she thinks therefore she thinx

April 26, 2017 by Kirsten

Everything is beautiful at the ballet…except when it’s not.

Let’s be real for a second, okay? Disclaimer: Male readers, you can excuse yourselves now. Ladies, let’s talk.

Sometimes being a ballerina is all about tutus and pointe shoes and pink tights and tiaras and feeling like a beautiful princess, and sometimes it’s all about tutus and pink tights and period cramps. Being a professional ballet dancer revolves largely around the pursuit of seemingly effortless perfection, but in reality, most of this life is difficult, sweaty, and well, a bit icky.

Diving head first into that realness: attempting ballet with your period is not fun. Bloat, cramps, muscle soreness, it’s a cocktail of shitty. Not to mention the awkwardness of feminine care products. Pliés and pads? No, thank you. Has anyone else ever ruined a leotard a certain time of the month? Better yet- does anyone have a special “period leotard” (or 3?). Dark colors, looser styles, “boob friendlies” as I like to call them- these are a lady’s best friends. But what if there was a special leotard- designed by cool girls who get it- to help make your period a little easier? Well gird your loins!!! It’s here!

The geniuses behind Thinx period underwear have created a line of leotards to make your period a bit less cringe-worthy. Now, if the sound of a leotard that absorbs your period sounds horrifying, please just stay with me for a minute here…

While I wouldn’t want to go free as a bloody bird in the studio, an absorbent back up layer built into a leo might be one of the best ideas I’ve heard all year.

These leotards are designed with multiple layers of fabric in the nether regions. The outermost layer is antimicrobial and moisture wicking. All those lovely fluids absorb straight through to the inner layer, which locks them in like a magnet. That means guaranteed dryness (I mean, you know, not too dry, that would be weird- just the normal amount of dryness- then again, what is normal? we are all glorious, beautiful delicate flowers! but strong, too, right?! right!). Thinx somehow does all of this while still creating a not-too-thick, not-too-thin leo, perfect for light days as a backup for your tampon during those long rehearsals where you reeeealllly need to “take 5”.

Best of all, these leotards are reusable! Just rinse with cold water and then toss it in with the rest of your clothes. Seriously! I was shocked, too, but it works like magic. Also, the Thinx leotard is pretty darn cute. Those mesh side panels are *v on trend* and the low criss-cross back is super flattering. The material is thick enough to feel held in but not squished- though I will say it’s a CHEEKY situation, if you know what I mean (wink). I also think this bad boy could be vastly improved with the addition of a shelf bra, as I am a big fan of support!

SO are you breathing a sigh of relief? Does this sound insane to you? Let a sista know in the comments below!

Pssssst, they make unitards, too! Get yours here.

all photos by Jenay Evans for Setting The Barre. all opinions are my own :)

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.

dizzy stripes

August 24, 2015 by Kirsten

I fell in love with these playful little petal shorts the moment they hit Instagram.

Then they landed on the Danseuse blog, and my heart skipped yet another beat.

For weeks, my legs longed for their sheer stripe-y goodness from all the way across the pond. Then one very lucky Tuesday they arrived in a pretty little package at my doorstep. Naturally, I immediately put them on and twirled around the house.

The modern, yet feminine shape features a deep front slit on either thigh, allowing for a complete range of motion. And boy, do they move beautifully. I’ve been wearing mine rolled to the hips, but they look just lovely up on your waist as well. The contrast between that polished base fabric with a casual jersey drawstring elevates this already wonderfully unusual design to a whole new level of unique charm. They are the special kind of shorts that will attract copycats but never truly be replicated or replaced. No dancewear will ever out-cool them, that is, of course, until the Danseuse team inevitably strikes again and I’m left longing once more. Sheer genius, ladies and gents.

Danseuse Balletwear Petal Sheer Shorts in Blue Stripe, c/o (and psssst, they come in blanc and a longer length indigo, too!)

photos by Jenay Evans.

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}

flying high in taglia basilica

June 6, 2015 by Kirsten

One of the most rewarding (and unexpected) results of sharing my inner monologue on this forum has without a doubt been the introduction to dance-loving people all over the world. When Antonis Loupos, co-creater of the haute couture dancewear brand, Taglia Basilica (based in Greece, a place which I’ve always dreamed of visiting), reached out to me about sampling a few pieces from the line, I jumped at the opportunity.

Family owned and operated since 1999, Taglia Basilica was born from the Loupos Family’s multi-generational love of ballet: Anoints’ wife and mother are both active choreographers, instructors, and artists themselves. With local dance shops lacking professional services, the Loupos decided to take matters into their own hands, creating a business to cater the needs of serious ballet students and professionals alike. The Loupos family began providing pointe shoes fittings, basic dancewear and a multitude of shoes in their new, wildly popular shop, but noticed an interest in fashion-conscious leotards and decided to take their business one step further. They dabbled in the supplying of big brand products, but soon realized many of these pieces were constructed using subpar materials and less-than-flattering cuts. The Loupos family longed for dancewear that spoke the language of the dancer. They understood the importance of a varied collection, one that allowed for the unbridled expression of an artist through their ever-evolving shades. Mr. Loupos dreamed of a line of rehearsal ready dancewear “for dancers who want to wear something different every day, depending on their moods and needs”. And so, Taglia Basilica Dancewear was born.

Each piece is designed and manufactured by the close-knit Basilica team, where uniqueness of style and excellence of fit are key. I can attest to the softness and elegance of each article I had the pleasure of sampling, and their online store certainly exhibits that wide variety the Loupos’ so fervently sought after. In a see of Yumikelevepezio’s, if you are looking for an affordable leotard that is completely your own or the softest onesie in the world, shop Taglia Basilica.

Shout out to A for being my legs and always lifting me up, Jenay Evans for her enthusiasm and photography skills, to Evans Capacitor Company for the use of their lovely space and of course, Taglia Basilica for their beautiful products c/o. To see other Taglia Basilia styles, follow @settingthebarre on Instagram, where more of their designs will be making surprise appearance in the next few weeks!