December 2013
Darlings, can you believe it's December already? The festive season is upon us and the air is filled with the sweet scent of sugared almonds and anticipation. It seems that with the shortening days, we all yearn for a little extra sparkle and glamour - and where better to find it than on stage, under the spellbinding gaze of the spotlight. As an eternal lover of dance and all its captivating artistry, I simply adore how the perfect costume can complete the narrative and take the story to another dimension. This month, let's indulge in the breathtaking evolution of the ballet tutu, and delve into the captivating styles we are witnessing worldwide, from the hallowed halls of the Bolshoi to the groundbreaking ateliers of independent dance companies.
It all begins with the **Romantic Tutu**. Oh, the romance! This airy wisp of tulle and silk, so utterly weightless, is practically synonymous with the ballet itself. Its sheer elegance conjures visions of ethereal ballerinas floating across the stage, evoking emotions that are as delicate as the fabric itself. For this December, my absolute favorite has to be the shimmering tulle used by the English National Ballet in their production of Giselle. Those soft, ethereal layers whisper of both vulnerability and strength, truly encapsulating the very essence of this heartbreaking classic.
Speaking of delicate beauty, it's impossible not to be mesmerized by the **Classical Tutu**, which represents the zenith of sophistication and meticulous artistry. Think sleek lines, structured form, and an immaculate precision that embodies the classicism of this style. It's the embodiment of perfection, the hallmark of grand technique, and every meticulously crafted detail makes for a true sartorial triumph. The Paris Opera Balletâs version of La Bayadere is simply unforgettable. With its tiers of perfectly gathered tulle and crisp white panels, the sheer craftsmanship is evident. The way it enhances each delicate pas de deux and perfectly captures the ethereal atmosphere is nothing short of divine!
Of course, darling, we canât forget about the **Contemporary Tutu**, an intoxicating concoction of movement and modern spirit. For this daring fashionista, itâs an absolute game-changer. A powerful departure from the tradition of the Romantic and Classical, it embodies freedom, dynamism, and a celebration of raw artistry. The sleek, almost sculptural designs emphasize a more fluid silhouette, blurring the lines between form and movement. In a recent performance by the Royal Ballet, we witnessed the genius of Wayne McGregor. He seamlessly blended layers of diaphanous fabric and structural lines, which provided the ultimate visual representation of the dancerâs power and grace.
But hold onto your feather boas, darlings, as the fashion world embraces a revolution! The new generation of dancers is taking it all one step further. Let's toast to the **Non-Tutu Revolution**. Think experimental design, artistic flair, and the boldness to challenge the conventions of classical costume design. The lines are being blurred, the boundaries redefined, and dancers are reclaiming their aesthetic identity. From the stunning simplicity of the Japanese dance troupe, "MIKAMI," to the boldly graphic designs by the German company, "Sasha Waltz," it's a thrilling and incredibly diverse display of dance wear. Itâs a liberation from the old rules, allowing the dancers to communicate their personal interpretations of the piece, expressing their innermost emotions in their chosen form. And the world of fashion is listening!
Youâll find the influence of these brave new design philosophies creeping into even the most prestigious of ballet companies. At the Bolshoi, a recent revival of Swan Lake took an audacious new direction. Gone are the traditional black tutus of Odette's transformation. Instead, we are graced with a collection of intricately draped gowns and a bold black costume for her transformation, which underscores the power of the dark side and demonstrates the ever-evolving story of this beloved classic. This revolutionary use of costume design adds an air of intrigue and excitement to every single performance. It's a fresh perspective, an acknowledgment that ballet is a living art form that embraces the new, while honouring its history.
Let's take a closer look at the key trends this season, darling, and the fabulous companies at the forefront of dance fashion.
Key Trends in Ballet Costume Design:
- Transparency: It's all about whispering beauty and celebrating the dancer's physique. Imagine diaphanous layers of chiffon and silk, creating an enchanting play of light and shadow. We see it in the work of Christopher Wheeldon for the New York City Ballet. These designs feel ethereal, adding a touch of ethereal romance to the stage. And it doesnât have to be a ballerinaâs garment to shine, as witnessed with Benjamin Millepiedâs **âClear, Loud, and Brightâ**, where costumes with clear plastic and silk components shimmer and capture the movement in new ways.
- Metallic Tones: If you thought silver and gold were reserved for Oscar night, darling, think again. We're seeing a dazzling explosion of metallic fabrics taking center stage, injecting a glamorous edge to the choreography. Itâs the ultimate fusion of couture and dance. It's like stepping into a fairytale realm, reflecting the stage lights, and making every step positively scintillate. The Australian Ballet's production of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ perfectly exemplifies the current vogue for shimmering silver.
- Abstract Design: Say goodbye to traditional patterns, darling, and welcome the bold world of abstract art. Modern dancers are making a statement, with geometric shapes and striking lines dominating the visual aesthetic. This movement echoes the increasing popularity of contemporary dance, a style characterized by raw, untamed emotions, expressed through body movement. In the ballet âThe Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude,â for the London Ballet, the minimalist designs are both stylish and effective in adding a sense of the âabstractâ to this very precise choreography. Think of the dynamic beauty of color-blocking techniques, and you will grasp the magic that choreographers are using on the dance stage, giving a totally fresh look to ballet.
- Organic Shapes: Weâre moving away from the stark, rigid, and perfectly symmetrical forms that define the âClassicalâ Tutu. We're seeing fluid shapes that dance and sway with every pirouette. A fluid blend of asymmetry, undulating textures, and organic materials bring a touch of ânatural beautyâ to the stage, enhancing the beauty of the dancersâ movement and reflecting our own sense of the world as complex and not easily categorized.
And a Few More of my Must-Have Companies to Keep on Your Radar for Stunning Costuming:
- Nederlands Dans Theater: These dancers, darling, have got the ultimate blend of street chic and sophisticated edge. Think minimalist lines, bold colors, and a strong emphasis on textures that capture every flick and glance, creating captivating moments that are as striking as they are stylish.
- Ballet Black: With their dynamic exploration of identity and diversity, this fabulous group is the embodiment of fashion that celebrates inclusivity and pushes boundaries. Weâre talking dynamic colors and sleek forms, and of course, a truly contemporary aesthetic. This is dance where the spirit of rebellion is always on stage.
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: From the elegant grace of the classic works to the soul-stirring dynamism of the contemporary, they embody an effortless elegance. Their use of costumes that celebrate and reflect the African-American experience are a testament to the transformative power of costume design.
- Rambert Dance Company: Their focus on cutting-edge contemporary dance translates to an adventurous approach to fashion. Expect the unexpected and a celebration of daring artistry in each of their costumes. Every garment tells a story. And let me tell you, each detail is carefully considered to enhance the dance experience.
- Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: Oh darling, they take all the usual rules of ballet and then they flip them completely on their head, all with impeccable grace and a playful sense of humor. And their costumes â just glorious! Their cheeky homage to the conventions of ballet is absolute genius, resulting in some incredibly daring interpretations of classic design, mixed with some very naughty little secrets and a touch of outrageous elegance. You can't take your eyes off the divine comedy unfolding on the stage.
My Take On Ballet Fashionâs Next Big Trend:
Hereâs my forecast for what is on the horizon: Imagine the integration of high tech fabrics! From smart fabrics that adapt to the dancer's movements, allowing the stage to feel alive, to LED embedded designs, capable of shifting colour to mirror the energy and emotional tone of the choreography - itâs a fusion of technology and the exquisite art of the human body moving. The future of dance is bright, dazzling, and filled with exhilarating possibilities.
Oh, to be in such a transformative world. Where dance can take so many unexpected forms. This December, dear readers, raise a glass to the magic of dance and the exquisite evolution of ballet costume design. Remember to embrace every stage, and each moment of grace, with a flourish of fashion and an unwavering passion for the world of dance!