Bath - My Ballet Wishlist - All Things En Pointe!
Hey everyone, It’s your girl, Ella, back with another post! This week I’m obsessed with all things ballet. Bath has so much to offer for ballerinas, from the incredible dance schools to the cutest little shops. I’ve been doing my research, and I’m so excited to share my ultimate wishlist for a stylish dancer in the beautiful city of Bath.
I’m all about finding those pieces that make me feel confident and elegant in the studio. You know the feeling – the sleekness of a well-fitting leotard, the soft whisper of tulle, and the undeniable grace of pointe shoes that feel like an extension of your foot! And when you look good, you feel good! Confidence really shines in the studio. And that’s why this week I’m thinking #enpointe vibes all the way.
So, what’s on my ballet wishlist? Read on, darling!
## **The Perfect Leotard: My Ballerina Body Bliss**Let's talk about the essential item every dancer needs – the leotard. It’s like our ballerina uniform! This is my secret to feeling fierce and confident.
- **The classic, timeless style**
I’m a sucker for a classic leotard in black or a beautiful nude shade. They’re so versatile! I can pair them with any skirt, tights, or wrap-around for a dance class or a warm-up. But make sure you look at the fabric composition, girls, for ultimate comfort and stretch! I'm all about that second-skin feel, and some fabrics move with you just that little bit more than others. And, of course, you have to think about breathability too - we want to be cool, calm and collected in the studio! I recently discovered a brand called *‘Grace & Vogue’* – I’m so into their elegant leotard cuts, and they offer classic styles in vibrant colors! So stylish! I’ll definitely be snagging one from them soon!
- **The sleek, stylish scoop-neck leotard**
Scoop neck is my absolute favourite! It gives such a flattering look. This style accentuates your lines so beautifully! I also adore the long sleeves, perfect for a more modern, cool-girl look. It’s a leotard that can be taken straight to the coffee shop for a quick chat afterwards. Perfect if you’re heading from dance class straight to a catch-up. I recently found a fantastic shop called *‘Dance Divas’* right in the heart of Bath. They have the cutest scoop neck leotards. And they stock all the latest styles and colours. I swear you won't be able to leave the store without buying one!
- **The modern racerback leotard**
I have to include this, it's a MUST in your dancewear wardrobe! It's not only so flattering, but it also helps to keep me cool and comfortable during those long rehearsals! If you need something with a little bit more coverage, racerbacks come in different varieties from camisole styles to slightly longer lengths too.
## **Pointe Shoes: A Ballerina’s Best Friend**What can I say, they are our #enpointe life. These bad boys are like an extension of our feet, you know? It’s hard not to get all emotional when you find your perfect fit. They’re beautiful to look at, delicate and graceful… I can feel the excitement bubbling! Here in Bath we have some seriously great dancewear stores, so I’m sure every ballerina can find her ideal pair. You just need to go out there and find that magical fit. Here are a few places that I recommend…
- **The Bath Dance Shop:** This store is a classic! They have every brand, style and size – from beginner to professional, and I know I've got my eye on a pair from Grishko and Gaynor Minden at the moment… So you’re sure to find the pair for you. Plus, the staff is SO helpful!
I really like to go into the shop and get those professional, in-person fittings. It’s a perfect time to chat with other dancers, ask their opinions, and really get to know what the shop offers! That's a real ballerina bonus!
- **‘Step by Step Dancewear’:** A fabulous little gem in the centre of Bath. It’s the kind of place where you just know they stock some absolute gems! I think I spotted a pair of Bloch pointe shoes when I was window-shopping…
You can’t beat getting out and getting that personal service, and Bath truly has some of the best stores that go that extra mile. They take so much care. So grab your friends, and turn it into a ballet day!
## **The Tutu – From Class to Performance**Now let’s talk about my favourite part - the TUTU! Nothing beats that magical feeling of stepping onto the stage and being surrounded by beautiful tulle, sparkling jewels and the joy of being able to dance in the light!
- **The Romantic, Classic Tutu:**
I’ve always dreamed of dancing in a classic romantic tutu. Just imagine: the layers and layers of soft tulle flowing around your body as you move. Pure magic, and it never fails to add a sense of enchantment and grace.
The perfect tulle skirt should be billowing! I think I’m ready for a trip to the iconic store, *‘Tutus & Tiaras’. * I love that it's a place dedicated to everything princess-themed! You feel like you're in a fairytale, especially when you enter that little shop in Bath. They even have a dedicated ‘tutu room’! I’m so excited to have a rummage around and try them on! It's a tutu haven! They really do know how to capture the essence of ballet! So when you need a little tutu magic in your life, head over to this amazing store. They know a thing or two about tulle!
- **The Modern Tutu**
A tutu, a tutu! If you're thinking contemporary ballet, think of a skirt that's much shorter. Less frilly than the classic tutu and can have a variety of modern and daring designs. Think about incorporating different materials. What about mesh or a combination of soft chiffon. These modern tutus make a bold statement!
- **The Contemporary Skirt**:
This is one of the most adaptable skirts you can have in your ballet wardrobe! For example, this kind of skirt looks fabulous for the theatre, it’s really comfortable to move in and creates amazing shapes on the stage. And you’ve got the freedom to create unique dance looks by styling it in your way. Just add a funky leotard, and you’re good to go! It looks just as fabulous in the studio. You can't go wrong!
A little advice for all you ballerinas out there… keep an eye out for vintage tutus or beautiful secondhand tutus! Not only will you be rocking an eco-friendly look, but these skirts can often have gorgeous handmade details and patterns. Vintage is a ballet style I’ve recently embraced, and I'm loving it. If you don't have a special place in mind to hunt for vintage tutus, just check out the *‘Etsy’* online shop, or keep an eye on second-hand shops in Bath! A unique, handcrafted look is what I'm going for this year. You just have to love vintage style, don't you?!
The best part of having a wardrobe full of amazing leotards, tights, and tutus, is it makes getting ready for dance class or even just a little rehearsal, even more fun. After all, what could be better than dressing up to show your style, express yourself and create beautiful dance looks. Plus, I don't know about you, but sometimes my dancewear can be an extension of my outfit even outside of the studio, maybe for a casual stroll with my girlfriends. So if you are in the mood to get your ‘en pointe’ style on, I recommend heading to the city of Bath and checking out these amazing shops! It's the perfect place to feel inspired and fabulous. #ballet