Darling, February, the month of romance and of course, February's best of the best "Danse Magnifique" - the ultimate fashion collection inspired by Valentine's Day, has just launched at Ballet Box in Mayfair! It's a breathtaking array of delicate tutus, exquisite leotards, and dance accessories designed for every prima ballerina.
Now, we all want to look our very best for February's dance performances, the gala evening at the Opera House, and of course, the after-party where the crème de la crème gather to mingle! And wouldn't it be simply delightful to create a piece that has all eyes upon you - an ethereal and graceful ensemble, captivating in its simplicity and elegant design. Imagine it - the soft swish of the tulle, the graceful movements, and you - the star of the show!
A Feminine Twist: Designing your dream tutu
First, you need to choose the perfect shade for your "Danse Magnifique" ensemble. I find blush pink or a whisper of lilac simply exquisite, with a slight touch of pearl shimmer for an extra hint of luxury. These hues evoke feelings of romance and charm, beautifully complementing February's aura of love and elegance.
For the skirt itself, think delicate layers. The most divine tutus consist of 12 layers for a voluminous, breathtaking look - and yes, there will be quite a lot of fabric! But remember darlings, this isn't a time for stiff, rigid tutus. Let it flow gracefully as you spin and leap. You need tulle - the lightest and most beautifully ethereal tulle - to create that airy fairytale magic.
For this month's collection I favour soft blush pink. I think there are two fantastic tulle options from Ballet Box - they really are divine.
- Ballet Box Bridal Tulle - £10 a metre. (The most ethereal, the softest, so luxurious). A light shimmer brings a hint of fairytale romance.
- Ballet Box Professional Ballet Tulle - £8 a metre. The perfect, dependable, tulle which we all use for a flawless base tutu and skirt - stronger, more reliable than bridal.
Once the fabric is chosen - the time for creativity starts! Take a pair of scissors and begin cutting those magical tulle circles. You need about 20 per layer, approximately 2 metres for the circle if using bridal tulle. Cut into slightly varying lengths - this will give more depth and movement. If you wish, you can attach feathers to the tulle edges - soft feathers like those you might find on a white dove or a feather boa - the more the better! Then attach your tutu layers, stitching with love and precision, each layer overlapping, and remember darlings - patience is key! The finished result should look dreamy and cascading as you twirl, adding a light sprinkle of glittering dust on the bottom edges.
Designing Your Perfect Leotard - A Masterpiece of Simplicity
For this, less is more, darlings. We want simplicity that flatters while emphasizing graceful movements, and allowing us to accentuate our elegant forms with the right choreography. A beautifully cut leotard, the very definition of "Danse Magnifique" .
The choice here is a sleek and elegant silhouette for our "Danse Magnifique". For that chic Parisian aesthetic, go for the classic V-neck leotard, its sharp yet feminine lines reflecting both the ballet and a contemporary style.
- Ballet Box French Style V-neck - £28 A little luxurious and expensive - but so well-made - I cannot recommend anything else for February's collection - you can make it into the masterpiece with the tulle or add some beading.
And here are a couple of key items for embellishment for the ultimate, "Danse Magnifique".
- Swarovski crystals. Available from specialist stores for costume design - go for those in colours that will compliment the tulle you have used. Use them sparingly - we need elegance and sophistication, not excess!
- Metallic fabric thread or a sequin ribbon. The kind that catches the light. Use them to edge your V neck, or even around the base of your tulle for added "wow factor".
You now have a "Danse Magnifique" leotard to be proud of. With this look, you'll not only radiate elegance but command attention for your unique and graceful style.