AI Ballet Review 118

## **February 2006: A Dancer's Diary on Costumes Around the World** Darling, as we all know, the right costume is essential to a ballerina’s performance. Not just for looking fabulous, although that’s definitely a bonus! A good costume becomes part of you. It can elevate a routine, enhancing both your physical movement and the emotional narrative of the choreography. As February dawns, I wanted to delve into some of the beautiful ballet costumes that have caught my eye from around the globe. This month’s diary isn’t just about tulle and feathers, it’s about exploring the craftsmanship, artistry, and evolution of ballet design – a constant dance between tradition and contemporary expression. **First stop: the Imperial Russian Ballet.** Darling, who doesn’t love a touch of regal elegance? I recently saw a truly magnificent production of *Swan Lake* featuring costumes from the Bolshoi Theatre. Those shimmering white tutus were like dreams come alive! Every seam, every stitch so exquisite. And the black swan, with those glittering, intricate embellishments? It’s almost as if those designs were hand-painted onto the velvet. So much historical significance in each bead and plume. **Speaking of history… the Paris Opera Ballet’s revival of *Giselle* was a treat. ** The ethereal tutus are so beautifully crafted. You just know those little layers of tulle have been worked and reworked over the years to create the perfect blend of romanticism and elegance. And darling, that romanticism really hit home in the second act with the ethereal, gauzy costumes of the Wilis. Pure ghostly grace. **Then there’s the Bolshoi’s production of *The Nutcracker** – another festive favourite. The sheer vibrancy of colour and those opulent designs. You can feel the magic of Christmas in each twinkling sequin and handcrafted detail. Oh, and let’s not forget the Mouse King and the Rat King’s costumes! Truly fearsome and deliciously camp. **And for something totally different, let’s talk about contemporary design. ** My favourite? Wayne McGregor’s choreography for *Chroma* – breathtakingly sleek, bold, and entirely innovative. The costumes are less traditional and more architectural, emphasizing the lines of the dancers and their dynamic movement. This approach celebrates the strength of the human body, which I find truly empowering. **I must confess to a fondness for Spanish Flamenco dancers too.** The flamboyant colours and layered, intricate designs on those costumes… divine! So much power and passion, all underscored by every swirling ruche and intricate fold. A testament to how costumes can be so intricately intertwined with the dance form. **The UK has some stellar costume design happening as well, darlings. ** The Royal Ballet’s *Manon* costumes by designer John Macfarlane are simply sublime, and utterly perfect for that operatic atmosphere of the story. Those luxurious silks, and the delicate detailing on the undergarments… utterly divine. **As I delve deeper into the world of costumes, I can’t help but wonder: how much has the dance costume evolved with technology? ** We’ve seen advancements in fabric innovation, of course, resulting in stronger, lighter materials that truly compliment the dynamism of contemporary ballet. But I believe the essence of design is what truly endures. After all, what could be more stunning than a ballerina in her carefully-constructed tutu, floating across the stage in a delicate shower of feathers? A truly timeless vision, even as our dancers move forward into the future! **As I’ve discovered during my February wanderings through the world of ballet, a costume is much more than just a pretty dress. It tells a story, evokes emotion, and adds an extra dimension to the dancer's performance.** This month, take the time to appreciate the incredible artistry that goes into designing those extraordinary dance costumes - whether they're inspired by tradition, avant-garde concepts, or a blend of the two. Each costume is a carefully-crafted masterpiece. They embody the power of movement and are a crucial part of the art of ballet. **Until next month, darling. Keep dancing, and remember… there’s a magic to be found in each feather and sequin!**