Hey dancers! Emma here, your resident tutu fanatic and Blackburn ballet enthusiast. The sun's out, the days are long, and our hearts are aflutter with the excitement of a new dance season. And what better way to celebrate than with a new summer-themed tutu?! Blackburn's a haven for ballet lovers, and trust me, there's no shortage of gorgeous tutu styles to tantalise your tastebuds!
Pretty in PinkOh, pink! My favourite shade in the entire world. There's just something about the way it sparkles and dances under the lights - the epitome of femininity and ballet elegance. And believe me, there's a perfect shade of pink for every ballerinas' summer wardrobe. Here are a few of my current obsessions:
The Classic Baby Pink Tutu: A must-have for every ballerina! This classic look never goes out of style. A perfect baby pink tulle, soft and flowy, that's guaranteed to make you feel like a true princess on stage. For extra sparkle, try a little pink sequin detailing around the waistband.
The Rose Gold Tutu: This delicate hue is totally on trend right now, offering a touch of contemporary glam to the traditional tutu. Think subtle rose gold sparkles interwoven through a pale pink tulle, paired with a nude leotard. It's effortlessly elegant, both modern and timeless.
The Flamingo Pink Tutu: If you want a tutu that really pops, this is your jam. The perfect shade for a fiery flamenco-inspired piece, or a fun and funky contemporary number. Consider a fiery pink ombre effect - graduating from a deep, hot pink at the bottom to a delicate, flamingo pink at the waist.
Style Tip: A good pink tutu will accentuate your skin tone, making you feel radiant under the studio lights. When choosing a pink, be sure to find one that compliments your complexion.
Beyond the Classic: Summer's Tutu TrendsettersNow, who says a tutu has to be a traditional shape? Summer's the time to experiment, to push the boundaries, and try some unexpected trends. Here are a few ideas:
The Flowing Skirt: Forget tight, rigid designs, Summer 2023 is all about soft, billowing movements. A full, almost chiffon-like tulle, perhaps with delicate lace overlay, creates an enchanting look. This flowy silhouette will allow you to twirl freely, embodying the carefree spirit of summertime.
The Asymmetry Tutu: For a touch of contemporary flair, explore asymmetrical styles. A single side with a longer, layered tulle skirt, a short tulle overlay cascading to one side, or perhaps a tiered tulle with the bottom layers dipping at an angle. Playful, stylish, and guaranteed to turn heads!
The Floral Tutu: Summer's the season of blooms! Incorporate floral motifs for a delightful touch. Try a sheer white tutu with delicate floral embroidery around the waistband or bodice. You could also add tulle that features tiny, colourful florals woven into the fabric itself. A pop of colour with a vintage, whimsical twist.
The Metallic Tutu: Embrace some sparkle with iridescent or metallic hues. Imagine silver tulle catching the studio lights, reflecting the summer sun. Or go bolder with a deep teal metallic, perfectly matching a vibrant leotard. These styles can add an ethereal dimension to your choreography.
Style Tip: Experiment with layering to add complexity and visual interest. Combine a base tulle layer with a different fabric for texture, like a flowing chiffon, organza, or even lace!
Local Flair: Blackburn’s Tutu Boutique SceneBlackburn has become a mecca for ballet dancers who love style. We've got everything from independent designers crafting their unique creations to long-standing boutiques that have been serving our city for generations. Here are a few places I highly recommend you check out for your next summer tutu:
"Dancewear Elegance" : A one-stop shop with a fantastic collection of high-quality tutues and leotards. Their friendly staff will help you find the perfect look for your dance style. They're particularly known for their extensive selection of summer-themed fabrics and styles.
"The Ballerina's Closet": A true hidden gem! The owner, Mrs. Bailey, has been a ballet enthusiast for over 50 years. She meticulously sources unique fabrics and designs, making every tutu a little work of art. This is the place to find the ultimate statement piece for your summer performance.
"Fabrications" : This fabric haven isn't solely dedicated to tutus, but has become a favourite amongst Blackburn dancers looking to personalize their looks. You can find every type of tulle, lace, satin, and sequin imaginable to craft your dream tutu! Don't forget to check out their extensive collection of customizable leotards and accessories.
Style Tip: Be sure to ask your dance instructor or a knowledgeable ballet boutique employee about specific fabrics and styles that will be most flattering on your body and complement your dancing abilities.
Summer Inspiration: From Ballet Stage to Street StyleRemember, your tutu isn’t just for the ballet stage. It’s a powerful statement piece that can transition beautifully into street style. Pair a classic baby pink tutu with a sleek, black leather jacket and knee-high boots for a look that’s both edgy and elegant. For a fun, breezy outfit, throw a lightweight denim jacket over a floral tutu with some bright, patterned sneakers. And remember:
- Accessorize: Don’t forget a beautiful hairpiece, a simple ballet-inspired jewelry piece, or a dainty tote bag to elevate your summer tutu looks.
- * Confidence is Key:* Strut your stuff, wear your tutu with pride!
*Blackburn has something special, something exciting to offer the passionate ballerina within you. Get out there, explore, and discover the summer tutu that'll help you dance your heart out! Don't forget to tag your pictures with #tutustyle and #tutufashion to show us your summer tutu love. *
*See you on the stage! *
