Darlings! June! The season of roses, of sunshine and champagne... and let's be honest, for us ballerinas, it's the time for all those shimmering, elegant new costumes that finally feel comfortable after a winter of tights and thick sweaters. Now is the moment when we truly embrace the sheer delights of being swans and sugar plums, each twirl and jeté a celebration of beauty. But enough about my usual musings. Let's talk costumes, my dears!
This month, my fellow dancers and I have been blessed with an extraordinary array of looks across the world. I'm about to give you the inside scoop - the trends, the textures, the whispers on backstage, because after all, we all have our little secrets! The Romantic Revival
Across the continent, the delicate and ethereal are making a bold statement. From the Paris Opera to the Royal Ballet in London, tutu designs are softer, with layers of tulle that billow and drift like summer clouds. Oh, itâs pure delight!
Think delicate lace appliquĂ©s cascading down the bodice of the âSleeping Beautyâ costumes. In Copenhagen, the Royal Danish Ballet brought out their gorgeous new version of âGiselle,â featuring delicate, white, tutus with wispy ruffles. There is a delightful emphasis on sheer, organic forms. This almost poetic approach reminds us why ballet is so captivating! Modern Glamour with a Twist
There's a movement away from the overtly "classic" - don't misunderstand me, darlings, classic is always wonderful - but a push toward something a little more avant-garde.
The New York City Ballet presented a fantastic interpretation of "La Sylphide," with contemporary costumes that feature daring, asymmetrical lines and unexpected cutouts, but with a strong emphasis on athletic movement. The âSwan Lakeâ that the Australian Ballet unveiled just before the season kicked off is particularly striking. They are keeping those iconic swan-like white costumes but giving them an almost "military" look with the use of stark, graphic patterns and edgy textures. The juxtaposition of that edgy modernity with the traditional ballet style makes for such an exhilarating performance. The Return of the Colour
As a dancer, you get to live the most vibrant life. And our costumes reflect that! Don't be fooled by those dainty white tulle skirts â there is a return to vibrant colors that is simply electric.
This season, think vibrant oranges, bright blues, and almost surreal shades of lavender! The Boston Ballet has been embracing these brighter shades with an exquisite production of "The Firebird," with its captivating choreography. Their costumes â and there is something so powerful and magical about them! â are literally bursting with colour.
And, just when you think you have it all figured out, London's Birmingham Royal Ballet brings us back to a deep and romantic love for colour. Their âSwan Lakeâ costume choices have bold patterns in a palette of deep blue, jewel tones, and reds. We are simply spoiled for choice! And What About Those Men?
Now, letâs talk about those exquisite gentlemen, our colleagues on the stage. Gone are the days of bland, uniform costumes for the boys. This season, designers have been creating truly remarkable pieces that are more than just simple uniforms. They have been putting a serious amount of thought into it.
In Paris, the dancers are sporting very sophisticated black leotards and leggings paired with sleek silk shirts that reveal some serious shoulder and chest. I am especially loving the âDon Quixoteâ costumes with an emphasis on the use of flowing fabrics and luxurious embroidery. It makes for such dynamic movements across the stage!
But of course, we shouldn't forget those breathtaking leotards - especially now, when designers are creating textures and materials for leotards that move with us, flatter our curves and celebrate our bodies. The cutouts, the mesh panels, the daring colour-blocking, all come together for an overall statement of elegance.
And if weâre talking elegance, darlings, letâs be honest â what really elevates any costumes is what's under the costumes â our iconic pointe shoes. We are seeing a trend in very beautiful custom-made designs! These shoes, made to fit every individual dancer, have everything from crystals to intricate embellishment to even custom ribbons. The level of detail is beyond beautiful! But remember - those shoes can be a little bit devilish, and sometimes require a very good "pointe shoe" expert. (Donât worry â Iâve been using this genius Parisian cobbler for ages and, trust me, you wouldnât know I was ever in pointe shoes). The Essence of Movement:
All of these exciting trends â the sheer fabric, the bold colours, the tailored looks, the textures â remind us that dance costumes have a much larger purpose than just a pretty facade. It's not only about the movement but also about conveying the story, the feelings, the emotion of a character on stage.
For us dancers, these beautiful costumes allow us to not only express the essence of our craft, but also, through exquisite design and fabrics, reveal our strength and sensuality. Our outfits tell a silent story through their colour, their textures, and their shapes â and that, my darlings, is pure magic.
So go forth, enjoy the dance, enjoy the costumes, and donât forget to take a second to truly appreciate the dedication, artistry, and sheer glory of the world of ballet.
Au revoir, darling dancers. Until next time, when weâll have another sensational review waiting for you!