Oh darlings! I can hardly believe itās March already! Can you imagine? Another month closer to our next performance in Monte Carlo, but of course we mustnāt let ourselves get distracted by mere details. Not while the latest trends are swirling about our ankles (and our heads!)
Speaking of swirlingā¦have you noticed how ballet costumes, *quelle horreur*, are slowly slipping from the ethereal to the, wellā¦ practical. I do hope this is just a passing fancy and our artistic directors will remember how truly *unforgettable* it is to see a dancer grace the stage in shimmering tulle, and, of course, **a beautifully crafted bodice that fits like a dream.**
For our upcoming production, we are performing the quintessential classics. Letās be honest, those require very specific styles that you canāt possibly get wrongā¦ But where can we find our perfect pointe shoes, darling? As much as I adore those intricate details that seem to float as I dance, thereās no escaping the need for sturdiness when performing the Swan Lake. And the ballet tights, *heavenly* comfort they offer with all the lovely colours ā oh, you must get some for yourself if you havenāt already.
Speaking of comfort, this is a trend we've seen spreading like wildfire across the world of ballet. And frankly, darling, I understand the logic: the days of *suffocating* bodices are over. No more boning ourselves to a sliver!
But just because we want something comfortable, that doesnāt mean we want somethingā¦ *boring*. We're a generation of ballerinas that knows what looks stunning, what *moves* beautifully and what lets our art *breathe* through the fabric. It's no longer about how *tightly* we can get into the costume, it's about the flow, the silhouette and those delicious pops of colour.
In London, a young and audacious company, The Phoenix Dance Theatre, has already been breaking boundaries. Their latest performance with costumes by rising star Beatrice Carter is the embodiment of comfort meets fashion: **bodices in deep reds and maroons** with flowing, loose skirts - simply divine!
And who could forget our lovely Margot? She recently partnered with **the brilliant Anna Wintour for a Vogue shoot,** and the pictures are simply *unforgettable*. Letās be honest, that *power* suit, darling, was something else!
As I mentioned earlier, though, we cannot be completely blind to practicality! My dance instructors have, over the past few years, constantly drilled into our minds the need for **proper fitting garments, carefully engineered pointe shoes and sturdy leotards** that do not impede movement, as well as appropriate fabric choices. It is all too easy to forget when we are dazzled by the latest fashion.
Here's the thing, you know? When a company like, say, the Bolshoi, commissions a designer, even someone *unknown*, you can just feel the elegance of it. Their costumes are, quite simply, breathtaking. This *classical elegance* combined with comfort - *that* is the art. And yes, there's the history, you know? Like when Rudolf Nureyev created his interpretation of Giselle, he wanted it to be all about the passion and raw emotions ā that *energy*, darling. This led to a much more fitted and body hugging silhouette with a touch of the Romantic Era - it was genius. But I feel, with a new wave of artists in dance, the future of ballet is something completely *unique*, something just a little bit more bold.
To prove my point, one of my absolute favourites is **an up and coming, edgy choreographer called Daniel Lawson** from America. This man knows what we need to see: *movement*. That is his vision - *movement*. His choreography just explodes with this power - and **the costumes?!** Absolutely gorgeous. The fabrics are flowing - silks, chiffons, maybe a touch of tulle here and there, but with cuts, silhouettes that have a strong modern edge to them - I mean, the modern ballerina, sheās strong and, you know, it shows! **Strong lines and textures**, colours that almost pop, sometimes even contrasting colours. Itās an interesting juxtaposition of tradition and innovation.
Here are some **fashion highlights I have spotted** at performances around the world these past few months:
- I loved the ballet āThe Firebirdā performed in Paris last year. That costume! With those golden and orange sequins, shimmering so beautifully under the stage lights, and the intricate beadwork - simply exquisite.
- You simply canāt go wrong with **classic tutu design** - we must keep that art alive! As a fellow dancer I must recommend the Tutu.com in New York. These designers know how to make a stunning costume that will make any dancer look, and feel, exquisite.
- At last, the world is **embracing diversity in dance**! Thereās something to be said about celebrating and acknowledging all body types through fashion! You can definitely see a movement towards more diversity, especially in those wonderful fitted costumes with body lines. We can see it most prominently in Europe ā The Royal Ballet, the Vienna State Ballet, the Staatsballett Berlin are setting a fantastic example.
- Finally! There are also those who have found beauty in **keeping it minimalist**, for example, a simple leotard and a skirt! These kinds of simple choices actually require real skill! The way it allows a ballerina's form to speak through a plain, uncluttered design, highlighting those graceful lines is stunning.
- For those seeking **something more bold**, remember that designers today arenāt just creating clothes - they are creating an entire narrative!
The world is filled with inspiring ballet costume designs and I'm ready to dance on. My final note - always trust yourself. Listen to your inner self. It's not about the clothes, it's about who you are. What do you want to express? Your passion? Your soul? Then find that perfect garment. One that enhances and elevates your personal expression.
Now excuse me darlings, I have rehearsals. After all, I want to look *extraordinarily fabulous* for my performance! Till next month.