Ballet En Pointe 99

Kensington: My Ballet Wonderland!

Hey everyone! It's your girl, Ella, back with another post – this time all about the most magical place on earth for a ballerina: the ballet shops of Kensington!

For those of you who haven't been graced by the sheer beauty of Kensington, it's basically a paradise for dancers. Think dazzling leotards in every colour imaginable, tutus that could make even the most jaded fashionista swoon, and pointe shoes that feel like a hug for your feet (once you’ve broken them in, of course!).

So, let’s dive in! This week, I’m taking you on a little tour of my favourite spots for ballet supplies in Kensington, the ultimate haven for everything dance. #enpointe

The Big Names

Firstly, let’s tackle the big players. The shops that are instantly recognizable to anyone with even the slightest dance background. These stores are the creme de la creme, with a reputation for impeccable quality and top-notch customer service. I can’t begin my ballet shop tour without mentioning the one and only,
Dancewear Direct.
Located in a quiet street right by the tube station, this store is a true hidden gem for dancers in the area. Its the place for everything you need in one spot, plus you’ll definitely find a unique and amazing pair of ballet shoes in a range of colours that even your favourite ballerinas would be jealous of!

And of course, who could forget the ever-so-chic,
Bloch!
With a shop in the centre of Kensington, you literally can’t miss this amazing space filled with all your favourite things. Everything here just screams “ballerina,” from the intricate designs of their leotards to the impressive range of ballet shoes in all shapes and sizes. The Bloch pointe shoes have become the brand name for any ballerina from amateur to professional. I always feel so confident and empowered when I step into a pair of my Bloch shoes.

The Independents

Let’s get down to the more independent, and perhaps more boutique stores in Kensington. These shops are like finding a hidden treasure, unique and quirky. They offer a different kind of experience and sometimes it’s the personal touch, friendly service and unique selection that is all part of the magic of shopping in an independent retailer.

For that charming boutique feel, look no further than,
Ballet Essentials
Hidden away on a side street in Kensington, this store feels like stepping back in time with its rustic interiors. Ballet Essentials feels incredibly intimate and friendly. It’s more about what’s right for you as opposed to just the “biggest brand name,” It feels very authentic!

For some more unusual finds and a real treasure hunt experience, look no further than,
Ballet & Beyond
This is not a chain shop – its much more an experience, you get such great quality, beautiful fabrics and designs for unique dancewear you don’t see everywhere, and you really get that sense of something really special being made with real heart and love in every single item.

Kensington: The Ballet Style Scene

But beyond just the stores themselves, it’s really the atmosphere of Kensington that makes it the ultimate haven for all things ballet! I think the style in Kensington is effortlessly elegant - and for me that totally translates to ballet.

For leotards, the classic is a firm favourite for most of us – a good, supportive leotard in a classic colour. Whether it be the ubiquitous black, a classic royal blue, a bright and energetic red or even a fun and playful pink. And sometimes I really love going bold – you have to embrace colour! I have seen some absolutely beautiful floral prints, with delicate swirls and gorgeous hues of lilac and lavender.

What’s New

“A Day at The Ballet”

One of the greatest things about a good ballet shop is always the newness – something new has always just landed, and it's so fun discovering what is “new in”. I love getting new items, because then you really are ready for anything, from that last-minute performance you hadn’t anticipated, to just stepping out of the studio and looking as chic and elegant as the other ballerina’s I love seeing out on the streets! But don’t get me wrong, sometimes I find something and love it so much that it quickly gets worn-in!

For those who prefer a classic look with a modern twist, I love the simple, clean designs of the leotards by the Freed brand, with simple straps and gorgeous details.

When it comes to my pointe shoes – that’s a whole different world! Every pointe shoe feels different – each one unique, as each foot is different. Sometimes it’s just about feeling confident and choosing the colour, but for me I feel like every new shoe tells a story, about what I want my dance to be. Right now I'm loving a soft pale lilac shoe with ribbons in the same shade, for when I want a bit of understated elegance on stage.

And of course, we all love a new Tutu! One of my favourites has to be the “Tutu of The Week,” always on the lookout to find what I feel like that week. For performance day I like a bold bright red - like a superhero about to take to the stage. But for a more intimate class setting, maybe I’ll opt for something more graceful and simple – perhaps in soft blush pink or light grey. One of the shops here even has the cutest “flower crown tutus,” the name doesn't sound great, but oh my, let me tell you, these are truly magical - a beautiful floral motif for the bottom layer.

But for me, its never just about what the outfit says, but the story behind each outfit – the feeling behind the choice of fabric, the delicate craftsmanship. These tutus don't feel like just tutus, they feel like a second skin. Every move, every twirl feels perfectly matched, and that's what makes the magic.

But more importantly, for me it’s the excitement and anticipation for all the possibilities – and those shops and the experience they provide for me makes this happen – makes my journey as a ballet dancer even more exciting!

Kensington: Beyond Ballet Supplies

Now, I don't want to get sidetracked too much here, because of course I want to highlight all the shops for those all-important ballet needs. But this is Kensington – I’d be missing out if I didn’t mention a few more stores – which I absolutely adore because you don’t see them everywhere else – it’s their uniqueness, it's all part of that special Kensington magic.

If you are anything like me, a ballet girl at heart, then you know that there’s a beautiful connection between food and dancing! It’s that “perfect energy” that gets us through our class, a quick fix on the go – or a more luxurious meal after we’ve taken our bow on the stage! And in Kensington – there are the most exquisite patisseries! There is literally nothing better than a croissant after a long class – and the one here that just calls out to my inner ballerina is
Pierre Hermé!
Pierre Hermé – now I feel like I’m a character from my ballet, everything is so refined, and I love feeling that elegance as you get in your warm and delicious food, like some beautiful choreography with a delectable end product.

Or, sometimes if you want to take in some sunshine, Kensington Gardens and the green space surrounding is simply magic. A peaceful, quiet and inspiring oasis for ballet dancers and those just taking in the beautiful views. What could be better?

#enpointe #ballet

Until next time, dance with me!