Arnold, oh Arnold, you haven't let me down yet!
I'm a ballet dancer, a bit of a fashion fiend, and a blogger on the side (because who doesn't need to express their love for all things beautiful and graceful? ). Recently, I decided to embark on a little adventure: a ballet shoe shopping spree in Arnold. And let me tell you, it was an absolute dream!
Now, we all know the feeling. The excitement that rushes through your veins when you know you're going to find the perfect pair of shoes. It's a thrill! This trip was even better because, in addition to shoes, I was looking for leotards and tutus. Let’s be honest – even seasoned ballet dancers have a soft spot for tutus!
If you haven’t been to Arnold for a little ballet shopping, get ready to be amazed. This quaint little town boasts a charming atmosphere that radiates a delightful air of grace, much like the ballet itself. What's more, there are hidden treasures tucked away, and the shops are overflowing with everything a ballet enthusiast could ever need.
Let’s get to the point – here are some must-visit shops that every ballerina, aspiring or experienced, should add to their shopping list:
A Symphony of Dance Supplies
- Forget those stuffy, old-fashioned ballet shops. "A Symphony of Dance Supplies" is everything a modern ballerina could want, in a cute boutique with an airy, brightly-lit interior.
- Upon walking in, I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale. I was overwhelmed by the selection of stunning leotards! Every single one a piece of art: mesh, lace, and those lovely floral prints. I snagged the prettiest floral mesh leotard with a matching lace-trimmed skirt. The owner is a delightful, former ballerina herself, and she's brimming with enthusiasm for helping dancers find their perfect outfit.
- You simply have to check out their stunning selection of shoes – my feet are officially spoiled for choice. But let’s get back to my Arnold ballet adventure! I was in search of that perfect pointe shoe, so I sat down for a proper fitting. The staff was incredibly attentive, helping me understand how to choose the right shoes. Spoiler alert – it was love at first fit, and I’m convinced that these will be my lucky dance shoes! They are so pretty!
The Tutu Emporium
- This shop, guys, is pure magic! You could almost hear angels singing as I stepped inside. The walls were lined with tutus galore - a literal wonderland for those of us with tutu fever. Imagine every kind of tutu you could ever dream of! We're talking about those classic romantic tutus with billowing layers, sleek contemporary ones with minimalist silhouettes, and those elegant Victorian-inspired designs! The selection was truly awe-inspiring. I even spotted a couple of funky, bright coloured ones for my contemporary classes! This place is purely designed to satisfy every ballet dancer's tutu craving!
- One of the most unique things about the Tutu Emporium was the dedication they showed to the customer experience. There was even a little "tutu styling station" – how cool is that?! Where else can you indulge in your tutu-choosing fantasies without a shadow of judgement. It was truly an experience to remember. The lady helping me find my perfect tutus was really passionate about her work. She told me all about the different tutu styles and what to look for. For my debut performance as Clara in The Nutcracker, I snagged a classically-cut romantic tutu in the most delicate blush pink. And for those fun and edgy modern pieces? A bold black tutu with contrasting layers. The detail – exquisite. The fabrics – dreamy. It's an absolute dream shop that truly understands how to make a girl feel like a princess.
The Little Dance Boutique
- Let’s be real – most ballerinas are on a budget! Which is why I absolutely had to add The Little Dance Boutique to my shopping spree list! If you’re on the hunt for reasonably-priced but excellent-quality ballet essentials then look no further. This place was absolutely bursting with all those essential dance supplies: warm-up clothing, socks, hair scrunchies, tights and – of course – lots of leotards!
- Their collection is absolutely adorable. The most incredible range of stylish and comfy dancewear you can imagine! I picked up the cutest little black warm-up set – with those cute lace detailing, because why not?
- I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the leotard collection too. Every colour imaginable, and so many textures: rib-knit, chiffon, lace-trimmed! So, in my budget-friendly shopping spree I found a new warm-up set, tights, a lovely basic leotard, and some beautiful hair accessories for just a fraction of what I would have spent in other stores. If you are watching the pennies like I do, but you don’t want to compromise on quality, this is a definite must-visit!
Arnold is quickly becoming my go-to for all things ballet, fashion-wise. But let’s be honest – my biggest take-away from this incredible day was that no matter where I am in my dance journey, these shops offer everything you need to make your dance dreams come true.
So, get ready, get inspired, and prepare to be amazed! Because when it comes to shopping for your ballet essentials, Arnold truly has everything a dancer could wish for. #enpointe #ballet