Yuhui’s Top 10 Essentials for Ballet

Yuhui’s Top 10 Essentials for Ballet

It is not every day that you are welcomed into the world of high art. Today, we have someone very special to introduce. World renowned First Soloist of The Royal Ballet Yuhui Choe (Kish) has kindly written for us using her first hand experiences to curate a list of ballet essentials.

'My performance usually starts at 7:30pm and I start getting ready around 5pm, although I sometimes finish rehearsing at 5:30pm. If I have a main role in a full length ballet, I start even earlier. I get my coffee and a mixed fruit bowl from the theatre coffee bar, put my headphones on and enter hair and makeup. Afterwards, I go up to the studio for a warm up and choose my pointe shoes for the performance.'

We are honoured to present this list to you and hope it shines a light on all that it takes to support a dancer through even the hardest of performances. Without further ado, here are Yuhui's top 10 essentials for ballet.
Creator Image
Yuhui Choe
First Soloist of The Royal Ballet

Korean dancer Yuhui Choe is a First Soloist of The Royal Ballet. She was a Prix de Lausanne Apprentice with The Royal Ballet in 2002 and joined the Company a... See More

  • Bioderma H2O Make Up Removing Micelle Solution translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt

    Bioderma
    H2O Make Up Removing Micelle Solution

    Yuhui Choe

    'This is a great product for sensitive skin and removes make up well. My skin feels hydrated afterwards, too. When I started using this product I could only get this from independent pharmacies, but now you can get it easily from places like Boots.'

    As Yuhui states, this product works great for anyone with sensitive skin and has been formulated to not cause irritation or redness. You do not have to be a dancer to feel the benefits of this micelle solution as it is great for washing off makeup, sweat or even to be used as a simple refresher.
    £13.30
  • Science In Sport Hydro Tablets translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：scienceinsport.com

    Science In Sport
    Hydro Tablets

    Yuhui Choe

    'While performing, it is important for us to keep hydrated. This drink also helps to reduce muscle cramps.' In fact, these tablets contain scientifically researched levels of ingredients such as 75mg of caffeine to support not only physical but mental wellbeing.

    These tablets easily dissolve into water and can be consumed on the go. They are great for any type of sport or exercise as they replenish the body with electrolytes to reduce fatigue as well as provide the body with optimum sodium requirements for superior hydration levels.
    £6.00
  • Kind Snacks Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Kind Snacks
    Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt

    Yuhui Choe

    'Depending on rehearsal time, I usually eat a big late lunch or early dinner around 3 or 4, or even later, at the canteen in the Royal Opera House - or get take away from Itsu when I have time. I do not eat big meals right before so that I can feel light for the performance. This snack gives me energy and tastes delicious.'


    Kind Snacks are really great for people on the go. These bars are made up of 60% nut, which is great for supplying your body with a healthy energy boost. With 12 in a pack, a low calorie and carb content, these fibrous bars make the perfect snack for when you want to work harder for longer. 
    £12.00
  • BBC Sounds Desert Island Discs translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：bbc.co.uk

    BBC Sounds
    Desert Island Discs

    Yuhui Choe

    'Music is one of the reasons why I love ballet. Great music makes ballet more meaningful. This podcast has introduced me to so many guests with wonderful music libraries, which have been so inspiring and motivating before my performances.'
  • Bose SoundLink® Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：bose.co.uk
    Bose SoundLink® Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Bose
    SoundLink® Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

    Yuhui Choe

    'These are used when I am preparing for my performance. Usually, I listen to a podcast while I’m in hair and makeup. I do love to chitchat with my wonderful colleagues but it’s important to have my own headspace before the performance.' 


    High performance headphones are crucial for many things, but being able to shut the outside world out in times when you need to concentrate or calm down is vital. These Bose headphones are perfect for anyone who enjoys listening to music or podcasts uninterrupted by external noise. Not only for athletes, but musicians equally so, these headphones make for a perfect, wireless sound experience.
    £169.00
  • Connock London Kukui Eau De Parfum translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Connock London
    Kukui Eau De Parfum

    Yuhui Choe

    'Everyone has their own perfume at work and try not to buy the same as other people, but I found this beautiful perfume around the time of my wedding and fell in love with it. This brings me back happy memories.'


    Choosing a personal fragrance is an incredibly personal journey, but one that is better sought with recommendations. This bottle of fragrance stimulates the senses with a whole bouquet of flowers such as Italian Bergamot, Moroccan Rose and Calla Lily giving your aura an ethereal, yet warm embodiment of nature's best scents.
    £63.26
  • Mac Cosmetics Eyeshadow X9: Burgundy Times Nine translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：maccosmetics.co.uk

    Mac Cosmetics
    Eyeshadow X9: Burgundy Times Nine

    Yuhui Choe

    'I have been a lover of Mac Cosmetics for over 15 years and their eyeshadows are so important to me. I often get to wear colourful costumes and often receive matching colour eyeshadow to work with, but for the times when I do not, this pallet creates a really classic and chic look.'


    Mac Cosmetics create some of the best looks on the market, and this simple set really is a classic. If you are looking for a slightly neutral or natural look, these shades will go a long way. Plus, if you ever find yourself in need of on-stage makeup, you already know which set to choose.
    £20.80
  • Neal's Yard Remedies Lavender & Aloe Vera Deodorant translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：nealsyardremedies.com

    Neal's Yard Remedies
    Lavender & Aloe Vera Deodorant

    Yuhui Choe

    'My work is very physical and we do sweat a lot, so it is important to keep yourself refreshed. I have sensitive skin and have been looking for a natural deodorant for a long time and this one does not only smell nice, it stays fresh for hours after the first application.'

    Neal's Yard Remedies never fail to hit the spot. Created through a wonderful blend of botanicals, this natural deodorant is the perfect addition to anyone's life. Completely refreshing and never compromising, this lavish curation keeps your body cleansed and refreshed for hours at a time.
    £8.50
  • L'Oreal Professionnel Strong Hold Hair Spray translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：lorealprofessionnel.co.uk

    L'Oreal Professionnel
    Strong Hold Hair Spray

    Yuhui Choe

    'I get to wear many lovely tiaras and other headdresses on stage, so my hair has to be perfectly secured. I want to feel my hair that my hair is stiff because I do a lot of turns and if I don’t use adequate hairspray, pins fly all over the place when I turn. I love this hairspray because I don’t have to worry about potential messes caused by pirouettes.'





    'Even if I sweat a lot during our performance, this product keeps our hair looking fresh and strong for a long time. I have a lot of baby hair, which is sometimes out of control, so this product fixes it nicely.' As Yuhui describes, this hairspray provides professional level hair hold for the times when you need your hair to remain stalwart during even the hottest or windiest conditions.
    £10.89
  • Mason Pearson Pure Bristle Pocket Ivory Brush translation missing: en-GB.activerecord.decorators.item_part_image/alt
    Source：amazon.co.uk

    Mason Pearson
    Pure Bristle Pocket Ivory Brush

    Yuhui Choe

    'This hairbrush controls any types of hair and was a Christmas gift from my husband. We have an incredible hair and makeup team working with us for our performances with each production requiring different hair styles. A good hairbrush is my MUST HAVE item.' 


    You heard it from Yuhui. Hairbrush? Essential. This one? A must have. Finding a brush that tames even the longest of locks or the shortest of styles is imperative to a hairbrush's value. From hearing about how much hairspray goes into a dancer's hair, this brush is pre-assured to work with you and keep your hair and scalp healthy.
    £68.79