AI Ballet Review 203

## **The Ballet Body's New Season: A Style Guide to Costumes Around the World** My darlings! It's March, and as the world outside throws off its winter layers, we balletic beauties find ourselves enveloped in a world of new season delights. Of course, I'm speaking about the exquisite, alluring, and undeniably expressive costumes that adorn our graceful frames as we pirouette through the months ahead. This year, the sartorial landscape is a symphony of textures, colours, and designs that promise to leave audiences enthralled. From the grandeur of Bolshoi Ballet to the cutting-edge innovation of the Royal Ballet, the international dance scene is a whirlwind of creative interpretations on the age-old themes of grace and movement. Let's dive into this glamorous world, darling, and explore what makes the costumes for the 2013 ballet season so thrilling. **A World of Textures** **The Bolshoi Ballet**, always known for its grandeur, continues its penchant for lavish detail with this season's repertoire. Think **velvet,** so sumptuous it could rival the fabrics used for royal robes. It lends itself beautifully to the opulence of classics like Swan Lake, the vibrant red of Odette's dress contrasting beautifully with the delicate blush of her swan guise. And of course, no Bolshoi production would be complete without a generous sprinkling of **sequins** and **feather boas**, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. Across the Atlantic, the **New York City Ballet** offers a counterpoint with its signature modern approach to dancewear. Airy **chiffon** and **tulle** are favoured here, perfectly capturing the fluidity of George Balanchine's signature choreography. They effortlessly glide around the dancers' bodies, embodying the lightness and ethereal qualities of neoclassical ballet. **And let's not forget about** the increasingly popular **leather**, a material with an edge that perfectly suits the dark, dramatic, and powerful nature of contemporary dance. The **Royal Ballet's** newest production, "Dark Matter," features a daring ensemble of **leather bodices** and **leggings** paired with **shredded netting**, creating a striking contrast of masculinity and sensuality. **Playing With Colour** Every ballerina knows, it's not just the fabric; colour is just as important. The season is abuzz with vibrant and unexpected hues. * **Red,** as always, remains the quintessential colour for expressing passion and drama. This season, we see it in **bold, ruby-red** costumes that truly ignite the stage, leaving the audience mesmerized. Think of "Carmen," a classic that often sees dancers wearing **flaming red**, and even the occasional **blood-red** shade, representing both love and betrayal. * **Emerald Green**, an opulent colour steeped in history, adds a regal and captivating air to dance. We saw a beautiful example of its use in the **English National Ballet's** revival of "Sleeping Beauty," where the gowns of the three fairies were simply enchanting. * And **sapphire blue** remains a timeless choice for graceful elegance and sophistication. This **shimmering hue** is perfect for expressing the ethereal beauty of the ballet world. Think of "Giselle," where the graceful white gowns of the ethereal Wilis contrast beautifully with the striking blue of Giselle's costume in the second act. Of course, no costume is complete without the perfect **accessory.** And the latest trends in ballet include everything from statement necklaces and dramatic headbands to beautiful brooches and dramatic gloves. These pieces not only complement the overall aesthetic but also add an extra layer of character development. **The Changing Dance Scene** The world of ballet is always evolving. In this modern age, there's a growing movement towards embracing more **gender-neutral and inclusive** costume designs. We see this particularly in **contemporary ballet** where designers are crafting costumes that defy traditional gender stereotypes. I must say, I love this shift in thinking! After all, isn't the essence of dance about human expression, no matter what gender or background we hail from? **An Individualistic Touch** A beautiful, timeless element of the ballet costume landscape is how it enables every dancer to express their individual personality. **Each costume is, in a sense, a canvas upon which each dancer paints her own artistic signature.** The intricate patterns of a tulle tutu or the bold lines of a leotard all take on new meaning depending on the wearer's interpretation and style. Whether it's a flick of the wrist that sends sequins dancing, or a graceful stretch that emphasizes the cut of a fabric, each dancer brings something unique to the stage. As the 2013 ballet season unfolds, it is clear that dance costumes are not mere stage attire; they are the embodiment of artistic expression, a language unto themselves. It is a world of exquisite beauty and artistic mastery, constantly evolving and mesmerizing. So my darlings, keep your eyes peeled, for there is much to admire, enjoy, and perhaps even inspire you to create your own balletic looks in your own life.