En Pointe in Littlehampton: A Ballerinaâs Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Hey everyone! Itâs your girl, Ella, back with another fashion-filled ballet adventure. This time, we're taking a trip down to Littlehampton, a charming seaside town on the south coast of England. While it might not be the first place that springs to mind for ballerinas, trust me, thereâs a secret treasure trove of pointe shoe heaven, dazzling leotards, and tutus that'll make your inner ballerina swoon.
Now, I know what youâre thinking: âLittlehampton? Seriously, Ella?â But hear me out! This place has a surprisingly vibrant ballet scene. I discovered a local dance studio called âThe Pointe of Perfectionâ, and let me tell you, this is where my love affair with ballet in Littlehampton truly began.
Step into the World of Pointe Shoes:
First things first, let's talk about pointe shoes. Now, any serious ballerina knows the search for the perfect pair can be a journey. It's a delicate dance between finding shoes that are strong enough to support you on those glorious en pointe moments, but also flexible enough for fluid movements. At âThe Pointe of Perfectionâ, I was greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable staff member who expertly assessed my foot shape and arch. She patiently guided me through the world of pointe shoes, explaining the different brands, styles, and even the types of shanks (the inner piece that supports your foot)! #EnPointe #ballet
The sheer variety of pointe shoes available was incredible. From the classic Grishko Maya to the lightweight Bloch Sonata, they had it all. And the best part? The studio allows you to try on as many shoes as you need until you find the perfect match. They also offered a âshoe fitting serviceâ, where a qualified specialist makes sure you have the right size and fit, which I highly recommend, especially for newbies. #ballet
A Leotard and Tutu Wonderland:
After I had my heart set on a stunning pair of Freed of London pointe shoes, I felt it was time to explore the equally tempting world of leotards and tutus. Oh my, the choices were endless! I felt like a kid in a candy store.
They had leotards in every color of the rainbow, from sleek black to vibrant pinks and playful pastels. For me, I went for a classic black leotard, it never goes out of style, paired with a blush-toned pink wrap skirt - totally chic!
Then, came the moment Iâd been waiting for, the tutus! Oh, the glorious tutus! This is where things get fun. For starters, you can pick a tutu for practically any style of ballet, from the classic romantic tutu with multiple layers of tulle, perfect for swan lake and Giselle, to the more contemporary, sleek, and modern tutus you see in productions like âIn the Still of the Nightâ or "The Sleeping Beauty". They even had stunning âpracticeâ tutus made of a less formal, lightweight, breathable material, perfect for daily lessons and rehearsals.
Style Inspiration:
As I was perusing the tutu selection, I stumbled upon a little nook dedicated to ballet-inspired fashion, filled with chic, elegant pieces perfect for dressing up after a hard day of dancing or simply for running errands in style. The perfect ballerina off-duty outfit! They had everything from soft, knitted ballet-inspired jumpers and sleek pencil skirts to gorgeous flowy, pleated maxi-skirts that swished as gracefully as any ballerina. They even had delicate gold necklaces with little ballerina charms. A must-have for the fashion-forward ballerina, right?!
Beyond the Studio: Ballet Inspiration in Littlehampton:
Now, âThe Pointe of Perfectionâ isnât the only spot to get your ballet fix in Littlehampton. I had a wander around the town, taking in the charm of its seaside atmosphere, and discovered some real gems. Hereâs a little taste of Littlehamptonâs ballet-inspired treasures:
- Littlehampton Harbour: Imagine enjoying a warm afternoon, soaking up the sunshine, and watching the boats bob in the harbor⌠while wearing your favourite leotard and tutus, because why not?! Littlehampton harbour offers an effortlessly elegant, ballet-themed backdrop for your off-duty moments. Just picture yourself stretching by the waterâs edge, with the salty sea air filling your lungs. You'll feel so peaceful and centered. #enpointe
- Littlehampton Museum: For a cultural dive, I popped into Littlehampton Museum, and it wasnât just the exhibitions that had me swooning. The architecture itself is an art form. The building has stunning details and intricate carvings, perfect for snapping pictures that give off some serious âballerina in a vintage settingâ vibes. #ballet #Enpointe
- Littlehampton Promenade: When you want to take a break from the shop floor, a long walk along Littlehampton Promenade will have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This scenic walkway follows the beautiful coast. Imagine this; youâre strolling along the beach, the sea air blowing through your hair, your pointe shoes softly clicking on the pavement, it's all just so ballet-inspired!
- The Littlehampton Art Gallery: Here, I found some breathtaking artistic pieces, from stunning landscapes to modern art that stirred my soul. Itâs like ballet: movement, flow, and passion expressed in various ways. #ballet
A Final Dance:
From pointe shoes that perfectly compliment your arch, to dazzling leotards and tutus for every ballerina, Littlehampton has everything your heart (and dancing feet!) could desire. So, grab your best friends, put on your most elegant attire, and let the townâs ballet charm wash over you. After all, as they say, it's a life less ordinary when you're dancing en pointe.