twist and shout

June 21, 2017 by Kirsten

Summer has officially arrived and I am LOVING IT. Wind in my hair, ice cream in my tummy, yes sirrrreee. Between traveling, teaching, and school, this is set to be the busiest summer of my life, but I’m always happiest when I’m buzzing from place to place.

In an attempt to grow my baby muscles/give myself some form of a routine, I’ve been getting back into kickboxing (remember our first fling?), which means more mornings start out early and spandex-y. My body doesn’t exactly wake up craving burpees and boxing, but having fun clothes to wear does help! Especially if you decide to grab an iced tea after working out and want to look a bit less like a drowned rat. If you are in need of some motivation to move this summer, check out Zarely‘s dancer-designed active wear, and use the code KIRSTENZARELY at checkout for 20% off your order.

{Here I am sporting the Iana top c/o Zarely, a brand that I am very proud to partner with. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Setting The Barre!}

photos by Jenay Evans.

plié this way

July 1, 2016 by Kirsten

I remember the first piece of Free People clothing I ever wore, because I still own it. Decidedly outside my usual color scheme, the tangerine hoodie is embroidered in thick black thread with an intricate floral pattern. It has been mine for nearly a decade, a most prized gift for accomplishing the awkward task of turning fifteen. Since then I’ve moved from my parents’ home to my brother’s, to a shared apartment in Providence before finally my own, and a certain orange sweater has come with me every time. Though admittedly not something I wear every day, that Free People hoodie gives me such fuzzy feelings.

These days my uniform has changed slightly, from tangerine sweatshirts to easy dresses, flowy tees and seamless intimates by the boho brand. It would be no exaggeration to say my closet is chock full of freeps…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So when Free People contacted me about styling a few pieces for their Movement is Free campaign, I yipped, squealed, and jumped on the idea. Kelly did what she does best (with a side of cuteness and Christmas) and HERE WE ARE! On the FREE PEOPLE WEBSITE! Sorry for the shouting. I’m a tad excited.

Go check it out, if you like. Let me know what you think, should you feel so inclined. I’ll just be here, happy-dancing…

all photos by Kelly Louise Photography.

c l o u d & v i c t o r y

May 13, 2016 by Kirsten

I first fell in love with Cloud & Victory via social media. It was a classic tale of Instagram romance, if you will. There were pizza emojis, hilarious narrations, and captions that spoke to my soul. This one made me laugh especially hard…

Cloud & Victory seems to speak the mind of today’s ballet dancer. Aside from all that Instagram brilliance, the collection itself is spotted with fun pop culture references, snarky quotes, and of-the-moment affirmations. The clothing (in design and manufacturing) is unusual, honest, and indisputably quirky. My jeté en l’air like you don’t care tee always cheers up a long Saturday in the studio, its cheekiness matched only by the lightness of its fabric.

When I saw this, I cracked up and just knew I had to reach out to Min, the genius behind the C&V brand. We instantly connected (thanks social media and shared interests), and sweet Min sent over a tee from the Spring collection (Blood, Sweat & Pirouettes could not be a more accurate description of the Swan Lake preparation process- and yes, I do sweat glitter) as well as the Svetlana Zakharova/Carl Sagan mash-up inspired by the former’s Odette (because Carl Sagan as Odette would probably be more of a turtleneck situation). I snuggled up with my super soft new duds and chatted with the lovely Min about the dancewear brand that bolstered her in the wake of very personal despair…

Hi Min! Let’s get right to it. Tell us how Cloud & Victory began.

I had become anorexic and clinically depressed when I was in law school from pushing myself too hard, and had taken a year off to recover. A new ballet school opened near my home, and I decided to take some ballet classes. Ballet was really helpful to my recovery, and when I returned to university to finish my degree I decided to design and sell some fun ballet tops to cope with the trauma of going back to school – clothes I would want to wear. After graduation, I was still too ill and weak to take a full time job, so I decided to focus on the clothing thing for a few months while I got better. Even though it was supposed to be temporary, I took it very seriously! I knew that I wanted to offer a socially-responsible product, with clothing that was high-quality and ethically made. I did a lot of research and put a lot of work into it. The word got out very gradually, but the response was very positive, both from professional dancers and students, so I kept going and going. And I haven’t stopped!

It’s hard work but I love C&V and am grateful to have the chance to do what I’m doing. I’m also very lucky to have my family’s support – even though they initially didn’t have a clue about ballet and were pretty skeptical of this funny online thing I was doing! Cloud & Victory is actually a combination of my parents’ Chinese names.

Your story is really quite beautiful. What has been the most special moment for you in creating this brand?

Oh gosh, so many! Shooting with my friends, like Joy Womack, Keenan Kampa and Miko Fogarty. A forthcoming collaboration with Gaynor Minden. Going backstage after an ABT performance and realising that a bunch of dancers knew about C&V. Diana Vishneva contributing her pointe shoes to a fundraiser I organized for Nepal earthquake victims. A woman e-mailing me to tell me that an interview I did with Royal Danish Ballet’s Carling Talcott about our experiences with anorexia encouraged her to seek help for her eating disorder. All the people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, collaborating with and befriending through C&V – I treasure all these moments and relationships. They keep me going when I feel discouraged or burnt out.

The biggest one that stands out for me right now was going to Russia to shoot with Joy – I had my photographer and backup photographer cancel on me just days before the trip, Russia had just invaded Ukraine so there was a lot of uncertainty, and I was one of the few crazy foreigners going into the country instead of trying to get out. This short Chinese person, wandering into Russia. But thankfully it all worked out.

“I had never imagined when I started C&V that I would ever end up in this place, this ballet mecca, and pull off this crazy, incredible experience.”

I got to collaborate with Joy again and watch her perform, which was such a treat. I met and took pictures of some lovely girls from Vaganova school, some of whom I’m still in touch with – I couldn’t believe that all the way in Russia, there were dancers who liked C&V and wanted to work with me!

On my last night I watched the Mariinsky perform. It was amazing – my first ever Ratmansky! After the show, I was waiting by the canal between the old and new Mariinsky buildings for my friend Xander. I remember looking up at the night sky and crying: it was so surreal. I had never imagined when I started C&V that I would ever end up in this place, this ballet mecca, and pull off this crazy, incredible experience. And then Xander popped up next to me and I had to hastily tidy myself up without him noticing. Luckily it was dark!

Most of the Russians I met were really nice and helpful as well, I’ve heard from my Russian friends that this isn’t always the case!

Wow, squad goals is right! You have had some pretty incredible experiences so far. What’s your ultimate pipe dream?

Well, of course every business owner wishes for their brand to be successful. I suppose my biggest goal would be for C&V to be in a position where thorough it I can contribute consistently and meaningfully to the world we live in, and to foster a ballet community where we can help and empower each other. It sounds terribly cheesy, but it’s true! Oh, and to be less stressed. Less tired, more inspired – that’s the dream!

AMEN TO THAT.

Thank you so much Min, for generously sharing your humor, your story, and your glorious designs! Head over here to shop and learn more about Cloud & Victory on their blog. xx

All photos via Cloud & Victory.

s n e a k peek: fp x fbp

April 14, 2016 by Kirsten

On Monday a few of the FBP ladies and I got together with girls of Free People Providence for an exciting collaborative photoshoot of the Free People Movement collection. We headed over to the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket to fill up the bare industrial space with soft spandex, tulle, and floaty port de bras. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes action, stay tuned for the official photos…

follow @freepeopleprovidence and @festivalballetprovidence for the latest.

ms. rubia and her wonderful warmers

December 4, 2015 by Kirsten

Last winter, somewhere in the midst of record-breaking snowfall, a friend introduced me to RubiaWear leg warmers. Flattering silhouette, ultra thin fabric, soft knit, subtle stripes. Always game for a little investigation, I decided to give them a go. 11026053_1607928049427136_5997283873558158194_n

When my first pair arrived in the mail, immediately I was hooked. For the remainder of the season, not one morning passed where I watched my reflection without the warm hug of my trusty Rubias. Today Boston Ballet’s Ashley Ellis, the genius behind RubiaWear, sheds a bit of light on what life has been like since creating the collection of warmers worn ’round the world…

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So Ashley, how did you become inspired to start making leg warmers?

It should be noted that I am in Boston now, and well, winter here is notorious for being long with extreme conditions, so this was surely extra incentive for creating a line of ‘warm ups’!

Apart from this, I really enjoy making all sorts of things, am always busy with projects, I find it to be a nice outlet for me. Whether I’m sewing, fixing things around the house, painting, baking, or what ever else sparks my curiosity. Needless to say that when I sew I am often drawn to making things to wear in the studio because this is where I spend so much of my time.

In the months before I opened the line I had made some legwarmers for myself, simply because I had lost the ones I’d had before (by that mysterious fairy that steals dancewear left in the studio over night). I played a bit with different styles that I found to be most flattering. Then, a few friends started to ask me to make them some. As more people showed interest I thought it would be fun to make more and come up with a design to offer to my colleagues. I explored this idea step by step, and with each new detail I wanted to create a product that looked professional but maintained a unique quality. In the end I thought I might as well make it an official line and how fun it would be to offer not just to my friends, but also to anyone who would be interested.

Your tendency towards constantly finding little projects is so relatable. So, what made you decide to turn it into a business?

It wasn’t really a predetermined plan of mine, it just sort of happened. Not to say it was easy- it took a lot time, work, and educating myself on how to get it all going, but I was having fun with it so I kept going.

I knew that my colleagues were fans of the warmers but I had no idea whether or not people outside of my direct contact would be interested in buying them so I just decided to give it a shot. I did feel that if I was going to offer RubiaWear to the dance world at large I wanted the product to be of a high quality and offer an attractive platform from which I was able to sell it. Essentially, something that I myself as a dancer would want to buy and wear everyday.

Since starting with the official line of RubiaWear things have been escalating nicely which has been a very exciting ride so far. It’s been difficult to keep up with at times, and I wish I could move faster and offer more growth sooner, but this will come with time. I plan to introduce new designs, premade products to get things to customers faster.

Being a dancer is still my passion and full time concentration, so at times there are moments when I have to step back and admit that there are things that still have to wait and feel fortunate that things have escalated at the pace that they have.

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I’ve always wondered, where does the name RubiaWear come from?

While dancing in Spain for three years with the Corella Ballet de España I picked up the nickname Rubia, which essentially means Blondie, and it kind of stuck. I wanted to have a part of myself in the name but didn’t really want to use my own name. So, RubiaWear has a sort of disguised part of me in it. I chose the logo and its colors because I thought suited the ‘blonde’ theme. I like that there is meaning behind it but it doesn’t have to be completely obvious.

I just love your children’s line, Rubita, and my goodness, the Rubita MINI series- don’t even get me started. Cuteness overload! Where did the inspiration to start making miniatures come from?

Well, besides the fact that the Rubita sizes are so adorable? Haha. I just thought that there are so many young dance students out there who should also keep their little legs warm in between classes and to and from the studio. These ballerinas in training should also have the option to wear dancewear that is unique and showcases their sense of style, even if they do have to wear a uniform for class. I plan to offer children’s sizes whenever I can with future products as well.

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What has been the most surprising/exciting/fulfilling aspect of running RubiaWear so far?

I’ve really enjoyed the learning aspect that starting RubiaWear has offered. I’ve had to learn a lot, not just about how to make warmers but how to run a business.

I’d say one of the most rewarding things has been seeing people all over the world getting excited about the product. I enjoy being in contact with the customers. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback and it gets me more excited and confident about moving forward into the future.

I have to mention that I’m grateful for how encouraging and supportive people, near and far, have been of this venture.

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THANK YOU to the inspiring and beautifully articulate Ms. Ashley Ellis for sharing her story! To shop the collection (which I highly recommend), head right this way. To catch Ashley on stage, head over here.

photos by Kenneth B. Edwards

spread the {dance} love

November 6, 2015 by Kirsten

Tights, tutus, hairpins, legwarmers, leotards, lessons, shoes. Oh, all the shoes…

Being a student of dance is expensive. In fact, much of the elitist stipulation surrounding ballet stems from the steep price of entry. The combined costs of attire, training, and transportation add up quickly, and for those who simply cannot not dance, this financial struggle creates an impermeable wall. The inextinguishable desire to dance rattles both bodies and bank accounts, forcing those who must move (and their families) to make huge sacrifices in pursuit of a dance education. Sadly, sometimes even the most extreme sacrifices are not enough. That’s where Jordana Jands and her new startup dancewear brand, dancelove, come in.

“Once a dancer, always a dancer.” We’ve all heard and Amen, honey!-ed this before, right? Well Ms. Jands, dance educator in Alberta, Canada, wants to harness the strong familial nature of the dance community. Our world is universal, but small; exclusive, but shared. Once you’re a part of the dance family, you’re in for life. Dancelove celebrates that relationship. The brand new apparel line features scripted dance lingo on each piece, providing a nod to the shared culture, while dancelove’s mission honors the unwavering support system that makes the dance world so special: $1 of each purchase will be donated to the student scholarship fund of a local studio in need. If that doesn’t warm your heart, twinkle your toes and make you want to sauté wildly on your bed first thing in the morning…well, merde.

pirouette sweater by dance love c/o, all photos by Jenay Evans for STB.

desert rose

August 19, 2015 by Kirsten

Si la rose est belle fleur, c’est aussi parce qu’elle s’ouvre.

Okay, now can you just spin a little bit…Ah! What are you, a ballerina or something? From behind the camera, Daniela’s sweet tone and playful question made me giggle.

Between barefoot pirouettes, Actually, yes, I am!, and another wild twirl in the lowest, most careful demi-pointe the muddy cobblestone prescribes.

Decked out in Free People, in the ridiculously talented company of PVD’s most inspiring photographer and FP PVD’s resident graphic designer/goddess (check out that typography below), I twirled the day away and had the loveliest of times. Why can’t every day be this dreamy?

Thank you, Free People Providence, I so enjoyed being a part of your Desert Rose Campaign. Now to make those clogs mine…

photos by Daniela Dawson, Let Light In text by Emma Kunz, rose quote by Charles De Leusse.

studio to street

August 12, 2015 by Kirsten

Sartorially, there are two things I will never pass up: a multifunctional piece and a challenge.

Inspired by creative director at Danseuse/one half of the ever-inspiring Kingdom of Style, Ms. Michelle Haswell, I decided to test the boundaries of my balletwear by taking it outside the studio. This experiment resulted in the above outfit, best described as unapologetically playful grey on grey with a hint of punk-in-the-Michelle-Tanner-way.

Perhaps not the most sensible outfit choice for yesterday’s little monsoon, surprisingly this look carried me- with extreme comfort- from tea to shopping to more tea, writing, laundering, jazzercising, fig-eating and all of the other fun Tuesday activities I got up to (wake me up when August ends). I also felt pretty badass knowing that I was secretly increasing the wearability of my wardrobe all day. So there you have it- balletwear in the real world- it can be done!

For more studio to street looks, and specifically the ones that inspired this post, run along over here.

PS- stay tuned for a peek at a bit of new Danseuse I’m exxxxxtremely excited about…

{shorts, tee, vest, sneakers}

danseuse balletwear

April 14, 2015 by Kirsten

I firmly believe that ballet is for everyone. Physically invigorating, emotionally empowering, and creatively freeing, ballet feeds every portion of a person. From the proper management of bodily stress to the discipline of repetition, there is always something to be learned. Regardless of age, body type, and experience, the benefits of a ballet class are universally attainable- the “ballerina body”, however, is not quite so easily acquired. Enter Danseuse Balletwear. Created by style blogger/recreational ballet dancer, Michelle Haswell, and her fashion designer friend, Aleksandra “Dust” Stojadinov of the label Disturbance, Danseuse is a collection of luxe warm-ups designed to flatter all body types, from the lithe young ballerina to the one-class-a-week mother of 3, and every dancer in between. The line was born from Ms. Haswell’s struggles with the common insecurities that seem to spawn from most balletwear, and her unique vision of a truly beautiful,

“universal and luxurious collection, which is kind to all bodies and ages.”

Each piece reflects the graceful world from which it was inspired, incorporating sweet tulle hems, delicate wrapped fabrics, and soft feminine cuts to create elegant garments fit for a prima- and a pupil.

I had the pleasure of testing out two pieces from the Danseuse collection, made to order in The Netherlands by the talented Miss Dust herself. The darling Lana romper (pictured above) is the barre equivalent of your favorite onesie: soft, snuggly, effortless and a magnet for compliments. Even FBP’s artistic director stopped me in the hallway to check out the romper and let me know just how much he liked it! The coziest warmup in my arsenal, by far, and I’m loving this neutral pastel pallet- perfect for spring.

Also fluttering their way into the FBP studios, the breezy Wendy shorts feature a loose fit and curved hem, with high cut sides that resemble a longer style of the infamously flattering “SAB skirt“. These are perfect for keeping your hips warm without the restriction of any tight, clingy fabrics restricting your movement. All of the perks of a skirt, in shorts form…kind of like the ballerina version of that beloved skort from your childhood…see, dreams do come true! And with a name like Wendy, you know these are sure to be my new favorite shorts…

Both pieces are made to have a looser fit and feature adjustable drawstring waists, so you can easily tailor the garment precisely to your preference- grand battements to the gods, who’s with me?!

PS- Check out this post from Danseuse Balletwear co-founder, Michelle Haswell’s “pointers” (heh heh) for preparing for your first pointe class. I must admit, in my first pointe class I was guilty of that dreaded ribbon faux pas!

PPS- Leg warmers in the first photo by Rubiawear.

PPPS- Stay tuned for an exclusive chance to get your hands on some of my favorite brands, coming later this week!

leading ladies: misty & amy

April 12, 2015 by Kirsten

Ballet and fashion have enjoyed a mutually propitious relationship for quite some time, volleying inspiration throughout history and resulting in some pretty amazing collaborations. But the bond goes so much deeper than the beauty and glamour they share, and who better to showcase that bond than two of ballet and fashion’s leading ladies, ABT soloist Misty Copeland and Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Amy Astley?

If you’ve ever wondered what a conversation between these powerhouses might consist of, you’re not alone, and you’re in luck. As part of their fantasy-indulging “Possible Conversations” series, online editorial platform, The Thick, has brought Copeland and Astley together (in a super luxe setting, to boot) for an exclusive feature. The resulting discussion does not disappoint, diving right in passed the glitz and straight to the grit.

I was so pleased to follow the conversation into truly honest territory, in which the ladies weigh in on the juxtaposing grace and strength that can exist within a single creature. So much of fashion pursues a seemingly unattainable “easy” chicness, and the mastery of ballet revolves around making each impossible step look natural. One comment in particular, from Ms. Astley, really struck me:

“Whether in dance or fashion, if you can get to the top, you know you’re made of stern stuff. It’s sort of like ‘Swan Lake.’ The swan is so beautiful on the water, but underneath, the legs are working like crazy.”

When I teach ballet to younger students, this is one of my favorite examples to use. In an attempt to calm their often rambunctious port-de-bras and shift some of that excess energy into the lower halves of their bodies, first I ask my students what a swan looks like from our point of view, gliding over the water. “Elegant! Soft! Smooth! Feathers! One time I fed swans with my grandpa!”…you always get that one giggle-inducing response. Then, I ask them to show me what a swan’s feet and legs are doing under the water, and their rollicking interpretations never fail to spread a smile across my face. It’s such an accurate illustration of the work that goes into making something look effortlessly beautiful, and the fact that Ms. Astley used this comparison to link fashion and ballet just makes me love the special connection between them that much more.

The ballet world can feel so isolating, with its strong focus on physical aesthetics and that winding road towards an impervious perfection, but an inside look at the fashion industry lends comfort in its lipstick-masked strength. Amy and Misty cover so many relevant topics, comparing views on beauty, art, femininity and what happens when you’re just a tad bit of a glutton for punishment (sound familiar, anyone?). I highly recommend playing fly-on-the-gorgeously-bookshelved-sapphire-wall of this Possible Conversation.

photos c/o The Thick.