July: The Month of Grace
Hello my darlings! As the sun blazes and we long for cooler climes, I’m always drawn to light, airy fabrics for both myself and my dancing. It's a season for the senses, the smell of warm skin and sun cream on the stage, and a whisper of cotton on our bodies.
So this month, we are going for something with a whimsical, bohemian feel - it’s time to bring that bit of the tropics into our studios! Let’s imagine… a delicate blush pink leotard that whispers against the skin, then layers upon it an intricately beaded chiffon skirt, falling in gauzy layers as we twirl. Picture this… our stage bathed in golden light, our hair, slightly unkempt, and the graceful, almost casual fluidity of the chiffon, it's the embodiment of summer elegance.
I know some of you might say, "Oh, a chiffon skirt! It’s so old-fashioned!" but think of it as classic couture revisited. We are just updating it to be more contemporary - just a little more boho-chic! The key to a fabulous leotard and skirt combination is getting those little details absolutely right. Here are the essentials you need to achieve this effortless beauty:
- A simple, flattering, blush-pink leotard. I recommend one that has a low, elegant scoop neck and no frills, just clean lines to compliment the airy grace of the skirt. A good one to look for would be from a brand such as Danza or Capezio. A good shop like Freed of London would be your best bet, their prices are very fair!
- A yard or two of luxurious, soft-textured chiffon, preferably in a soft blush, pale peach, or creamy beige shade. There are lovely hand-crafted designs on websites like Etsy which offer delicate embellishment that you can use to elevate the look. And I’m a sucker for anything that sparkles, so look for a lightweight, beaded fringe trim in a pale gold, just for that touch of elegance.
- A few beautiful handmade, semi-precious stone earrings, such as opals or rose quartz, will finish off the look flawlessly. These can be bought at independent shops or on sites like eBay and look for artisans to get those individual, handmade items. Don't be afraid to shop around, just don’t let it turn into a treasure hunt!.
With these simple components you will look like you have stepped straight out of a dreamscape. Imagine the feel of it… a soft whisper against your skin as you twirl and the movement catches the light like sun through a field of blossoms, the beads tinkling on the floor… It’s a look of pure, carefree joy!
So go forth, my darlings, and let’s show the world what a ballet summer can truly be. Have a sensational month,
Always,
Eleanor