AI Ballet Review 260

December, darling!

The air crackles with anticipation - the holidays are upon us and with them, a cascade of glittering performances. Oh, how I adore the ballet in December. It’s a time when our most cherished ballets come alive - a kaleidoscope of elegance, power and, yes, even some delightful kitsch. As for me? I am so, so excited about this season. My first Nutcracker performance! And can you believe I've been fitted for my Sugar Plum Fairy costume?! (I can’t breathe, but we'll work on that!) But enough about my personal sartorial triumphs, darling. This season, I simply *must* dissect those shimmering beauties we wear onstage, for it's the costumes, really, that complete the picture, taking us from our rehearsal studios to magical realms.

Now, let’s delve into a few international trends we’re seeing this year, starting with those stunning tulle confections from the Paris Opera Ballet. Yes, yes, we are so French, chérie. Paris Opera’s recent revival of **Swan Lake** saw the company don the most magnificent feathered, swan-like costumes – I felt positively like a Disney princess watching! I just loved their ethereal simplicity - sleek lines, delicate pastel hues and a captivating abundance of feathered detailing. Now, these aren’t your everyday ballet shoes – they’re intricate creations made from supple calf leather, hand-stitched for a perfectly smooth finish. A timeless beauty, really. But even more timeless is **La Bayadere**. The **Temple Scene**, with its exotic colours and elaborate headdresses - well, one can hardly be blasé, my darling. It's a showstopper and my personal favourite! The Look:

• Tutus, but make it dreamy - Think layers upon layers of whisper-thin tulle, designed to shimmer with every twirl.
• A sprinkle of glitter for that “touch of sparkle” and some elegant feathers.
• But let’s not forget those intricate shoe-shaped headdresses for *La Bayadere* – that is haute couture ballet. It's simply a vision.
• And don’t forget, when those legs are up to our chins, there needs to be a statement sock - those black silk stockings are the cherry on top.

Now, flying across the Atlantic, let’s take a peek at our very own Royal Ballet, my darlings. As for their **Nutcracker** costumes, it's a timeless classic - a veritable explosion of festive sweetness. My goodness, are we ever tempted by their beautiful tutus. Imagine - candy canes and snowdrops! Simply divine. I don’t even want to think about the sheer amount of material used for their **Sleeping Beauty** princesses’ dresses! And yes, yes, it is a marvel of design. What else would one expect from those impeccably elegant fairies?! The costumes are so ethereal. They make you want to dance yourself, don't they, darling?

• More traditional colour schemes and simple cuts, allowing for freedom of movement.
• For **Sleeping Beauty**, delicate bodices and sweeping skirts (how many layers are there??). And a generous dusting of sequins!
• Of course, we can’t forget about those fabulous tutus! It's always an eye-popping experience to see those gorgeous tutus up close. They are practically the *star of the show* in many performances.

I’m swooning. But you want more? Yes, I think I do. So, let's traverse to Russia. Now, Russian ballet costumes have their own style: grand, majestic, a symphony of colour. It’s hard not to be dazzled by the beauty and historical reference. **Giselle** is an example that perfectly captures the mood of a dramatic ballet. In her madness, the sheer simplicity of her white gown just hits your soul - it evokes feelings of both tenderness and tragic sorrow, don’t you think? The Look:

• I’ve never seen more tulle used - but those Russian tutus are spectacular - full, swirling skirts. You want volume? Well, they give you volume! And it’s beautiful!
• Let's talk fabrics! Rich velvets, brocades, satin for the opulent ensembles - and they make them look like they’re worn by kings and queens.
• And yes, the sparkle. A sprinkling of rhinestones is *de rigeur* – the more the merrier.

But if I could get one wish from this magical season, my darlings, it’s that there are more and more ballerinas who rethink their costumes for bold new takes on classic roles. Perhaps there could be more modern, minimalist looks with an avant-garde feel. And, my dears, for any aspiring young ballerina, always keep in mind the crucial aspects of costume: that every stitch, every feather, every bead, needs to make you look and feel beautiful and most importantly, allow you to dance your best. Oh, the thrill of the perfect pas de bourrée in that magnificent ensemble - simply *divine*! And finally, if you happen to be attending one of the many shows this season, look around you. All those beautifully dressed people attending these performances, isn’t it all so dazzling, don’t you agree? Well, I think so. Now, I better get back to that barre before the Sugar Plum Fairy loses her grip and well, it simply wouldn't be très chic.