En Pointe in Bulwell: Finding My Perfect Ballet Fit
Hey, dance fam! So, guess what? This little ballerina is in the mood for some serious shopping, but not just any shopping. This week, I’m on a mission to conquer the world of ballet supplies in my home town of Bulwell, Nottingham, and trust me, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as finding the perfect pair of pointe shoes or a tutu that makes you feel like a prima ballerina. 😉
My feet, these delicate instruments of graceful expression, are demanding attention. They've been aching for a fresh set of pointe shoes, the kind that will let me soar through those leaps and arabesques like a swan taking flight. Now, Bulwell might not be known for its high-end dance boutiques, but I'm on a quest to uncover its hidden ballet treasures!
The first stop on my quest is "Dancing Dreams." It’s tucked away on a side street, a little jewel box of a shop brimming with tutus, leotards, and all the accoutrements a ballerina could need.
"Bonjour, chérie! " chirps Mrs. Higgins, the owner. I always love her welcoming energy. She's been a mainstay in Bulwell's dance scene for decades. She’s practically a walking encyclopaedia of everything dance, and she knows the exact pointe shoe for my arch, my bunion, and my pesky hammer toe (we've all got those, right?)
After a meticulous fitting and some expert advice from Mrs Higgins, I find my match: a pair of Grishko Mayas. I am SO happy because those shoes just fit perfectly. I mean, I seriously felt a tingling sensation in my feet! The magical kind, of course. I’m already daydreaming of elegant leaps and breathtaking extensions. My toes, with their new companions, will be poised to perform, all thanks to Mrs. Higgins.
Speaking of daydreams… where's a tutu when you need one?! Mrs Higgins always stocks an incredible range. So many colours, fabrics and styles! Today, my heart's set on a romantic and whimsical tutu that will make my performances just that.
I choose a beautifully layered tulle skirt, cascading in a subtle shade of blush pink, adorned with delicate white pearlescent embellishments. The Romantic Princess, they call it. With that chosen, my head starts spinning with ideas of ethereal movement and elegant dance sequences, perfectly complemented by this new tutu’s gracefulness.
I’m feeling like the absolute queen of the ballet studio now, which brings me to another critical piece of any ballet dancer’s wardrobe – leotards! Oh, the sheer (pun intended!) joy of a perfectly fitting leotard! This one needs to feel as comfortable as a second skin, letting me stretch, pirouette, and twirl with absolute freedom.
Mrs Higgins recommends an elegant black leotard, with a chic V-back accent. It's a timeless classic that lets me move without distraction and makes me feel poised and elegant. I just have to say, there’s nothing quite like that feeling of the fabric against my skin! It’s an intimate relationship of sorts!
My Ballet Bag Essentials
I love my shopping trip at Dancing Dreams so much, it actually gives me inspiration to show my followers my dance bag essentials. I mean, no ballerinas’ lives would be complete without one! They’re the perfect way to transport your trusty dance essentials and it’s quite the glamorous accessory, I think!
Here’s a peak inside my ballet bag:
- My beloved pointe shoes: As I mentioned before, these precious things deserve their own special compartment, or I wouldn't be able to face those unforgiving barre classes without a good stretch and these trusted ballet mates! #EnPointe
- The right pair of tights: Always, always bring an extra pair – you know why… the horror of a ladder in the middle of a performance!
- Dance bag essentials: There's nothing worse than forgetting a hair elastic or having your trusty toe tape get lost in the dance bag! I am never without them… just a heads-up!
- Snacks for when I need that extra burst of energy: My ballet studio’s cafe is the best, but sometimes the schedule doesn't permit me to enjoy my pre or post-practice snack break, so I keep some of those little chocolate rice cakes. They're light, sweet, and power my twirls through a long practice. It's all about having those quick power bites, you know what I mean? 😉
- My Water bottle: Always! I bring my own water bottle; I don’t fancy buying water at the ballet school and plus it makes me feel good to reuse! Gotta stay hydrated, it's crucial for maintaining those strong, energetic movements, don’t ya think?
- My lucky dance bracelet: You know those pieces of jewellery that feel lucky for the performance, a piece of a bracelet that always reminds you of a beautiful performance, well, this one is a reminder to feel confident, beautiful and most of all to have fun! #ballet
- A ballet journal: If you’re a fellow ballerina, then you need to have this, it's not just about remembering all my dance routines and barre work; but for those of you that have a deep love for ballet; I like to include notes of things I need to improve on and then add new inspiration I have picked up along the way – you can say it's my inner artistic journal.
Now, that dance bag is fully equipped, and ready for some serious training! It's important to get the essentials in place before heading into your favorite ballet class – it's a game-changer! It makes me feel like a serious, powerful, ballet goddess and reminds me that ballet is not only about technique, it's also a passion, a dedication and an appreciation for the art form!
Speaking of dedication, we all have those favorite pieces that we use all the time!
Here’s my "Always Ready For Performance" checklist! You know… those essential items that a ballerina simply cannot live without!
- The ballet skirt: These versatile garments always fit, are extremely stylish, and always make me feel confident, no matter the style I'm working on!
- Leotards: Every dancer knows that a good, comfy leotard is absolutely essential for every class, it helps me focus on my form, movements, and of course, it looks good when I'm doing my grand jete – trust me, I know all about the art of making it look effortless. 😉
- The dance shoes : Obviously. My ballet pumps and shoes need to be both comfortable and durable because dancing in pain, is never good and I'd be losing all the focus on perfecting those s-turns…
- Hair net: Oh those messy buns, we’ve all been there. So for my messy ballerina bun I’ve always got the best hair net on standby – my secret? Use those elastic hair bands and tuck in the little ends so my bun stays firmly in place! 😜
- The ballerina essentials: There are some really obvious essentials… toe separators for pre-performance stretching or the best bun styling hair band…
This week, it's been a whirlwind of dancewear bliss. I'm so glad I was able to connect with the amazing team at Dancing Dreams and feel super proud of the hidden gem we have in our little town of Bulwell. I must say, I’m ready to unleash my inner ballerina and take on those dance classes – all thanks to some magical ballet supplies!
I hope this has given you some inspiration – always make sure to give your nearest ballet store some love! Let’s all give ourselves some much needed love to this graceful dance form – It’s magical, I tell you! Don’t you agree?
#EnPointe #ballet #balletlife #balletwear #balletshoes #balletclass #bulwell