Leotard Style 756

Leotard Style in Aldridge: A Ballet Dancer's Guide Hey everyone! I'm Olivia, and I'm a ballet dancer, gymnast, and fashion blogger. I’m pretty much obsessed with leotards - and so should you! As an Aldridge resident, I've found some amazing local spots to get my leotard fix and want to share some tips and trends to get your leotard game strong, so you can feel fabulous in and out of the studio. **Leotard Styles:** The first thing you need to consider when choosing your leotard is what style you're going for. * **Classic:** If you're a classic ballet dancer, then a basic, sleeveless leotard with a scoop or round neckline is essential. Look for materials like nylon or Lycra, which provide a sleek, comfortable fit. They can be either a classic pink or black for traditional studio vibes. * **Funky and fun:** A great option for adding some personality to your training gear. Try bold colours like electric blue, purple, green, or even neon pink. Look for ones with unique cuts, like racerback or V-neck, with cute cutouts, or even details like sequins or mesh panels. They'll add a touch of edge to your ensemble. * **Sleeved leotards:** Perfect for colder studios and colder days - it is Aldridge after all! Long or three-quarter-sleeve leotards can add some warmth and elegance, particularly the gorgeous long sleeve ones that you can find with some interesting cut outs. Leotards and Your Dance Style:** Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there is a leotard to make you feel and look your best. Here are some things to consider when picking a leotard based on your chosen dance style: * **Ballet:** If you are a ballet dancer, the classic scoop or round neck sleeveless is a staple. For pointe work, a good tight, stretch leotard is key! And, a great one-piece or a convertible bra and bottom combination will keep you comfortable and feeling graceful. You may find you favour certain colours in your leotard depending on your hair or skin colour. * **Gymnastics:** A gym leotard needs to be comfortable enough to move around in! It also needs to be practical and help the gymnast perform certain moves with ease. Look for leotards made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics with good flexibility for maximum freedom of movement. Styling Up your Leotard:** A leotard can be more than just an undergarment. Let your creative flag fly and really embrace some fun styling! * **Accessorise with tights:** An amazing way to add some personality. Black tights with leotards always look smart, but play around with patterned tights - you can't go wrong with some festive animal prints or sparkly numbers. If you want a sleek, clean and polished look, consider classic colour block styles like black and white or pastel pinks, greys and whites. * **Add some layers:** You can also dress up a basic leotard with some fashion-forward additions - think skirts! If you want a softer vibe, pair a simple knit cardigan or a casual jacket with your leotard, or add a touch of shimmer and bling with a beautiful sparkly crop top or an ethereal sheer blouse for a touch of glam. * **And don’t forget the shoes:** It’s about that overall look, so your footwear matters! It’s fun to match leotard colour to shoe colour for a coordinated feel! For dance shoes, be sure to choose the right type for the dance form you practice - point shoes for ballet, jazz shoes, and athletic dance shoes all have a different look and fit, which really elevates the ensemble and completes the leotard aesthetic. #leotardstyle in Aldridge If you're in Aldridge and are looking to level up your leotard game, there are a couple of fantastic local places that are definitely worth checking out. Here’s a local look: * **The Dancewear Store** on Wolverhampton Road. The staff is amazing and are always really knowledgeable when helping to choose a style of leotard for dance classes and gymnastics - I highly recommend getting expert advice. I love that they also stock dance bags, accessories, shoes, and tights. * **The Craft Corner** on High Street - not exclusively a dancewear store, but I'm always excited to check out their crafting fabrics, which can really elevate a basic leotard. It’s perfect for making your own dance accessories like scrunchies and headbands! **Tutus and More!** Every ballerina has a secret soft spot for tutus! Whether it’s a beautiful romantic tulle ballet tutu or a colourful fun one - they really add a touch of magic! For those interested in trying out different tutu styles, be sure to check out these websites for beautiful, and budget-friendly tutu designs: * **The Dance Shop** online: The best place to buy high quality, and beautiful ballet tutus of all shapes, sizes and styles, with a wide range of colours. They even have stunning costume tutus. * **Etsy:** My personal favourite, where you’ll discover loads of handmade tutus for children and adults in amazing styles that you wouldn't find in your local shops. They also have fun and glamorous alternatives, with tutus that really spark some serious wow-factor, like the magical, glitzy sparkly tutu creations. **Leotards as an Everyday Trend** I’ve really been excited by how leotards are being styled off the dance floor. From festivals to the gym to casual, chic, streetwear – they've gone mainstream! You can find them with high-waisted jeans and a stylish bomber jacket or as part of a fun festival outfit, like paired with a long flowy skirt or shorts. Some fashion brands like ASOS have embraced the trend, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to look glam, check out their selection - I love their colour choices, fabrics and styles, which go well with both sleek outfits and dressed-up styles for evening. Let me know your leotard favourites in the comments and tag me on Instagram at @OliviasDanceWear to share your stylish leotard outfits - you can’t go wrong with a stylish and elegant #leotardstyle. #leotardfashion