Fille Costumes !

Here is a closer look at the costumes for our first production this season, 'La Fille Mal Gardee'! They are colourful and bright, and perfectly fit with the fun and humour of the ballet. 

Yuhui looking very pretty as Lise in act 1.

Phil looking loud and garish as Widow Simone  

David Yudes as Alain, love this cap. 

Annette and Gina in a mixture of pretty colours as Lises friends.  

Gary as Father Thomas in a killer smock !

Reece rocking these courdroy trousers as a Colas friend  

Tara in colours of browns and yellows as a 'Lise friend'.  

Tom with a very stylish bolero. 

Solomon in stripy trousers and a belt to clinch.  

Mica as a peasant lady with a very stylish cape and bonnet for accessories. 

Yuhui in her wedding gown for act 2 Lise! 

EXTRA.. 

A special mention is the straw hat we wear as a 'Lise friend'. Though a bit tricky to dance in, I think they are super stylish and an add a whiff of elitism to our dairy maid costumes!  

Holi-Style

I'm officially back at work after a lovely summer break. After my tour to Japan with The Royal Ballet Company,  I went straight on holiday, to one of the Japanese islands - Taketomi. It was paradise. However as I went straight from tour, my clothes were picked carefully due to luggage allowance. I chose items where I could mix and match easily. Didn't use much pattern, but went bright and bold with colour, this also worked well with my gold sandals from Zara. It added instant glam. It was far too hot for jewellery so I kept it minimal and used a lick of red lipstick for hot evening dinners.

Bought this Red Skirt from Tokyo

Fluffy sandals make this outfit fun!  Sandals are also from Tokyo. 

Enjoyed matching my Top with my Bag.  

Skirt-  http://www.pullandbear.com

Bag-  https://www.toryburch.co.uk

Gold Sandals-  http://m.zara.com

This was my mums top from the 70s. It's my holiday wardrobe essential.  

Classic LBD

DRESS- http://m.zara.com

My Mums dress from the 80s! It's garish and cool. 

My black maxi. Simple and breezy!

The colour and texture of this dres screams summer !! 

DRESS- http://tofu.com.

Mixing and matching my Pull and Bear Skirt. 

My luxurious sandals are great to hang out at my apartment

SANDALS-  www.aandreassen.com

All from above, showing how I mix and match

My bike ride outfits!  

The travel outfit home.  

However when I settle to my seat I put on flight socks, and throw on my cashmere jumper.  

Travel Style

The Royal Ballet are off to the the next destination, Osaka. Travelling in great style I might add, by the bullet train.

Choo choo !

I'm in loose and colourful clothing. Wearing a slight heel as had a slight calf scare in lasts night show of 'Giselle'. 

Marcy in Bright red!  

Solomon customising his outfit with excellent accessories.  

Kristen in a fantastic oversized denim jacket.  

Calvin in all black with a heavy boot.  

Al & Jon looking effortless smart with shades to tie in the look.  

Tristan's loafers and fan pull this look together.  

Yuhi pulling the monochrome look well.  

Mayara in ripped jeans and loose top. 

Juna, Federico, Chi & Mariko. Juna steels the limelight wearing a Baby Gap dress !!!

Anna wearing a loose jumpsuit.  

Gina's jeans make this outfit! 

Elizabeth looking elegant sheek and uber glamorous.  

Ro looking like the world traveller that she is! 

BackStage in Tokyo.

The company are in Japan touring for 4 weeks. Our first destination is Tokyo at the Bunka Kaikan theatre in Ueno. This will be my 5th visit to this theatre and although it's half way across the world from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden it does feel like my second home (theatre wise) !! I love this theatre and I want to show you an up close look at what goes on behind the curtain when we tour!

By the side of the stage is where the crew keep all the props and it's where we have our quick costume change area. Also very special to this theatre- all the visiting companies since the 70's have left signed posters which they have hung up. It's full of history and looks beautiful and artists have signed their names on the walls too. Mine is up there!

As there is only one studio at the theatre we either do class in that studio or on stage. If I can, I always choose option 'stage'  

When we are warming up our bodies, the costume team are busy getting our costumes ready for the show. Ironing, steaming, a whole list, and leave our hats and jewellery out for us to grab before we go on stage. 

Physio room has been set up at the theatres 'orchestra room' ! Our Physio team are alway very busy on tour, our bodies suffer quite bit on a long haul flight with swelling of tendons or back and neck problems. To prepare ourselves to dance again we need 30 mins with one of the team. 

If we are not dancing, eating, having Physio,or getting ready for the show, then we are looking for Internet! 

Changing rooms are 'cosy' and we make use of all the space!  

Its hot and muggy in Tokyo and you dehydrate very quickly which tends to tire the body more. 

Myself, Helen and Itzi hydrating after a show of Harlots in Romeo and Juliet!  

The audiences in Tokyo have been INCREDIBLE !! The applause we get throughout the show is like nothing else and I have to say it really does lift your game! The turnout outside stage door is pretty insane too. We dancers sign autographs and pose for pictures. Couldn't quite believe how many fans knew this website, and follow me on social media. I have been showered by gifts, i'm so grateful. 

Dedicating this blog to my great fans in Tokyo! Thank you so much for welcoming us dancers to your wonderful country!  

Tokyo Style

The Company are in Tokyo ! We are touring here for two weeks performing 'Romeo and Juliet' & 'Giselle'. I've seen some excellent looks leaving the stage door from the ballerinas. There has been a lot of loose clothing with a heavy shoe and some great patterns in the mix. The weather is hot & muggy with sudden bursts of heavy rain so an umbrella is the hot accessory!  

 

KRISTEN

DRESS -  http://m.zara.com

LETTIE

DRESS-  http://shop.mango.com

BEA

TOP & TROUSERS-  http://m.zara.com

 TINA

DRESS-  http://m.zara.com

YUHUI

DRESS-  http://www.tedbaker.com

HANNAH

DUNGARESS -  VINTAGE

AKANE

SKIRT-  http://m.missselfridge.com

ROMANY

DRESS- vintage

KRISTEN

TROUSERS-  http://m.zara.com

AKANE

TRAINERS-  http://m.office.co.uk

YUHUI

CULOTTES -  http://www.hm.com

There will definitely be a part two to this blog, so look out for the next edition!  

My Seasons top 6 costumes!

Here is a countdown of my favourite costumes this season 15/16! This year has had it highs and lows. I thankfully have had no serious injuries that have made me miss my work, but have gone through a bit of pain recently due to swelling in the Achilles. I've had some incredible debuts this year,(Ballerina, 'Afternoon of a Faun') and have had a great time going back to some old roles (The Raven, 'Raven Girl'). Costumes are incredibly important for a ballerina. They help you to get into your role, feel your character, and give you that extra something on stage! So here's the countdown..

Number 6

 Christopher Wheeldon's 'After The Rain'. A simple halter neck leotard with sheer cut to the ankle tights, made this costume simple and a tiny weeny bit sexy! I felt confident and fierce, which helped a lot for this role! 

Number 5

Sir Peter Wright's 'Giselle' as Moyna. It's a classic long romantic tutu and is very beautiful. Thin layers of muslin makes this costume light and airy, which helps it to flow with your movement. 

Number 4

Sir Kenneth MacMillan's 'Romeo and Juliet' as The Lady. It's opulent, glamorous and fits like a glove, and the sleeves are truly magnificent!

Number 3

Sir Kenneth MacMillan's 'The Invitation' as The Wife. I wore three costumes in this production and it was hard to choose my favourite. This one stood out for 3 reasons. 1. The colour. 2. The way it skimmed my body. And 3. Never has a costume put me in a role and head space like this one.  

 

​Number 2

Wayne McGregor's 'Raven Girl' as The Raven. It has detail and texture this costume! The leather bust, with feathered arms and clusters of sequins makes this costume fabulous!

And Number 1 is... 

Jerome Robbins 'Afternoon of a Faun' as the Ballerina. This costume is beyond chic. Just like the costume for 'The Invitation' it put me straight into the space and allowed me to get inside the character. I really did feel pretty and it's very unusual to have your hair down for such a big role. The light blue colour with the loose belt is so understated and fits perfectly with the choreography. I love this costume! 

Hope you liked this post, please comment and share ! More posts will be arriving shortly from Japan!  

Spring Looks Off Stage.

Me

Jumper http://m.asos.com

Trousers http://m.adidas.co.uk/

Jacket http://www.hm.com

Frankie

Top http://m.zara.com

Tina

Leotard http://www.hm.com

Skirt http://m.zara.com/

Me

Denim Shirt http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Jeans http://m.asos.com

Me

Lace Top http://m.zara.com

Skirt http://m.zara.com

Kristen

Dress http://www.hm.com

Boots  http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Me

Top http://m.asos.com/

Skirt http://www.stories.com

Nats

Dress http://www.hm.com

Me

Top Vintage

Skirt http://m.zara.com

Yuhi

Top http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Kristen

Dress http://m.zara.com

Me

Tshirt http://m.adidas.co.uk

Skirt- an original 90s Benetton skirt

Trainers  http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Wedding Style

On May 14th dancers from around the world and friends and family of a wonderful couple, Emma-Jane Maguire and Tim Mann gathered to celebrate their wedding. We spent the day in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and partied into the night at the Mann family farm. Everyone looked super glam and wore bright spring colours which really accompanlied the incredible backdrop. Obvious the stand out outfit was the bride! It fitted perfectly on her tiny balletic frame and Emma really wore the dress rather than the dress wearing Em !

So chin chin to the happy couple, Mr and Mrs Mann....

Me

SUIT -  http://m.zara.com/uk/

Tina

DRESS-  www.self-portrait-studio.com

Sian

TOP-  reiss.com

SKIRT-  m.zara.com

Kristen

DRESS-  http://m.zara.com/uk/

Hayley

Ben and Akane

Gem

Nats

DRESS- vintage

Itzi

DRESS-  www.reiss.com

Steven & Lizzie

Lauren

Claire

Paul & Leanne  

Leannes Dress-  http://www.lkbennett.com

Kristen & Bradley

Bridesmaids- Laura, Yuhi & Helen

 Dresses- www.oasis-stores.com

And the beautiful Bride..

Mrs Emma Jane Mann ... 

MRS EMMA JANE MANN !!!! 

 Emma and Tim both experienced tragic loss and they have asked for any donations to go to the two funds set up in the memory of their lost family members:

To donate to the charities please go to

Thetobymanntrust

www.annmaguire.org

   

Going Graphic

There seems to be an air of lightness in the studios this last week. The dancers mood has gone daring. Lots of assemetric patterns mixed with stripes and polka dots, in leotards, skirts and tees. The vibe is loud and proud. It's fun and I like it! 

Me

Zen  

Chi

Anna Rose

Lettie

Hannah

Lettie

Melzie

Frankenstein Costumes Up Close

Here is a closer look at the costumes from The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Frankenstein', by Liam Scarlett a resident choreographer for The Royal Ballet. Its a huge production, with large scale scenery. This could potentially drown the costumes but costume designer John McFarlan has yet again done an incredible job in making the costumes shine. I particularly appreciate his  use of material and textures. Also while keeping in style of the period, he still makes costumes that you can move in without feeling constricted. Always a winner in a dancers book ! 

Me

Kristen

Emma Jane

Claire

Tina

Sarah

Lettie

Fumi

Sian

Emma Jane

Kristen

Ro

Luca, Matt, Teo, Nicol, Marcy

To see this production, get tickets at 

 www.roh.org.uk

Pretty in Pastels

We are ballerinas and wearing pastels is what comes naturally to us. It's great to sometimes be that image that everyone associates with a 'ballerina' because it's not our usual day to day look. The trend at the moment is very sporty with lots of neon. But occasionally you find yourself wearing a pastel pink leotard, with your pink tights, a high bun, thrown on with a soft light skirt, and yes it does make you feel uber feminine and we love it. 

Me in a pair of Capezio tights that I have cut to create a top! 

Tights-  http://www.capezio.com

Emma Jane in leotard by Yumiko

 global.yumiko-online.com

Me in a baggy top by 'Gap' and a belt I have made out of shoe elastic  

 http://m.gap.co.uk

Yas in a leotard by Bloch  

www.blochworld.com

Me in a very old top from Capezio

 www.capezio.com

Lettie in pure whites

leotard-  http://www.capezio.com

Meaghan in pinks and creams 

leotard -  http://global.yumiko-online.com

Mayara in pale blues 

leotard -  www.basilicadancewear.com

Itzi and Helen looking pretty in pastels. This pic was taken during Christmas but I had to add it to the list as it shows that pastels are not just for spring! 

Sewing Bees

When we are not rehearsing or sweating in ballet class, warming up in the practise room, squatting in the gym, practising our repertoire, having intense Physio, stretching in the Pilates room, fuelling up in the canteen, glamming up for shows, having wig fitting, or a costume fitting you will probably see us in a corner of a studio sewing ribbons on our pointe shoes! We go through a lot of ballet shoes in a season and they don't come ready prepared so we have to prepare and sew them ourselves. Although it is time consuming, dancers are very particular on how their shoes are sewn (where the ribbon lays on the foot, what type of elastic and how that elastic is placed on the shoe,) the list goes on. The more experienced you are as a professional, the more you work out what you need from your shoe. It's your tool and you need it to be perfect so it fits you like a glove. It took me 4 years to work out my brand of shoe and another two to work out what kind of thickness of elastic I needed. I know it sounds crazy, but the relationship between a ballerina and her ballet shoes is personal and very intense!!

FUMI

GINA

CLAIRE

ASHLEY

ANNETTE 

ISOBEL

ITZI

GRACE

CAMILLE

MAYARA

HANNAH

Korizma

Two weeks ago I was approached by designer Aleksandra Korizma to style a photoshoot for her AW 2016/17  collection. So of course I said Yes!!!

I was responsible for styling and producing the shoot, from location and design to selecting the order in which the clothing would be featured.

Her label 'Korizma' is cutting edge in style. The designs have an androgynous feel with a touch of 70's flair, it's an incredible collection. I love her use of contrasting fabrics, especially the way she's used leather so boldly. The boyish edge to her designs encouraged me to use the soft look and feel of ballerina skirts with the harsh look of an industrial studio.

CATSUIT NATURAL

SHOES MY OWN

BELL DRESS

GUN METAL TROUSERS

GUN METAL JACKET

SCUBA MESH TUNIC

PLEATED BUTTERFLY DRESS

TRAINERS MY OWN

BLACK BUTTON DIVA SHIRT

BELL BERMUDAS

PITON PRINT SKIRT

TOP IS MY OWN

SCUBA MESH TUNIC

SEAMED FLAIR TROUSERS

PETROL GREEN CHAMELEON TUNIC

TRAINERS MY OWN

LONDON COAT

BACK BUTTON BUTTERFLY SHIRT

SKIRT MY OWN

SAME AS ABOVE

FUNNEL JACKET

SEAMED FLAIR TROUSERS

SHOP THE LOOK

www.korizma.co.uk

For pricing contact

KORIZMA@HOTMAIL.COM

INSTAGRAM

@AK_KORIZMA

Margot Fonteyn

This week I wanted to focus on Dame Margot Fonteyn, as she is one of the reasons why I wanted to be a ballerina. I personally think she was one of the world's greatest ballerinas. Her beauty and grace on and off stage were enigmatic and incredibly glamorous. As a tribute I wanted to do a special feature on her for my blog. I collected a few of my favourite pics of Margot and recreated her look but with a modern sharper edge! I really enjoyed this project as Margot Fonteyn has always held a special place in my heart.

Margot 

THE BIG PUFFY SKIRT WITH A RELAXED POLO TOP IS EFFORTLESS AND INCREDIBLY STYLISH.  

  Margot 

CLEAN WHITE TEE WITH A HEAVY WIDE BELT. LOVE IT.  

Margot 

SO CHIC. VERY CHANEL.  

 Margot 

PURE WHITE LOOK WITH AN OFF THE SHOULDER TOP. 

Giselle Costumes-Up Close

Here is a closer look at the costumes for Sir Peter Wrights Production of 'Giselle' designed by the great John MacFarlane. An incredible ballet deserves incredible costumes and these designs are exactly that. The 'Hunt' costumes I particularly want to highlight. Their cut and drapery are exquisite and considering these costumes are around 30 years old and have been through countless shows, they have really stood the test of time. They are extremely heavy, which I particularly like - before you even walk on stage and begin to act, the weight transports you into that position of grandeur and wealth. I think this heaviness on stage with fur and velvet in act 1 (in the peasant costumes as well as the hunt), makes the contrast to the ethereal Willis costumes of act 2 very clear. The  lightness and ghostly appearance of the second act really highlight Giselle's vulnerability. Anyway have a look yourself, and let me know what you think. 

Kristen as Bertha.  

The shirt.  

Sian in 'Hunt'.  

The waistcoat.  

Isabel in 'Hunt'.  

The shoulders and bell sleeves are beautiful.  

Calvin in 'Hunt'   

All about the pleating.  

Claire as 'Willi'.  

Thin layers makes this dress delicate and light.  

Akane in 'pas de six'.  

The structured top contrasts the silk shirt underneath. 

Kristen as 'Bertha'.  

Love the cross stitching on the sleeves.  

David in 'Hunt'.  

This streamlined sleeveless coat is very much in trend.  

Teo in 'Hunt' 

All about the boots.  

Tara in 'Hunt'  

This V neckline is very Dior.  

Me as 'Bathilde' 

This is one of my favourite costumes in the ballet. 

Lettie as 'Peasant women' 

Thick and heavy makes this dress hang wonderfully.  

Me as Moyna

To watch these costumes come alive, watch one of our shows at The Royal Opera House, London.  

T-Shirt Battle. Men vs ladies.

Everyone loves a good slogan Tee. It's another way to show your mood in the studio, whether you're making a political statement or just showing your love of Star Wars , its a great item to have a bit of fun with. But the question is who was wearing it best this week. The men or the ladies? Let's see shall we, ladies first..

THE LADIES 

Me 

Sian

Me

Sian

Nats

Kristen

Me

Sian

Me

THE MEN...  

Matt

Solomon

Ben

Marcy

Teo  

Solomon

 Who won? 

Hannah and Matt

The Body Warmer

Mini Craze 

Thanks to Taglia Basilica - your woolly body warmers have proved very popular in The Royal Ballet Company and have created a bit of a craze! The warmer is light and as soft as silk but a great layer to keep our muscles warm and ... we look smoking hot!! 

To shop this warmer go to..

https://www.basilicadancewear.com/ 

Me

Kristen

Solomon

Tina

Lettie

Nats

Me

Pregnant Ballerinas

For all those pregnant ladies out there, just because you have a bump in front of you does not mean you lose out on style . These incredible ballerinas Nathalie and Lara, are pregnant and proud! They have their own very personal style as you will see, but what I find great is how they accessorise their looks, some scarfs, kaftans thrown with some great colour. 

To get their style.. 

 http://www.eu.lululemon.comt

  http://www.sweatybetty.com

 http://www.east.co.uk/mobile/

 http://m2.hm.comcom and 

 http://www.oxfam.org.uk

 http://www.stellamccartney.com

and a whole lot of vintage!!!! 

Lara

Nats

Nats

Nats

Lara

Nats

Nats

Lara

Lara

Lara and Nats  

FIRE FASHION

There was a fire emergency today at the Royal Opera House, and the majority of us dancers were working hard in the studio. When the alarm goes off we try to grab as many garments as we possibly can, to keep our body warm! I thought this was a great moment to capture our true ballet style when in a hurry ! Enjoy!

STEVEN AND LIZZIE HAVING A QUICK BITE WHILE THERE IS TIME! 

ANNETTE, DAVID AND MR DONNELLY CAME DOWN WITH THEIR BALLET BAGS.  

TEO, HANNAH AND FRANKIE IN A MISH MASH OF BALLET WEAR/STREET ! 

LAUREN IN HER ADDIDAS BOTTOMS.  

GINA AND TRISTAN LOOKING EVER SO CHIC!

RYO IN HIS BALLET SHOES!  

BEN AND AKANE LOOKING COLD

TIERNEY AND SOLOMON IN STYLISH BODY WARMERS AND HOODIE. 

SANDER AND CAMILLE ADDING DESIGNER FLARES TO THEIR BALLET KIT. 

ASHLEY, YASMINE AND MARIKO WEARING BALLET SKIRTS UNDERNEATH THEIR STREET WEAR.  

I THREW ON MY COAT AND BROUGHT MY EARL GREY TEA FOR THE JOURNEY.  

Get Skirty

Ballerinas best friend is her skirt. Very personal on colour and where it cuts on the leg.  

RO IN A BRIGHT GREEN NUMBER. 

LETTIE, HANNAH, MEG AND TIERNEY IN MUTED DUSTY COLOURS.  

I'M IN SHADES OF WHITES TODAY. 

MAYARA IN AN ALL BLACK SOLID LOOK.  

LETTIE IN LIGHT PRETTY PINKS.  

MAYARAS LEGS LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IS THIS FLORAL PIECE.  

SIMPLE BLACK SKIRT TO COMPLIMENT MY BRIGHT PINK LEOTARD.  

ASHLEYS SKIRT REMINDS ME OF A 'MONET' PAINTING. 

GINA IN A BLACK FLORAL NUMBER.  

CHI IN DELICATE FLORAL SKIRT. 

ASHLEY IN ANOTHER MONET INSPIRED SKIRT, CUT IN AT THE KNEES.  

LETTIE LOOKING LIKE A SUPERMODEL IN THIS SKIRT. HER LEGS GO ON FOR DAYS.  

LADIES ROCKING THEIR SKIRTS IN A REHERSAL OF ACT 2 'GISELLE'. 

For a ballerina skirt like these -go to these shops

 http://www.designedbyalice.co.uk 

 http://www.blochworld.com

 http://store.yumiko-online.com

 http://www.sansha.com

 http://www.dancia.co.uk

 http://dancebylina.bigcartel.com/

And also made by a couple of ballet mums. 

TO CATCH US IN 'GISELLE'  BOOK TICKETS ON 

http://www.roh.org.uk/