Hey darlings! Summer's here and, let's be honest, that means one thing for a girl like me: ballet! It's the time of year where I dust off my pointe shoes (they do need a good clean after winter), whip out the glitziest tutus (the fluffier the better!) and revel in the joy of swirling and leaping beneath the warm summer sun.
Now, if you’re a fellow ballerina like me who’s pumped for the ballet season and buzzing to find something new, let me tell you about some of Worcester’s hidden ballet gems, along with some must-do events that are guaranteed to put a pep in your step and a twirl in your heart!
Ballet Basics: Don't Ditch Your Basics, Hone Them!First up, let’s not forget about those vital ballet basics, especially when you’re bursting with summer energy! Think of it like this: summer is the time to perfect those pirouettes, tighten those tendu's and give those grand jetés some serious oomph! Worcester’s got some brilliant classes for that - you can definitely take your ballet to the next level, even during the summer break.
Here’s the low-down on some of the top places in the area for mastering those fundamental ballet skills:
Worcester Dance Academy: They’re the OGs of ballet in Worcester, and rightly so. This academy offers a plethora of classes for all ages and levels. From ballet beginners to advanced ballerinas (hello, beautiful ballerinas!), the instructors at the academy are known for being brilliant, encouraging, and passionate, making you feel comfortable and inspired. Whether you want to brush up on your basics or dive into more complex choreography, they’ve got something to satisfy your dancing soul.
Dance Centre Worcester: For all the budding ballerinas out there who want to make their summer fun, this is the perfect place. Their classes cater specifically to young dancers and, believe me, you'll be wowed by the imaginative approach they have to the art of dance! It’s the ideal place for little ones to start their dance journey and learn in a supportive, encouraging environment.
The Dance Workshop: This place is a haven for any dancer looking to develop technique, boost confidence, and explore the full potential of ballet! The team is incredible and passionate about dance - they create a welcoming environment, which helps every dancer grow.
Ballet Adventures: The Summer’s a Chance to Explore!Alright, you’ve honed those basics - now it’s time to add some pizzazz! This is where the real fun starts - exploring those different styles that you’ve always wanted to try, embracing new ballet trends, and really making this ballet season pop! Let me give you some tips on what to do!
Let’s Get Physical! Summer is the perfect time to amp up those fitness levels - because you need endurance, my friends, for the summer’s long balletic adventures. How does ballet on the beach, anyone? I'm thinking it could be amazing to stretch on a warm beach, feel the soft sand between your toes, and breathe in the refreshing salty air - the perfect blend of beauty and ballet! Plus, you can show off those beautiful ballet costumes on the sun-drenched shoreline and make your inner beach bunny proud!
If outdoor ballet’s not your vibe, worry not! There’s also ballet bootcamp which can really kick your workouts up a notch! Combining high-intensity moves, cardio, and core strength training – a great way to boost those athletic qualities.
Get that Disco Feeling!
Now, I know this may sound unusual, but summer is also the time to let those disco moves loose! Disco ballet? It's a thing!
With all those gorgeous flowing gowns and expressive poses, you can find a fantastic connection with that disco groove. It’s a joyous celebration of freedom and expression - like ballet on speed, it's definitely a party! Get those arms swinging and hips moving with those iconic 70s vibes - a bit of a twist, right? A real dose of flair!
Break Out The Pointe Shoes
Summer means one thing - open-air dance spaces! We’re so lucky here in Worcester because it has this incredible thing called The Swan Theatre. Picture this - a glorious outdoor space with the magical backdrop of the city lights. I’ve seen many fantastic dance performances there and it's totally captivating. So many open-air stages have amazing acoustics which enhance those elegant, fluid ballet movements. The sound and scenery together - perfect!
And speaking of pointing toes, Summer is the perfect time to try something new and embrace that classical ballet feeling! Even if you’re not a professional dancer, it's about exploring and making the most of your artistic flair. Plus, those pointy shoes can help sculpt those amazing calf muscles that every dancer dreams of. There are amazing summer workshops where you can really dive into those classic techniques and maybe learn a routine for your next family gathering or performance (those surprise birthday party performances!).
Ballet Beyond the Stage: The Tutu Summer Spirit!Ballet doesn’t have to just be in a studio, on stage or outdoors - it’s a feeling, a vibe! And it’s this feeling we need to take with us throughout summer - into all those glorious adventures, from exploring art galleries to simply enjoying the joy of summer in our beautiful city.
Art and Ballet, the Perfect Pair! Worcester's a great place to immerse yourself in art. This year’s exhibition at the Worcester City Art Gallery, which is about the influence of fashion and style in dance. You'll be captivated by how these artists have combined style and dance. I can't wait to explore the beautiful gowns and elaborate costumes, getting inspiration from different eras of ballet. Imagine the incredible detail of tutus and the captivating stories behind them! It’s an exciting chance to delve into a different world, with dance serving as the inspiration for some stunning pieces!
Let's Talk Ballet Inspired Shopping
No true ballet enthusiast can resist a little summer shopping trip. Let's go vintage! This summer, why not try on a vintage ballerina outfit? Vintage stores and markets are great places to find one-of-a-kind ballet pieces, like pastel-toned tutus or silk ballerina tops from past eras. You'll not only add a whimsical edge to your ballet look but support the wonderful re-sale community too - a big yes from me!
And for some serious pampering? Ballet can help with your skincare and makeup! Ballet dancers know the importance of hydration and keeping those pores clean - especially after all that sweat from classes! The city has some fantastic stores offering all those essential skincare products that dancers need to stay feeling fresh and healthy - after all, your skin is your canvas! And it's about showcasing that perfect, natural glow - the kind of radiant beauty that all dancers have, whether they’re onstage or at a beach!
Music is Key!
It’s time for our tutu soundtracks, to accompany those long summer nights! This summer I'm obsessed with discovering all sorts of new tunes and rediscovering my favorite ballets! Imagine: A picnic in the park under the sun with your best ballet friends, all wearing your gorgeous ballet dresses and dancing to the music you love!
Or listening to the incredible classical scores from the ballet Swan Lake, and getting those emotions going, that graceful fluidity - a complete mood boost! Or if you're a little bolder, let those upbeat disco songs transport you to the stage, and get that inner dancer shaking, swaying and moving with those high kicks and graceful leaps!
Summer ballet is all about feeling that flow - a connection with yourself, your music and the rhythm.
* Summer's Calling! #Tutuseason is Here!*Worcester summer is here, darlings - a time for celebrating the beauty, passion, and spirit of ballet in a fun way, a bit of glamour and glitter mixed with good vibes. It’s about embracing that passionate inner ballerina, discovering the fun and inspiring world of ballet, and getting your tutusu on! So, make the most of every second, find those amazing summer opportunities and discover that magic, fun energy that's unique to summer ballet!
Happy dancing!
tutusummer #tutuseason #summerballet