Oh darling, it's June! The time for bright colours, breezy tulle and the very chicest of leotard designs! You know, all those young, fresh faces in the studios just now - and not to be mean dear - but their style is a tad predictable. Don't you want something a bit more… **oomph?** You know, something that makes people stop and think? You’re going to **rock this season** with your own fabulous creations - you hear me? **You are the trendsetter!**
Just let your creativity flow. And I'm going to be your muse today - a seasoned veteran of the ballet world who's seen it all, sweetheart. This is my **secret to making the most eye-catching** tutus and leotards. **You'll be turning heads all season** long - I promise!
Now, before we start: **Think of a theme. **The best designs, darlings, are **inspired**. Where do you get that inspiration from? **Look at nature, art, music, architecture** - literally *anything*. My latest, my absolute favourite tutu (inspired by Klimt, darlings!)? Emerald green, with gold paillettes cascading down, like leaves - utterly stunning! Let your personality, your creativity shine!
Right, are you ready? Let's start. It's going to be **absolutely fabulous, pet**.
You can't really get that wow-factor without **the right equipment**.
- **Good quality Tulle -** you really don't want that cheap, scratchy, plasticy stuff. Go for **a good, firm silk tulle** - the sort with the sheen and drape of silk (and a lovely gentle *swoosh* to your movements!). A colour palette you can never go wrong with is **navy, crimson or forest green.** You know, dark, sultry colours - always a win. Where to buy: Look for **"Rolls of Tulle"** on your favourite online market, dear - so easy these days. If you like, pop in to your local sewing shop - the staff can guide you if you're a novice!
- Lycra Fabric - ** For your leotard! There's lots to choose from, darling - *spandex, nylon, satin, or even mesh for extra oomph*. Again, it's about the right feel - something comfortable and elegant, you want it to **embrace** your every move, not drag you down! Now you can just use any basic colour, perhaps black or navy. We'll be adding **glitz and sparkle** in the next step - and yes, **colour blocking** is your friend for adding drama. You can find great rolls online, just make sure it's 4-way stretch, pet - it makes all the difference!
- sequins, paillettes, beads, rhinestones or crystals, darlings! ** These are your friend, my friend. **The more you have the more fun!** A fabulous colour is going to be gold this year! I tell you, it looks gorgeous. Try going with silver if you are going for something slightly more modern. Oh, and remember - **less is more!** Too many sequins and the design looks overdone, you need to be able to *breathe* darling, a little. These little gems you can find easily in sewing shops. You'll want a **good-quality fabric glue** for adhering the sequins to your leotard, because trust me you do not want them coming loose at an inopportune moment - like mid pirouette, darling!
There's all sorts of **subtle ways to add drama, darlings.** Think about **shape!**
- Layering, for instance. ** Think **double-layered tulle.** You might use black for the outer, to emphasize its silhouette - or crimson! For your leotard, use two colours and do a colour block with black and crimson. Or green and silver. Play with the cuts.
- **Details! Details! Details! ** Let's say we're going for a *ballerina* theme. That might be a pretty** white tulle, soft as a snowflake** and **some gorgeous hand-sewn diamante trim on a navy leotard**. But we're not going for *innocent* so perhaps an *ethereal** design for your tutu would involve a **large white satin ribbon**, trailing elegantly and accentuated with gold sequined tassels.** It's the little things!**
- Make sure that your skirt can **cascade down your legs like a curtain**.
- It’s vital for it to be **a flowing silhouette** – like a **swirling waterfall!** **
Oh, and before I go - my darling! If you're ever looking for a vintage masterpiece** for that special performance - head down to the charity shops. It's amazing what treasures you can find there. You can make a simple piece look absolutely stunning by **adding a splash of sparkle**! It really adds that *vintage* touch!
And always remember, **you are absolutely fabulous.** Your own, unique, **inner dancer** will find its voice with these ideas. Now get out there and **let your dancewear rock the world!**