Darling, It's All About The Details!
The August heat can be so oppressive. We want to be breezy, light and cool. You need to consider your stage presence and comfort, not forgetting our most fabulous form - a ballerina, darling! This is the perfect time for a truly stunning look to stand out. The tutu, you must own a truly amazing piece - an exceptional classic in this season's shades. I recommend a very short classic tulle tutu in a deep sapphire blue to evoke the ocean - think of turquoise water under the Mediterranean sun. The bodice should be made in a lightweight but opaque silky satin. We don't want our bodies showing too much under these vibrant colours, darling!
So here are my favourite elements to put together this truly timeless and fabulous ensemble:
Items Needed:
- Classic Tulle Tutu:
- 1. A short tutu, but with layers and layers of tulle, made from nylon. (Available from Ballet Boutique, or a specialist ballet supplier for less than £150, if you know where to look!)
- 2. Sapphire blue for the layers (I personally like using a deep rich sapphire blue which can have an ethereal effect and evokes the deep dark blues of the ocean. I find it very slimming.)
- The Bodice
- 3. An entirely plain (without sequins) leotard. (If you buy the fabric for the leotard at a supplier, look out for silky and breathable fabric such as satin which allows the dancer to stay cool, this could also include an underlayer, with stretch fabric like spandex)
- 4. Buy or have made (this could get expensive, especially for custom, you will probably be lucky for less than £250). (It should not need more than 5cm or less for a band. If you're very brave you can simply create your own design!)
- To complete your Ensemble (And Make It Sparkle!)
- 5. A pair of satin pointed ballet shoes: (available in pink or nude to complement the bodice - but a white pair will always make a dramatic and glamorous effect! But please make sure your dance teachers do not mind! You might want to consider investing in a second pair for practice.) (around £50 per pair if you buy online)
- 6. Sparkling Body jewels: ( If you are performing - try looking for "Rhinestones, flat back non-hotfix" for your body (use on bare skin for the ultimate sparkle. Available from many websites like "Dancewear Supplies" or from local specialist shops - they won't be more than £100). Remember not to go overboard - just a few accents to really emphasize the lines of the bodice).
- 7. Jewelled hair band (and be prepared to invest some cash!) ( This really completes your ensemble and creates a strong visual contrast, for example - try to think of dark jewels set in silver which picks out the darker tones of the blue and creates a contrasting effect)
- 8. Hair (if it is really long make sure it is neatly tucked away and out of the way - a sleek bun at the back with a tiny bun on the top will really make you stand out! A ballerina needs to look sophisticated, right? Use a good hairspray but nothing with glitter as it often comes off when you move (this is just not practical). Use an extra strong holding spray, you will look sleek and stylish for a maximum of three days!).
You need to be certain, darling, your makeup will match, so the colors we want are rich tones of copper and bronze to match your sapphire, they must have a silky smooth effect to match that smooth leotard! Make sure to add extra eyeliner for definition on your top lashes.
To add to your dance outfit: It is quite in right now to wear an oversized satin jacket in a deep rich velvet red to really emphasize that wonderful red/blue colour clash. And don't forget your satin gloves - if you don't know what to choose to match you must use red or a sapphire blue! It looks sensational! It looks quite theatrical, my dear, like an extra from the show.
Don't forget, my dears: to keep your hair from slipping (it can be hot) tie a few strands in a very small ponytail and then carefully secure it into your bun! The more practice you have the quicker it will become. Now just take your practice in a beautiful outdoor environment like the beautiful Mediterranean Sea! Now you are truly set for summer my darlings! And most importantly have fun!
And, my dears, be creative.