SEPTEMBER - A New Season Begins
Dearest readers,
As the air grows crisper, the leaves begin to change colour, and a sense of excitement hangs in the air, we welcome a brand new ballet season.
Of course, what would a new season be without an exciting wardrobe revamp? With the dawn of September, ballet dancers all over the globe are embracing the newest designs that are hitting the stage - a stunning tapestry of colours, fabrics, and artistic expression. From the breathtaking to the innovative, these costumes are a captivating art form in themselves.
The Romantic Embrace: Reimagining the Classic
Oh, those tutus! Every ballerina’s dream, each delicate layer of tulle whispers a story of graceful elegance and ethereal beauty. This season, designers are taking us on a journey through the annals of ballet history, reimagining the classic tutu with a modern touch. The traditional pale pink has been replaced by an explosion of colours. In Paris, the étoile at the Palais Garnier wore an enchanting pale lilac tutu, cascading like a dreamy summer sky. In Moscow, the Bolshoi brought forth an unconventional emerald green tutu, striking a balance between classic and avant-garde, highlighting the dynamism of a grand jeté. And in London, the Royal Ballet premiered a stunning sapphire blue tutu, capturing the essence of a cool autumn evening, evoking a sense of quiet grandeur.
The Body As Canvas: Celebrating Diversity and Empowerment
As the ballet world embraces diversity and inclusivity, so too do the costumes reflect this changing landscape. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach. Designers are celebrating individuality by crafting costumes that accentuate the beauty of different body types and ethnicities. At the Teatro alla Scala, the Prima Ballerina danced in a flowing silk costume, adorned with intricate embroidery that drew inspiration from traditional Indian motifs, highlighting the global reach of ballet.
Across the Atlantic, New York’s American Ballet Theatre staged a daring contemporary work featuring costumes made of layered black gauze, a powerful statement about strength and empowerment, with the dancers' movements accentuating every fold and texture. The costumes echoed the dramatic and fierce storytelling of the performance, demonstrating how powerful attire can amplify the dancer’s performance.
Modern Expressions: A Symphony of Fabrics and Form
This season, the boundaries of ballet costumes are being redefined. Forget about traditional fabrics like tulle and silk. Designers are incorporating materials like leather, metal, and even recycled materials, adding an unexpected and edgy flair. In Amsterdam, the Dutch National Ballet showcased a modern ballet where the dancers wore sleek leather outfits that contrasted beautifully against their graceful movements. The stark, modern silhouette contrasted dramatically with their elegant movements, resulting in a visually captivating spectacle. In Berlin, the dancers wore flowing metallic fabric costumes, reminiscent of modern art, which captured the light and shadows on the stage.
But the exploration of new materials isn't limited to edgy and experimental works. In a classic reimagining of Giselle, the designer used repurposed materials to create a beautiful and environmentally conscious costume, proving that beauty can be sustainable. The ethereal and romantic design created a visual dialogue with the poignant story of Giselle.
From Stage to Street: Where Ballet Meets Fashion
This season, the lines between ballet and fashion are becoming increasingly blurred. Leading fashion houses are taking inspiration from the beauty of ballet, while ballet companies are incorporating elements of high fashion into their costumes. Balmain's recent collaboration with the Paris Opera saw dancers performing in opulent gowns, bringing the Parisian runway to the stage. In a recent interview with Vogue, the choreographer of the show spoke about his desire to bridge the gap between high fashion and dance. The dancers’ athletic movements gave a powerful dimension to the exquisitely constructed gowns, turning the performance into a fashion spectacle.
At a recent gala performance, a renowned dancer wore a stunning ensemble that was the result of a collaboration with the designer Viktor & Rolf. The intricate lace detailing and whimsical silhouettes captured the elegance of ballet, while also exuding a high fashion appeal. This blurred boundary, showcasing the versatility of the dancer’s body as both athlete and fashion icon, has certainly given both the worlds of dance and fashion a powerful sense of inspiration.
The Power of the Pointe Shoe
But the costumes wouldn’t be complete without the pièce de résistance of any ballerina’s attire: the pointe shoes. This season sees a wide range of variations and personalisations of these elegant foot-weapons, offering unique and creative touches to the stage.
- A seasoned dancer known for her graceful landings, revealed that her choice of shoe, known as the ‘Featherlight,’ is designed specifically for lightness and stability, ensuring she can land with perfect poise after soaring jumps.
- A rising étoile known for her dynamic turns favours a specific brand of pointe shoes with a sturdy shank for added support during her breathtaking pirouettes. The shoe, she explained, was chosen not for its colour or shape but because its unique design allows her to navigate turns with ease.
- Some dancers opt for personalised shoe décor. The custom-made appliqués of rhinestones or embroidered flowers add a touch of glamour and individuality to an otherwise uniform accessory, while ensuring each step and pirouette is highlighted with sparkling brilliance.
The Importance of Innovation
As we continue to marvel at the artistry of ballet costumes this season, we are also seeing a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Ballet companies are now opting for sustainable materials and working with designers to minimize waste in the production of costumes. The desire to reduce the impact on the environment and promote ethical practices while keeping ballet at the forefront of fashion is inspiring for audiences around the globe.
A Season of Transformation
These new designs are a testament to the transformative power of ballet and the enduring appeal of elegance and beauty. The dancers’ bodies, dressed in these innovative, striking, and creative designs, inspire not just through athletic feats but also through the expression of stories through costumes. From the delicate layers of tulle to the unexpected use of innovative materials, the costumes this season are more than mere apparel – they are art forms that weave tales of strength, passion, and artistry. As the ballet season unfolds, let us all be inspired by the exquisite creations gracing the stages across the world and the artists who bring them to life, inspiring us with their creative expression, athleticism, and captivating performances.
And don't forget to take a peek at your local ballet company, for within their costume collections you might just find your next dose of sartorial inspiration.
With a twirl,
Natasha