I collaborated closely with two esteemed ballet choreographers to realise their artistic visions for two performances within the English National Ballet School Professional Trainee program.

In the first performance, titled ‘Arise’ choreographed by Katarzyna Kozielska, the emphasis was on a minimalist grey colour palette for the costumes. Despite facing the challenge of sourcing appropriately sized grey leotards, I skilfully altered them to ensure freedom of movement, a crucial aspect in dance costumes. Additionally, I added modesty panels to enhance the dancers’ comfort. Completing the ensemble with matching grey shorts, the understated yet elegant greyscale costumes effectively contributed to the moody ambiance desired by Katarzyna.

For the second performance, ‘The Carnival of the Animals’ by Mauro di Candida, creativity flourished. Although the costume designs were simple, meticulous alterations were necessary to achieve the desired fit and aesthetic finesse. Addressing issues such as mismatched glove lengths and integrating gloves with leotards, I meticulously tailored each element for a polished appearance. Furthermore, I crafted vibrant costume props including feather headpieces for the ‘birds,’ Pom Pom hairpieces for the ‘turtles,’ and shiny red gloves for the ‘chickens,’ injecting bursts of colour into the predominantly black ensemble.

Throughout the process, I maintained close communication with both choreographers, conducting fittings and seeking approval at every stage of production. This experience not only allowed me to hone my skills in working with stretch fabrics but also provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of ballet costume design.