2024 Spring time Tutu Shopping in Hove

Hey lovelies! Emma here, your resident ballet blogger, and as the sun is finally starting to shine and the birds are singing, there's only one thing on my mind: Tutu shopping in Hove! Spring is the perfect time for a wardrobe refresh and what better way to do it than with some seriously stunning balletwear.

I love Hove. The Brighton sea air makes my hair smell incredible, the Victorian architecture feels just so regal and there's just this atmosphere that makes you want to twirl! I mean, I always want to twirl, but this city takes it to a whole new level.

And since I'm all about finding the perfect pieces, I've put together a little guide to some of Hove's best balletwear boutiques. So, grab your bestie, grab your bank card, and get ready to twirl, because we're about to make this spring one for the dance books!

Our first stop has to be the legendary Church Road. Seriously, it's a haven for fashion lovers like me, and it's filled with adorable independent shops brimming with unique treasures. We're heading for some of my faves, places where you can find everything from cute and chic to sleek and sophisticated ballet essentials.

• "The Dance Shop"

This little gem is my go-to for everything dance-related. I love their friendly staff and their vast collection of quality ballet shoes. Don't forget to check out their amazing selection of "D.K. Bloch" ballet tights. The ones with the flower patterns are a must! And trust me, if you're looking for the perfect pointe shoes, this is the place to get fitted properly.

• "The Boutique"

This shop is perfect if you're looking for the "classic ballerina" look, or maybe even if you're "en pointe" for a competition or exam. They have a huge selection of leotards, tutus, skirts and other garments from a variety of brands. My favourite leotard - a stunning burgundy number from "Wear Moi" - is from here, and they even had the matching "bloomers" too! And their tutu collection? Let's just say, my wallet's never been so happy. They have everything from Romantic tutu's to "en pointe" Competition tutus! And speaking of tutus, their "The Secret Dressmaker" custom tutu service is incredible. They'll hand-make you the tutu of your dreams. They also have all those extras that can take your look to the next level, from hair scrunchies to pretty dance bags.

• "Little Dance"

This charming boutique is filled with beautiful leotards, wraps, and a selection of dance accessories. Their "*En Pointe" *section has some gorgeous options. They even have ballet shoes and the cutest, most fashionable tights from the brands like "So Danca" and "Grishko" and even "Wear Moi." If you're into pastels, this is the place to be!

Hot Tip: Don't forget to check out the sales section in all these stores, you can often find some incredible deals.

Next, let's dive into the bohemian paradise of the "Lanes". The energy of this place always gets my creative juices flowing and makes me want to get out my "pink chalk pen" and get scribbling in my design book. And just like Church Road, the Lanes are home to unique boutiques that sell amazing ballet-inspired clothing and accessories.

• "The Fashion Boutique"

You know those clothes that are SO cool and comfortable, you just want to wear them for a ballet class instead of a night out? That's "The Fashion Boutique"! They have stylish dancewear, casual looks that can be effortlessly styled, and even beautiful outfits for "theatre performances". It's great if you want something that stands out from the crowd. Their selection of leotards, wraps and hoodies, and even ballet skirts is great, and their pieces are so versatile, you can wear them both on and off the dance floor.

• "The Dress Emporium"

I can't go to the Lanes without stopping by "The Dress Emporium," which is a haven for vintage-inspired style. This is where I get my unique and quirky ballet clothes, with pastel colours and floaty fabrics. Don't miss their amazing “boho” style tops and dresses - think pretty frills and crochet - perfect for a laid back rehearsal look, or after class cocktails with the girls! If you love all things whimsical this is your place to go!

• "The Little Ballet Shop"

Ok, "The Little Ballet Shop" may be tiny, but it’s filled with treasures! I’m always blown away by their selection of tutus, ballet shoes, leotards, tights, skirts, and other dancewear that will give any ballerina a fashion edge. You can find the most stunning tutus - I am obsessed with the lilac ones with a satin finish, which is a little like a ballerina princess fairytale.

Hot Tip: The Lanes are a great place to grab some cute "floral themed" snacks and refreshments, or even some "vintage" inspired dance shoes.

No ballet-themed trip to Hove would be complete without a visit to the "King's Road." This prestigious street has that luxurious feel, and it’s where you can find more of the “premium dancewear” brands that I LOVE!

• "The Ballet Boutique"

This boutique is the one to go to for seriously sophisticated dancewear. I just love it, and their pieces are so well made - quality really matters to me. If you are a professional dancer, they will have what you need! Their selection of "competition dancewear", including stunning tutus and dance shoes, will make you look and feel amazing. You’ll want to wear them to the “Grand Theatre” afterwards. I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for "luxury ballet fashion."

• "The Dancer's Wardrobe"

"The Dancer's Wardrobe" has been around for years - it’s the go-to place for all things ballet and contemporary. I just adore it! Their "designer dancewear" * pieces are gorgeous, and I am always looking to add something special to my dancewear collection. You can even find gorgeous *"ballet jackets", that are made in the same "beautiful fabrics" as your dance leotards and skirts - just pure luxury. If you love to dance in style, and your budget allows, go for it. This place is a gem!

I've mentioned some of the biggest stores for dancewear, but you know, what I love most about Hove is that there are tons of independent boutiques scattered all around that have hidden treasures you won't find anywhere else. Don't just look for shops that say "Dancewear" on the door. Look out for cute little shops with quirky clothes that you could easily adapt for your dance classes - this is where you'll find those unique and trendy "Hove Style" pieces! I always find myself wandering through back alleys, getting lost in those "hidden-gem shops," where you can pick up anything from ballet-inspired jewelry, to ballet inspired t-shirts, to pretty and "vintage-esque" bags, or accessories, or a special gift that makes that one tutu look "just perfect"!

And if you're looking for inspiration, remember "Hove" is home to the wonderful Brighton Dance School. Pop in for a class, see what they wear, or get a chat with a dance instructor!

So, you've done all your shopping, and your wardrobe is brimming with amazing dancewear. Well, it's time to treat yourself! Here's my “After Dance Shopping” plan:

• Seafront stroll: Let's soak up the sea air, and marvel at the coastline. I like to find a bench where I can sit with my fave pink drink.
• Delicious Dinner: What is Hove without some mouthwatering food. I recommend trying out a local "fish and chip shop" on the pier - it's one of my favorite Hove rituals!
• Dessert Delight: We're definitely going for a gelato treat in the "Lanes", a classic after a successful dancewear shopping spree! I’m all about those delicious flavours like “raspberry and lime”.

So, whether you’re a "beginner ballerina" or a "professional dancer," or maybe just a "dancewear lover", there's nothing better than springtime in Hove, twirling with all my new goodies. #tutushop # HoveStyle