Our 360 Balletcore Guide: Clothes, Hair and Fitness

For all of us wannabe prima ballerinas, this is our time.

Balletcore is a trend that keeps on giving, and it’s not just our closets that are feeling it. From slicked-back buns and satin bow headbands to extension exercises you can do on and off the bar, consider this your 360-degree guide to a ballet-inspired lifestyle; No need for pointy shoes.

However, we would like to remind you that we should not seek the advice of some professionals. We touched the queen of flashy hair, Amanda Lee (who admires Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner) for tips on how to get a pristine bun that’s stage-ready.

We also have professional ballerinas Adji Cissoko Sharing the best ballet moves that will help you get leaner and stronger at home.

To top it all off, we’ve selected our favorite ballet-inspired fashion pieces, from cozy shrugs to wrap sweaters to fun scrunchies and dresses.

Find everything you need from rehearsal to show time below.

For both our busy girls and our lazy girls, the back-patched bun is just for you.

“Dirty hair is ideal for a smooth back bun. “Natural oils help give hair more control for a sleek look,” says Amanda. “I like to use angel bar to smooth the hairline and any flyaways. Since it comes with a stick, it’s really easy to apply while doing my clients’ or my own hair. “I can apply it directly to my hair and it is not too heavy.”

To complete the style, “Use a small barber brush to comb your hair back because it fits snugly in your hand and has lots of short, dense bristles,” he advises. “Makes smoothing out bumps so much easier!

Ballerinas may spend most of their lives in a studio perfecting their skills, but that doesn’t mean we can’t steal a few moves for our own home workouts. There’s a reason the pros are lean and strong, and it all starts with the basics. Below, Adji shares her five favorite beginner ballet exercises.

Swan Arms
This helps strengthen both the back and arms. It can be done standing or sitting. Add a light weight for extra resistance.

1. Raise your arms to the sides, moving with your wrists
2. Move your arms flying up and down by bending your elbows.
3. Continue for 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Repeat four times.

Head Hoops
This will relax stiffness in the neck and upper body. Adding the upper body to this exercise will create larger circles.

1. Slowly circle your head in one direction five times, making sure the circles are even and full.
2. Switch directions and circle in the other direction five times.

Football Hoops
This strengthens and stabilizes the ankles.

1. Stand on one leg and circle your foot eight times in one direction, then eight times in the other direction.
2. Switch feet and repeat.

Side Developed
This helps strengthen the appendages and increase flexibility.

1. Lie on your side with your legs straight.
2. Pull the foot of your top leg up along your bottom leg, bending your knee (past position).
3. Pull your knee towards your upper body, with your knee pointing towards the ceiling. Then extend your leg towards the ceiling.
4. Repeat the movement five times before switching legs.

Grand Pliés is in Second Place
This will strengthen the hips and quads and increase full-body awareness.

1. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and your feet turned outward.
2. Bring your arms up and out to your sides, in line with your shoulders (hands bent).
3. Gradually bend your knees until you reach your lowest.
4. Slowly straighten your knees as you push your hands down through your palms.
5. Repeat 10 times.

Looking like an off-duty ballerina is never a bad thing. So why not dress like you’re going to ballet class when you go shopping? Here are some of our ballet-inspired favorites that also work in regular civilian life.

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