Hey fellow dance lovers! Emma here, back with another post about my absolute favourite time of year ā SUMMER! āļø Itās the season of sunshine, longer days, and of courseā¦ SUMMER BALLET! š
If youāre anything like me, you just canāt get enough of all things dance in the summer months. From open-air performances to ballet-inspired fashion, thereās a whole world of twirling magic waiting to be explored right here in Rochdale! And trust me, weāre not just talking about traditional ballets - this year, the summer scene is hotter than ever! š„
Ballet in Bloom: Summer Style & Inspiration
Firstly, letās talk fashion! This summer, itās all about embracing the "balletcore" trend. Think soft, flowy fabrics in pastel shades (hello, pink! š) like lavender, peach, and mint. Iām living in fitted crop tops, shirred dresses, and fluffy skirts. Don't forget a good pair of ballerina flats, or a pair of my faves, platform sneakers - you'll look ready to dance wherever you go.
But real talk, it wouldnāt be a ballet-themed post without a proper tutu shout-out. šš¼ Forget the stuffy, old-fashioned image of the tutu! This year, Iām all about fun, vibrant colours and short, flirty styles. They are a guaranteed mood booster and instantly add a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
And the best part? You donāt have to be a ballerina to wear one! Throw it on with a denim jacket and sneakers for a casual look, or pair it with a dress and heels for a glamorous evening ensemble.
Taking the Stage: Performances & Workshops
Alright, so weāve covered the fashion ā but what about the actual dancing?! š This summer, Rochdaleās got a stellar lineup of ballets, performances, and workshops. Youāre definitely not short of options, so grab your besties, get ready to twirl, and get those tickets booked!
1. Rochdaleās Open Air Ballet Festival:
- This year's Rochdale Open Air Ballet Festival is back with a BANG! This year, we have āA Midsummer Nightās Dream,ā a dazzling production that blends classical ballet with vibrant storytelling. Donāt miss out on the special performance with fireworks and an exclusive pre-show picnic! Youāll want to get your tickets early for this one!
- When: Every Saturday night in June.
- Where: Rochdale Town Centre. It's the best outdoor setting!
- Tickets: Online through the Rochdale Arts & Theatre website.
2. Classical Ballet at the Grand:
- Rochdale is lucky to have its own Grand Theatre showcasing world-class performances. This summer, you can catch āSwan Lake,ā a masterpiece of classical ballet that is always a must-see.
- When: July ā September, check the Grand Theatre website for exact dates.
- Where: The Grand Theatre, Rochdale.
- Tickets: Book in advance through the Grand Theatre box office or online.
3. Get Involved: Workshops and Classes
It's not all about watching - itās time to get your groove on! Summer is the perfect time to try something new, and Rochdaleās got you covered. Whether youāre a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, thereās a class or workshop just for you. Here are a few to try:
- Rochdale Dance Academy: The academy offers beginner ballet classes for all ages. They have workshops on āIntroduction to Balletā and āThe Art of Tutu-making" ā fun fact, Iāve been to both! š The ātutu-makingā workshop was such a blast. Itās the perfect opportunity to learn the basics and make a special tutu you can take home.
- The Ballet Company: Offering various classes, including beginner adult ballet classes. Try their āSummer Fun Workshopā ā itās perfect for mixed abilities and skill levels, covering ballet, contemporary, and even jazz dance.
4. Beyond the Studio: Explore Rochdaleās Dance Scene:
- Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors, and Rochdale has so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Check out these ideas for dance-themed fun:
- The Rochdale Ballet Walk: A beautiful walk following the historic trail of ballet in Rochdale ā a historical tour with some ballet inspired photo stops along the way! (hint, youāll find an excellent bakery on this walkā¦ yummy pastries while youāre at it!) š°
- The Rochdale Summer Street Dance Competition: Show off your moves in this awesome street dance competition for all ages and levels. It's free to enter!
Rochdale's Vibrant Summer Scene: More than just ballet!
Summer in Rochdale is bursting with exciting events, beyond just ballet. Here's what else you can catch during your "tutu season" adventure:
Music & Entertainment:
- The Rochdale Summer Music Festival: Get ready to groove to the beat of fantastic local musicians! š¤ This festival brings a mix of music styles to Rochdale, with stages located across the town centre. They usually feature at least one disco night - think vintage vinyl vibes with a sprinkle of 70ās funk! Itās so much fun! š¶
- The Rochdale Music Weekender: Another musical treat featuring a diverse range of local bands and international performers! Always a great event to mingle, catch some awesome music and meet some locals!
Outdoor Activities:
- The Rochdale Canal Walks: Relax and enjoy the scenic canal views. The Rochdale Canal runs through the heart of the town and is the perfect place for a walk or bike ride! I like to stop for coffee and treats at the canalside cafes. ā
- Rochdale Town Centre Markets: These traditional markets are a hub of local crafts, food, and unique treasures! Thereās a farmers market most Saturdays with local produce ā perfect to pick up some ingredients for your picnic! š„¬ š š§
The Rochdale Zoo: A wonderful spot for the whole family! Take the time to explore the many fascinating animals from around the world.
Rochdale: Your "Summer Ballet" Hub!
Remember to use the hashtag #tutusummer to share your ballet fun with the world!
There you have it, dance lovers! Rochdale is buzzing this summer! I canāt wait to see you all out there enjoying the summer ballet fun and the wider festivities the town has to offer. š Let me know your favourite finds! And remember ā when in doubt, twirl it out! š©°āļø
