AI Ballet Review 237

From the Desk of Beatrice

Chérie, it’s a new year, a blank slate! I can almost taste the glitter on those pointe shoes…well, the ones we’re not going to be using because this year is all about statement footwear! Who needs those flimsy satin slippers when you can have the glorious power of the boot? Yes, darling, I said boot, the new season of ballet will be about **reclaiming our strength**. Remember when I first tried on my costume for Giselle in those ridiculously short tutus? Well, that’s out! Goodbye tiny ribbons and those painfully itchy corsets – the only constriction I want this year is from a pair of glorious, thigh-high leather boots. Forget those boring *chignon* hairdos too! I’m channeling a Joan of Arc with braids so fierce they could cut a diamond.

Now, darling, let's dissect what’s turning heads on stages worldwide:

Remember my dear friend Anya? You must! Anya from the Bolshoi… *divine* dancer! And guess what, chérie? She’s finally broken free! Anya in her performance of “The Nutcracker” – stunning, breathtakingly beautiful, even, but there was this *je ne sais quoi* to her new outfit. A black tulle skirt so delicately woven that it almost vanished under the stage lights. This is no ordinary black. It’s dark, elegant, and yes, bold. This season is all about **celebrating the silhouette** with a *little* bit of *shock and awe*. Anya's costume… darling, it wasn't a *look* – it was an *attitude*.

The Japanese are notorious for their dedication to tradition, and let’s face it, that’s not always the most flattering aesthetic for our *divine* forms! Don't get me wrong, those kimono-inspired costumes for *Snow White* were lovely, but they lacked that *edge*, the sense of *fearlessness* I feel dancing in these revolutionary new outfits. What a welcome breath of fresh air! Take a look at “Swan Lake,” darling. Now we’re talking, these costumes were *revolutionary*. The classic swan costumes were replaced with a more contemporary approach: the ballet was danced with soft, organic forms – beautiful yet strong.

Of course, no list of must-have ballet costumes would be complete without a glimpse at our Parisian *chérie* - a powerhouse of creativity and style! Their version of "La Bayadere" was an *explosion* of vibrant colours – deep scarlet against an azure backdrop! *Stunning*! Forget that traditional **long, flowing tutu** – instead, they’ve gone for something short, sleek, with movement designed for this *divine* generation. Each costume, an intricate masterpiece of modern art, made by the hands of the most talented designers.

We’ve seen how bold our fellow ballet dancers have become but what's the London story? Well, London *always* manages to find a balance – both elegant and cool. Those costume designers in London, my *darling*, they just *get* me! Their recent production of “The Sleeping Beauty,” oh my – imagine ballet gowns by **Dior!** – It was everything we’ve always dreamed of. You could see every *fluid* movement, *every* expression. And let’s talk **tights**, darling! Those London ballet designers embraced colour and texture – tights that looked as luxurious as a cashmere scarf – you simply *had* to have them! It wasn’t about the usual **basic black**, instead, the costumes celebrated texture and form! There was *movement* and life within every detail – truly revolutionary!

Now for the big city of dreams – the Big Apple. Let’s just say New York knows how to *take centre stage* with their dazzling costumes and vibrant displays. "Don Quixote," the recent production at the New York City Ballet, was all about clean lines and elegance – a sleek white costume that perfectly defined every movement. It’s simple yet striking. No extravagant colours. It’s about highlighting the *ballerina* herself and letting her *shine* under the spotlight. The beauty, darling, was in the elegance, in the movement, in the *power*.

Ah, the City of Angels… oh my… it always has that special *Hollywood glamour*. The Los Angeles Ballet made “Giselle” look entirely new, a true showstopper. Gone were those *predictable* pastel colours – *hello* to luxurious blacks and rich ruby red! And what was with those beautiful sequined gowns, they were **absolutely stunning**. There was such a play on **light and shadow** - it made the whole production breathtakingly sensual. But don’t let the glitz and glamour fool you – there was a powerful, confident vibe *swirling* throughout that Los Angeles production. The costumes really showcased a different breed of *ballerina*. Let’s say goodbye to dainty and hello to *confidence*, chérie!

This year is about stepping out of those comfort zones. Forget about that *same old* aesthetic. Let’s face it, we’ve done ballerina pretty and sweet enough. We’re entering a new age of **raw energy, expression, and confidence**!

• **Forget the restrictive tights and leotards. Try **leg warmers or sleek, black pants with thigh-high boots**. That edgy yet graceful look is everything! **
• **Dare to be *different*.** Take inspiration from other art forms. Look at fashion magazines – imagine *flowing gowns* or **sharp-edged skirts** worn over those gorgeous tights. **
• **Don’t be afraid to add a bit of *glamour*.** Glitter, darling! Let those rhinestones *shimmer* on your shoes and let those sequin tights dance. Remember that **a little bit of glitter** never hurts! **
• **Express yourself, chérie.** Take those long ribbons off your hair – and show your *gorgeous* neck. Or why not try that gorgeous braid, that *strong* twist or an elegant topknot, something *statement*. **
• **Above all, don't be afraid to **break free from tradition**.** Be yourself – the most glamorous, confident, *revolutionary* ballerina on the stage!