Darling, itâs August and the summerâs practically over. You can practically feel the autumn crispness in the air. It's the time to leave the floaty summer tulle behind and bring out the dramatic velvets. This month Iâm feeling particularly drawn to a luxurious look. Think rich ruby reds and midnight blues - think strong lines and beautiful contrasts. Think, *power*.
Weâll start with the Leotard: A black, velvet leotard, close fitting and form-hugging is absolutely essential for this look. The material should feel supple and smooth against the skin. There is nothing worse than a rough leotard, darlings. It will cut off your lines, pull at your skin and make your dance feel stiff. Nothing worse than feeling self-conscious in the studio, is there? And trust me, nothing will give you that dramatic effect like the contrast of the deep velvet against the expanse of your smooth, bronzed legs!
Tutu? Absolutely, darling! And Iâm not talking fussy layers of frilly tulle this time. No. Weâre talking sleek, sleek lines, structured and sharp!
Letâs work with a base layer of stretch netting: this will give you a sleek and polished outline underneath the outer layer of your tulle. Keep this close to the body to give you a beautiful âmermaidâ silhouette, thatâs all the rage in Paris right now!
And then, the key: our main tutu, darling! Look for a contrasting colour: maybe crimson, or navy blue. Or if you're feeling adventurous, a bold emerald green would look sensational. Youâll need a fairly stiff, but lightweight, tulle. Remember we are looking for movement and fluidity, and too much weight will ruin your lines, and the beautiful silhouette we've created. It should float and move with you, not drag you down. A dramatic, circular, rather than layered style will do the trick for a graceful, elegant look.
If youâre afraid that a plain tulle will look, well, boring... Add a touch of texture. Don't be afraid to add sequins to the upper layers or embellish it with small, intricate pearl designs that run around the hem. Maybe a beautiful crystal to adorn the centre. But remember darling, less is more. Let the lines, the colour, and the flow of the tutu be the real showstopper.
Now letâs add some final touches. Ballet shoes! This is a statement piece for a sophisticated look. Go for a pair of black satin pointe shoes with an elegant pointed toe, but not so sharp you end up with a bruised toe. Ouch! And, do not skimp on your foot health, darlings. Well-maintained feet are the essence of a graceful performance. And remember: practice, practice, practice in these beauties and ensure a secure fit before you step onto the stage. No one wants a disaster there!
Now you've got your beautiful costume designed, Iâm not saying youâre ready to hit the stage. I can see that sparkle in your eye! Remember: practice practice practice. And darlings, be brave! Take some time, put the mirror in front of you, and feel the music within. This month you are strong, you are sleek, you are feminine and bold. Make sure your movements follow your inspiration and dance for the world.
What youâll need: * A black velvet leotard â I love the ones from *Danskin*. It's a classic. * Stretch netting. You can get this from any decent dance wear store. I find *The Dancewear Shop* to have good quality. * A circular tulle tutu, this one will need to be ordered. *Ballerinaâs Closet* makes a sensational line of beautiful tutus in colours and materials for every occasion. I always recommend buying the material a little longer than needed. We don't want our designs to appear tacky. * Some sequins or pearls â check out *Liberty*. They always have the most stunning selection to complete a truly special piece. * Black Satin pointe shoes: Try *Freed*. Youâll be in for a treat with these classics and be the envy of every ballerina in the class! Enjoy! Let me know how your designs come together, darling. Youâll be a knockout in August!