## A Glimpse Into the Garments of Grace: November 2011 Costume Trends Darling, November brings with it a nip in the air and a flurry of exquisite new dance season productions. But before we pirouette into the performance itself, let’s take a moment to admire the artistry of the costumes gracing the stage! This season is awash with shimmering textures, opulent embellishments, and a nod to the past. A Tapestry of Trends As I travel the world for performances, one thing that strikes me about the costumes is the bold use of color, which is especially prevalent in Asia. The Shanghai Ballet’s production of *La Bayadère*, for example, boasts a vibrant palette that draws you into their rich storytelling. I adore how they embrace bold blues, emerald greens, and the most dazzling golden accents, all swirling around their masterful choreography. Such an exotic vibrancy reflects the vibrancy of their cultural heritage and leaves an indelible impression. On the other side of the world, the Royal Ballet’s take on *Romeo and Juliet* delivers a more nuanced palette, with the emphasis on subtle washes of color. The gentle blues and dusky pinks evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability. I found myself completely captivated by Juliet’s pale pink dress, ethereal in its simplicity and exquisitely evocative of her innocence. These costumes are beautifully understated, like whispers of the emotions swirling on stage. A World of Elegance And speaking of whispers, darling, I have been particularly charmed by the resurgence of lace. From the elegant white tulle tutu with its lace detailing at the Paris Opera to the flowing black gowns accented with Chantilly lace at the Royal Danish Ballet, it adds an air of vintage elegance that simply never goes out of style. The delicacy of lace perfectly complements the artistry of the dancers, a perfect union of form and femininity. Speaking of classic designs, tutus are a constant, like a cherished, familiar friend. In the Netherlands, the Dutch National Ballet presented an enchanting *Giselle* with classic white tutus and shimmering diamond patterns. Such timeless grace makes this iconic costume instantly recognizable and forever timeless. Yet, some troupes, like the Vienna State Opera, dare to push the boundaries with bold embellishments on their tutus, adding layers of sparkling beads and jewels that give their costumes a touch of extravagance and intrigue. Breaking the Mold While the classics always hold a special place in my heart, there are exciting contemporary productions that demand new approaches to costume design. For instance, the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia is staging *The Nutcracker*, and they’re opting for an almost futuristic, almost otherworldly aesthetic with costumes inspired by origami art. The stark black and white lines and geometric patterns add a layer of intrigue to this timeless story. I love this clever and innovative take on a familiar classic, pushing the boundaries and challenging us to see things in a fresh light. And then there’s the trend towards more daring, athletic, and revealing costumes. From the sleek, modern black outfits in Nederlands Dans Theater’s *Piece for Eight* to the minimalist costumes of Pina Bausch’s *Cafe Müller*, contemporary dance demands an unconventional, often unconventional approach to costuming. These costumes are less about decoration and more about revealing the beauty of the dancer's body in motion. Material Matters Let's talk about the textures that bring these costume dreams to life! I am completely smitten with the artistry and texture of silk, and this season is bursting with its lustrous presence. It's like a gentle caress against the skin, flowing and sinuous, the perfect material for both classic and contemporary pieces. It’s used to magnificent effect in the exquisite white costume of Odette, in the American Ballet Theatre’s *Swan Lake*. Such a delicate yet luxurious material lends itself perfectly to capturing the elegance of the swan, especially when paired with feathers for a hint of wildness. But if silk is the epitome of femininity, velvet evokes a darker, more brooding glamour. And it has definitely captured my attention. In the ballet world, I find velvet in both extravagant and simple designs. Imagine shimmering ruby red velvet accented with sparkling sequins for a bold, sensual interpretation of Carmen, or the more austere black velvet gowns that bring a timeless sophistication to the melancholic waltz in Tchaikovsky’s *Sleeping Beauty*. Such material evokes emotions just by its very presence. Accessorize to the Max Finally, darlings, it's the accessories that truly elevate a costume to the status of wearable art! We all love a good sparkly tiara or a bold pair of feather earrings. For some ballerinas, a feather headpiece or glittering gloves are essential accoutrements. Take, for example, the costumes for *Scheherazade* in Moscow, a magnificent ballet full of opulent details like jewelled headbands and flowing scarves that add drama and texture to the choreography. Speaking of embellishments, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of embroidery in creating a visual feast. The stunning costumes at the Kirov Ballet are full of meticulously crafted designs, and I always find myself drawn to the intricacy of each detail. These costumes are true works of art that combine traditional design elements with a modern touch, creating pieces that are both exquisite and visually breathtaking. So there you have it, darlings, a glimpse into the fabulous world of ballet costumes! From the iconic elegance of traditional tutus to the sleek simplicity of contemporary styles, every element - from fabric to color to accessory - tells a story. Whether we're immersed in a traditional fairy tale or a groundbreaking contemporary ballet, costume design elevates these stories to new heights. For these are not mere garments; they are extensions of the dancer's movement, expressions of the heart, and vital components of the artistic vision on stage. So let's celebrate these garments of grace, for they contribute as much to the beauty and storytelling of dance as any other element of a performance!
