Dearest darlings! It's time for a confession, the February issue is dedicated to our *absolute* favourites - costumes. Yes, *those* divine things we spend months agonising over, perfecting every detail, each glittering bead, every single tulle ruche. We ballet girls know it, a great costume elevates our performance, turns us into swans, spirits, even demons (for those nights I’m *really* feeling mischievous!). But we're not just talking performance wear here, oh no! This is all about artistry. Because we *are* the art, aren't we? And these garments, our second skin, *make* the art.
From the grand, romantic tutu to the slinky, athletic leotards of today, we're taking you on a whirlwind tour of costume evolution! We’ll be chatting with the masters of design - those who shape the very *essence* of a role, with exquisite artistry and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Let’s begin, shall we, darling? Right now, we're positively smitten with the opulent designs that have been *stealing* the show all over the globe! Let me tell you, it's a feast for the eyes. From the shimmering, *sparkling* costumes at the Mariinsky in Saint Petersburg - with those fabulous feathered details that leave you gasping for air – to the **simply** gorgeous designs of the Royal Ballet's *Giselle*. Think breathtaking white tulles, with those beautiful hand-sewn beadings that capture every flicker of the stage light.
You can’t talk about ballet costume trends without mentioning the darling Dutch National Ballet. They are *such* pioneers! Think, dramatic cuts, interesting colour choices, and just the *right* touch of sheer fabric. In their *Romeo and Juliet*, their exquisite designs tell a story in their own right! But, oh darling, those details… *the* details are just phenomenal! Look at that exquisite *Juliet’s* corseted bodice, that perfect marriage of the softness of fabric and the sharpness of its silhouette, or *Romeo’s* velvety textures… you *simply* must see it! We’ve got a bit of a sneak peek of what we can expect at their *Alice in Wonderland* premiere too! It’s… simply a *wonder*!
Here at home, dear readers, our own Royal Ballet is *always* setting the standard for those who dare to copy. Their *Sleeping Beauty* costumes, *those* are classics. All those glorious, sweeping gowns in lavish, saturated hues. And let’s not forget *Swan Lake*, the eternal elegance of the black swan’s feathers against that shimmering white, pure perfection! And the Bolshoi is not to be left out… that classic elegance! You simply cannot *help* but feel that *spark* when you see their iconic, dazzling costumes. It's like stepping back into a timeless ballet, it's pure, utter magic!
And oh darling, let's not forget *those* incredible costume creations on our American cousins, in their exquisite ballets! The New York City Ballet is always bringing out *those* statement pieces – like *that* costume in their iconic *Balanchine* work, *Serenade* — where the simple, yet graceful design of those ballerina-like *tutus* speaks for itself. And their *Apollo*, oh, those **fabulous* costumes! I *simply* *adore* the Grecian elegance! And the American Ballet Theatre? They've got the talent and the *guts* to do some serious innovation. In their production of *The Nutcracker*, we’re talking playful, *wonderfully* creative, just *so* much fun! They’ve mastered the fine line of *costume* as art.
And darling, it’s not *just* about the *grand* companies. Those emerging talents are really setting the scene! Just last month I saw an extraordinary performance from the Boston Ballet. The story was beautifully told, of course, but my *absolute* favourite thing was how they utilised textures and colours in *their* costumes to create those perfect moods – everything from the light and airy gowns for the *swans* to the dark, menacing garb for the *witches* in their *Swan Lake*. Such a treat!
What *really* sets those extraordinary costume designers apart? A *sense* of story, they just *know* how to bring each character to life on stage, just through costume alone! They'll make you swoon, laugh, or tremble, *completely* under their spell.
So darlings, for me, the ultimate in costume inspiration is about **the art** *not* being simply about fabric and sequins. It’s *always* been about expression, capturing *that* magical connection between the dancers and the audience.
Remember, every fold, every feather, and every stitch *has* to *add* to the narrative, to tell the story through its own captivating design. And, darlings, as you see these enchanting creations, *imagine* yourself in them… feel that magical connection between body and art! After all, aren't we just fortunate to wear those fabulous pieces! They truly are our second skins.
But, before I sign off, we've *simply* got to explore this season’s hot trend, and darling, it's *all* about texture! From the **divine** hand-stitched lace of a *Giselle* to the sparkling Swarovski crystals on *Swan Lake’s* Odile, textures truly make our ballet world **pop!**
It’s not just about adding extra *oomph* to a simple design, oh no, darlings! They are a true visual language. You see them, feel them, and it gives you a deeper understanding of each character and what they’re going through, on the *emotional* level. So *do* let me know your thoughts, dear readers. Are you swooning over *this* season's texture trend as much as I am? What costume detail has captured your imagination lately? Let's make our love for these gorgeous works of art spread *far* and wide!
See you at the theatre, darlings!
*With much love,*
*The Ballerina*
From Tulle to Swarovski: A Costume Spotlight
Let’s dig into the fabulous details of what we *are* all *totally* in love with in the world of ballet costumes *right* now:
- Feathermania: Darling, feathers are truly *the* epitome of *fashion* in the world of dance! A flurry of delicate plumes, luxurious ostrich feathers, all adding drama and elegance, are a *must-have* this season! (It’s practically like a *ballet-worthy* version of a vintage Chanel feather boa, if you ask me!). The Russian and the Ukrainian ballerinas have certainly caught on to this trend! Just think how absolutely divine a feather-filled tutu would be as *Odette*, that iconic *Swan*.
- Sequins, Sequins Everywhere!: There’s just *something* about the sparkle and the sheer magic of sequins that turns a simple costume into a glittering masterpiece. Let’s face it, the shimmer of a thousand sequins is pretty hypnotic! The Mariinsky has a fabulous use of sequins! *Pure* perfection. Oh and, a hint to the more modern designers out there: think metallic sequins! ( *Very* catwalk!). It’s the way to *really* add an extra *touch* of contemporary style.
- The *Oh So* Chic Tulle : Can we talk about the quintessential tutu for a moment? The soft, *floaty* tulle is one of those pieces that just never goes out of fashion. It’s always perfectly poised *above* all the trends (though there's something to be said about the sheer joy of seeing *that* modern ballerina, clad in that softest of pink tulle, pirouette and then float through the air *right* above your heads!), and is available in every shade imaginable, to really *transform* a character into a living fairytale! We're thinking full tutus for *Sleeping Beauty*, but there are more modern *take* on this iconic look in a few of the *experimental* choreographies we're seeing from a few new choreographers this season too!
- Leotards: The New Black: Darling, the leotard is here to stay! It is one of those fashion staples! But think of them *now*, a bit of a *twist*. We're not talking simple, black leotards, oh no! Now, it’s all about those clever *plays* with textures – lace overlays, or *interesting* panel detailing – those tiny touches that add *drama* without stealing the show.
- Fabrics, oh Darling, The Fabrics!: From *silk* chiffons that are as delicate as a butterfly's wings to *sleek* synthetics that allow the dancers the freedom to execute their most daring moves with ease… it’s a world of luxurious, elegant, and practical textures *just* waiting to be explored!
So darlings, don’t *ever* forget that it is *always* about that subtle interplay of colour, form, and those tiny little *details* which elevate a costume into an art *object* !