2024 Summer Ballet Fun for Taunton

Hey, beautiful dancers! It’s Emma here, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your summer. I’m already feeling the warm breeze of tutu season sweeping across Taunton and I can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on and spin my way through a summer of ballet fun. So ditch those winter woes and join me for some sizzling summer ballet vibes!

Every year I feel the magic of the ballet season in the air. Forget Glastonbury – Taunton has its own festival happening, and you'll find me at the front row for every pirouette, jeté, and grand jeté! From dazzling performances to delightful workshops, Taunton is a treasure trove for dance enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what this incredible town offers up during the hottest season:

Firstly, let’s talk performances. I'm already eyeing the gorgeous programs this summer has on offer – it's a dazzling selection. Taunton’s ballet calendar is blooming with talent. For my fellow balletomanes, there’s everything from classic, breathtaking ballets to fun, fresh takes on iconic dance pieces, all under one fabulous roof. You can find me in my sparkly pink top with my best pal (my bestie and dance buddy, Jane, we even got matching tutus!), taking in these incredible shows, guaranteed to leave us in awe. Here are my top picks to kick off the summer:

1. The classics are always a good choice: If you’re a fan of traditional storytelling on the stage, make a date to watch “The Nutcracker”. That iconic Sugar Plum Fairy is guaranteed to make you believe in a magical land! For the thrill of soaring across the stage, be sure to grab your tickets for "Swan Lake", the classic story of beauty, betrayal, and the magic of dance. This year they’ve even got some really exciting, creative costumes – they're a feast for the eyes, darling.

2. Go Bold and Embrace New Adventures: And for all you creative spirits, there's no need to worry, Taunton’s got your dance fix covered too. "A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is always an excellent choice – it’s a ballet version of the hilarious, witty play with just a dash of Shakespearean magic. And if you want to feel those happy summer vibes, nothing beats a dazzling dance rendition of "The Sound of Music." You know, the film with all those lovely tunes – I just love how it gets everyone singing along!

It’s not just about the big-stage ballet performances either! Here's where Taunton’s dance scene gets even more exciting - there are summer classes happening for everyone. The great thing about these workshops is that there’s no “professional only” tag – absolutely everyone is welcome!

Here's my hot list for dance-lovers of all ages:

1. "Dance Your Way to Summer!" - A Beginner’s Ballet Bash: Forget about boring old fitness classes - we’re dancing our way into summer! These workshops are super fun and designed for complete beginners. You’ll be taught by some brilliant professional dancers – I even had a chance to take a couple of classes last year and it was an absolute blast! No previous experience is required, so you can ditch the self-consciousness and join the fun. Plus, the music they play is fantastic - I'm always up for a bit of disco and those funky rhythms always put me in a great mood!

2. "Tutu Taster" - Have A Go at Ballroom Dancing: You might think of ballroom as being stuffy, but actually it's a lot of fun! Taunton's got these special "tutu tasters", which let you explore various styles like waltz, foxtrot, and even salsa. This is the perfect way to bring some class and elegance to your summer – and it’s a fantastic way to get into the rhythm and make some new friends!

3. The "Summer Ballet Club" - Dance Like A Star!: Now, this one's specifically for little dancers! I bet every little princess dreams of wearing a tutu - well, now’s their chance. The summer club allows kids to express themselves in ballet while also meeting other little dance fanatics. My little niece just went to one last year - she’s been begging to wear her pink tutus non-stop ever since! They also put on an absolutely adorable little show at the end of the summer term. Honestly, I shed a happy tear seeing these tiny dancers have such a good time - it's pure magic!

4. "Barre Blast - Sculpt Your Body, Discover Strength: Taunton’s dance studios have something for everyone. If you’re looking for something super energetic, these "Barre Blast" classes offer an exciting workout that tones and sculpts, building strength and flexibility all in one. Think yoga, pilates, and ballet barre, all thrown into a fun-filled, upbeat dance class. Honestly, it's a fantastic way to shape up your body and release those happy endorphins – perfect for feeling energized during the summer months.

5. "Ballet Beauty" - Pampering and Elegance: Summer ballet isn’t just about classes! Here's a little tip - get yourself prepped for ballet performances (or for just a touch of sparkle!) by having a “Ballet Beauty” day. Taunton has lots of great salons, perfect for giving your hair that elegant, dance-worthy style or creating a chic, stylish up-do. They'll also be able to recommend some fabulous makeup that can really glam up your look for those ballet evenings. Don’t forget to pick up a new set of dance-inspired accessories – beautiful bracelets, sparkling necklaces, or even those glamorous ballet earrings! (Hint - a sparkly butterfly pendant is my personal summer favorite.)

Remember: Ballet is all about expression! But even with a fabulous wardrobe, sometimes the most dazzling outfit is just a touch of something special. Here's how I take my summer look to the next level for all those ballet outings and classes:

• Your Must-Have Tutu: I say embrace it! The tutu is the ultimate symbol of dance - why hide it away for special occasions? Grab your favorite tutu and make it a summer staple – I even love pairing mine with simple black leggings and a flowing blouse for a casual look that says “I love to dance.”
• Mix & Match: A little touch of ballet style goes a long way! It doesn't have to be all tutu – try a ballet inspired top with ruffles and ribbons, or throw a little sparkly ballet cardigan over your favorite outfit. It’s all about playing with a touch of those delicate ballet elements and making your outfit personal!
• Don’t Forget the Shoes! Even if you’re not heading to class, a little touch of pointe can add extra style. Whether it’s ballet flats, dainty pumps, or even some fabulous wedges with a delicate ballet twist, I love how this gives even a casual summer look that special dance-inspired touch.

Taunton’s summer isn’t just about dance classes – it’s about finding your own rhythm and exploring those ballet vibes wherever you go. Here’s how you can inject a little bit of tutu season magic into every corner of your life:

• Get into the Music : Dance music is your new soundtrack! Whether it's ballet-inspired classical music or something with a bit more modern energy, make this summer about immersing yourself in all those wonderful sounds that get you in the mood to move.
• Bring a Ballet Touch to your Home: It's amazing how a little touch of the stage can make a house feel more vibrant. I love adding a graceful touch with a ballet-inspired tapestry or maybe a floral centerpiece to make those summery vibes shine.
• Embrace the Ballet Beauty: Taunton’s summer gardens are blooming, bursting with colour and magic. Go for a stroll, admire the vibrant blossoms and picture those delicate ballet movements - think graceful arms reaching out for a rose and twirling steps under a cascade of flowers.
• Let Ballet inspire your summer vacation: Why not take your love for dance beyond Taunton and visit some of those world-renowned ballet festivals? From Edinburgh's summer spectaculars to the dazzling shows at The Royal Opera House, let the beauty of the dance become a summer journey for you!

Remember: Summer is all about letting those graceful moves take over! Whether it’s on a big stage or simply a twirl on the Taunton streets, let ballet inspire you.

Here's to the start of an unforgettable tutu season in Taunton – where dancing, dazzling, and summer joy come together in a perfect blend. Enjoy, beautiful dancers, and happy summer!