Oh darlings, a new year and what better way to start than a little dance down memory lane, or shall we say, a pirouette through the history of our beloved ballet costumes? Let's face it, we love our tutus! They're so perfectly feminine, ethereal and … well … a little bit dramatic, wouldn't you say? From the early days of those billowing, almost-forgotten pannier-style gowns, we've come a long way, haven't we? Now we've got this dizzying array of colours, textures, and styles, with just enough sparkle to catch the light as we turn en pointe. But sometimes I confess, I feel a tad overwhelmed.
You see, as much as I love the classics - think the wispy, graceful romantic tutus like "Giselle," so ethereal in their delicate cheesecloth beauty, and the powerful, sweeping lines of "Swan Lake," a real "show-stopping" look, don't you think? - I've got to admit I am drawn to the bolder, more contemporary styles emerging in modern ballet. Like "Carmen" in a scarlet-tinged bodice, with its impressive accentuation of every single muscle. Or the streamlined modern-day minimalism we've seen in pieces like "Rite of Spring" with its starkly beautiful, almost abstract silhouettes – utterly captivating!
Now, for those of you who have an eye for the most current styles in ballet - the ones making a real statement - allow me to indulge you with my absolute favourites, darling:
Ballet's "Must-Haves"The perfect "ballerina look" is like a whisper on the wind, just like the elegant tulle skirt you know you simply must own. The romantic charm of these beauties is just beyond. For all those budding ballerinas wanting to create an "effortlessly chic" look, think romantic shades of pale blush pink, soft ivory, and of course, a timeless white, for an ethereal, almost ethereal, aura.
The fabric of choice for a graceful ballerina? Why, it’s gotta be tulle. It’s the one thing you need to create that stunning, cascading look, don’t you think? Just a hint of it can make all the difference to a routine, a whirl of a skirt, or a graceful fall. It gives every movement a real, a really wonderful, airiness, especially as it flutters and sways with every twirl, every arabesque, and every pas de bourrée. But remember, dearest ballerinas, the beauty lies in the details, darling! Look for intricate patterns and delicate embellishments for that extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
Ballet Costume Trends 2023 * Body Conscious: Oh darling, prepare yourself for a bolder look in the coming year. This year, it’s all about the bodice. It’s not about the fluff or the extravagance - the focus is on showcasing your perfectly toned, muscled physique in beautiful body-fitting bodices, tight-fitting leotards, and the ultra-elegant lines of a cut-out look, making sure your strength is simply visible for all to see. This gives the ballet a modernity I adore as we, as dancers, become even more connected to our strength, don’t you agree, darling? This look is bold, confident, and undeniably striking. * Subtle Hints of Glamour: I simply must talk about the extra touch of sparkle I love! This season you'll see embellished costumes with a delicate dusting of glittering embellishments, perhaps on the bodice or the edges of the skirt, giving that extra little sparkle you're looking for while still retaining the classic grace of a ballerina. I love how a few well-placed rhinestones add a subtle flash to any routine - think of a flash of light dancing around a beautiful, flowing tulle skirt, creating that real, magical feeling, perfect for our performances. * Nature's Inspiration: Forget the stark black and white – think more natural shades for this year. This trend is all about a sense of calm and beauty inspired by the wonders of nature, and I have to admit, I love it! We’re seeing soft creams and a whole host of other stunning natural shades like forest greens, sun-kissed golds and vibrant turquoise, and if we’re really lucky, we’ll even get a splash of deep, earthy burgundy – perfect for that powerful performance, isn't it, darling? These hues give the costumes an air of tranquility while adding a hint of vibrant elegance. * The Power of Red: For a real look that makes an absolute impact, the red costume remains one of the greatest ballet classics. Look out for variations of red that give your routine that bold, confident air: think the richness of crimson and deep maroon. These colors are bold, captivating, and have that unforgettable aura. I must confess, I think every ballerina should own at least one red costumes – a true symbol of confidence and a real statement of intent on the stage! A bold look like this is very modern and brings such strength, don't you think? * Embrace the Classics: Of course, for those who want to pay tribute to those truly classic ballet pieces I mentioned earlier, the iconic tutu never goes out of style, darling! And in 2023, you’ll see tulle more than ever before. Why not reimagine your favourite romantic tutu for a new look – maybe a soft tulle in a pastel pink with subtle sparkles. It's a time to embrace the heritage of ballet with an added modern edge. Looking After Our Ballet Costumes You know, these costumes demand the same love and care as you, darling. They need the proper attention. They have to stay crisp, flowing and radiant. You've just got to protect all that precious fabric and keep those sequins sparkling, otherwise we look anything but professional, right? * Handling With Care: When you get that new costume in its box, think about those fine details! Delicate handwashing and gentle line drying is the only way to keep your delicate, soft, tulle flowing beautifully and keeping that elegant shape you know you need. * Ironing Tips: The key here is the steam setting. Be careful not to iron any embellishments directly or they'll discolour in no time. Just remember: "A good ironing really takes the shine back into a tulle." So if you’re not sure, hand it over to the professionals – your ballet costume is worth a good, quality dry clean after all those hours of work and sweat and all the "beautiful agony", wouldn't you agree? And finally, my dears, the real truth is, what you wear should help tell the story and express the essence of your character, whether you're a beautiful, ethereal "Giselle," a dark and powerful "Carmen," or simply dancing your own creative expression. You can really have so much fun with this, darling. That's what I really adore about our art form. We are like sculptural pieces coming alive. As I always say, “Darling, remember the joy of movement, for this is the language of ballet – a language you must understand and communicate. Until next time, darling!"