AI Ballet Review 299

Darling, the first breath of Spring is in the air, the sun is shining on my windowsill, and the most delightful feeling has crept into my very being - the urge to wear a new costume! Of course, for us dancers, a new costume doesn’t necessarily mean buying something new - sometimes a change in our styling and embellishments is all that’s needed to give an old favourite a brand new lease of life. I can't even tell you the thrill I felt discovering an old vintage tutu tucked away in my costume drawer, barely used, just needing some love.

A new month is upon us, and I am inspired! The possibilities are simply endless, with an array of dancewear brands coming out with their spring and summer lines. I’ve been busy browsing online (thank goodness for online shopping!) and pouring over catalogs, and believe me, darling, it's been a dizzying experience! There is something truly spectacular to be found for every dancer's aesthetic and budget - so get your shopping list ready, and join me as we dive into the most glorious of our world’s balletwear.

For those seeking a touch of traditional elegance, you can never go wrong with the classics. A simple tulle skirt or a romantic satin bodice will never lose its charm. The Parisian ateliers remain masters of the game. Their beautifully tailored costumes are often adorned with exquisite hand-stitched beading and embroidery - truly works of art. Let's not forget the glorious ballet shoes with their delicate, perfectly worn-in pink satin, an emblem of grace and refinement, perfect for a classical recital.

Of course, no exploration of the ballet classics would be complete without mentioning those beautiful pointe shoes. We have become accustomed to their perfection in shades of pale pink, soft pink, and blush tones, often sporting the addition of an understated ribbon in a matching or contrasting color. Though, with the rise of diversity in the ballet world, there is a wonderful embrace of individual style and the acceptance of different colored pointe shoes. Just take a look at the mesmerizing shade of rich purple favored by some.

Some of the most notable ateliers for traditional elegance are:

• Repetto: Parisian chic at its finest. They have an absolutely exquisite collection of tutus, from the classic to the slightly more experimental, their signature tutu is crafted with layers of tulle that float and flow, almost like an ethereal dream. You really can’t get more classically beautiful than that!
• Capezio: A legacy that whispers history! Capezio holds a hallowed place in the world of dance - for generations, their leotards and tights have graced the bodies of ballet stars. There is something undeniably alluring about the timelessness of Capezio. For those who prefer practicality without compromising elegance, you cannot beat their beautiful collection.

Balletwear today has undergone a profound evolution - it is no longer just about the classic, traditional aesthetic. The modern dancer craves a contemporary edge - expressing individuality and pushing boundaries with fashion-forward designs and unique materials. There's so much out there that screams cutting-edge chic, the bold, geometric, the asymmetric cuts - it's all a magnificent celebration of our creative spirit! And, dare I say it, it's downright daringly fabulous.

It's quite a sight to see, those innovative designers! Bold colours and geometric prints are bursting forth. Some contemporary brands even explore textures – using leather, silk, and even metallics in their creations. You know, I adore how contemporary dancewear reflects the diversity of the modern dancer. So many creative, and artistic spirits pouring their creativity onto a dancefloor near you!

• The The Line by Kym: Their contemporary silhouettes and minimalist style make for truly iconic looks, both elegant and edgy! You have to see their innovative combinations of bold fabrics and interesting cut outs. I confess, I own quite a few pieces, my wardrobe just wouldn’t be complete without some Kym!
• Ballet Bodies: Now, let's talk comfort with a dash of modern flair! I truly adore Ballet Bodies’ philosophy - beautiful pieces for dance classes and practice. Their designs combine the functional, practical, and elegant, offering comfortable freedom of movement without losing a single ounce of fashion!

Speaking of fashion-forward choices - I am, of course, referring to our dear shoes. I adore these unconventional shoes in leather and fabric - those dramatic platform heels designed to make our leaps and pirouettes all the more powerful. These striking styles can certainly turn heads!

What really makes dancewear fabulous? Well, for us dancers, it is about finding the perfect blend of practicality and creativity that allows our individuality to shine. We love showcasing who we are through our costumes! And it’s the small touches - the glitter, the bold makeup - these make such a huge difference.

The first step is to be open to experimentation! There’s a beautiful boldness in colour - imagine a seafoam green leotard or a shocking pink tutu. Maybe you want to incorporate textured fabrics. Oh darling, the sky's the limit, when you break free from tradition.

Here are some suggestions to unlock your own unique look:

• Embrace texture with lace overlays and delicate embroideries - give a new, elegant edge to that classical tutu or that simple leotard.
• Layer different colours – that is my absolute favourite. Think black lace atop a white tulle skirt, or a bright, vibrant bodice over a sheer black underskirt! There is so much fun to be had, mixing and matching and adding your own twist! And don’t be afraid to make a statement with an oversized brooch or some bold statement jewelry! It’s about allowing your unique beauty to shine.
• Find your power colour. What shade best speaks to you, embraces your inner strength? The right colour can empower your movement, a powerful red or electric blue! A favourite of mine - bold turquoise. I can’t get enough of it!

There is so much inspiration to be found for our ballet wear, beyond our practice and performance. Look around at the designers on the runway, the trends and silhouettes that are being presented. Think about how you can add these bold styles into your dance wardrobe. And remember, it is more than just about what we wear on stage - the fashion we see around us, whether on a red carpet or a fashion runway, in our everyday lives - this influences our own unique artistic sense of style. There’s that subtle ballet influence on our favourite designers’ pieces! It's all around us - in fashion and music and, of course, in ballet, which inspires such a beautiful evolution of art and creativity.

And so darling, remember to celebrate who you are, what you feel! We live in a golden era of creative expression in dance. The possibilities are endless! Experiment, find your confidence, and dare to shine!