Hello lovelies! Emma here, and itâs officially SPRING! The sun is shining (well, hopefully!), the birds are chirping, and guess what that means? Time to freshen up your ballet wardrobe, of course! You know, with all those spring recitals and competitions coming up⌠I canât help but think about my little twirling outfits. What about you?
This year, Iâm taking a break from the usual London scene and embracing my hometown of Leicester. With all its independent boutiques and buzzing creative scene, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to share my findings with all you beautiful dancers! Letâs dive into the world of tutus and balletwear in the heart of the Midlands!
Dancewear Heaven: The City Centre Scene
The Leicester city centre has a pretty fantastic offering when it comes to dancewear. Weâre talking everything from classic leotards to the most fabulous tutus â itâs basically a dancerâs dreamland!
The Dancewear Emporium: Letâs start with the absolute haven of all things dance, The Dancewear Emporium! Youâll find them right at the heart of the city on Humberstone Gate. This place has everything! From Bloch to Capezio, you'll find top brands on display, along with some amazing affordable options, making it perfect for ballerinas on a budget (we all know that feeling!).
The store layout is absolutely delightful â organized by style and brand. The staff, honestly? The sweetest bunch. They're knowledgeable about the range and eager to help you find that perfect outfit.
Hot Tip: They usually have a little "sale corner" crammed full of incredible bargains! So make sure you check that out too.
Tutu Delights: Where The Magic Happens
Alright, so youâve got your basic leotards and tights sorted⌠Itâs time for the real fun: tutus! Letâs head to Leicestershire Ballet & Theatre Costumes. Located at the heart of Leicester on Bowling Green Street, this family-owned store has been making costumes since 1946. Yes, thatâs over 70 years! Can you believe it?
Now, this is where things get seriously exciting! I'm talking about tutus custom-made by some seriously talented ladies. Itâs a joy just to visit and watch the craft unfold. From delicate romantic tutus for younger ballerinas to sparkling grand tutus, their work is phenomenal. Don't forget about their stunning pointe shoes too â the range is incredible!
Style on a Budget: The Shopping Centre Haven
If youâre after an easy, budget-friendly shopping spree, then Highcross Shopping Centre has some amazing finds! Letâs hit up Sports Direct â yes, I know what you're thinking, but honestly, it's worth a visit for the dancewear section! They have a variety of leotards, tights, warm-up gear, and some basic tutus.
Remember: Thereâs also M&S, offering classic styles in pretty pinks, blues, and blacks, for when you just want something comfy and practical! Theyâre excellent for beginner dancers or simply those on a budget.
Boutique Blooms: A Treasure Hunt for Unique Styles
But my fellow ballerinas, hold onto your tutus! Iâm not done yet. Here's a secret: Leicester is buzzing with amazing independent boutiques, tucked away in charming streets and hidden gems. The key is to wander and discover! I always find my favorite bits in small shops like this. They often stock the most interesting brands, the styles are so unique, and the service is absolutely delightful!
Keep an eye out for:
- The Funky Peach on Friar Lane. They stock quirky styles, and you can find some delightful ballet accessories that are totally Instagram-worthy.
- The Bloom Boutique in the vibrant St Martins Square â think modern designs, bright colors, and styles with a touch of drama â perfect for showing off those sassy moves!
- The Bluebell Collective in Leicesterâs New Walk. If youâre after ethical and sustainable options, then this shop is a must-visit! Youâll find beautifully designed leotards made from eco-friendly materials.
Donât Forget the Accessories!
A tutu outfit isn't complete without a splash of flair. Luckily, Leicester offers some beautiful accessory options too:
Hair Accessories: You can't forget a classic bun with a glitzy hair clip! The options at The Dancewear Emporium are amazing, but you can also find amazing hair pieces and barrettes at the shops on Silver Street, where theyâve got everything from the most elegant clips to quirky statement pieces.
Makeup: It wouldnât be a complete spring ballet spree without a touch of makeup magic. Leicester is home to M.A.C Cosmetics, offering some of the best makeup around! Head down to their counter at Highcross Shopping Centre and check out their stunning palette of colors perfect for those delicate dancer features.
Bag It Up: After all those fab shopping finds, youâll need a stylish ballet bag to carry all your lovely new treasures! Look no further than Accessorize, where they've got trendy bags to fit all shapes and sizes, from tote bags perfect for carrying a complete dancewear arsenal to cute little crossbody bags for those âessentials onlyâ trips.
A Final Dance Tip:
While you're enjoying your spring shopping spree in Leicester, remember to support your local ballet studios! Many dance schools host workshops, classes, and performances, creating a vibrant community and celebrating the love of ballet.
I always love supporting local artists, studios, and organizations because itâs a fantastic way to find amazing new talents, get inspired, and, honestly, just make some incredible memories! So, get your twirling shoes ready, and I'll see you in the dance studios, Leicester! #tutushop
