AI Ballet Review 197

## A Dancer's Diary: The Art of the Costume - September 2012 Darlings, September. Ah, the scent of autumn leaves and the promise of new beginnings. A new season, a fresh canvas, and for us dancers, a whole new wardrobe of delights to explore! This month, I'm feeling particularly inspired by the captivating interplay between fashion and form in the world of ballet costumes. It's a symphony of silk and sequins, tulle and velvet, all coming together to create visual narratives as captivating as the stories we tell with our bodies. Let's start with the classics, shall we? **The Tutu:** A timeless masterpiece! Its sheer, ethereal nature perfectly embodies the delicate, otherworldly grace of ballet. A symphony of soft pink or a swirl of classic white, a tutu speaks volumes without uttering a single word. From the romantic flutter of the "Giselle" tutu to the dramatic majesty of a "Swan Lake" swan costume, these delicate structures remain a true icon. And who could forget the glorious tutus designed by the legendary **Olga Shemilt**? For over half a century, Olga has reigned as the undisputed queen of the English ballet scene, creating stunning costumes for the Royal Ballet, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and many more. From her majestic “Giselle” tutu, crafted with tiers of intricate tulle ruffles, to the playful “Cinderella” gowns bursting with dazzling jewels and vibrant colors, each design speaks to a lifetime devoted to celebrating the art of the costume. But ballet isn't all about flowing tutus and fairytale charm. A modern dancer needs a different vocabulary of expression. **The Modern Dancer's Uniform:** It's a stark contrast to its classic counterpart, embodying a sense of power and raw emotion. These costumes often feature minimalist lines and a range of materials – from sleek Lycra and stretchy jerseys to captivating leather and even unconventional, intriguing textures like burlap and denim. A stunning example of modern ballet attire can be seen in **Twyla Tharp's** choreography, where form-fitting bodysuits and fluid trousers play with a blend of fluidity and power. The modern dancer’s costume becomes an extension of the body, expressing its intricate and nuanced movements with striking clarity. It's all about that athletic energy, that dynamic connection between the body and the dance. And let's not forget about **the artistry of color.** From the dramatic elegance of a crimson "La Bayadère" costume to the ethereal lightness of a pale blue "Sleeping Beauty" dress, color is a powerful tool in ballet's visual language. It's not just a pretty touch – it can amplify mood, tell stories, and shape emotions. Remember that striking scarlet costume in **Wayne McGregor's "Chroma"?** It wasn’t just about vibrancy; the fiery red embodied the intense power and raw passion of the piece. It made you feel the emotions as intensely as the dancers themselves! **Cultural Nuances in Costume Design:** It’s always inspiring to explore how ballet costumes incorporate the rich heritage of different cultures. From the breathtaking gold embroidery of Chinese silk used in **“The Dream of the Red Chamber”**, a dazzling spectacle with captivating costume designs by **Han Feng**, to the dramatic red and gold of **"La Bayadère,"** a timeless classic drawing on Indian traditions, these examples illustrate how culture adds an extraordinary dimension to the art of dance. As the world of dance continues to evolve, so too does its sartorial expression. Emerging choreographers like **Crystal Pite** and **Wayne McGregor** push boundaries, integrating contemporary materials and bold concepts into their stunning costume designs. It's about exploring new frontiers, blending high fashion with expressive storytelling, and challenging the traditional narratives of the stage. From **Alexander McQueen's ** iconic tutus, bursting with sculptural fabrications and futuristic design, to the **Viktor & Rolf** dresses, bringing their daring couture sensibilities to the ballet stage, it’s clear: the boundaries between fashion and ballet are fading faster than a whisper. It’s about collaborating with innovative designers, exploring unconventional materials, and creating something fresh, powerful, and deeply engaging. The artistry of the ballet costume is truly mesmerizing. Each feather, each bead, each sequin contributes to the powerful spectacle unfolding on stage. It's more than just adornment, my darlings - it's a second skin, a visual tapestry weaving together a dancer’s emotions and stories. **So next time you find yourself at a ballet performance, take a moment to appreciate the art of the costume. See beyond the sheer beauty and notice the storytelling, the cultural significance, and the undeniable connection between fashion and form. The ballet costume is more than just a beautiful garment; it's a piece of art that dances alongside us. ** And, for the sake of our stylish muses, may we see a world where more innovative designs, bold colours and exciting textiles grace our stage – with that feminine, bold elegance that makes every ballerina feel empowered and magnificent! With love and a swirling pirouette, Your favourite, *Isabella*