Ballet En Pointe 209

Abingdon: Pointe Shoes, Leotards and Tutus - Oh My! It's official: Abingdon is fast becoming a ballet haven! If you're anything like me, you can't resist a good shoe shop - especially one dedicated to the hallowed grounds of pointe work. So imagine my joy when I discovered not one, but *two* fabulous dancewear destinations in this charming Oxfordshire town. My first stop was **[Name of Dance Shop 1]**. Let me tell you, this place is like a dancer's dream! From the moment you step inside, it's clear you've landed in a haven of pointe shoe heaven. The walls are lined with an impressive array of pointe shoe brands: Grishko, Bloch, Gaynor Minden - you name it, they've got it! The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and truly understand what makes a good pointe shoe (a true rarity!). One thing I loved about [Name of Dance Shop 1] was their selection of *bloch pointe shoes*. If you're looking for something with incredible support and flexibility, bloch are the perfect option. They also have a fantastic range of **leotards** to complement your new pointe shoes - everything from classic to contemporary, there's something to flatter every dancer's figure. They've also got a pretty extensive selection of **tights**, and trust me - your feet will thank you for choosing one of their lovely pairs of **toe socks**. But the pièce de résistance? They have an absolutely stunning selection of **tutus**! The kind of tutus that would make a seasoned prima ballerina swoon! Picture yourself twirling on stage in a classic **Romantic tutu** - think soft layers of tulle, delicate ruffles and the most magical silhouette. But if your heart desires a contemporary edge, they also have **modern tutus** with edgy shapes, dynamic lines and the right amount of panache to set you alight on the stage. My inner ballerina nearly died of joy when I spotted this absolutely glorious **whimsical** tutu with pastel shades and cascading tulle. I have a feeling I'll be making a purchase next time I visit. Next, I made my way to **[Name of Dance Shop 2]**. I was excited to see how this dancewear shop would compare. This shop had a slightly more minimalist aesthetic - sleek, clean and sophisticated. Their range of pointe shoes is extensive too, featuring leading brands like **Capezio**, **Freed of London** (known for their high-quality shoes) and some excellent **Dance USA** options - great if you're looking for something with exceptional value. [Name of Dance Shop 2] boasts an equally fantastic array of leotards. The selection here leaned towards sleek lines and classic elegance - a definite must for dancers looking to nail that ballerina look. The fabrics felt so luxurious - there are so many to choose from: silky soft, light, and breathable to super supportive for those tough classes! The best bit is, [Name of Dance Shop 2] doesn't just offer **ballet wear**. You can also find some great items for other forms of dance too, like modern dance, tap and even jazz! Speaking of the perfect finish to your dance outfit - they have an incredible selection of **ballet wraps** too - think beautifully detailed wraps with vibrant prints, classic styles with clean lines and a touch of shimmer to finish off any outfit. For my fellow ballet-obsessed Abingdonians - and anyone willing to venture a little further out of their usual haunts for the perfect dancewear - a visit to both of these dance shops is a definite must! You'll be delighted by the variety, quality, and the incredible service at both stores. Just be warned, you may need to book a second trip to your bank! Don't forget to hashtag **#enpointe**, **#ballet**, and **#Abingdon** on all your dancewear adventures. And happy dancing!