Ballet Shopping in London: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Outfit
Hey lovelies! It’s time to get you kitted out for ballet! As a ballerina living in London, I've shopped around enough to know where to find the perfect outfits. So, let's dive into the city's best ballet shops.
West End and Covent Garden
* Dancewear Central on Garrick Street is a true ballet gem! You'll find all the big names: Bloch, Capezio, Gaynor Minden – everything you need! It's fantastic for professional dancers and serious hobbyists, especially if you're looking for pointe shoes. They have great knowledgeable staff, but it’s busy! Be prepared to queue.
* Cotswold's Dance, nestled near Covent Garden, is another excellent option with a great selection. This one feels a bit more boutique, with lots of beautiful leotards. I also like their smaller selection of shoes.
Across the City * **Anna Lou and The Danc'ers, Soho** is the go-to for unique and stylish pieces. They stock beautiful leotards, skirts, and warm-up clothes in stunning fabrics. It's a smaller boutique but you'll definitely find unique and stylish things. You may have to take your pick and buy on the spot though, as they only offer a limited amount of some designs.
Don't Forget to Look Online For a wider selection, you can't beat online shopping. Some of my favourite brands, like **Studio 7** and **Danskin** offer tons of different options. Check out **The Ballet Bag** - a fantastic online retailer, with lots of discount deals - a favourite for ballerinas.
Beyond Balletwear If you’re heading out to the theatre or a class after shopping, consider making your outfit a little more fashion-forward by layering your ballet look with stylish, flowy pieces. Londoners often do this, so don't be afraid to let your inner stylist loose! A flowy white shirt over your leotard and some chic trainers are an easy option to switch up your style. You could also consider throwing on a statement scarf for added sophistication.
Style Tip: Don't forget your ballet bag! Choose one with lots of pockets to store all your gear, and add a bit of personality to it. They sell adorable ballet bags at all the places mentioned above. Happy shopping, lovelies!