Tutu Tuesday 2

En Pointe in London: A Ballerina's Guide to the City's Best Shops for Pointe Shoes, Leotards, and Tutus London! It's the heart of the ballet world, and my heart skips a beat just thinking about all the amazing shops we have here. 🩰 From the quintessential elegance of a perfect pointe shoe to the glorious swirls of a beautiful tutu, finding the right outfit can make all the difference in your dance life. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a starry-eyed beginner, this Londoner knows exactly where to find those crucial must-haves! So let's dive in, darlings, and get our dancing shoes on. ✨ **Pointe Shoes: A Dancer’s Best Friend** These are the holy grails, the foundations on which we pirouette and soar. I have some personal favorites, which you’ll just have to trust me on – my feet wouldn’t lie! 😉 * ** Freed of London** (multiple locations, check their website!) > Freed of London, a classic choice, has a history with the ballet world stretching back decades, making them absolute legends in the ballet world. You can't go wrong with their range of shoes, offering excellent customer service, which is just so important for making sure you find the right shoe. The experts here will guide you to the perfect fit for your feet. * **Bloch Dance** (multiple locations in London) > Bloch, another mainstay, is a well-known favorite for many dancers and has been for decades! I always head straight to their range of comfortable shoes and supportive padding. You might find yourself popping in and buying more than you thought. Their tights and other necessities are top-notch, too. * **Dancewear Central** (Islington) > For the latest in pointe shoe tech and a more contemporary look and feel, Dancewear Central is your one-stop shop. This Islington boutique has an expert staff who will measure you and help you get that perfect fit. **Beyond the Pointe Shoe:** **Let's Talk Leotards!** A leotard is a ballerina’s essential base layer – that smooth, supportive canvas that allows you to move with effortless grace. My style, as you all know, leans toward elegance with a hint of sass! * **Ballet Boutique** (various locations around London, including Covent Garden) > For a curated selection that hits just the right note of chic, I can’t get enough of Ballet Boutique. From simple classics in chic colours like black and white to pretty details and a touch of shimmer, their collection is all about sophistication and style. * **The Dance Studio** (several branches in London) > The Dance Studio, my local store (although it’s a Londoner, the name of this ballet-centric spot gives you a pretty strong hint!), boasts a truly diverse selection. Their wide range is excellent for finding both practical and performance-worthy leotards. * **Top Dance** (various locations, their flagship store is in central London) > Top Dance is a go-to place to find affordable options without compromising on quality. They've got basics in an array of fabrics, colours and necklines to match your mood and move. **The Finishing Touch: Tutus!** ** #tutudreams** A beautiful tutu can transform you from a ballerina to a dancer on the stage! * **Dance London** (Hackney) > For handcrafted tutus that feel like a dream come true, look no further than Dance London in Hackney. They’ve got everything from classical, traditional designs to more modern and unique styles, and if you're after a bespoke look, these craftspeople will create something special just for you! * **The Costume Shop** (Clapham Junction) > The Costume Shop is a hidden gem where you can get everything from costume materials to completed tutus. I find this a wonderful spot for exploring styles for your next dance piece. Whether it's for a contemporary piece or for an amazing, romantic, and classical look – you can’t beat it. **Where to Find the Essentials in London: More Dancewear Heaven** And last, but by no means least, remember it’s not all just about shoes, leotards, and tutus! When it comes to finding the full spectrum of everything you need, it’s gotta be… * ** Danceworks London** (multiple branches across London) > You know you’ve got that familiar, comfy feeling in your belly when you’re in a dance shop that just "gets it"! Well, Danceworks is all that and more! I always end up picking up everything I didn’t even think I needed but secretly always wanted. 😉 I’ve seen some super cute leggings there that’ve added some flair to my look when I’m at class and after – and let’s face it, when you feel good you dance good, right?! **Finding Inspiration in London** For all my ballet enthusiasts, London offers a plethora of ballet schools, and not to mention our famous dance halls! I know we have the Royal Opera House as our flagship of course, but if you’re looking for smaller ballet institutions or independent ones that make me want to leap and twirl, then keep reading... * **The Royal Ballet School** > You simply can’t have a ballet list without The Royal Ballet School! Just to see the building from the outside, even without the inside view, makes me giddy with joy. But the magic doesn't stop there, you’ve gotta pop by the store if you haven’t yet. You're going to want to grab something! I am sure I’ve spent a good chunk of change there… and trust me, you won't regret it! * **Rambert Dance Company** (Hackney Wick) > The heart of modern dance (it is all about innovation here! ✨), this vibrant dance school is the perfect place to tap into something new and challenging, which is definitely something I need when my mind’s searching for the next artistic journey. * **The Place** (London) > For ballet and beyond, I’m so glad to say we've got this amazing and historic space. It’s one of my favourite venues, it always makes me want to move and try something a bit bolder – a challenge and a great place to expand my horizons! **The #ballet Experience Begins Here** This list of fabulous ballet retailers is just the tip of the iceberg. But with these suggestions, I know you’re going to find everything you need to look your best, move your best and feel inspired while you embrace this incredible journey in the heart of London. Whether you’re seeking a stunning tutu, the perfect pointe shoe, or an extra-comfy pair of dance leggings, there’s a perfect match waiting for you. So go on, explore London's thriving dance scene and #getenpointe !