Ballet En Pointe 44

Ballet En Pointe in Gateshead: A Dancer’s Guide to Finding Your Perfect Fit #enpointe #ballet Hey everyone, It’s your girl, Ellie, back with another blog post! Today, I'm diving headfirst into a topic close to my heart: ballet gear. Specifically, we're taking a trip to Gateshead, my current stomping ground, and exploring the best shops for those all-important pointe shoes, leotards, and tutus. Pointe Shoes: The Foundations of Flight We all know the feeling, don’t we? The thrill of finally hitting en pointe for the first time! But before you can start twirling and leaping like a pro, you need the right pointe shoes to support you, and that's where the Gateshead ballet stores come in. Here's the lowdown on my top picks: * **Dancewear Centre Gateshead:** Let’s face it, you can’t talk about pointe shoes without mentioning Dancewear Centre Gateshead! A one-stop shop for everything a dancer needs, including a wide selection of pointe shoes from top brands like Bloch, Capezio, and Grishko. The staff are absolutely amazing, knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to guide you through the minefield of sizing and finding the perfect fit. And remember to factor in those all-important "pointe shoe accessories." Nothing feels more fab than getting new ribbons and elastics! * **Danceworld Gateshead:** Located on the other side of town, Danceworld Gateshead boasts a seriously impressive stock of pointe shoes, as well as leotards, tights, and all sorts of dance accessories. This place is a dancewear treasure trove! I love their laid-back, "anything goes" vibe, and the staff are really encouraging, happy to let you try out as many different pairs as you like. Plus, it's a great place to stock up on those all-important accessories like shoe pads, rosin, and bun makers. **Leotards: Finding Your Perfect Silhouette ** I’ve gotta confess, there's something really satisfying about slipping on a leotard and feeling those ballet muscles ready to work! The best leotards offer both comfort and style, and Gateshead has a few great spots to find that perfect match. Here's the insider scoop: * **The Dance Shop:** This shop, just off the High Street, has a great selection of leotards that fit all shapes and sizes, and don’t even get me started on their amazing selection of colours! I'm a big fan of their high-cut designs and, yes, even the cheeky dancewear! * **Studio G:** If you want something a bit more contemporary, then Studio G is where it’s at. Their selection of leotards is seriously edgy and their prices are super reasonable! I’m obsessed with their unique fabrics – they feel super luxurious, perfect for class or rehearsals. And hey, if you’re feeling bold, you’ve gotta try their leotard and top combos - it’s basically all the good vibes of the dance studio, but amped up for street wear! **Tutus: Twirling In Style** Let’s talk about the ultimate ballet fantasy! Nothing screams "prima ballerina" more than a perfectly executed twirl in a fabulous tutu! Here are the places where you can channel your inner prima ballerina: * **Dancewear Centre Gateshead:** Don't be fooled by their "general" dancewear name, this shop knows its tutus. They offer a selection of tutus in a variety of styles and fabrics, perfect for everything from classical ballets to contemporary pieces. I love their “Cinderella” style tulle tutus for a classic look. But they also have some modern, structured tutus, which are great for more experimental pieces. The key thing here is that Dancewear Centre is a reliable place for great quality, in all sizes. * **Danceworld Gateshead:** Another winner when it comes to tutus! Danceworld boasts a really unique collection that really sets them apart. They have amazing tutus with modern fabrics and details like feather trim. It’s a place where you can find a tutu that’s truly unique. I love how their tutu styles are so individual, giving me all the inspiration I need when working on new choreography. And just like the pointe shoes, I also appreciate their accessory range when it comes to tutus. There are literally endless possibilities with ribbon, diamante and, let's be honest, more feather options! Essential Extras: Taking Ballet Beyond The Studio Now, let's not forget about those extras that can really elevate your ballet experience! The right accessories can take you from dancer to fashionista in seconds. * **The Dance Shop:** I love their selection of dance bags. They have practical totes that can carry all your essentials, plus chic styles that work equally well in class and out. * **Studio G:** I’m in love with their fashion-forward activewear range that merges ballet-inspired silhouettes with street-style vibes. And they have this whole selection of hair accessories too – clips, headbands, even decorative hair nets that help you achieve that iconic ballerina look, but with a modern twist! **Tips From A Ballet Blogger:** Okay, now that you're armed with this insider info, here are my top tips for a smooth and successful ballet gear shopping trip: * **Try things on:** Don’t be shy! It's absolutely essential to try on pointe shoes, leotards and tutus before you buy them. The right fit is crucial. You should feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose, which can lead to better performance. * **Check the quality:** Not all dancewear is created equal. Pay attention to fabric quality and construction. You want clothes that will withstand your rigorous ballet workouts. Invest in good-quality garments that can stand the test of time, especially if you're spending a lot of time in class. I mean, that pointe shoe break-in period doesn’t just mean a few classes! * **Get the advice you need:** Ask questions! You can learn a lot from the shop staff. They are professionals and they've probably seen it all! And speaking of pointe shoe break-in periods - you know how it goes – get them talking about those, you’re guaranteed an amusing anecdote, guaranteed to lift your dance spirits! * **Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!:** Don't forget to have fun! The fun stuff is important, isn’t it? This is where your own personal style really shines. Adding accessories, from statement jewellery to headbands, adds an extra touch of your individual personality and completes the look! The Gateshead Ballet Scene: Beyond The Stores Now that you're equipped with the gear, you need to hit those classes! Gateshead boasts a vibrant dance scene. There's everything from the impressive ballet training at the Northern Ballet School to independent classes run by amazing local instructors. You won’t struggle to find inspiration. The city’s a great place to tap into that unique community. I hope you've enjoyed this tour of Gateshead's amazing ballet shops. Don't forget to check out my other blog posts for more tips on everything dance. Happy dancing, darlings!