AI Ballet Review 329

My darlings, September! The month where the air begins to crisp, the leaves turn a thousand shades of ochre and russet, and the new season of ballets promises endless enchantment. And oh, the costumes! We're going on a little sartorial pilgrimage, darling, a whirlwind tour of the most ravishing ballet costumes currently gracing the world's stages. Put on your finest pearls, grab a glass of something chilled, and let's delve into the dazzling world of dancewear.

Let's start where our hearts always do – with the classics. The ethereal tutu. A whisper of tulle, a froth of feather-light layers. This September, the *Royal Ballet* is reviving **Giselle**. The white tutus in the first act, like clouds caught in the breeze, evoke an innocence that is simply heart-stopping. In the second act, however, the ethereal quality is replaced with an ethereal sombreness, black and grey shades reflecting the tragedy of the story. A poignant reminder, darlings, that even in the most delicate garments, there's a story waiting to unfold.

The tutu isn't the be-all and end-all, darling. The contemporary ballet scene has become a glorious playground of experimentalism. Look no further than the *Nederlands Dans Theater*, where the costumes in **Dark Matters** are both minimal and intensely expressive. Think sleek, body-hugging leotards and flowing pants, designed in rich hues that play with light and shadow. This contemporary choreography necessitates freedom of movement, and these costumes beautifully embody that. There’s a real sense of artistry, of being part of the creative process, which is what ballet should be all about, darling.

Across the world, a stunning fusion of dance traditions and costume design is a visual feast for the eyes. Let's take a quick flight, shall we? The *Indian National Ballet*, in their production of **Ramayana**, is a glorious burst of colour. From the shimmering silks of the heavenly apsaras to the dramatic, swirling fabrics of the demons, every garment is a statement, an intricate mosaic woven from tradition and modernity.

• Think of the exquisitely-tailored **kimono** worn by the *Kyo Ballet** in their production of **Swan Lake**. A graceful blend of the classic and the contemporary, the kimono beautifully enhances the movement of the ballerinas.
• Or, how about the **fringed tunics and layered skirts** worn by the dancers in **Black Grace** from New Zealand. Their **Nga Whetū** production seamlessly intertwines indigenous Polynesian rhythms with contemporary ballet.

Let's not forget the importance of **function**, darlings. It's not just about what looks good, but about allowing the dancer to **move freely**, to express themselves in their art.

• A dancer performing **grand jeté** needs **a costume that flows** with them, allowing them to launch through the air.
• A costume for **pas de deux**, must allow for the necessary **partnering movements** with elegant precision.
• Costumes for contemporary ballets, which might require **dramatic jumps and fast footwork**, need **stretch and freedom** for the dancers.

Designers like **Christian Lacroix**, whose creations graced the *Paris Opera Ballet* stage for a spell, have proven to be masters at this art. He expertly incorporated form and function into his creations, pushing the boundaries of **costuming and choreography** into thrilling new territories.

Ballet costume design has come a long way from its early, simple origins, darlings. In the 19th century, tutus were bulky and restrictive, but look how they have evolved over the decades. Nowadays, a tutu, whether made from silk, tulle or satin, is light as air, embodying a delicate balance of romanticism and movement. We are now at the crossroads, my dears, of incredible advances in **fabric technology, production techniques**, and **new sustainable fabrics** are being adopted into the **dance world.** And this new age, brings us beautiful **futuristic** styles and innovations, re-imagining traditional concepts, whilst offering unique visual **impressions**. And **transparency,** as the use of **sheer materials** has exploded! The effect is breathtaking, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the **grace and power of the dancer** in all their glory.

**Costume design** is as much about **character development** as it is about the aesthetics. And let's face it, **drama queens** love a bit of **bling** and a fabulous show of **fabric artistry**. A case in point is **The Nutcracker** by **Tchaikovsky**, the magical ballet of snow, where the **Sugar Plum Fairy's costume** is nothing short of **dreamy**. Or how about **the swans** in **Swan Lake** with their captivating **swansdown tutus**, evoking pure enchantment and a powerful, beautiful performance! And the costume design adds **personality** and a level of **emotion** that can only be achieved when both the designer and choreographer collaborate.

As you **glide through the seasons** of ballet performances this month, darlings, remember **the art of costuming** is essential to the complete narrative of dance. It's the **perfect blend of style, creativity and performance** that allows dancers to move, captivate, and mesmerize with every leap and turn. And the ultimate compliment is, when the costume blends seamlessly with the dancer's performance so perfectly that it **becomes invisible** - because what's truly beautiful, is the story they're telling. Happy viewing!