Ballet En Pointe 78

Ballet En Pointe - Brixton: Finding my Pointe Shoes, Leotards & Tutus
Hey, lovely dancers! So, I’m back with another instalment of my Brixton adventures. This time, it's all about my hunt for the perfect ballet essentials: those pointy shoes that make us feel like princesses, the sleek leotards that hug us in all the right places, and the tutus that transform us into ethereal creatures.
Now, Brixton, with its vibrant street art and edgy vibes, may seem an unlikely spot for ballet supplies. But hear me out – this quirky little neighbourhood has more than just its fair share of hidden gems. Trust me, when it comes to finding your ballet fix, Brixton is surprisingly on point! ?
First Stop: Pointe Shoes Let’s be honest, pointe shoes are like our ballet BFFs. They’re the ones that make our pirouettes effortless and our leaps soar to new heights. But finding the perfect pair can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – and trust me, I’ve been there!
That’s why I decided to start my pointe shoe quest at **Bloomingdales Dance Shop**, nestled away on Brixton Hill. It’s a little bit of a journey, but believe me, it’s worth it! They have a fantastic selection of pointe shoes from all the major brands, like **Grishko**, **Bloch**, and **Gaynor Minden**.
The staff at Bloomingdales were super helpful, guiding me through the different shoe shapes and offering advice on finding the best fit. They also helped me understand the different styles, from the classic **Freed of London** to the sleek **Repetto** – so you can really pick the pair that suits your individual style and needs.
I ended up getting myself a pair of **Grishko Mayas**, which have a reputation for being super comfortable and supportive, perfect for all those gruelling rehearsals and performances. #enpointe
Next Up: Leotards & Tights With my pointe shoes sorted, it was time to find the perfect leotards and tights to complete my ballet look.
For this, I ventured into the heart of Brixton Market – a hub of independent businesses with a unique charm. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle, I found **The Dance Emporium** - a little gem bursting with leotards in every colour and style you could imagine. From classic black and white to bold, eye-catching prints, The Dance Emporium has everything a ballet dancer needs to look and feel their best.
My personal favourite is a gorgeous plum-coloured **Danskin** leotard. It’s sleek, stylish, and adds a little bit of elegance to my routine.
Now, no ballet look is complete without a pair of tights, and for this, I always head to **Brixton Market’s little independent stalls.** They offer a huge range of tights in various colours and deniers, so you can always find the perfect pair to complement your look. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good pair of dance tights?!
The Grand Finale: Tutùs! And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for - tutùs!
Finding a tutù in Brixton may seem impossible, but if you’re willing to go off the beaten track, it can be done! For my tutù hunt, I decided to head to **Ballet Makers, a little independent studio in Brockley** (just a short train ride from Brixton). This charming studio specialises in custom tutùs and dancewear, and you can really feel the passion of the owner, **Laura**, who makes each and every piece with love and care.
Ballet Makers offers an array of tutù styles to suit every taste:
* **Classic:** The timeless elegance of the traditional tutu, featuring multiple layers of tulle that float beautifully with every turn. Think graceful swans and whimsical fairies! * **Romantic:** Romantic tutùs are slightly less voluminous than the classic tutù, allowing for a more flowing and fluid movement. These are often seen in ballets like **La Sylphide**. * **Contemporary:** Modern ballet embraces bolder tutù styles that are more minimal and free-flowing, using soft layers of tulle and unconventional fabrics. Think modern masterpieces like **Agon** by Balanchine.
The options are endless and **Laura** is an absolute master of tailoring the tutù to your specific needs and body type.
Now, I have to say, finding a tutu is no easy feat. It's a little more time consuming and certainly more intimate than just picking a leotard. It’s a true journey to find the tutù that fits your style and resonates with you on a deeper level.
But the experience, as always, makes it all worthwhile! #ballet #enpointe #brixton