AI Ballet Review 117

## A Swirl of Silks and Sequins: Ballet's Fashionable Frocks January's crisp air brings a renewed sense of purpose, a blank canvas upon which we paint our ambitions. For us dancers, that means fresh costumes, a kaleidoscope of colours and fabrics that will carry us through the year. And let's face it, darling, the world of ballet costuming is nothing short of a masterpiece, a thrilling tapestry of elegance and artistry, reflecting the soul of the performance itself. Let's begin our sartorial journey in **Paris**, the city of love, where the artistry of **Roland Petit** continues to inspire. I must admit, his *Carmen* costumes have always held a special place in my heart, their vibrant hues reflecting the fiery passion of the story. Those crimson, flowing skirts - the epitome of Spanish fire. But for real panache, look to his *Le Jeune Homme et la Mort*. Imagine this, a shimmering gown, a vision in ethereal grey, with delicate feathers creating a halo around the dancer's head, a symbol of the delicate dance between life and death. Such drama! In **Moscow**, we find a world of exquisite tradition. The **Bolshoi's** *Swan Lake* remains an enduring classic, and rightly so! The corps de ballet in their traditional tutus, perfectly executed and oh so pristine, like a blizzard of ivory, is breathtaking. And who could forget the Black Swan's alluring costume, that black tulle, a study in sensuality and power, designed to shock and enthral. Now, I wouldn't dream of overlooking our esteemed neighbours, the **Royal Ballet** in **London**. Their *Sleeping Beauty* costumes are just divine, from Aurora's lavish wedding gown to the fairies in their exquisite, diaphanous outfits - each a visual delight. It's a spectacle for the eyes, a celebration of opulence and timeless elegance. And speaking of opulent, I simply adore the shimmering fabrics used in the Royal's *Giselle* costumes. There's an almost liquid quality to them, their shimmer and flow enhancing the delicate beauty of the piece. Our American cousins aren't ones to be left behind in the costume game. The **New York City Ballet** is a vibrant hub of fashion and creativity. Christopher Wheeldon's *After the Rain* has the dancers clad in ethereal white dresses, simple but elegant, beautifully highlighting the tender and intricate steps. This piece perfectly embodies the beauty and emotion of ballet, much like a whispered secret in a whisper of a dress. And speaking of secrets, the costumes in Jerome Robbins' *The Concert* are both modern and captivating. You've got these sleek black and white ensembles, a stark contrast against the background, making every move pop out in dramatic relief. It's like a silent conversation taking place on stage, communicated through these cleverly designed outfits. But let's not forget the rising stars of the ballet world, the dancers bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to the costumes. The **Nederlands Dans Theater** (NDT) is at the forefront of this revolution, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring innovative materials. The intricate details on their costumes, like tiny fabric flowers or sculpted panels, are simply amazing. It's an almost futuristic look, a perfect reflection of their dynamic, cutting-edge choreographies. Looking beyond the classical, we discover a world of colour and ingenuity in contemporary dance. The costumes designed for **William Forsythe**'s pieces are pure visual fireworks. A mix of sleek lines, intricate patterns, and even playful use of everyday objects like clothing, they are both aesthetically striking and technically inventive. The beauty of Forsythe's creations lies in their power to seamlessly integrate costume with movement, turning them into extensions of the dancers' own bodies, a true testament to the collaboration between choreographer and costume designer. And what would a fashion-forward ballerina's world be without a nod to the avant-garde? **Merce Cunningham**, known for his innovative choreography, also embraced experimental costumes. Think metallic materials, playful layering, and the occasional jarring touch of the unexpected. His work truly pushes the boundaries, and the costumes are no exception. It's fascinating, how a simple dress or a meticulously designed outfit can tell a story, evoke an emotion, and ultimately become an integral part of the dance itself. We dancers may not be designers, but we appreciate the artistry that goes into creating these stunning works. These costumes, both classic and contemporary, are much more than mere clothing; they are tools, canvases for our movements, embodiments of the stories we tell on stage. They help us translate abstract emotions, physical nuances, and a plethora of other messages onto the stage, captivating the hearts and imaginations of the audience. Speaking of captivating, I couldn't leave out the beautiful accessories. It wouldn't be complete without mentioning the elegance of those pearl and crystal necklaces that drape effortlessly down a dancer's neck. Or the sparkling hair jewels that add a touch of regality to a classical performance. And the iconic pointe shoes, they're a ballet dancer's signature, a silent testament to dedication and grace. Their white, often worn down to their core, bear the silent testimony of countless performances, every dance a journey etched onto those once pristine canvases. Every time I step onto the stage in a beautifully crafted costume, I feel transformed. I become a vessel for the artistry of the designers, the vision of the choreographer, and the raw emotion of the performance itself. It's a privilege, you see, a chance to express myself through both my movement and the exquisite clothing I wear. As I conclude this exploration of the world of ballet costumes, a sense of gratitude washes over me. I'm grateful for the artistry, the imagination, and the meticulous care that goes into every stitch, every sequin, every feather. Because let's face it, darling, for us ballerinas, a costume isn't just an outfit; it's a statement, an expression of ourselves and the dance that we embody. Here's to a year of beautiful costumes, enchanting dances, and a stage that continues to inspire us to move and express. Cheers to a new year, brimming with elegance, creativity, and the magic of ballet!