AI Ballet Review 149

The Season’s Dance: A Fashionista’s Guide to the World’s Most Enchanting Ballet Costumes

September 2008

Darlings! The curtain rises on a new season, and you know what that means - a flurry of exquisitely crafted costumes, each one a work of art in its own right. From the tulle-tastic grand pas de deux to the sleek lines of a contemporary ballet, the costume designers have truly outdone themselves this year.

As a dancer with a penchant for the perfectly-tailored and the flawlessly draped, I simply must share my absolute favourite costume trends this season. Let's dive into the world of fabric, embellishments, and the exquisite artistry that adorns our dancing bodies!

Paris, always the epicentre of fashion, never fails to enchant us with its impeccable taste. This season, the Palais Garnier is ablaze with stunning costumes that whisper romance and evoke the spirit of a bygone era.

• The Bolshoi's *Giselle*, oh my! Those delicate, whisper-thin tutus made of layers and layers of tulle, it's like a dream come true! So dreamy and feminine. The use of delicate, embroidered lace adds a touch of vintage elegance that truly sets it apart. Just breathtaking.
• Then, the opulent *Swan Lake* at the Opéra de Paris! The swan maidens' costumes, white as snow and sculpted like liquid silk, simply took my breath away! The way the fabric moves with their every turn and leap, it's pure poetry in motion! A subtle hint of feathers adds an extra layer of artistry and sophistication to these iconic costumes. They are truly a work of art, worthy of a queen herself!

The Parisians know how to celebrate the female form, and they are experts at bringing a touch of playful mischief to their productions. Just a hint of sparkle, a pop of colour, and they have captured the essence of each dance piece. It's absolutely fabulous!

Across the channel in London, the ballet world has taken a turn towards the sophisticated and edgy. The Royal Ballet always keeps it chic and stylish, showcasing cutting-edge designs alongside timeless classics. This season is no different!

• *Manon*, oh the glamour! The elaborate, rich brocades and exquisite velvet fabrics used in the costumes simply sing with sensuality and grandeur. A touch of silver embellishment just adds a hint of sparkle and rebellion, making these costumes utterly captivating!
• And, darling, the *Sleeping Beauty* costumes! Such stunning corsetry. They're a study in intricate detailing and opulent fabrics. And those shimmering golden threads woven throughout the gowns, so decadent and so perfectly fitting. Simply divine. And of course, Aurora's iconic pink and white tutu is still breathtaking. A real showstopper! It’s just the right blend of whimsy and refinement, much like a well-chosen vintage pearl necklace!

What really sets London's ballet apart is the way they incorporate bold colours and textures to showcase the modern choreography. Think pops of bright scarlet and turquoise, contrasting with sumptuous silk and velvety textures. There's an audacity and a confidence that sets them apart, and they truly embrace the power of bold design. Now, I adore a statement, don’t you darling?

Let's hop across the Atlantic to New York! This city never sleeps, and its dance scene is just as dynamic. The costumes here are daring, confident, and always pushing the boundaries of style!

• New York City Ballet is really turning heads this season! Take *The Four Seasons* for instance, with costumes that are as vibrant as the music itself! Bold, graphic shapes and lines perfectly accentuate the movements. They have this wonderfully modern aesthetic and embrace colour, textures and patterns so much. Just look at those bright fuchsia leotards, so refreshing! Such a fabulous display of boldness and creativity.
• The American Ballet Theatre always gives us an electrifying and modern twist, darling! And *Romeo & Juliet*, oh, simply sublime! The intricate, fluid costumes they've created this year showcase the depth of emotion within this timeless story. They have created a beautifully understated but elegant aesthetic using textures that just scream passion. Love it!

New York is all about making a statement, and that's exactly what these costumes achieve! It’s this mix of innovation and passion that makes New York's ballet scene so electrifying and refreshing. I just love the way they dare to be different, to express themselves without fear!

Across the globe in Moscow, ballet history unfolds every night in a city brimming with timeless elegance. The Bolshoi Theatre's tradition of meticulously handcrafted costumes continues to enchant and inspire.

• The iconic *Sleeping Beauty* costumes here, those delicate, romantic, hand-sewn gowns that embody the fairytale dream of the Tsarina herself. Just exquisite. There is an artistry and an elegance that makes my heart skip a beat!
• And, let's not forget *The Nutcracker*! That enchanting mix of folklore and Russian opulence is captured perfectly. The gorgeous, traditional costumes that the ballerinas wear are breathtaking! Each intricate embellishment is a story waiting to be told!

Moscow's ballet costumes are like a museum exhibit that transcends time, radiating classic beauty. There's an artistry that's unmatched, reflecting generations of talent passed down from one generation of dancers to the next. Every stitch is a work of art, every ruffle, every embellishment a testament to the craftsmanship of these masters.

Darling, don't forget that ballet costumes aren't just about looks - they tell a story, they evoke emotions, and they give the dancers the freedom they need to express their artistry. They allow the dancer to truly blossom and become an embodiment of beauty, strength, and grace. This season, every single costume, no matter the style, is a breathtaking reminder that art knows no bounds, and that the beauty of dance will forever enchant us.

And now, with a glass of bubbly and a delicious petit four in hand, I will simply have to sit back and watch the dancers twirl, glide and leap, encased in their shimmering, beautiful gowns, taking us all to a world of exquisite elegance and grace. Happy season, darling, and keep twirling!