September! It’s the crisp air of change, a whisper of falling leaves and the most divine fashion houses bringing out their fall collections. Oh, the excitement! But, let’s not forget the costume designers, those unsung heroes who grace us on stage with visions of beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. This month, I wanted to dedicate my review to the gorgeous dance costumes I've been spotting around the globe - those intricate works of art that, quite frankly, I want in my wardrobe.
From the dramatic and romantic lines of Giselle to the audacious beauty of a modern ballet by Wayne McGregor, every costume deserves its own moment in the spotlight. But let's be honest, darlings, sometimes it’s not just the artistry but the sheer wow factor that gets our hearts beating faster. The **sparkle!** The **slit!** The **feather-light silk!** These elements create a truly memorable performance and a fashion moment we don't want to miss.
Now, I’ve been keeping my eye on the trends, and this season it’s all about embracing colour - a far cry from the traditional white tutus of yesteryear. From the vibrant and passionate reds of flamenco dancers, to the dazzling turquoise of the Russian National Ballet, each costume reflects the fiery soul of the dancer. Don’t think the classic whites are gone, darling, but expect to see more luxurious variations on the theme, with touches of silver embroidery and exquisitely-cut crystal detailing. Oh, darling, it’s simply divine!
Of course, no conversation about dance costumes is complete without discussing the shoes. Let’s raise a glass to the tireless artistry of pointe shoes! Each stitch, each precise ribbon carefully tied, whispers stories of dedication, elegance, and grace. There is truly nothing more elegant and demanding than the pointe shoe – its sheer fragility demanding a powerful connection with the body and soul of the dancer. A bit of backstage glamour – always my favourite part!
My Top 5 Picks- Paris Opera Ballet’s *Sleeping Beauty* revival, now that was a stunning visual feast! The delicate embroidery of the Lilac Fairy’s costume, the opulence of the royal court and Princess Aurora's exquisitely detailed dresses. It was sheer fairytale romance! My absolute favourite was the ethereal tulle, swirling around like gossamer clouds, oh the magic!
- **American Ballet Theatre’s *The Lady of the Camellias*, ** well, let's just say the crimson velvet and delicate lace spoke volumes. I mean, this is Parisian chic with a sultry twist. You can't ignore that, darling. The contrasting white of the wedding dress added a sense of tragic beauty and really set the scene for this classic story.
- I adored the contemporary pieces, the raw emotion and powerful expression showcased through dynamic designs. Let's talk about **The Royal Ballet’s** *The Winter's Tale*, a vibrant, expressive performance, with a costume wardrobe full of beautiful texture. My favourite had to be Perdita's soft, ethereal skirt, flowing around her like a whisper of spring. It made a statement for modern interpretations of a classical tale and looked positively fabulous.
- From London to Madrid! The costumes in *Bolero* are everything! This iconic dance brings out a level of sensualism, a raw fire in a simple design. And, darlings, how they **move!** The movement of the costume is a critical element - every piece tells a story with the grace of its movement. And what is more breathtaking than a line of beautiful women flowing and pulsing on stage, showcasing every curve, every grace note? This was certainly the show that inspired me to dance like I am meant to, with freedom and expression.
- The Mariinsky Theatre* is never to be forgotten. This exquisite ballet company has consistently stunning costumes, always in the traditional vein but also embracing contemporary dance with a passion. And just look at the jewels! These costumes often make statements not just with colour, but with the glimmer and sparkle that comes from stunning costume jewels. And with each jewel, we witness the brilliance of those meticulous costume makers who craft with an eye to beauty. Oh, what a joy to watch!
While we’re on the topic of design, I absolutely *adore* the craftsmanship behind the world’s best costume houses. You can tell the hours of labour that go into these creations, from hand-sewn beads and sequins to elaborate hand-painted fabrics. The exquisite craftsmanship shines through, it's truly a work of art.
Emerging TrendsIt’s all about movement and texture this season, darlings. Think sleek silhouettes that allow dancers to flow effortlessly across the stage. I'm seeing a trend of lighter, airier fabrics - organza, silk chiffon and georgette - designed to move with the dancers, making each turn and leap a dazzling spectacle. We’re not shy of using texture, with feathered details and dramatic embellishments adding to the richness of each piece. Oh darling, each dance is a story beautifully told through costume, and each element needs to speak, needs to move, and needs to delight!
And we simply must address the question on everyone’s mind: will the traditional tutu make a comeback? Well, I suspect that it’s here to stay, darlings, though we are seeing its reinvention. Designers are breathing new life into the tutu, incorporating playful ruffles, statement embroidery and contrasting fabrics. You might see layers of tulle, contrasting with a dramatic velvet bodice or even sleek neoprene panelling! The artistry is quite remarkable. This dance piece speaks to how the tradition itself is a piece of history to embrace, but with a touch of the contemporary!
The future of dance costume is bright!I love watching dance and costumes evolving with the times. From the minimalist designs to the avant-garde experiments, I’m absolutely enthralled! I can't help but think the costumes add to the power and storytelling ability of any performance. When a dancer moves with purpose in a stunning piece of fabric that looks, moves and inspires - now that’s magic!
And, my darling, there is so much more to see. With dance festivals happening across the globe, I have a list as long as my leg (it's a very long leg, you see!), I plan to share my reviews and my musings with you here each month. It is my passion! To celebrate dance, its history, its grace and its artistic mastery. Oh, this truly is an exciting time to be a dance enthusiast. Let’s raise a glass to the glorious world of dance, fashion and beautiful costumes!
And if you find yourself in the front row for the next performance, watch those exquisite designs flow across the stage. Pay close attention to the craftsmanship, the sparkle, the elegance, and just maybe, the slight flutters in the wings… it’s a spectacle that’ll have you enthralled, I promise you.
Until next month darlings,
Yours in Dance,
La Belle