Darling, December is upon us and the crisp air is calling for a swathe of stunning dancewear! With Christmas lights twinkling in the windows, a certain kind of festive magic is in the air and, you know what I mean, we ballerinas need a little something special to add that extra sparkle to our performance. So, let’s dive into a delectable little whirl of the most gorgeous dance costumes gracing stages around the world this month.
A touch of je ne sais quoi
Across the Channel, the Ballet National de Marseille is presenting an enchanting A Midsummer Night's Dream in a delightful twist. Forget the fluffy tutus, the company’s dancers, all svelte and shimmering, will be adorned in delicate creations that blend nature's own palette. The costumes by designer Olivier Bériot are like poems on the skin. Imagine soft silks painted with the ethereal beauty of wildflowers and moonlight. I particularly adore the sheer panels that flow around their bodies, reminiscent of the whimsical forest setting. A touch of midnight blue embroidery evokes the forest depths, while playful pops of lavender, rose, and mint bring a charming lightness to the whole affair. This production has "classic" written all over it!
A modern muse
But, let's move beyond the traditional and journey to New York. American Ballet Theatre’s upcoming Sleeping Beauty will have everyone talking, dear reader! We're not discussing the narrative here, but the captivating, modern touch choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has brought to the choreography and design of costumes. Designer, Nina Bachkatov, has taken the traditional tutu and, dare I say it? Deconstructed it! She has reinterpreted it as a striking silhouette with geometrically precise panels. It's still a magnificent princess, of course, but this time with a touch of bold confidence. This stunningly crafted and very modern piece is, well, so daring and sexy that you have to go and see it for yourself!
Going for gold, darling!
Back in our own dear London, the Royal Ballet is taking audiences to Italy with their rendition of the eternally brilliant Giselle, that iconic tale of a village girl driven to madness by heartbreak. For this performance, designer Leila Haider will be making magic in gold, baby. I'm hearing rumours she’ll be using swathes of sumptuous metallic chiffon. Talk about striking a statement! Imagine a billowing gold skirt cascading around a dancer in a perfect arabesque. Heavenly, isn't it? Gold isn’t typically for a dramatic, dark dance such as this, but with this costume it is an exciting choice for the second act. And the use of gold for a more sensual style is just so utterly opulent!
A little black magic
But wait, let's not forget the drama, darling. It wouldn't be December without a little "noir", and let's give a resounding round of applause to The Australian Ballet’s breathtaking new production of Swan Lake. Designers, Anna Cording and Peter Lilley have taken inspiration from Victorian melodrama for this modern take on a classic tale, creating a sense of unsettling darkness for Odette’s white swans. Their ethereal costumes – imagine black tulle and feathered embellishments — will create a genuinely chilling impression on stage. For Odile, they have chosen a rich crimson red, with beautiful intricate detailing that looks luxurious and dangerous! These costumes, a visual feast for all the senses, are absolutely guaranteed to send chills down your spine.
From Moscow to Milan
And if all of that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, I do simply love, and I mean adore, what the Bolshoi Ballet has been up to. Designer Elena Zaitseva’s work is utterly divine – she manages to take classic dance costumes, like the one worn by their ballerina, Ekaterina Krysanova in The Pharaoh’s Daughter, and inject them with this amazing timeless sense of style! They have such a fabulous elegance about them, and Ekaterina’s flowing, sheer, red costume is positively captivating! But even if you don't have tickets for their grand season finale in Moscow, dear, don't despair – their iconic costumes will be gracing stages around the world this season, even making it to Milan with the Bolshoi’s first Italian performance in 20 years. Can you imagine, darlings! And that gorgeous red costume in the snow covered landscape will be breathtaking!
Feeling inspired
No matter where you are in the world, this December promises to be filled with exquisite dance costumes. From romantic woodlands to modern cityscapes, every performance offers a tantalizing glimpse into the creative brilliance of these gifted designers and will have the audience completely mesmerised. So do make time, dear, to treat yourself and immerse yourself in the captivating artistry of the ballet! You’ll be swept off your feet with a stunning array of colors, fabrics and design! Happy holiday, darling!