As timeless as love itself, Swan Lake has been enchanting audiences the world over for more than a century – ever since choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov restaged the work for the Imperial Mariinsky Theater in 1895. Nearly every major classical ballet company around the globe performs a version of it.
In 2022 Miami City Ballet debuted its first full-length staging of Swan Lake by none other than one of today’s most acclaimed choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky, and now this sold-out New York Times Best in Dance smash hit makes its triumphant return April 18 – May 12, 2024, in Miami, Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
What audiences may not know is that choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, with loving detail, reconstructed this Swan Lake through extensive research and notations dating back to the Petipa/Ivanov premiere, honoring the original choreography and storyline.
Like Ratmansky, costume designer Jérôme Kaplan also drew inspiration from Petipa and Ivanov’s Swan Lake, created in 1895. Kaplan opted for bell-shaped tutus, as were common at the time, rather than the classical, stiff tutus of today. Kaplan’s choice to incorporate the bell-shaped tutus in his designs adds a sense of romanticism and nostalgia to the production, paying homage to Swan Lake’s rich history while infusing it with his own artistic vision.
From Odette’s ethereal white tutus to Odile’s seductive, darker ensembles, each costume reflects the character’s essence and blends tradition with a contemporary flair.
Ballet has long served as a muse for fashion, influencing designers and trendsetters alike for decades. Today, the concept of “balletcore” takes center stage, blending the ethereal elegance of ballet with a contemporary edge.
Aventura Mall’s head stylist, Kimmie Sussman, drew inspiration from the grace and allure of Swan Lake, ballet culture, and costume design to curate stunning balletcore ensembles.
Inspired by Swan Queen Odette’s soft white ensemble, this look embodies the timeless allure and rich heritage of this graceful art form. Delicate lace, ethereal tulle, airy organza, and luxurious silk intertwine to evoke the beauty that seamlessly merges ballet and fashion. It’s a tribute to the romance, culture, and history that dance through every stitch.
Inspired by the allure of ballet’s dramatic contrasts, this look channels the dichotomy between Odette and her dark doppelgänger, Odile. Embracing the depths of black, Sussman intertwines feminine details such as pearls to infuse softness, while jeweled accents elevate the ensemble to an elegant realm. To infuse a high-fashion edge, experiment with silhouette shapes like arches and half-moons. Complete the ensemble with a bold accessory like a dramatic veil, adding a playful twist to the overall aesthetic.
Now, it’s your turn. Don your finest feathers and get ready to walk the red carpet at Swan Lake! See Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake in Miami, Broward, and West Palm Beach, April 18 – May 12. For tickets, visit miamicityballet.org/swan.
Production Photo credits: MCB Dancers Renan Cerdeiro and Katia Carranza in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake. Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky. Photos by Alexander Iziliaev.
Balletcore photos / video credit: MCB former dancers Tricia Albertson and Katia Carranza styled by Aventura Mall head stylist Kimmie Sussman, inspired by upcoming performances of Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake. Video by Alexander Iziliaev. Location: LEVEL THREE Venue at Aventura Mall.
Costume Sketches by Swan Lake costume designer Jérôme Kaplan
