Darling, February is here and with it comes a new wave of chic and stylish choices for our stage costumes. This season, it's all about elegance, romance and just a hint of avant-garde. Forget the fussy ruffles and fussy frills, darling, it's about creating a look that is both ethereal and sophisticated. A classic silhouette, enhanced with the perfect combination of luxurious fabric, subtle detail and just the right amount of sparkle.
For our leotard, we need something that fits like a second skin. A sleek, fitted style with a high neckline and a back that accentuates our graceful lines. But remember, a simple shape is best to allow for the perfect splash of colour. A bold, rich ruby red or an elegant midnight blue will really set you apart from the crowd.
Here's what you'll need:
- A high-quality, seamless, stretch leotard in either black, dark grey or white, with a modest scoop neckline (Available at Dancewear Emporium, Dance & Beyond)
- One and a half yards of premium quality, silk chiffon fabric (from Fabric Land, find one that has some stretch and drape)
- An abundance of sparkling Swarovski crystals in either a ruby red or midnight blue, of course (available from most reputable haberdasheries, just ask for crystals for dancewear - the lady in the shop will help you to choose the perfect sparkle, don’t just grab the first ones on the shelf – they won't necessarily suit this particular leotard)
- A needle and thread that matches your chosen colour, be careful about choosing colour for thread if you are choosing white or black leotard for your base as any thread colour will be very obvious so choose your fabric for the crystals very carefully – black or white can be hard to manage) (a reputable craft shop will have the finest, finest needles and thread, go to a high-end shop for your silk or cashmere leotards)
Step by step – get that perfect silhouette.
- Carefully cut a large rectangle of the silk chiffon, ensuring it is ample in width, with the aim that it will create a beautiful float and cascade over your base leotard in such a way that is enhances rather than overshadows, you are going for understated luxury here, darling)
- Gather your beautiful chiffon along its shortest side with careful needlework and thread, creating a soft, almost-invisible frill, to sit upon the top of the leotard
- You've chosen your leotard – remember a classic, simple look - not overly ornate or busy - this needs to be just right as your silhouette depends on a beautiful sleek form
- Using delicate, almost imperceptible stitching attach your new crystal enhanced chiffon fabric around the gathered section - we need to give our leotard an exciting lift from the bust downwards, and make that neckline more feminine – just enough to ensure you stand out at that ballet exam
Now let's talk tutus.
Our tutu is about giving you an ethereal aura. We need light and airy. The focus should be on fluidity, rather than fluff. For a dramatic impact, start with a base that's classic – a soft, powdery grey tulle tutu, available at most ballet suppliers – and then we’ll accentuate that with elegant splashes of colour to set it off perfectly. We'll take your classic tulle and give it a sprinkle of ethereal romance using sheer black fabric for an unexpected pop. This little trick of dark black silk on your traditional light grey base will add more dynamism to your movements – which is exactly the impact that will help you really stand out from the crowd and look more elegant - with that touch of just enough edgy detail - we are aiming for just a tiny bit ‘out there’, and to make the overall effect that you are ready for an audition or the main stage with equal ease!
Here's what you'll need for the perfect, chic tutu.
- One good quality, ballet-grade tutu in pale grey or, if you can afford, the light grey (never the standard cream that they try to palm off, we don’t want dull or anything that is anything but crisp!)
- One meter of sheer black silk fabric (I like it a little loose weave as you can still see through it to give it an amazing effect on the stage - available at most quality fabric retailers )
- Scissors - only the very best from a shop selling specialist dressmaking tools
- A needle and thread in black - use high-grade thread and be careful – always try your stitching to make sure the thread isn't snagging and pulling the silk - you want smooth stitching
For a sensational finish
- Now – create an ethereal element to your tutu. You can attach your elegant black silk fabric to create a dramatic swirling movement on the skirt of your tutu - I'd recommend one piece that starts at your waist – in an angled drape - but just on one side – think about your balance on stage - you are a goddess here! - so if you do more work on the right you need to add just enough to the left to ensure that the perfect movement flows throughout. Let the black cascade and swirl dramatically, for the truly sublime effect - your silhouette will look absolutely divine!
For the finishing touches...
- Now for those little, final details... use those stunning black crystals or your red ones and discreetly place them on the black fabric as the fabric flows out from the base of your leotard - use a scattering of crystals and you will look divine, if you use the crystals like a fringe - well, darling - you know it's simply not ‘chic’. And the less said about glitter... the better.
- Be absolutely confident that you are ready for a stage or that prestigious ballet class and if someone says you look different or ask what’s changed – give a hint of a smile, a twirl of your skirt and just walk away darling, that’s all.