Darling, the first frost of the season is here! The air is crisp, the streets are adorned with shimmering Christmas lights and it’s the most wonderful time of the year, don’t you think? But for us, true balletomanes, December is the season of *Nutcracker*s. Of tutus and pointe shoes and glittering jewelled bodices. The ballet world has certainly gone all out for the festive season, and let's just say the costume design is more glamorous than ever! But before the sugar plum fairies and their dazzling array of silks and sparkles start taking over my thoughts, let's cast a glance at some of the world’s most coveted, talked-about ballet costumes of 2021.
Of course, we always love a classic. I mean, how can you not? Those graceful lines, the breathtaking fluidity… And yet, year on year, there are these wonderfully exciting trends in dancewear that truly leave an imprint on the world of dance, the season and even us! What will be our favourites for December? Here’s a little something I've curated just for you my darling readers, so grab yourself a hot cup of something lovely, and settle down.
Let's start with the classics. We cannot deny their power and impact. I recently had the pleasure of watching a rendition of **Giselle** at the Bolshoi. The iconic Romantic tutu with its gauzy, layered tulle is a sight to behold. The soft pastels – with a blush pink in the upper bodice and layers of tulle in the classic ballerina white that seems to glow on the stage are a masterpiece. And the perfect combination, you could say, to allow the movements to just flow. There's nothing more exquisite, in my opinion, than watching a dancer glide across the stage in a Romantic tutu.
However, ballet is, let’s face it, always pushing those boundaries. So if we're looking at more contemporary takes on classics and what we think of as 'ballet' attire, let’s consider something rather exciting. This past year, I was so thrilled to see that **Royal Ballet’s production of** **The Sleeping Beauty** has truly gone above and beyond. Those bold and daring interpretations are just magnificent! The second act's fairy costumes - yes those magnificent designs - were not just *so* very theatrical and glamorous, they were *quite* modern! Those glorious colours and all those gorgeous textures were such a delicious departure from traditional fairytales. They really made the most of modern, textured fabrics. The overall effect of layered ruched tulle, flowing silk and that striking blend of vibrant colour was such a showstopper! I have to say it really gave those classic ‘Princess Aurora’ costumes a run for their money!
But enough about fairy tales. The dance world, thank goodness, isn't all just twirls and tutus! Think of that wonderfully dramatic costume in **A Thousand Years**. Remember the magnificent swirling fabric, all black silk and crepe – truly quite arresting, if you ask me! We have so much in contemporary ballet now, and with that, comes such exciting styles and such diverse palettes to work with! And don’t we all simply love an exquisitely structured bodice? Let’s not forget the elegant, minimal, contemporary costume by designer *name*, that was unveiled by *Name* Ballet Company - just divine!
So much of this season's dance fashion has revolved around bold, graphic, simple yet elegant cuts. Just a hint of the sublime, with a stunning, modern look and it’s all *so* much about what makes the individual look just utterly phenomenal! In terms of fashion trends for 2022, it looks like the minimal approach will be gaining even greater prominence in contemporary dancewear design. This elegant minimalist trend in design can be truly quite magical. For instance, there's the elegant sleeveless leotard by *name*, who we're really seeing shine with their signature *insert unique design feature* detail! We're going to see lots of these more minimal cuts that can really show off the body’s athletic lines - but *never* forget about a good dose of glam. We all love a good glam moment! And a striking touch of colour too.
For me, it's all about taking a piece of classic design and incorporating those elegant features - with some *interesting* cuts or maybe adding bold detailing. It has to look simple, but ultimately powerful, just *smouldering*. Like I said, my darlings, there’s something in that contemporary ballet fashion for every style, from the ultra sleek to the strikingly extravagant - it really is for every kind of fashion diva on the stage! So much is coming from the younger dancers of the Royal Ballet and it looks as though those *beautiful* trends are catching on. That daring, modern, athletic-yet-elegant silhouette is *just* becoming ever so popular!
There’s always this wonderful mix of the elegant and the dramatic and we're definitely seeing more and more of that in *costume* design as well. Look at *Name’s* recent work, you’ve got this fabulous contrast. They bring in very simple silhouettes for a simple elegant base, but the sheer elegance and refinement just scream for more, right? And so the design element that always *just* pops and grabs your attention is incorporated beautifully with the fabric or its use, be it texture or a simple colour contrast. What we have then, my darlings, is this wonderful blend of elegance and pure artistry.
Speaking of fabric… The best thing about these costume developments, my dears, is how we've moved on from that slightly predictable 'ballerina pink’ that everyone expected, right? The beautiful tones are here to stay - with that signature ballerina-esque soft pink and creamy ivory being very, very prominent - but the way that costume designers are really incorporating texture, that kind of high fashion elegance, is just wonderful! You'll be surprised how many of these beautiful details can make all the difference and *how* much designers are leaning into all those *fabulous* textures in a rather subtle manner!
One of my favourite materials this season has been mesh - in so many styles - with lace detail, of course. I mean, we do always need lace. A timeless staple of fashion! That beautiful texture, in particular, brings some truly unique elements to costumes in both ballet and modern dance and we're going to see even more of this trend for sure.
Oh, don’t let me forget that *special* trend - the bold, almost tribal inspired look of the bodice. If we're really getting serious about a high-impact look then that *bold* trend will never ever fade from our wardrobes. A simple sleek black bodice, perhaps paired with flowing silk trousers or a shimmering tulle skirt – yes my dears, we can all make this trend our own! All you need is just a dash of that confident ‘all eyes on me’ attitude, which in our world of dance? We just seem to have!
The sheer beauty of a simple leotard or even an interesting sleeveless cut has that truly striking look and it will always make a wonderful impression. When that minimalist piece is so very well tailored, we can’t get enough of that flawless simplicity, can we?
But we need something for those truly festive shows, too. The ‘*Nutcracker*‘ look this season has definitely included the ever-popular shimmering and sparkly leotard in all those classic and traditional Christmas colors! Who doesn't love that magical glitter - like a snowflake under the Christmas lights, it *just* makes your eyes twinkle, don't you think? If you ask me, it's a trend that has stood the test of time - we have such glorious shimmering and sparkling costumes. What’s not to love! So don't be afraid to take that ballerina aesthetic and twirl those beautiful pieces together. And never, *ever*, forget that special something: those beautiful and sparkling, statement, jeweled tiaras! Oh my goodness! And just you wait till those glistening crystal details become *part* of a bodice… those sparkly pieces will always capture the beauty and elegance of ballet.
Of course, every great ballerina will never shy away from some truly dazzling jewellery. A striking jeweled bodice - those shimmering crystals, with beautiful, geometric embellishments? And of course we know those sparkling diamante bracelets, earrings or necklaces always finish off a ballerina's look so beautifully!
Speaking of *looks*, for 2021, our makeup game was quite powerful! Remember those lovely *black-lined eyes*, paired with nude or soft blush and a soft coral or red lip - oh my! Who wouldn't love that little splash of colour?! What a wonderful combination of softness and a delicate, subtle confidence.
We can never ignore the beauty of those perfectly shaped nails. I adore how that simple black nail goes so well with that simple elegant leotard - just divine! This combination makes all the difference. Let’s take it back to the days of classical ballet. If it's a softer, more classic look you’re aiming for, it’s all about a timeless classic pale pink, or a beautiful French manicure.
Ultimately my dears, when you see a beautiful ballet dancer gracefully moving on stage in an exquisite costume you cannot ignore the impact it has on everyone in the room. This art is a beautiful visual language - we can communicate with the grace and the movement, and, it all comes down to those beautiful pieces, right? The ballerina in an elegant costume - well there’s *always* something about a costume that seems to perfectly complement the dancing style, and if the overall feel works so beautifully well, it becomes truly captivating!
As a ballerina, we take enormous pride in not just how our costumes look, but also *how* they feel. For it is vital, and I can never say this enough, to feel confident in our clothes and be completely free in every movement we make. We know that the very best dancewear can truly inspire confidence and ultimately that’s just the thing that’ll make every step, twirl and leap feel *just* as beautiful. That is the essence, the spirit of ballet!