My darlings! Itās a new season, a new me! A brand new **September 1999**, the world seems fresh and ready for beautiful ballet. We must embrace the dance with fresh new styles and elegant designs that flatter the figure and let our souls soar! Let's get our tutus out, and letās delve into the *must-have* ballet costumes taking the dance world by storm this Autumn!
As the chill descends upon us, we ballerinas, like those exquisite swans on the lakes, must move with the grace of our own individual artistry. This season we must be sure to showcase this by choosing a design that allows for all the expression and grace that this fabulous, wonderful and magnificent dance demands. This monthās *En Pointe* has taken a flight across the globe to source the most ravishing new collections from the fashion houses of the ballet world.
Oh Darling, That Tutu!
This season we have an absolutely delightful range of tutus available. Gone are the frilly and frothy designs, a new kind of beauty is taking the stage. Imagine swathes of soft chiffon cascading down your form as you *Ć©lancĆ©* and *tour*, or even imagine a single layer of silky, almost weightless fabric in exquisite pastel shades or an explosion of colours on the grand stage - breathtaking! There is something for everyone in our modern world, and for all dance forms. A wonderful new trend from London this season are these spectacular, modern ānaked tutusā, made of barely-there materials, that skim the leg perfectly, which allow a contemporary ballerina to create dramatic and dynamic performances while looking divinely elegant. In America we see designers creating tutus from simple, but striking silhouettes, like an ivory bodice with flowing black or crimson skirts in a sleek satin-like fabric, the modern look with all the elegance and refinement expected of classical ballet!
I feel confident that whatever tutu we choose, our elegance will truly captivate those fortunate enough to watch our performance. Just as we work our *port de bras*, the bodice of the tutu must embrace and showcase the beauty of our upper bodies.
Oh Darling, What About My Leotards?!
My lovely darlings! Leotards, are such a quintessential and beautiful part of our ballerina wardrobe. In my younger days, all we ever had were basic leotards in plain black and a plethora of primary colours. Oh, the joy that is a vibrant red, orange or yellow! Such beautiful shades that we all dreamt of, however now, a new and fabulous range of textures, fabrics and shades have made leotards, much, much more glamorous, but without detracting from the dancerās skillful form and movements. These beautiful new designs showcase a feminine sensibility - and let us have our artistic expression outside the stage, but in the studio as we practise and stretch!
In France this season there are new, exquisitely styled leotards - adorned with rhinestones, luxurious mesh, elegant lace, in soft feminine tones such as blush pink, oyster or a delicate lilac - just imagine your skin being cradled by those delicious tones - a joy to be in the studio wearing such an array of colour! But of course for all of you who love the stark minimalist designs that give our figures a statuesque look and truly make you feel at one with the dancerās spirit, we still have classic black leotards with minimal embellishments. These allow for total freedom and freedom to experiment with dance routines without the restriction of lots of embellishments and extra fabric. If you go to Italy for training, we also see some great designs, from sleek black velvet to simple yet beautiful, clean lines in an emerald or jade colourway. Such bold tones create real confidence in those studying abroad and we have been reassured by Italian dance experts, that it truly creates the *magic* we love to embrace.
Dance With Me Oh Darling!
Now that you have your *Tutu* and your leotard in the *best possible designs and styles*, letsā have a little think about what else to add to your fabulous *look*. This season is all about embellishing! The most important thing is to choose accessories which match your individual style and performance. This is, perhaps, my favourite part of ballet - the creative part that helps our expression flourish. We are truly artists in every way, even when picking what goes *en pointe*.
If we have chosen an intricate tulle or chiffon tutu we would need to select delicate earrings - imagine the exquisite, dazzling pear-drop ones with an enchanting gemstone - a small turquoise or a dainty ruby would be perfect. Imagine the shine of your jewellery as you make those slow, graceful pirouettes. And perhaps, even a dainty, barely there tiara that matches the *jewelled* tones would finish that look. With such designs, you should stay away from big necklaces, it would feel too busy and the look might be too OTT. However, for you, my sweet darlings, that love a classical feel to your dancing, a pearl choker, that complements your skin and bodice would add an elegance that is always welcome in the *dance world*.
If the costume requires the classic clean lines and simple silhouette - with a modern edge, we should be careful about adding embellishments! Instead of an extra *je ne sais quois*, it might add an unwelcome element to the look. We need a sleek and subtle look and hair should be pulled back and tied tightly into a ballet bun. With a classic style we need minimal hair and makeup to compliment this modern style, however, donāt go for *plain Jane* looks! We need to stay stylish and striking, and think sleek eyeliner - a fine, elegant line - no bold looks that distract the audience, as our body is all the adornment that we need for this look.
My Fabulous Dance Bag
Of course, when I head to a performance, there is only one thing I can rely on to keep my delicate costumes perfect - the dance bag! A trusty dance bag is more important than some would believe. Some might not see its purpose or importance - yet every ballerina understands what a true must-have for our essential ballet paraphernalia - our carefully curated, essential pieces and delicate accessories that are the lifeblood of every ballerina's wardrobe. They carry our dreams and aspirations within! This seasonās *En Pointe* has found two great dance bags. First, the classic leather ballerina bag from the new, Parisian house of dance wear. There are a plethora of vibrant colours this season with shades of teal, amethyst and blush pink all offering a truly classic, elegant yet fun style. You can get the bag to match your dancing costume or create your own look with a classic colour like deep charcoal black. Of course we all need practical styles, this year there are the new range of oversized canvas bags. These, you may think are for students and up-and-coming ballerinas, however we know the secret - it offers that necessary, large space needed for storing shoes, shoes, shoes - and of course all those little trinkets and items needed for that ultimate dance *experience*. And as we all love to see how this look is evolving on stage, donāt be scared to express yourself with patches - as seen at Paris fashion week for spring and summer collections! Imagine a patch depicting your favourite ballerina, or even your lucky ballerina slipper - all that expresses our unique character, and which, most importantly, make our dreams come to life.
Dance It Out Darling!
As you take to the stage - I urge you my darling ballerinas, remember our fabulous fashion statements are all part of the joy of dancing. Be courageous, elegant and graceful, with a new zest for life and move, as this September 1999 is just the start of your ballet journey - always keep your *beautiful ballerina soul* shining!