Ballerina Tested- Primer

Third in my series, I wanted to focus on primer.

Primer is used for under your makeup, it gives your complexion a little boost, blurs blemishes and amps up the radiance ! I have only in the last year started to use primer with stage make up, and I have to say it has not just giving a dewy look but also helped to prevent breakouts that you can sometimes get when wearing such thick make up every night. Also, after long days in the ballet studio and heavy shows in the evening you find by the morning your skin looks tired, no matter how much moisturiser you put on it needs a booster, so primer is a big thing in my life right now ! I have knuckled down on a few of my favourites..

Here they are  ..

Lancôme

La Base Hydro Glow

This was a lovely base to start with. Didn’t quite last the full 24 hrs that it’s says, however, it smelt lovely and gave a very subtle glow. W

No7

Skin Illuminator

 The pearl tint creates that lovely soft focus effect. At £12.50 i think it’s an excellent purchase for its price. 

 www.boots.com

Here wearing No7 Skin Illuminator

Photo credit - Rachel Hollings

Mac

Strobe Cream

I really like this one ! It’s great if your wearing heavier foundation ( like stage make up ) and really does last ! A great find. 

 m.maccosmetics.co.uk

NXY

Away We Glow

 The dropper applicator in this lightweight luminizer, lets you add a dose of glow to your foundation. Or moisturiser for a natural, no fuss face. I love it !!!! It gives me that ‘just had a holiday’ look.

 www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk 

I just used primer for this shoot. Wearing and shot by designer Conner Ives.  

Origins

VitaZing

It’s advertised as a moisturiser but I feel it acts more like a primer... It’s divine ! It’s super light but gives you that look you get when you’ve just have a facial ! There is a downside.. it’s on the pricy side. 

 m.origins.co.uk

Bring it Back

This week I have chosen the female back ! I have found some beautiful and unusual designs. When we move our arms in ballet it all comes from our back muscles, and this is how we get that graceful ports de bras. It's where we start our expression so we never underestimate the importance of a pretty back.  

Old leotard held together by a safety pin. Chosen a crop top with an unusual back design.   

Katerina wearing a beautiful design. Love how it folds in the middle.  

 www.yumiko.com

Yuhui wearing a lacy floral leotard held together by buttons. The first few are undone to give the back more breath. 

 uk.blochworld.com

Yasmine showing the full back with this striking plunging leotard. 

 www.yumiko.com

Love how you can see hints of Grace’s tattoos with this design of leotard. 

This leotard looks great with Itzi’s beautiful broad shoulders

 uk.blochworld.com

A striking leotard. Plunging V with a dark blue piping for Ashley. 

 www.yumiko.com

Isabel’s leotard has an Art Deco vibe. Very chic. 

Three bows to finish Fumi’s look. Super cute. 

 www.sodanca.com

Anna has a very demure v neck design. Lovely and subtle. 

Gorgeous wide and low back from Isabel. 

Cammy wearing a gorgeous strappy number.  

Lovely scooped back with lace detailing from Yu hang.   

Mica wearing an Adidas crop top underneath her Ivy Park leotard. 

Lovely intricate lace detailing here on this leotard. Amelia wears it well ! 

Ashley wearing a cute meshy number  . 

 https://www.dancewearcentral.co.uk

Ballet Style meets ... Solomon Golding

This series of 10 snappy questions offers a look behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into a dancers stylish lives.

This week Ballet.Style meets ...

Solomon Golding, dancer with San Francisco Ballet and in my opinion a style leader ! 

Photographer - Jahna Frantziskonis,

What style do you like most in the studio ?

My studio style varies depending on whether I want my body being seen or not. Most dancers have experienced that feeling of just not wanting to be faced with themselves in a mirror first thing on a Monday morning! On days like these I like to wear my Aviator Nation super worn sweat pants. They are very comfortable and allow me to reach my full range of movement without getting in the way. On days when I feel like a bit more comfortable or if I'm in coaching and really need to see how my body is working, I like to wear tights or shorts. I usually like something with a pop of colour because life is too short and really enjoy pairing those with a fun graphic t-shirt.

  How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

My fashion outside of the studio is very much curated by me for me. I really feel that fashion is another form of self expression for me and it is something that I have a lot more room to be myself within. It has changed a lot throughout the years and I like looking back at outfits and knowing exactly what I was going through at that point in time. I wear hats and I think they are a motif for me. At the moment I'm really enjoying playing with silhouettes and illusion. Double waistlines have really caught my attention and I am liking the idea of fashion not being so much of what you wear but how you wear it and have had a lot of fun wearing what I already own in a different way.

With Mathilde Froustey. Photographer- Devlin Shands

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

My home space is quite minimal. I like black, especially in my bedroom, so my chest of drawers, bin and laundry basket are all black. My bed is also black but it's a super minimal metal scaffolding frame. I love to be surrounded by plants so I have plants in my room and the pots are black also.

 What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I don't cook at all. Some of the guys in San Francisco Ballet took me to the most amazing Thai restaurant called Bai Thong and I'm a little bit obsessed now. Also California has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico so I can be regularly found at one the amazing Mexican restaurants in San Francisco.

Photographer- Isabella Walsh

 What your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

I recently changed my foundation for shows to the Fenty Beauty collection and it was the best thing I've ever done. I also wear the same colour as Rihanna so I'm well chuffed about that. My skin always gets so irritated by shaving but I recently found an amazing lotion called Tend Skin Solution and I use it after shaving and I barely get razor bumps anymore. I also discovered this amazing vitamin-E oil that's hyper concentrated called 'Sundown Naturals Vitamin-E Oil 70,000 iu' and has done wonders on my skin but I'd suggest mixing it with Palmers or another moisturiser as it is very viscous and is hard to spread on your skin by itself.

 What do you eat before a big show ?

I usually eat at 5pm for a 7:30pm show and that would be a normal sized meal of whatever I fancy. I wouldn't ever eat a curry or anything spicy before a show for obvious reasons but other than that I'm not that restricted on what I'll eat before a show and it varies depending on what I'm doing in the show. Sometimes nerves might mean I won't eat until after the show.

 What do you get up to on your day off ? 

On my day off I like to sleep a lot. I recently moved to the US and going to the cinema is an experience and a half. Everything is super sized and loud and amazing! I also like to work on things like my website or work on outside projects that I don't have the time to give attention to whilst working.

Photographer- James Clare  

 Where is your favourite place to tour ?

My favorite place to tour probably has to be Japan. I just adore Japan. It's so eccentric and I really appreciate the culture and I could also live off of sticky white rice and Japan is definitely the place for it! A close second would be New York City and I really enjoyed Chicago and Washington DC when I went with The Royal Ballet.

At the ‘Batman Vs Superman’ Premier 

What are you reading at the moment  ? 

There is a great series of books called The Last Interview. They are a selection of interviews with famous individuals who have now passed on. I read James Baldwins, a famous gay African American writer and activist, and was absolutely humbled by the intelligence and eloquence of his answers about race, sexuality and religion especially from a gay black man in the midst of the Civil rights movement in America.

Photographer- Marcelino Sambe

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

I recently went to Los Angeles to shoot a music video for an amazing musician and song writer called Harrison Kipner. It was shot and directed by Brantley Gutierrez who has made music videos for Arcade Fire and Diplo so I'm super excited to see the finished product. I was also recently interviewed by a Nigerian based magazine called 'A Nasty Boy' which explores otherness in people, culture and society.

To see more of Solly..

 www.solomongolding.com/

 www.instagram.com/solomongolding

Ballerina Tested - Nail Polish

Second in my Ballerina Tested series  ...  

Nail Polish 

 As a ballerina we can’t wear dark nail polish while we are performing for lots of reasons. Firstly, it’s a bit too individual and it’s distracting at the end of your fingers, hands are so expressive in ballet, you don’t want anything to distort that. Even when I was a student and not performing my teacher wouldn’t allow it, ‘not classical’ was the reply when I enquired. However I like the ceremony of putting on nail polish and it makes me feel ‘done’. So to get around this I wear pink or natural like a lot of other dancers around the world. I have a large collection of pink nail polishes but I thought I would ‘ballerina test’ all the ballet inspired ones to see which ones hits top spot ! 

Chanel - Ballerina 167

I had to start with Chanel, it’s super luxurious ! The polish was a very natural pink, with a high shine. It lasted for 3 days without any chips, I think for its price, however, it should last a bit longer. 

 mobile.chanel.com

Essie - Ballet Slippers

Was very impressed with this one. It’s quite watery while applying but it dried super fast, a soft pink and left my nails very strong as well. Bonus ! 

 www.essie.com

Barry M - Ballerina 

A very reasonable price with a little shimmer. However the tone was more ‘Barbie pink’ than ‘Ballerina pink’. 

 www.barrym.com

L’Oréal - Rose Ballet 22

Liked this a lot. But it is a little too dark for on stage. Applied this on my toenails instead. 

 www.loreal-paris.co.uk

OPI - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Mountains 

So, one of my favourites! Was a slightly dusty pink, which I liked, and lasted for ages, which I loved, and the application was satisfying if you know what I mean ?!?

 www.opi.com

What are you waiting for ?!?! Paint those nails a BalletStyle Ballerina pink and let me know your favourites ! 🤗

Dance photography- Rachel Hollings ... thank you 🙏🏻 

My Top 5 Ballet Costumes 17/18

My top 5 ballet costumes from this season.  It was a tough one this year ! 

Number 5

Monya -  Giselle 

So beautiful and dreamy this costume. It glides with you while you dance. I love the extra tulle around the arms, creates that romantic / eerie port de bras. Also nicely nipped in at the waist. 

Number 4 

Courtesan - Manon 

This role has a few costume changes but this particular costume shown below I really like. It also comes with a huge array of accessories, white gloves, veils, muffs and a very luxurious coat ! The coat is on the heavy side, like, really heavy, but you only do a few steps before you get down and dirty with the big dancing ! I think this coat screams Dolce and Gabbanna, what do you think ?!

Number 3  

 Lead Flower - The Nutcracker 

Such a beautiful costume this one. It also fits me perfectly. I love how the sleeves don’t cling but drape just above the elbow and that the actual tutu isn’t too stiff but hangs slightly past the bodice. Dreamy. 

Number 2

Spanish Princess- Swan Lake  

This is the Spanish Princess costume from The Royal Ballet’s new production of Swan Lake, designed by the incredible John McFarlane. It has so much depth for a tutu. In layer and richness of colour and the huge array of materials used, velvet and silks complete the look. However this costume needs to be worn a few more times ( like 50-75 ) to be perfect ! It’s a little stiff and you sometimes get this with new tutus. Ballerinas ( and their male partners ) love a tutu when it’s been a bit worn and used ! 

And 

Number 1 .. 

Yugen

Yugen was a new 1 Act ballet this season choreographed by Wayne McGregor to Leonard Bernstein’s score ‘Chichester Psalms’. It was an incredible ballet and I was very lucky to have had such a divine role in it. All costumes were gender neutral, in tones of burnt reds. I loved how I was wearing the same as the men on stage yet played a feminine role, it was incredibly empowering. The silk material draped when you danced and created shapes with your body. Hopefully this ballet comes back to the Opera House soon !

Performance photography- Rachel Hollings  

Swan Lake Costumes

Here is a closer look at the beautiful costumes from The Royal Ballet’s new production of Swan Lake. Designed by the talented John McFaralane. 

 ACT 1 

FUMI CHAN AS A SOLOIST COURT LADY

KRISTEN AS QUEEN

KRISTEN SHOWING THE BACK OF THE QUEEN DRESS

LETTIE AS ODETTE DOUBLE 

GEM AND RO AS COURT WOMEN 

ANNA AS A SISTER PRINCESS  

MARCI AS A SOLOIST COURT GENT

 Act 2

LARA AS A SWAN

Act 3

YASMINE AS THE DIVINE YET WICKED ODILE ! 

MYSELF AS SPANISH PRINCESS

YUHUI CHAN AS ITALIAN PRINCESS

FUMI CHAN AS HUNGARIAN PRINCESS  

CLAIRE AS POLISH PRINCESS

NATS IN QUEENS ACT 3 DRESS

KRISTEN SHOWING THE BACK OF THE QUEEN DRESS

MYSELF AND TRIST AS LEAD CZARDAS

CALVIN AND DAVID IN MAZUKA COSTUMES 

RO AND LUCA IN NEOPOLITAN COSTUMES 

FUMI AND ANNA AS THE SISTERS. MARCI AS BENNO 

TOM, CALVIN, NICOL, KEVIN AND MYSELF IN THE SPANISH  ENSEMBLE 

ISABEL IN BLACK SWAN ACT 3 TUTU

HARRIS AS SERVANT

ACT 4

BILLY AS VON ROTHBART

YASMINE AS ODETTE

DEMELZA, NATS, ANNA, AND TIERNEY AS SWANS

After Show Glamour

Last night The Royal Ballet opened its new production of Swan Lake at Teatro Real in Madrid and what a night it was ! The show went down a storm, and to celebrate, the theatre held a very glamorous after-show party on the terrace over looking the Palace. However my eyes were focused on the super glam dancers, who really know how to dress for an occasion !  

Ben and Akane Chan

Itzi and Melissa 

Teo, Jo and Nicol 

Amelia and Grace 

Teo and Harry

Anna and Fumi Chan

Annette, David and Charlotte  

Mica and Julia

Calvin and a dapper Jo in the background  

Marci and Leo

Gina and Isabella

Ro and Billy

My photoshoot with Nicol didn’t go quite to plan !

I’ve noticed for a while that my photos could be at a better quality !!!

I’m investing in a good camera this summer for more quality snaps in next seasons blogs ! I’m totally on it 👌

Underneath The Lake

It  takes a lot of preparation to put on a new production as big as Swan Lake !! Here’s a sneak peek how this masterpiece came alive ...

Mood Board was in our practise studio so us dancers could get an idea of stye and set design while rehearsing. 

We had many costume fittings in the lead up to the first night. They were between rehearsals so were usually accompanied with comfy trainers !

Tutu before feathers ! 

Act 1 Soloist dress. 

There are so many costumes for this production, not all can be in our dressing room. So some have to be left outside in the corridor. 

Tutu rails

This is our hair and make-up board. Dancers refer to this before getting ready for the show so we know exactly where the headdress should be aligned, styling of hair, and make up, (centre parting, colour lipstick etc). 

Czardas headdresses too big to put in boxes !  

Our pearl swan earrings all named in individual boxes for us to collect before the show.

Stage rehearsals are when we try on our costumes for the first time while dancing and it’s only when you are dancing in them that you really get a feel of how it fits. Most costumes we share, so it can only be a tweak here and there. After each act we have the dress makers in our dressing rooms to jot down the adjustments. Incredible team 🙌

Gina after Act 2

Elizabeth in Act 1 Queen costume. Getting into character before our first call on stage.  

Natalia Osipova resting before Act 4 stage rehearsal 

Quick change area from Act 1 to Act 2 by side stage. We have around 4 mins to change our headdress and change costume to our feathery tutu ! 

With the legend that is John McFarlane who designed this production!! 🌟

 www.roh.org.uk/people/john-macfarlane

The Team. The Royal Ballet. 

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COSTUMES AND HEADRESSES IN NEXT WEEKS BLOG !! 💕

Ballerina Tested - MakeUp Remover

This past month I’ve been testing make-up remover to see which one is best ! We need to wear a lot of make up on stage, due to heavy lighting and the distance we are from the audience etc. After the show you don’t want to be spending too much time taking it all off. You want to wipe it off so you can go out & hit the town for some fun or flop at home!

I thought - who’s best to test these than a ballerina herself .... so here’s my review ! 

No make-up face ! Photo - William Bracewell

 Show One ..

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Pretty good, however, it did leave my skin feeling dry. It also took a few cotton pads to soak my stubborn eyeliner off !

  www.garnier.co.uk

 Show Two ..

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

I massaged 3 pumps of oil onto my face and rinsed in the shower and it all came off ! No residue and left my skin feeling super soft ! 

  www.kiehls.co.uk

Show Three ..

Bioderma Solution Micellaire

Was excited for this one as this is what they use backstage for catwalk shows during Fashion Weeks ! It got rid of all make-up, however it took quite a few swipes to achieve this. Smelled lovely and left a dewy finish. Pretty good.

  www.bioderma.com

Show Four ..

Aqueous Cream

A few dancers use this or Diprobase to rid their make up. You can get it over the counter in any pharmacy and it’s quite cheap ( £4 ! ). It’s very kind to the skin but more of a facial wash than make-up remover. It didn’t quite get rid of all my eye make up.

  www.boots.com

Show Five ..

Nivea - MicellAIR

I usually like Nivea  products however this didn’t quite cut it for me. It took a few too many attempts to get rid of my mascara. 

 www.nivea.co.uk

Show Six ..

L’oreal Micellar Water

This was great, got all the make up off with a couple of swipes. Excellent value too !  

 www.loreal.com 

Show Seven .. 

Johnson’s Baby Wipes  

 Another favourite with many dancers at The Royal Ballet Company. It took all the make up off, but left my skin feeling super dry ! 

 www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk

The winner is ...

Kiehl's Midnights Recovery Oil

- a luxury item but worth every penny 💥

  ( However... If I have missed an excellent make up remover on the market, then please drop a comment ! Thank you ) 

Ballet Style meets ... Nathalie Harrison

This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look-behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into their stylish life.

This week Ballet.Style meets .. 

Nathalie Harrison, dancer with The Royal Ballet Company. 

The phrase eclectic boho could have been coined for Nats. She manages to effortlessly combine an old vintage dress and a straw hat and still look amazing. This lady has style and being a mum hasn’t stopped her showing it. www 

What style do you like most in the studio ?

I do like the really old dance wear, the worn raggy favourites we all wrap around ourselves. Fine knitwear and 80’s Lycra is the dream but hard to find. I’m not into the sporty look. I like chiffon and layers.

How would you describe your style outside the ballet studio ?

Colourful, clumsy charity shop chic. I love visual noise. Bohemian, vintage I prefer ‘ pre loved ‘ clothes to new, I get an adrenaline rush when I walk in a good charity shop.

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

Well, it’s the house my husband grew up in and it’s an old property. It’s quite literally the polar opposite of minimalist. It’s rammed packed of artefacts, stuff and things everywhere, all are beautiful and fascinating with stories attached and we have some incredible books and paintings. I love it so much.

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I go through fads & stages with cooking, currently I’m very proud of my super healthy and delicious fish pie. My daughter can’t get enough of it.

What your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

Concealer! For under my tired eyes And some blusher. I’m very pale.

What do you eat before a big show ?

Too much and always regret it. I’ll never learn

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

I frantically clean my farmhouse. I ignore the laundry and play with my 1 1/2 year daughter who is the apple of my eye. We spend a lot of time walking in the South Downs, cooking big Sunday lunches for friends and catching our breath ahead of the week beginning again. I try and have a salt soak in the bath but sometimes it doesn’t always happen.

Where is your favourite place to tour ?

Japan. Partly because it is one of the most interesting places I’ve been and also sentimentally I’ve enjoyed some amazing tours there. It’s very different to home, stimulating and fascinating at every turn. I love to visit rural japan on our days off. Plus they adore ballet there which adds some sparkle to the performances for sure.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading the Paper Dolls, Burglar Bill and the tale of Jeremy Fisher. All about five times over at bedtime.

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

I’m getting back into choreographing again at the moment. Some internal ROH projects but also making a short art film with some friends. I’m also writing various articles which I love to do. On the whole being a mummy and a ballerina takes up all my energy and time but I’m broadening my horizons ready for when I can to look at future adventures.

Photo Credit - Andrej Uspenski 

You can follow Nats on ..

 www.instagram.com/natsorelli

Ballet Style meets ... Xander Parish

This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into their stylish lives.

This week Ballet.Style meets ...

Xander Parish, principal with Mariinsky Ballet. 

Xander took a brave decision at a very young age and decided to leave The Royal Ballet to have a career at The Mariinsky Ballet . A whole lifestyle change not just in terms of ballet. He has adapted fantastically well, so much so that he was promoted to principal in 2017. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.   

Photo Credit - Darian Volkova

 What style do you like most in the studio ?

When I'm doing class and rehearsals I almost always wear things which are firstly, comfy and simple, which I can grab quickly out of my locker. I'm not the type to wear loads of layers which get peeled off bit by bit. Tights, T-shirt and a pair of tracksuit bottoms is just fine!

How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

I would describe it as fairly classic in a simple way - I tend to wear tops in block colours, navy blue, black or sky blue, without patterns, and jeans for everyday wear. I often wear shirts in various shades of light blue which I like.

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

I guess I've done it in the "learn a foreign language" style... I have "post it" notes on almost every stickable surface with new vocabulary and phrases which I'm trying to remember to help me with my Russian.

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

Free time is not something I have a lot of at the Mariinsky so I cook for speed and convenience rather than pleasure. I use a slow cooker to make stews which I can prepare when I have time and then put on in the morning so when I return home in the evening it's already ready. If I have a day off I enjoy making a good breakfast with things like French toast and strawberry & walnut porridge.

What your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

Well I guess the W4 base paint stick I use for performance make up is pretty good! I still buy my make up products in Charles Fox in Covent Garden!

 uk.kryolan.com

Photo Credit - Natasha Razina

What do you eat before a big show ?

I tend to stock up on carbs with a large lunch after morning class- today for instance in the theatre canteen I ate 4 breaded chicken strips, a bowl of chopped carrots & celery, a fresh orange juice, a flapjack and a slice of beetroot cake (much, much better than it might sound!). My show today is at 7.30pm so I'll eat another smaller meal at about 5.30pm.

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

Sunday is a normal working day for the Mariinsky Theatre but if I don't have rehearsal in the early afternoon or a matinee show, then I will go to the international church which I'm a part of. We meet in the Oktiabrskaya Hotel in a large conference hall and have a congregation of approximately 150 people, maybe more, of many students, probably half and half, international and Russian.

Photo Credit - Katya Kravtsova

Where is your favourite place to tour ?

My favourite place to tour is to Baden Baden in Germany. It was the place I first toured to as a member of the Mariinsky and the company goes there every year over Christmas. It's a beautiful place, especially with the Christmas markets and there's a ruined castle on one of the hills overlooking the town and thermal hot baths to visit so we always have a great time touring there!

What are you reading at the moment?

One of my friends gave me The Karamazov Brothers by Dostoevsky. I made a good start on it a while ago and am about one third of the way though! I probably won't finish it until I have a vacation in the summer as it's so long.

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

I'm working a lot with a British artist called Alexander Talbot Rice. I guess actually this is ballet related too but not to worry! He's been painting me for a couple of years now which has been fun. He's currently putting together an exhibition and auction of his work including our pieces which will benefit a charity for British veterans as his family has a strong military background.

Photo Credit - Natasha Razina

Conner Ives

Let me first introduce you to Conner Ives. American born, he travelled to London to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He’s currently in his second year at Central Saint Martins. However, Conner is no ordinary student, at 21 he’s already dressed Adwoa Aboah for the MET Gala, he has a collection at Browns and is only followed on Instagram by Rhianna herself ! Also, did I also mention he’s only 21 ...

Even after all this success Conner keeps grounded and hard working. He knows how much work is involved in making his dreams come true.

Conner approached me at the beginning of this year, I was impressed as I understand how intimidating this industry can seem when you’re not involved in it. It showed real confidence and I loved it.

He asked me to collaborate on a project and of course I jumped at the chance, he approached the right ballerina!

We chatted over a very long coffee in Covent Garden and discussed the connection between high end fashion and ballet. I also showed him around my office ( Royal Opera House of course ), as it’s hard to not be inspired by such a place ! He asked me to try on my favourite practice clothes, while jotting down why I liked these pieces in particular, as you can imagine I had a lot to say on the matter, we hit it off !

Adwoa Aboah wearing Conner’s designs at the MET Gala.

A piece from his exclusive collection at   Browns. 

I invited him a week later to watch a show of Giselle to give him the finished version of what he saw backstage. What inspired him most he said were the costumes and the hanging designs and backcloths of act 2. He loved the scale of it all.

That same week he had already created 2 pieces for his collection and texted me on my thoughts. It was super exciting to see his vision of my world through his designs.

Two months later he completed the collection. Conner photographed and styled me, in some of the pieces to present to his tutors at school. I had a super busy day at work ( rehearsing Manon ) and only had a 45 minute slot to do this. We were two people on a mission and nailed it in 35 !

I love his use of fine material and flared cut on some pieces and the opulence and busyness of others, no predictable ballet crossovers for this man ! I was so impressed. Surely he gets an A* for this from his tutors ?

This designer is one to keep an eye on. I see an incredible future ahead. Conner you’ve got this !

connerives.com 

 www.brownsfashion.com/uk/shopping/woman/conner-ives

Ballet Style meets ... Louis McMiller

This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into their stylish lives.

This week Ballet.Style meets ..

Louis McMiller, dancer with Company Wayne McGregor.  

When I think of Louis’s style, I picture fun ! From what he wears in the studio, to what he drinks after a show, a lightness and positive outlook is apparent. When you see him on stage there is focus and dedication but outside is freedom and joy. 

Photo Credit - Alex Fine

 What style do you like most in the studio ?

I like a look that is pretty chill and effortlessly put together, but you know there is thought and lots of style behind it! A few baggies, mixed with skin tight is a winner for me! Funnily enough, most of my work clothes are colourful! (See next question!)

How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

Simple and classic is how I like to think. Fitted, symmetrical and usually all black (I like to think my personality is the colourful element, haha, I’m kidding!) I like nice shoes and jewellery and I have a small obsession with sunglasses!

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

Organised mess ! I’m so in and out, being on the road all the time, so I always try and make sure my hotel room is as comforting and homelike as possible. I like to take a Diptyque candle with me to remind me of home! In my dream world, everything would be sleek and disguised behind cupboards, like a showroom!

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I recently became vegan and so I’m still finding my feet with that. My favourite thing to make at the moment (even though not the healthiest!) is vegan falafel — yumo!

What your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

Number one... oh, I have so many! Ok, so my favourite product at the moment for the face is Mario Basescu’s Aloe, herbs and Rosewater facial spray. It’s super refreshing and makes you feel nice too!

 www.mariobadescu.com

What do you eat before a big show ?

I actually can’t eat too much right before! Our shows are getting longer and longer (the latest one is 80 minutes!) so I tend to eat a good breakfast, usually Soya yoghurt with muesli and fruit and a good lunch, stock up on Mountain Dew for the show (!!!) and then have dinner about an hour afterwards.

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

If I’m not spending the entire day in bed, I love seeing my friends, eat and drink whatever I want and watch trash tv!

Where is your favourite place to tour ?

I love going to The States. I usually get to see my family when I’m there and I am a sucker for American candy!

Photo Credit - Alex Fine 

What are you reading at the moment?

I just read Call Me By Your Name. I wanted to read the book before watching the movie and it made it so much better. And now I just bought The Sellout, which I need to start soon!

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

Last year I did a movie in Norway, so I’d love to get into doing more acting. I also model and am represented by First Model Management. It’s something that still allows me to use my creativity and I usually end up dancing on shoots too, without being SO focused on the usual technicalities of ballet in the studio.

You can follow Louis on Instagram 

 www.instagram.com/mcmilagram

Ballet Style meets ... Thiago Soares

This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into their stylish lives.

This week Ballet.Style meets ..

Thiago Soares, principal with The Royal Ballet Company, London. 

Thiago’s style is unique. He has a real ease and assured look around the Royal Opera House. I love that he wears a toweled dressing gown for class and a casual shirt for rehearsals, his look screams - SOARES ! 

Photo credit - Rick Guest

What style do you like most in the studio ?

 I’m usually wearing dark clothing. I use a lot of things from a collection I’ve created with ‘Balletto Official’, a Brazilian dance clothing brand and the majority of the pieces are in black or dark blue. I wear jazz trousers and T-shirts for every day classes and rehearsals. 

www.balletto.com.br/  

How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

   I think I am quite simple. I’m a fan of dark colours and sometimes my mind is on so many other things that I don’t plan much on what to wear. But I do recognise people in nice outfits and I’m a fan of the fashion industry and the influence that has on the art world. 

Photo Credit - Andrej Uspenski 

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

I’m a minimalist at home. But I like to have beautiful art on the walls and clean lines in the way that I place things. 

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I cook the basics, having said that, I can a do a great black beans with meat and some delicious South American dishes ! 

 What’s you number one make- up product or beauty ritual ? 

Not much - I apply cream on my face and elbows when I remember, and apply wax on my hair for a Saturday night. 

Photo Credit - Daryan Dornelles

What do you eat before a big show ?  

Steak - crucial to get as much protein in as possible ! 

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

Museums, galleries, friends, paper work, films, Netflix and chill. Your classic Sunday full of life-admin that you just don’t get time to do during a week at the opera house. 

Where is your favourite place to tour ?

Japan for sure !

What are you reading at the moment?

 A book about Tarsila do Amaral who is an artist.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsila_do_Amaral 

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ? 

I Swim on free weekends and play ping pong competitions for fun and to free my mind. 

You can follow Thiago on Instagram  .. 

 www.instagram.com/_tsoares

Ballet Style meets ... Leanne Cope

 This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look-behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into their stylish lives.

This week Ballet.Style meets ..

Leanne Cope, Broadway and West End principal cast of Lise in the award-winning production of ‘An American in Paris’. 

I’ve known Leanne for many years, we were in the same year at The Royal Ballet Upper School, while living together ( another 6 ladies included I might add ) and worked closely at The Royal Ballet Company. I’ve always admired her classic approach to style, very classy and chic. 

 What style do you like most in the studio ?

I tend to wear a lot of black but my must have is a skirt. I have quite a collection, all lengths and different materials and I’m loving 

www.Lovelilydanceandleisurewear.com at the moment.

How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

My basics are very simple but I like to add  colour with a coat or handbag , I would love to be a little more daring with my choices. When I pack for tour or holiday I try not to include jeans which are my staple back home. 

With Robbie Fairchild in An American in Paris. 

 Tell me how have you styled your home ?

It’s my sanctuary, I like it to be calm and light. We (my Husband Paul Kay, Royal Ballet) have lots of lamps and candles , I like playing with the lighting, it can make a room look and feel completely different. Plants as well, I love to bring the outside in and I enjoy the challenge of keeping them alive !

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I’m not a great cook but I love to bake, I like to give a homemade cake as a gift if we are  visiting friends and family . 

What’s your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

I’ve struggled with my skin for many years and I’ve recently discovered Neals Yard Wild Rose Beauty balm. It’s all natural, smells amazing and can be used to take off makeup, a mask and moisturiser. 

What do you eat before a big show ?

Before a show it’s generally pasta with vegetables or a sweet jacket potato. It’s usually an early dinner at around 3 - 4pm so I have time to digest, I learnt very quickly in An American in Paris that what and when you eat not only affects your dance performance but your voice too. Dairy before the show was a no - it creates too much mucous, gross but true.

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

 Sunday’s are for family, friends and good food.

Leanne with Pippen 

Where is your favourite place to tour ? 

I have been lucky to tour to so many countries and interesting cities but Paris holds a special place in my heart . It really became home for two months .

What are you reading at the moment? 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

I’m not dancing everyday now so I’m trying new things to keep fit, like running. I’m also training to become a Barre instructor at
Barreworks, it’s good to challenge your body in different ways.

You can follow Leanne on 

Instagram 

www.instagram.com/leannemcope 

Ballet Style meets... Steven McRae

This series of 10 snappy questions will offer a look-behind-the-curtain and gain an insight into the lives of your favourite figures from the world of dance..

The series opens with ...

Steven McRae, principal dancer with The Royal Ballet Company.

I chose Steven because having worked with him for many years I’ve always found his style in and out of the studio confident and calm with a real vibrant edge - an accurate reflection of his dancing. I knew he’d be a great guest.  

What style do you like most in the studio ?

No fuss! Clean lines and I want to see the body.

How would you describe your fashion outside the ballet studio ?

Simple. I am very much a white t-shirt kind of guy. I am always inspired by Scandinavian design both at home and fashion.

Tell me how you have styled your home ?

Our home is a calm place. Clean lines and big prints. Now that we have children they have added some colour to the house plus a few marker pen designs on the walls too!

Photo credit - Gregory Batardon

What’s your favourite meal to cook ?

I love cooking a roast. I have a Heston Blumenthal cook book and I follow his roast potato method..... Very good!

 www.dinnerbyheston.co.uk

Photo credit - Andrej Uspenski  

What’s your number one make-up product or beauty ritual?

Kiehls face wash. 

www.kiehls.co.uk

What do you eat before a big show ?

Sushi !! 

What do you get up to on Sunday ?

A lot of fun with my children. We usually have a family meal at our local pub too.

Where is your favourite place to tour ?

I love Japan.

What are you reading at the moment ?  

The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary.

Is there anything you are doing outside of the ballet world you would like to share ?

Raising my 2 children is my biggest passion.

At the park with Frederick & Audrey 

You can follow Steven on

Instagram 

@stevenmcrae_ www.instagram.com/stevenmcrae_

Twitter  

@_stevenmcrae

Also this book should be on everybody’s book shelf ! http://www.roh.org.uk/products/steven-mcrae-dancer-in-the-fast-lane-paperback

Heads Turn

Headbands are rather popular in the ballet studio, for men and ladies alike. They are not just for aesthetics but actually do serve a purpose. When you are working hard and sweating you don’t want flyaway hair to stick to your face - It’s not the best look! I’m always rather surprised bandanas haven’t  caught on with men outside the dancing world, ( in the gym etc) I presume it still has that 80s image. Also for the ladies it brings back that 1950s house wife image, which might not be the best! Hopefully these dancers can change your mind that headbands are back and look fiercer than ever.  

Matt’s wide bandana with a samurai-looking knot  

Headband I was gifted from The Hospital Club’s annual birthday party.  www.thehospitalclub.com 

David and Tristan wearing thick patterned bandanas as a necessity to set off those faces 

Mustard yellow headband to compliment my leotard. 

Getting those locks off our faces for a day of hard work in the studio. With Leo, David and Teo.  

Sadly not taming my fringe on this occasion. 

David carrying me and my headscarf to the canteen. 

Photo - Andrej Uspenski  

Fernando with an extra thick white bandana. 

We like our pops of colours do me and Matt. Go bold.  

Photo - Dolly Brown  

A beaded headband I’ve had since I was 11 ! Can’t believe I haven’t lost it !  

Matching blues with Luca.  

You can Beat It flyaway hair !  

Teo and Leo look effortless cool in their red bandanas. 

Headscarf and quiff for Nats.  

Layer upon Layer !!!

London, this winter, has plumbed new depths in terms of temperatures - not ideal for a dancers body. I’m writing this blog in the hope that we’ve seen the end! 

One way that we protect our muscles and keep warm is to layer up. What I’ve noticed while photographing dancers is how eccentric we can be when trying to keep warm - anything goes! Dressing gowns, jackets fit for an arctic walk and home-knitted warmers. I even started to wear my outdoor coat in the studio while warming up.

Cold weather certainly brings out the best of us when it comes to winter-fashion. 

However, there’s always one who braves the cold ! Respect.  

Thiago 

DRESSING GOWN - Freddie

BOTTOMS - www.balletto.com.br

FIRST LAYER WARMER - www.basilicadancewear.com

Akane Chan 

CARDIGAN - From Japan !

BOTTOMS - uk.blochworld.com

Melzie

DRESSING GOWN  www.marksandspencer.com

COAT - m.asos.com

BAG -  labante.co.uk

Nats

SHAWL - Vintage 

SKIRT -  uk.blochworld.com

Isabel & Julia

JACKETS - www.uniqlo.com

Annette 

JACKET- Unknown

JUMPER -  m.zara.com

BOTTOMS -  m.asos.com

Romany

SHORTS -  www.bloch.com.au

Tierney  

JACKET -  www.adidas.co.uk

Sarah

SHORTS - www.bloch.com.au

BLUE JACKET -  m.asos.com

JACKET -  q-ballet.net

Mariko Chan

BACK WARMER - made by Julia Rosco  

Then there is Steven, whose brave Aussie blood shows through and  means there’s no need to layer ! Boom 💥 

Tight Challenge with Pretty Polly

I have collaborated with the wonderful company Pretty Polly this week ! I used their tights to inspire my style in the studio! It’s been great fun and has made me think more outside the box in my usual ballet wardrobe choices! Tights can get pretty boring for ballerinas, we have to wear them everyday in training and there are not many costumes where they are not the base layer. It was great to use these beautiful tights from Pretty Polly to challenge me to think differently about my studio wear.

Monday 

Street ... 

Pretty Polly Secret Sock Tights - www.prettypolly.co.uk

JUMPER  - m.zara.com

SKIRT - www.rokit.co.uk

Studio ... 

TIGHTS - www.prettypolly.co.uk

LEOTARD - www.maldire.com

SKIRT - q-ballet.net

Tuesday 

Street ...  

Pretty Polly Backseam Tights - www.prettypolly.co.uk

DRESS - m.zara.com

CAP -  Ishigaki island south of mainland japan ! 

 Studio ...

TIGHTS - Leftover from my shows of Apollo

LEOTARD -  q-ballet.net

Wednesday 

Street... 

Pretty Polly Nylon Gloss Tights - www.prettypolly.co.uk

DRESS - Tokyo somewhere ! 

BAG -  www.rokit.co.uk

 Studio...

Pretty Polly Nylon Gloss Tights -  www.prettypolly.co.uk

POLONECK -  www.uniqlo.com

Thursday 

Street ... 

Pretty Polly Anklet Socks -  www.prettypolly.co.uk

LEOTARD / TOP - www.pepperandmayne.com

SKIRT -  www.uniqlo.com

Studio ... 

LEOTARD - q-ballet.net

ANKLE WARMERS  - Unknown 

Friday

Street   ...

Pretty Polly Colourful Tights  -  www.prettypolly.co.uk

SKIRT -  shop.mango.com

PEARLS - vintage

BAG -  www.ysl.com

Studio ...

TIGHTS - q-ballet.net

SKIRT -  www.lespetitesjupesdepatricia.bigcartel.com

Your Ballet Style

For this blog I asked you to show me your ballet style, from your wallpaper to your dressing table, to what you wear going out on the town ! Your replies have been fantastic and I’ve featured the best here. Now next time, more examples of style other than clothes - be brave!

From @glasgowgallerina - Instagram 

A cute baby pink skirt over the top of a black all in one, with headphones to listen to those motivational beats !  

@riapaints - Instagram 

Amazing make up from Ria, those eyes just pop ! The pierced lip makes the black swan look even edgier.. rocking 

 @ElizabethRGFS - Twitter

Lizzie going for the classic combo - black leotard with a short black skirt. Very classy and oh so Audrey Hepburn  !

@paula_ballerina - Instagram 

Paula taken my DIY skirt tutorial for a try and looks very chic! Loving the matching top and high bun. 

@vassellomargherita - Instagram 

Loving Margheritas stripy trousers, they look super comfortable too and that arched foot is the best accessory a ballerina can have ! 

@emma_faulkner - Instagram 

This look by Emma’s daughter is a look us ballerinas have all worn in the past ! It brings me way back. Wearing your pink tights underneath whatever you are wearing that day, with an immaculate high plait bun and trainers to rest those feet. Love this look ! 

@BigBalletDonna - Twitter 

Could not agree more with Donna, ‘You are never fully dressed without a smile’ , so true. 

@ballet.brilho - Instagram  

 Gorgeous little outfit here, with a circular skirt and tucked in t shirt. The hair, half up/half down and pearls finish the look lovely. 

@londonballetaddict - Instagram  

A Russian inspired look from  Maria especially with the scraped back hair. I love the bare legs too, highlights the muscles tone. 

@oohitori_dances - Instagram 

Su Yuen Ho going for a mermaid vibe in this very funky leotard !

@kazadirizza - Instagram 

Peachy leotard with a tulle skirt and some futuristic goggles, because why not ! 

Thank you to all participants. I will be asking you again to show more looks in the near future !