AI Ballet Review 100

Darling, it's August already! Can you believe it? The sun's been scorching and I'm living for every moment. We just wrapped a wonderful run of Giselle at the Bolshoi, and let me tell you, darling, it's a masterpiece! I simply adore the ethereal grace of the White Act. The diaphanous tutus, those ethereal wisps of tulle - a breathtaking symphony of fabric and light. Of course, the delicate blush of the pink tulle for the Act I peasant costumes makes me swoon too. Simply divine, my darlings!

But let's get down to brass tacks: how about we have a little chat about some of my absolute favourite costume trends this season? Now, don't you dare say, "Oh, the costumes never change!" The world of ballet is constantly evolving, and you know it. Sure, the classic tutu may be a timeless icon, but those designs have been getting bolder, more elaborate and frankly, more daring. And you just can't beat a well-chosen embellishment!

Speaking of boldness, let's talk about the gorgeous costumes in the Royal Ballet's new production of La Bayadere. Those dazzling, jewel-toned costumes with their magnificent goldwork details, divine! It was pure sartorial magic on stage. You just couldn't tear your eyes away from them.

And have you seen the costumes for the new Sleeping Beauty at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg? Simply magnificent! So many exquisite details in every one - lace, ribbons, pearls, exquisite fabrics, and even a touch of a metallic sheen for the fairy costumes. Oh darling, I absolutely adore a good metallic touch! Just a whisper, a tiny dash of glamour!

There's this exquisite detail, dear, a little twist in the shape of some of these costumes - almost like a swirl, a soft echo of the body's graceful movements. It is beautifully articulated through pleating and ruching - it creates this delicate play of light and shadow - I mean it’s simply divine!

And speaking of details, you simply have to check out the incredible hand-stitching! These aren't your standard, mass-produced costumes. Darling, they’re pieces of art that have been created by incredibly talented and dedicated people - these are wearable masterpieces that leave you speechless.

You can't talk about ballet costumes without mentioning the New York City Ballet. I must say, their approach is more minimal and contemporary - they are known for their unique and daring costumes that are truly designed to accentuate the dancer’s movement. For example, the costumes in The Rite of Spring, are made up of streamlined silhouettes that almost form the contours of the body - truly exquisite! The beauty is in their simplicity and the elegance of the line - they enhance the movements of the dance without becoming a distraction.

Of course, when we're discussing dance costume, it would be utterly remiss of me not to mention the incredible costumes for contemporary ballet pieces. Here’s where things get incredibly inventive and expressive. The artists are using fabrics as another language - experimenting with layers, texture and colours in a way that feels almost theatrical - there are gowns and structures that move beautifully, flowing with the dancers, and pieces that accentuate and frame the movement - simply phenomenal!

Speaking of expressive movements, let’s discuss the tutu, darling, my absolute love. A true staple! There’s just something about a delicate swirl of tulle that makes every move feel even more graceful, airy and exquisite. I’m obsessed with the various shapes of tutus - those romantic bells that dance around your ankles. And how about that “bell tutu”? Oh it's a timeless beauty with layers upon layers of tulle. Absolutely heavenly! The silhouette is divine. It emphasizes a ballerina’s graceful lines - she's literally encased in perfection. What’s even more wonderful, though, is the subtle touch of modern design - adding a splash of colour or intriguing detail that brings this classic piece into the 21st century. Absolutely brilliant!

While I’m at it - just because we're moving into fall, doesn’t mean we have to ditch the sunshine! That is why, I am loving those lovely, bright hues we’ve seen so much of this summer - corals, blues, greens! Those gorgeous pops of colour truly elevate a performance - you have no idea what a mood enhancer colour can be! It's absolutely magic, you just have to embrace it. It's the life of a ballet dancer. We are colourfully adorned butterflies flitting across the stage!

You know darling, a beautifully designed ballet costume can enhance the drama and storytelling of a ballet. It’s a form of non-verbal communication. There are subtle, and often not so subtle, ways these costumes hint at character, period and the overall atmosphere of a piece. And sometimes the costume tells its own story – a delicate dance between fashion and art.

Speaking of beautiful detail and subtle touches: let’s talk about footwear, my love, a most important aspect of our world, and it gets little mention in the dance magazine - which frankly is an injustice, but that is an argument for another time! There are the gorgeous satin pointe shoes - so soft and supple - it takes incredible skill and precision to dance on them! Imagine all the intricacies of pointe shoe construction - delicate craftsmanship that goes unnoticed but without which those magnificent arabesques wouldn’t be possible! Of course, those lovely flat leather shoes have an understated elegance and make the legs look fantastic, don’t you think? They perfectly complement the graceful, rhythmic movement of certain choreographies, just perfect!

Darling, with these little insights into what the fabulous world of ballet costume has to offer, you are completely ready to attend the latest premiere, you absolutely are! And when you’re there looking on in awe and feeling all that enchantment, remember my words and gaze at those details and appreciate those incredible pieces of artistic craftsmanship – just like I do, you know it.

• London’s Royal Opera House, of course, always seems to make it an absolute feast for the eyes! They don't shy away from exquisite, glittering gowns. That sense of theatricality really enchants me.
• The American Ballet Theatre always has me entranced. Those incredible flowing silks - divine! Their designers are incredibly creative in using texture to complement the dancing. A symphony of movements, truly captivating!
• In Germany, they’re very creative and they love bold design - they don't always follow tradition! There's often a touch of modernism - it’s a beautiful nod to artistic innovation and an embracing of different interpretations - fabulous, absolutely fabulous!
• The Paris Opera Ballet always impresses me, those classic tutu costumes are to die for. You can really see the legacy of Diaghilev – the influence is strong. I adore their traditional elegance and a sense of nostalgia.
• Ballet costumes are becoming more diverse and representative and embracing all bodies and sizes – a welcome development! We are witnessing a beautiful change and a much needed step towards inclusivity in the ballet world - which I just love to see.

Well, darlings, it's time for me to step away from the dressing room for now, but keep those eyes peeled for all the wonderful trends in ballet costumes. They are really becoming more creative, and it's exciting to watch.