AI Ballet Review 251

## A Dancer's Diary: March 2017 - A Global Tour of the Tutu Darlings! It's that time of year again - Spring is in the air and with it comes a flurry of new ballet productions, each offering its own spectacle of artistry, and most importantly - exquisite costuming! As a seasoned dancer with a keen eye for fashion, I simply *must* share my musings on the trends we've seen gracing the stages worldwide. Let's get right to it! **A Return to Classic Elegance:** We've seen a beautiful revival of classic, elegant tutus this season. **The Royal Ballet's** production of "Giselle" showcased the timeless grace of **white, romantic tutus**, their billowing layers perfectly complementing the ethereal beauty of the choreography. **The Mariinsky Ballet** followed suit, with a similarly breathtaking "Giselle" production, drawing applause not just for the performance, but for the meticulous detail and artistry in each tutu's design. It's refreshing to see these pieces so expertly presented - they remind us of the timeless allure of ballet's most enduring symbol. From Parisian Chic to Russian Romance: In **Paris,** **the Paris Opera Ballet** embraced the "Belle Époque" aesthetic, showcasing vibrant hues of **sky blue, emerald green, and deep burgundy** on their ballerinas in productions of "La Bayadère" and "La Sylphide." Their **tutus were meticulously crafted**, featuring exquisite beading and lace, evoking an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Meanwhile, **the Bolshoi Ballet** stayed true to its tradition of bold and opulent costumes in productions like "The Nutcracker." These vibrant creations often incorporated **luxurious fabrics like velvet and brocade** along with an abundance of elaborate embellishments. **A Glimpse of Modernity: While we celebrate the return of classical design, a few forward-thinking companies have dared to push the boundaries. **The Nederlands Dans Theater**, known for their experimental and innovative works, debuted several pieces showcasing **minimalist costumes**. We saw streamlined silhouettes, featuring **plain fabric and asymmetrical cuts** that emphasised the dancers’ lines and movements, highlighting their artistry rather than being a distraction. **Ballet Beyond the Tutu: Not every dance needs a tutu! Several productions opted for more **contemporary costume designs**. **The Royal Danish Ballet**, known for their clean lines and bold design, took a particularly modern approach in their "A Month in the Country" with their beautiful, elegant yet simple creations for the women, using materials like linen and silk in soft colours like white, blue and sage green. **The New Era of Sustainability:** As we become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our choices, it's encouraging to see ballet companies embrace sustainable practices. **The San Francisco Ballet**, for example, is known for its commitment to environmentally conscious materials and designs, even using recycled materials for some of their productions. **This is a trend we applaud wholeheartedly,** and we're looking forward to seeing more companies follow suit. Don't Forget the Details: Of course, no ballet outfit is complete without **the perfect pair of shoes**. **The Pointe Shoe, that elegant and graceful masterpiece** - it has truly become an emblem of ballet itself. From the timeless "Repetto" to the innovative designs by “Grishko” or “Bloch,” **pointe shoes have evolved** in terms of comfort and durability. I’ve found a particular fondness for "Grishko," their classic silhouette always compliments my leg and gives a smooth and subtle pointe for delicate choreography. Beyond the shoe, consider the **headpiece**: whether it be a dainty flower wreath, a stylish hairstyle, or a striking tiara, these can truly elevate the look. We have seen a trend towards more natural and minimalist headpieces this season, allowing the dancer's face to take centre stage. It's a delicate balance - not overshadowing, yet adding an air of mystery and sophistication to the dancer's expression. Inspiration Everywhere: While a traditional ballet tutu may have been inspired by the ballrooms of yesteryear, let's not forget that dance and fashion have a deep, fascinating connection. For me, the runway continues to be an incredible source of inspiration, and it’s easy to spot this connection between high fashion and the world of ballet, a trend reflected in costumes like the **shimmering, glamorous gowns** featured in "Sleeping Beauty." **We can even draw inspiration from everyday fashion**! Think of the simple, but impactful "V-neck sweater and flowing trousers" combination - that clean look, so flattering, is also beautifully represented on stage with its simplicity and elegant, smooth lines. So, whether it’s a traditional tutu, an experimental design, or something in between, these costumes tell a story, add drama, and become integral to the experience. They allow dancers to transform into characters, captivating their audience with beauty, artistry, and passion. **Final Thoughts: ** The world of ballet costume is rich and exciting. Every season we’re treated to a unique combination of timeless traditions and fresh ideas. **Whether we are drawn to the elegance of a classic tutu or the edgy appeal of a minimalist design, the magic lies in the art of creating costumes that allow the beauty and storytelling of dance to shine through.** As the dance world moves forward, we can only anticipate even more breathtaking, and daring designs in the seasons to come.