Ballet & Boudoir: A Look at the Month's Most Enchanting Tutus
Dearest readers,
As the crisp air of autumn descends, and we slip into our cashmere sweaters and faux fur jackets, it is the perfect time to ponder upon those sartorial masterpieces that graced the stage this month, especially the beloved tutu, that cornerstone of our cherished art form. Oh, how it takes me back. The first tutu I ever saw, as a young man in London, at the Royal Opera House, with its gossamer fabric and delicate details, well, it simply took my breath away!
Now, let us dive into the latest sartorial delights.
- At the Paris Opera, the recent production of 'Giselle' truly enchanted us. The Corps de Ballet looked absolutely heavenly in their classic Romantic tutus, the tiers of delicate white tulle like billows of cloud in the ethereal lighting, each one seemingly spun from spun sugar.
- For a more modern approach to this age-old staple, I'm absolutely in love with what we witnessed at the Bolshoi last week. Their 'Swan Lake' costumes have a decidedly more dramatic edge. The Black Swan, resplendent in black feathers and tulle, and the White Swan's sheer, billowing, tutu, made for such a striking visual. Oh darling, that interplay of light and shadow on stage was exquisite!
- And then we must discuss the 'Nutcracker'. Ah, a production that always sparkles, but this year, we found the costumes positively divine! Clara's tutu was particularly charming. She was simply breathtaking in a powder blue tutu with sparkling embellishments that shimmered under the theatre lights. Darling, she resembled a little Christmas bauble on the tree! She took my breath away.
- Finally, a special mention must go to the innovative, artistic direction that came to fruition during a recent production at the Royal Ballet. 'The Rite of Spring'. Now, darling, you know it was never intended for the classic tutu but their striking take on the dance made me wonder if there might be a return to that original avant garde style of costumes in the future. For sure, a certain shock factor is needed in these challenging times!
You know I always love to chat about what is happening on the dance floor, darling! It's wonderful to see how this fascinating garment is continually reinvented and reinterpreted across the stages of the world.
Until next time,
A. Wren