2024 Spring time Tutu Shopping in Saint Albans

Hello, my lovely ballerinas! Spring has sprung and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement. The air is alive with the promise of sunshine, picnics in the park, and - of course - the chance to update my dancewear wardrobe! Now, Saint Albans might not be the first place you think of when you're looking for amazing tutus and ballet clothes, but trust me, this charming town has some real gems hidden away, just waiting to be discovered.

This spring, my mission was clear: find the perfect pink tutu for a photoshoot I have planned with my dance crew. It’s all about those bold and vibrant colours, right? You all know I love a statement piece, and pink, for me, is the quintessential spring colour - feminine, playful, and absolutely fabulous. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn’t love a little sparkle? I am a firm believer in finding outfits that bring joy to every single rehearsal and performance. You can’t go wrong with a vibrant tutu and some glitzy accessories, especially with summer approaching.

And if you’re looking to channel your inner ballerina (because who isn’t?!) , Saint Albans has the perfect mix of boutiques, high street stores, and independent retailers to keep any tutu-loving girl happy.

Firstly, a quick word on why I adore this beautiful, historic town so much. Aside from its beautiful, winding streets and bustling market (which, by the way, is always a fantastic source for unique vintage treasures - a real dancer’s paradise for funky second-hand dance wear, shoes and ballet books!) St. Albans has this wonderful old-world charm. It makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time but still offers every modern convenience. A total win!

And that brings us back to the exciting stuff - where to go tutu shopping!

For a taste of tradition:

• Saint Albans Dancewear (50a Holywell Hill, AL1 1EB). This charming little shop is a dancer's haven, stocking everything from leotards and tights to shoes and ballet accessories. I love how they cater to everyone from budding young ballerinas to seasoned dancers - they have a lovely range of tutus for beginners to professionals, as well as adorable, themed ones for tiny dancers. Plus, their customer service is warm and friendly - you really get that feeling of being in a community here, something that’s very important to me.

• Dancewear of St Albans (73 Holywell Hill, AL1 1HE). This store is a go-to for a wide selection of ballet and dancewear. You’ll find a beautiful range of tutus, leotards, skirts, tights, shoes, and accessories for all levels and ages, making it a convenient stop for everything you might need for a perfect ballet ensemble. They often have special promotions too.

For a modern edge:

• The Ballet Boutique (34 London Rd, AL1 1LA). This little boutique feels very stylish, and they pride themselves on high quality dancewear. I find they carry an impressive selection of high-quality brands, with a modern, almost fashion-forward twist. Plus, they're very generous with discounts and sales for returning customers. Always a plus in my book!

• St Albans Emporium (50 St Albans Rd, AL1 3EA). This quirky emporium is a treasure trove of unique finds, with a fantastic mix of vintage and contemporary fashion. You’re never quite sure what you’ll find here, but you can always be guaranteed a surprise, plus it’s a good source for ballet inspiration if you are looking to make your dancewear stand out from the crowd! Just make sure you have time to browse! You’ll definitely want to wander around their many stalls.

For an online treat:

• Danceshop (danceshop.co.uk). Dance Shop online is fantastic. If you don’t fancy making a trip to St. Albans or if you need a specific tutu, leotard or shoe in a flash, you can rely on this online store to deliver straight to your door! They carry a fantastic array of everything dance-related and often have fantastic offers and discounts, particularly at the beginning of each dance season.

While the perfect pink tutu for me is a must, let's talk about some fun ways to make your dancewear really stand out this spring. The beauty of tutus is that you can go from whimsical to ultra-modern by simply playing with accessories and styles!

Think pastel palettes: Embrace soft shades of blush, baby blue, and lavender, especially if you’re looking to achieve a really elegant look.

Sparkle and shimmer: It's spring - time to go glam! Add some sparkle to your dancewear with embellishments, sequins or rhinestones on tutus and leotards!

Funky Prints: Don't be afraid to experiment with prints and patterns on leotards, especially bold florals! It’s a fantastic way to add personality to your dancewear.

Let's Get Creative:
Remember to experiment with mixing and matching fabrics, patterns and textures to find your signature style! And who can resist a bit of feather trim? Or a chic pair of tights with fun details like lace or cutouts? There is such a variety to choose from and don't be afraid to express yourself and go a little bold.

For me, a day spent dancing is best rounded off with a leisurely lunch with friends at a cute café, perhaps a stroll through Verulamium Park (home to the ruins of Roman Verulamium) to enjoy the spring sunshine, and then some retail therapy in the heart of St. Albans.

Saint Albans is truly a delightful place to be when it comes to fashion. And with spring in full swing, don’t be afraid to explore the shops, embrace those pastel colours, embrace sparkle and glitter, and find your own special dancewear ensemble that reflects your inner ballerina.

Let’s make every day feel like a performance, and if you find any fantastic tutu finds, please be sure to tag me on social media #tutushop - I can't wait to see what you've found!