May, 2013: A World of Whimsy: Ballet Costumes in Bloom
Dearest readers, the ballets may be blossoming this Spring, and as always, the costumes have us swooning! From the opulent tulle tutus to the minimalist contemporary creations, this season is a whirlwind of creativity and a beautiful ode to the artistry of the dance.
Our journey commences with the radiant spectacle that is the Paris Opera Balletâs Swan Lake. Odette, our ethereal swan princess, gracefully glided across the stage, swathed in layers of tulle, the creamy white colour complementing her porcelain skin and raven hair, while her companions, the bewitching cygnets, mirrored her ethereal elegance in their pale, feather-light ensembles. But let's be honest, darlings, it's not all about Odette, the mischievous, seductive black swan Odile captivated all in a striking, midnight black, almost diaphanous tutu, accentuating her passionate choreography.
On the other side of the globe, the American Ballet Theatre brought us a visually enthralling performance of Giselle, a masterpiece where the costumes played a crucial role in narrating the tragic romance. The innocent, romantic peasant girl Giselle adorned her flowing white skirt with a bodice intricately embroidered with wildflowers. Each detail was imbued with an idyllic rural charm that beautifully contrasted the regal magnificence of the sinister Duke Albrecht's garb.
Speaking of contrasting style, darling, we mustnât forget the dramatic brilliance of the Bolshoi Balletâs La Bayadère. The iconic "Kingdom of Shades" sequence, a shimmering ocean of ethereal figures in flowing diaphanous white, took my breath away. Their refined grace and the sheer quantity of tulle creating a mystical haze left a powerful, haunting impact. Then came the breathtaking costumes of the "Temple" scene: intricate jewel tones and exquisite embellishments on the Nikiya and Solor ensembles made a spectacular visual impact, but darling, don't mistake them for simple ornamentation; every jewel and thread whispered tales of divine reverence and ancient India.
Yet, dear reader, ballet costumes don't always scream grand spectacle, often they whisper stories in their understated elegance. Letâs venture into the contemporary realm with the Royal Ballet's "The Dream of a Midsummer Night". I was swept away by the costumes designed by the ingenious Vivienne Westwood. Her creations, inspired by Shakespearean eccentricity, brought the ethereal realm to life, weaving elements of fairy and wood nymph enchantment into her bold, colourful patterns. Itâs a style where a minimal gesture, like a playful swirl of chiffon, becomes a powerful dance statement.
Now, darlings, let's be real - sometimes you don't even need fabric. Take for example, Wayne McGregorâs piece for the Paris Opera Ballet, âChromaâ. This is the ultimate contemporary dance piece where the bodies themselves become the focal point, beautifully sculpted and powerful, highlighting each move and expression with stark athleticism. The costume designers dared to strip things back, using a limited colour palette to complement the sheer brilliance of the choreography and the dancers' phenomenal physiques.
Speaking of brilliant dance, this season saw the debut of the Australian Balletâs captivating, innovative performance of âSymphony in Câ. Inspired by neoclassical dance movements and created with bold design flair, the costumes for this performance deserve a standing ovation. Simple lines, rich, bold colours and the addition of unexpected touches - like those unexpected pops of canary yellow, a subtle nod to the joyous and rhythmic vibrancy of the score â made each costume an expressive element of the choreography.
You see, my dears, itâs not just about the tutus or the sequins â though they certainly play their role! - itâs about the storytelling power of dance. Whether a delicate arabesque captured by a shimmering fabric or the silent message sent by a stark bare leg against the stark spotlight, ballet costume designers bring the magic of dance to life with their incredible artistic touch. This Spring has truly been a feast for the eyes, from the timeless glamour of a Swan Lake tutu to the modern edge of âChromaâ. We dance on, dear readers!
Whatâs hot: * **Sparkle and Shimmer:** Ombre hues in ethereal, romantic designs * **Modern Glamour:** Sculptural lines and textures in daring contemporary dance * **Cultural Tapestry:** Exotic touches referencing specific styles and time periods My Pick: This month, my heart beats for the enchanting spectacle of La Bayadèreâs "Kingdom of Shades" . Those white costumes are a true dance spectacle, their ethereal quality and delicate movement creating an unforgettable tableau. On my wishlist:-
* An exquisite replica of the Duke Albrecht's costume from Giselle to wear for a sophisticated, Parisian summer picnic
* The iconic white tulle skirt of âSwan Lakeâ, perfect for any whimsical soiree
The ballets may be blossoming, but dear readers, my own love for the art of dance remains constant. I still remember my own youthful aspirations, the thrill of mastering a grand jetĂŠ, and the excitement of trying on my first professional tutu. That thrill never truly fades. Ballet continues to capture our imagination and inspire us with its breathtaking beauty and transformative power.
Word from the Street:This season, the whispers of the dance world were filled with compliments for Chromaâs sleek minimalist styling, its boldness making a statement in a season that otherwise leaned heavily towards traditional ballet aesthetics.
Beauty Tip:Looking for a subtle ballet-inspired makeup touch? Use a liquid highlighter on the inner corner of the eyes. The light reflecting off the skin creates a gorgeous, dewy effect, as if your eyes are sparkling with excitement. Youâll be glowing from the inside out!
Until next month, darling readers, dance on!
With love and sequins,
Annabel