Darling dears! February, the month of love and, dare I say it, tutu-tastic fashion. What a wonderful month it's been for our beloved ballet world. So many delicious designs and, let's face it, every girl's dream - tutus. Oh, those frothy wonders!
First, let's have a word on the divine designs we saw on the **Royal Opera House's** exquisite revival of *Giselle*. The **White Act** was a masterpiece. The soft, almost-translucent gauze, and those carefully positioned 'bits' of netting at the knee just make you feel that exquisite balance between innocence and femininity. So very very 'young' and ethereal, like the whisper of a maiden's sigh on a frosty morning.
In **Act Two**, the *Wilis* took to the stage in what, dare I say, the very epitome of the ultimate tulle fantasy. This time, the white was infused with a touch of grey. This adds a dramatic and slightly melancholic mood to the stage. Like the wisp of smoke, ever-so-slightly clinging to your satin petticoat as you walk into the boudoir, with your cashmere throw wrapped around you. *So* chic, dears! So *very* chic.
Another tutu highlight for me this month, darling dears, came at the **Birmingham Royal Ballet's** spectacular rendition of **Cinderella**. Those shimmering, pastel coloured tutus, worn during the **'Grand Ball'** scene, were truly breath-taking. As the *Royal Family* and its attendants moved gracefully, their tutus, delicately illuminated, twinkled like precious jewels scattered amongst golden rays of the setting sun.
Oh, but darling, let's not forget our men! The ballet men, of course. At the **Scottish Ballet's** presentation of **Swan Lake**, it was their exquisite costumes that provided the perfect visual juxtaposition against the soft feminine etherealism of the **White Swan's** and **Black Swan's** costumes.
That fabulous contrast in colour - the black of their leotards against the white of the women - it really just makes the whole ballet such an amazing piece of theatre. They also had those black ballet slippers - darling dears, I think we should definitely make those fashionable in this coming Spring season! A timeless classic, they really are!
The **Black Swan**, the costumes created with layers and layers of black feathers, were just stunning! It just gave you the feeling of an enchanting and mysterious dark and brooding presence, all whilst managing to retain a truly elegant silhouette. The entire production felt incredibly opulent. Simply wonderful.
In other news, dear readers, I was truly delighted to attend the **Grand Ball** for the launch of the **Tutu Boutique**, run by former prima ballerina **Olivia Bellington** here in London. What a treat it was! An opportunity for every dance enthusiast, amateur or professional, to add some exquisite tulle delights to their wardrobes!
But darlings, for every single occasion there is a tutu. My advice is this: Don't be afraid to express yourself with those glorious pieces of tulle!
With much love,
Charles Beaumont,
Editor-in-Chief, "Global Ballet & Style"