Ballet En Pointe: Where Liverpool’s Dance Dreams Come True
Hey everyone, it’s your girl, Olivia here, back with another blog post, but this time it’s a little different. I’m not talking about my favourite ballet techniques, my favourite steps or even my favourite warm-up exercises (although, if you want those tips, drop a comment and I’ll share!). Today I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The secret to feeling like a total ballerina, and looking the part, is… getting kitted out in the best ballet gear! And where better to do it than in Liverpool?
That’s right, Liverpool has become the ultimate haven for dancers. I know, I know, you might be thinking "ballet and Liverpool? That seems a bit, well, out of place". But trust me, you'd be surprised at how much talent and dedication are bubbling under the surface.
Today, I'm taking you on a journey through Liverpool's ballet haven. Think everything from pointe shoes, to tutus to the perfect leotard and that classic dancer’s bun accessory - a bun pad (a must-have for creating that elegant bun!) I’m here to spill the tea (and by tea, I mean share all the best shops) because your girl, Olivia, needs her ballet gear, and I’m pretty sure you do too.
Step One: Pointe Shoes
It's all about the pointe shoes, isn't it? They're what elevate a ballerina. Now, I've been dancing en pointe for ages and finding the right pair feels like hitting the jackpot. Forget "finding your prince" - finding "your pointe shoe" is much more important.
Here's the thing about pointe shoes in Liverpool: choice! No more trawling endless shops or scouring online trying to find the right fit. Liverpool's got it all.
**Let's Talk Shops:**
- Liverpool Dance and Drama: For those who need to get serious about their shoes, this shop is a must. Forget just browsing - the team at Liverpool Dance and Drama is more than ready to fit you to the perfect shoe and have you leaping into a new pointe world in no time. I found my "forever shoes" there, and I can’t tell you how important that is for any dedicated ballet dancer.
- Ballet Central: The name says it all - you walk in and you're basically a ballerina at a ballet-only wonderland. They've got a HUGE selection, everything from brands like Grishko, Bloch, and Capezio (think comfort and support!) and even a range of shoes for different foot shapes, whether it’s a long foot or a high arch - this place knows its feet! Plus, Ballet Central's friendly team makes the whole experience even better, always on hand to offer expert advice. And don't even get me started on the tutus - it's a tutu wonderland in here! I practically got lost amongst the elegant, romantic ones and the super fun, glitzy ones (a ballerina can't say no to a little glitter!).
- **Dance World Liverpool:** Dance World has it all – pointe shoes, leotards, tights – the works. It's all there, under one roof, in case you're all about convenience. This place is amazing for those dancers who want everything to be easy-peasy. Think beginner ballerinas who want to dip their toes into the world of ballet gear without the need to traipse through loads of different shops.
Outfit Essentials: It's All About The Leotard!
Leotards, the foundation of any dancer’s outfit. It’s important to look stylish and feel supported while you're dancing - it’s not just about how they look, it's all about how they feel, too!
Essential Shops:**
- **Ballet Central:** As mentioned above, this place is a one-stop shop for everything, and that includes a stellar collection of leotards! This is your chance to try on those leotards, try out the fits and feel like a ballerina without even needing to do any dancing! And if you’re not quite sure what to choose, the staff will be able to recommend a style. There are a ton of brands available to check out from high quality names like Capezio and Bloch.
- Dance World Liverpool:** I mentioned them earlier but I simply couldn’t leave them off this leotard list! They’ve got every shape, size and color of leotard to keep your ballerina needs covered. For an on-trend, classic, but functional leotard for your class, Dance World Liverpool’s a good place to start!
**Accessorize With Attitude: Bun Pads & More **
A bun is a must. What’s a dancer without a stylish bun? This part of ballet is just as crucial to lookin’ fabulous as everything else.
**Essential Shops:**
- **Dance World Liverpool:** They’re the masters of accessories and if you need to sort out a classic dance bun for your next performance, they’re the ones to visit! From a standard, comfy bun pad to fun little hair elastics in loads of colors to bring the bling, they have every accessory imaginable!
- Liverpool Dance and Drama: It's got all the essentials you'd expect to see in any good dance store. I am a sucker for these bun nets. Let's face it - that tight, no-slip ballerina bun takes time to master, but this makes the entire thing a little bit easier! Plus, the staff will happily guide you through the range of accessories that'll make your ballerina look perfect. Don’t forget, your accessories don’t stop there - don’t underestimate the power of leg warmers or cute, comfy ballet socks!
- **Ballet Central: ** I know, I know - I sound like a broken record. But the reason I'm talking about them again, is because they do have an incredible selection. It's the dream! Not only is the choice amazing, they’re also super good at making sure you leave with something you feel confident wearing! They always get the look I’m after for the perfect accessory to complete my dance outfit! It's always worth checking their sales, too - because who doesn't love a good ballet deal?
Showstopper: Tutues!
I’m just going to put this out there - I live for a tutu. You know, those ballerina dresses that just radiate grace and poise? It’s impossible to think about ballet without them!
In Liverpool, finding the perfect tutu is just as easy as finding that "perfect pointe shoe" and a lot more fun!
**Where to shop: **
- **Ballet Central:** I had to say it again, I just can’t help myself. But they really do have a wide range, and the styles are fantastic, and I really do think they might just be the best. It's a mix of everything from the classic tutus, in both romantic and classical styles ( think "Sleeping Beauty" - seriously!) to the sparkly, flamboyant tutus. (You'll be a princess dancing in style - who wouldn't want that? )
I would highly recommend taking a stroll through Ballet Central in Liverpool! You'll walk in ready for an everyday dance session and you might just leave with an absolute masterpiece - a glittery, beautiful tutu!
From the Dance Floor to Your Phone: Instagram Inspiration
It’s all good having an epic, stylish ballerina wardrobe, but what about sharing it with the world?
I would recommend following some #Liverpool #ballet instagrams, such as
- @Liverpool_Ballet - The heart and soul of Liverpool’s ballet scene
- @Ballet_Central_Liverpool - Where all the stunning tutus and gear are!
- @LiverpoolDanceandDrama - Because dancing is about more than just fashion
And, while we’re on the subject, make sure to check out my Instagram for the #ballet inspiration and #enpointe updates because, let’s be honest, there’s always a new leotard or a pair of dance shoes calling my name!
That's it, everyone, Liverpool's dancing scene is flourishing, and it's not just about talent; it's about the clothes! So, if you’re a ballet dancer, or simply a lover of all things elegant - get your #ballet inspiration, go grab that #enpointe gear and get ready to dance!