ballet season in Stockholm is set to be a glorious experience! So, get your tutus ready, grab your best ballet shoes, and letâs make some magic!
* #tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet*
