Tutu Tuesday 3

Ballet En Pointe - The Birmingham Ballerina's Guide to Shoes, Leotards and Tutus #enpointe #ballet Hey everyone, it’s your girl, Lily here, your Birmingham-based ballet blogger bringing you all the hottest news from the dance world. Let’s face it, as a ballet dancer, our lives revolve around three key things: Pointe shoes, leotards and tutus! And as a lover of all things fashion, these are three things I truly believe in having fun with. But where do you go to find the best stuff? Let me fill you in on my Birmingham secrets... **The Holy Grail - Pointe Shoes** Let's be real, Pointe shoes are our *holy grail*, our ultimate ballet bestie! They are the shoes that make us feel like princesses, the shoes that give us our elegant, beautiful, breathtaking movements! Finding the right pair, however, is a whole saga in itself. So, here's my ultimate Birmingham guide: * **Birmingham Dance Centre** (City Centre): I literally started my dance journey with them! They have an incredible range, knowledgeable staff who understand that your feet are precious! And of course, the fit is key, because pointe shoes are as unique as your fingerprint. This is your one-stop shop for expert advice and fitting services. * **Ballet Shop** (Harborne): A true hidden gem! I found this one while exploring the lovely streets of Harborne and boy, are they fantastic. This small shop is crammed full of goodies, a paradise for dancers! Plus they have a brilliant online shop so you can have a browse without leaving your living room. I find their collection of Pointe shoes from renowned brands like Gaynor Minden, Grishko, Bloch is incredibly comprehensive and gives me such joy! **Finding the Perfect Fit - Leotards** Let's be real, the leotard is a ballet staple! Finding the perfect one can make all the difference, making you feel powerful and confident in class. Birmingham offers a lot in the way of dancewear shops, but I have to say that these two stand out: * **Dancewear Unlimited** (Selly Oak): It’s a massive shop, and the stock is simply amazing. They have so many beautiful leotards, and their friendly staff can really guide you towards something that suits your style. They have a wide array of sizes and colours, whether you are looking for a simple black or a striking fuchsia, there’s a leotard for everyone. * **Studio Moves** (Solihull): This is a relatively new addition to Birmingham, but oh my goodness! Studio Moves is located in Solihull, which is slightly out of the city centre, but it is definitely worth the trip! Their focus is on beautiful, high-quality dancewear. And you know I'm all for that. It's amazing! They always have new arrivals in leotards, so I constantly pop in for new goodies! **The Ultimate Dancewear Piece - The Tutu** Oh, the tutu. What’s a ballerina without their iconic tutu? We've seen all the different kinds throughout history: * **The Romantic Tutu:** So soft, delicate, flowing, like a beautiful cloud! You know it well from Giselle or the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker! They're usually made of several layers of tulle, all so lovely. * **The Classical Tutu:** Think about Swan Lake! They’re very stiff, made of more tiers and a lot of layers. These are all about beautiful shape, strength and impact! I remember making my first steps en pointe, in a simple white, classical tutu and feeling invincible! * **The Modern Tutu:** I've been a big fan of this kind lately, particularly for contemporary works! The modern tutu uses contemporary fabrics like chiffon, silk or even spandex. They're designed to reflect movement, freedom, fluidity... truly modern and stunning! No matter which tutu style is your fave, here's where you need to be for all things tutu in Birmingham! * **Costume Kings** (Digbeth): Costume Kings, they've always got my back when it comes to performance outfits, and they are known for their tutus too. Whether you're looking for a classic tutu, something modern or just something fancy for a performance or even just a photo-shoot, this shop has a range that is simply sensational! The guys at Costume Kings know all the styles, and will always recommend something that'll make your choreography pop! * **B Birmingham Costumes** (Aston): A gem for theatre lovers! It's packed with dance costumes, including tutus, but they're not just for dancers. It’s the best spot to browse through a variety of materials, find the perfect colours and even create your own tutus from scratch if you are feeling creative! I spend hours in here for the pure joy of it! **Accessorize for the ultimate ballerina look!** I’d be remiss not to mention the ultimate accessories to enhance your dancer style. Whether you're looking for warm-up gear, beautiful shoes for classes, the most comfortable dance bags or even fun, themed tights, Birmingham has it all: * **The Dance Shop** (Great Charles Street): A popular spot amongst the ballet crew. It’s full of dance essentials and they’re always keeping up with new trends! I especially love their range of dance bags. Some days, the bag can be the key highlight to my dancewear. * **Ballet World** (Aston): I truly admire their selection. You can really see the difference their knowledge makes. If you’re looking for tights, the best selection you'll find anywhere! They have tights of every colour under the sun, and even some glitter options, so you can bring a bit of fun to your classes. Now, you may be thinking, 'Lily, this is a LOT of places!' But seriously, Birmingham has so many options, from smaller shops with quirky personalities, to huge department stores dedicated to all things dance, this city is truly a dance haven! So put on your pointe shoes, choose your most glamorous leotard and select the perfect tutu for your next ballet adventure! And remember: you’re the star, shine bright, and make it your own. #ballet #birmingham #enpointe