Ballet En Pointe 238

Ballet En Pointe - Longton Hey there, lovelies! Your girl, Ella here, back with another fashion-focused blog post, and today we're heading to the heart of Staffordshire, to Longton, for a dive into the world of ballet shoes, leotards and, of course, tutus! Let's face it, we all love a good tutus! They're just so iconic, right? But, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack! Especially with all the styles out there - you’ve got your romantic and billowy tutu for that airy feel, your classical ‘paquita’ style, your frilly ‘bell’ style for that whimsical look… But no matter what your vibe is, the right tutu is a MUST! #enpointe And where better to find the perfect tutu for your next performance, your practice, or even your next Insta photoshoot (because let's be honest, those tutus are photogenic AF!) than Longton? Now, this quaint little town, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and friendly locals, boasts an incredible scene for ballet necessities! Ready for the rundown? Buckle up! Shop 1: Dance World First stop is Dance World! They’ve got an absolutely amazing collection of ballet shoes and the quality is excellent! And let’s be honest, your feet are your foundation, so choosing the right shoe is paramount. Dance World knows this! So whether you're a complete newbie just starting out on the pointe work or you're a seasoned ballerina, they’ll hook you up with some of the top brands and models! You can easily find a good selection from Bloch, Grishko, Capezio and even some custom-made options. Talk about choice! Let me give you a quick rundown of my fave picks: • **Bloch’s "Serenade Pointe"**: The Serenade Pointe is known for its comfort and versatility. I love it because it’s so soft and gives you a really good ‘toe feeling’ - crucial for technique, right? • **Grishko’s “Maya”: ** The Maya is a classic for a reason. They’re really tough, give excellent arch support, and have a flexible box, so I find they’re perfect for challenging turns and intricate steps. • **Capezio’s “Jules”: ** A budget-friendly option for dancers with high arches! **Leotard love: Dance World has you covered on this front too! They’ve got a whole wall dedicated to leotards! Seriously, you’ll be spoilt for choice. I was all over their selection from ‘Motion Wear’ which comes in so many chic colors and funky designs, and their range of ‘Yumiko’ - sleek and stylish but still practical and comfortable. They also carry some really gorgeous stretch velvet leotards by ‘Wear Moi’, but heads up - they are pricey! Shop 2: The Dance Emporium Next up, let's mosey on down to The Dance Emporium. This place is a total treasure trove! It's kind of tucked away - not super central, so a little effort is needed. But trust me, it's WORTH it. They have such a lovely, eclectic vibe. Their stock is always being refreshed - lots of exciting pieces to be found! Where the tutus live! Their tutu collection is literally THE highlight. Seriously. The best. Ever! The selection here is a real gem. There are tutus for every taste! My favorite has to be their ‘bell’ style tutu in a soft, sky blue colour. It's so sweet, dainty, and almost a little dreamy. Plus they’re fab at adding personalized touches, like rhinestones or embroidering your name or initials on your tutu! That’s attention to detail for you! If you’re feeling a little bolder, they have some stunning classic ‘paquita’ style tutus with really detailed embroidery. They also stock ‘romantic’ style tutus that would look SO incredible on stage! The craftsmanship is truly spectacular - they clearly take great pride in their work. They also have a brilliant range of ballet tights and wraps which are a total necessity if you are wanting to dance in tights. My personal favourites are the Dance Emporium's collection of microfiber tights, so comfortable, sleek, and really help enhance your leg lines! And for your practice, their range of warm up clothes - think leg warmers and cardies - is great for keeping your muscles warm and loose. The final curtain call Now, let's be honest, finding the perfect pointe shoe, leotard or tutu isn't always easy! Sometimes it can feel like an endless cycle of trying on, testing, and repeating until you finally land that perfect fit! But what I love about Longton's ballet stores is that they create a fun and welcoming environment, like one big ballet family! You know that familiar feeling where you're greeted by friendly staff, people who are knowledgeable about everything and anything ballet! So if you're in Longton, or even if you're willing to take a short trip for those dreamy ballet pieces, make sure you drop by and say hi to the team! Until next time, my loves! Stay beautiful! Ella xx #ballet #enpointe #longton