2024 Summer Ballet Fun for Wellforgton

Hey dance lovers! It's Emma here, and the summer ballet season is officially upon us, which means one thing: it’s time to unleash our inner ballerinas! 🩰☀️

As a fellow Wellforgtonian (and self-proclaimed tutu enthusiast), I’m beyond excited to share my picks for all the fun, funky, and fabulous summer ballet experiences in our lovely town. This year, I'm feeling all about bright colours, vibrant energy, and of course, that iconic tutus-and-sunshine feeling!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes (pun intended!) into the world of ballet, there's something for everyone. Get ready to twirl, leap, and let your inner dancer shine this summer!

Want to level up your technique, try something new, or simply have some fun with your favourite form of dance? Look no further! Here’s my top picks for summer ballet workshops that will keep your creative spirit soaring all season long.

1. "Ballet Under the Stars" at the Wellforgton Arts Centre:

Get ready to dance under the glittering summer night sky! This annual open-air ballet workshop, held in the beautiful gardens of the Arts Centre, is a favourite for locals. They have a brilliant schedule of workshops throughout July and August, covering a range of styles, including:

• Ballet Basics for Beginners: Perfect for those who have always wanted to give ballet a go, this workshop is all about getting comfortable with the basics, from barre work to pirouettes.
• Summer Fusion: Mix things up with a fun workshop combining ballet with other dance styles, like jazz and contemporary. This class is great for broadening your skills and embracing a new energy!
• Storytelling Through Movement: This unique workshop focuses on exploring character development and expressing emotions through movement, using ballet as a platform. You can learn about expressive techniques for choreographing your own pieces or bringing beloved ballet stories to life in a new way.

2. "Summer Sparkles" at The Dance Academy:

This prestigious dance school is offering some incredible summer workshops that will have you leaping for joy! I'm especially excited about their "Sparkling Swan" series, where you can get immersed in the world of Swan Lake. These workshops include:

• "Swan Lake: Act I": Learn the famous "white swan" choreography and explore the intricate footwork, grace, and elegant movement that makes this ballet so captivating.
• "Swan Lake: Act II": Unveil the powerful energy of the "black swan" choreography. Master those powerful jetés, impressive tour, and dynamic footwork that embodies the captivating mystery and passion of the Swan Lake second act.
• "Beyond the Swan: Choreographic Creativity": This workshop goes beyond the classic choreography, delving into creative explorations of the Swan Lake themes, allowing you to invent your own sequences and interpretations. I've been practicing some creative variations that incorporate a touch of the disco energy that I'm really feeling this summer.

We're blessed in Wellforgton with a wonderful community of ballet dancers and studios that make summer so exciting! Check out these upcoming ballet experiences:

1. "Ballet at the Bandstand" at the Wellforgton Town Park:

This beloved local event features a delightful program of ballet performances, taking place in the picturesque park. Pack a picnic, soak in the sun, and be prepared to be transported by the elegance and beauty of professional and amateur dancers alike.

2. "The Wellforgton Ballet Summer Festival":

Don’t miss this annual event, taking place in July. The festival will host workshops, classes, dance competitions, and showcase the vibrant talents of young and aspiring dancers in the area. A brilliant event that celebrates the sheer joy of ballet in all its glory!

3. "Dance Under the Neon" at The Studio:

Calling all dance lovers and disco enthusiasts! The Studio is throwing a spectacular dance party, mixing ballet and disco for an electrifying experience. Be prepared for dazzling costumes, dynamic choreography, and an energy that will leave you buzzing. This is going to be epic, so make sure you book your ticket in advance – you don’t want to miss out on this one!

4. Ballet at the Wellforgton Theatre: Immerse Yourself in Ballet Excellence!

It wouldn't be summer without the stunning ballets happening at the Theatre. They’ve got a captivating lineup for the season, with performances from both local talent and acclaimed companies.

*Upcoming must-sees: *

• "Giselle": Experience the timeless tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural. It’s always a captivating performance, full of heart and beauty, and perfect for a romantic summer evening.
• "The Nutcracker": No summer would be complete without The Nutcracker! This enchanting Christmas classic always comes back to life in Wellforgton, providing magical and nostalgic memories for families, and showcasing some of our local dance school talent in dazzling productions.

Pro-Tip: I love getting my tickets for performances in advance to make sure I don't miss out on a single graceful leap. You can find tickets online and even grab some exclusive early-bird deals on certain dates.

No tutu-lover can resist the allure of summer ballet. It's about embracing those warm days and long sunny afternoons and bringing that summer sunshine into our dance styles. Let’s be honest, a tutu just screams summertime! Here are some of my must-haves to incorporate some summer energy into your dancing:

• Embrace Vibrant Colours: Let's ditch those classic blacks and embrace the sunshine. Think electric pink tutus, neon yellows, bold greens – anything that makes a statement and embodies that carefree, summer-loving spirit.

• Disco Dancing Fever: Okay, disco music isn’t actually part of ballet (yet, maybe we should invent a “disco ballet” genre?), but the spirit of disco is super cool to inject into your movements and create a new level of energetic expression. I’m thinking powerful jumps, sweeping turns, and a lot of sass.

• Experiment with Your Looks: Don’t forget to let your creativity run wild with your hair and makeup too! This season I’m obsessed with creating hair pieces that include colorful ribbons, playful clips, and the occasional strategically placed glitter. And let's not forget the sparkle - think glittery eye shadows, dramatic lash extensions, and a hint of iridescent body shimmer to catch the light and reflect those summery vibes.

• Be a Summer Dance Diva: Remember, the best part of summer ballet is being free to move your body, express yourself, and embrace the sheer joy of dancing. So ditch the rigid formality and get creative! Incorporate summer styles and find your unique expression on the dance floor.

This summer is all about embracing fun, being bold, and, of course, looking fabulous. Remember, every leap, every pirouette, and every single pose is a chance to celebrate your love for ballet and the magical joy of dancing in the summertime.