Beyond Basics
Every dancer knows that a beautiful, well-fitted costume can enhance a performance. However, knowing you look your best shouldn’t stop at your tutu, since nothing completes a costume like a headpiece. Whether it’s a simple spray of ribbons and flowers, or an elaborate crown, it can be the little touch that sets you apart from the rest.
The addition of a headpiece doesn’t just complete a costume, it also increases the level of professionalism you display, just as neat hair and stitched pointe shoe ribbons do. Having an appropriate and well proportioned headpiece can make as much impact on your performance appearance as the trim you choose for your costumes.
Headpieces are a great alternative to stretch your wardrobe. Take a simple, well-fitted, classical white tutu, and pair it with a regal, sparkly tiara. You are transformed into Aurora, Act III. Now, with the same tutu, but a change of headpiece, this one with feather and a delicate crown, you are Odile, The Swan Queen. A glittering diadem and you are ready for The Kingdom of the Shades. The changes are subtle but can truly effect the way you portray your role in a piece.
Scale and style are equally important factors when choosing headpieces, both for outfitting a corps de ballet or an individual dancer. As tempting as it can be, being glittery isn’t always the right choice. Remember, as a dancer you are the embodiment of someone or something else, and your choices need to reflect that. So - no crystal tiaras for Peasant Pas.
Be sure that as well as being appropriate for your production, that the style and scale of the headpiece are appropriate for you as well. Just as you wouldn’t put an oversized tutu on a young girl, steer clear of such extremes in headpiece design as well. Too small and it will look like an afterthought, too large and it will overpower you.
The right headpiece will enhance the sparkle you project with your dancing, not overwhelm it.
- Caryn Wells has been a wardrobe supervisor for American Ballet Theatre for more than thirteen years, working primarily with Principal women. Her headpieces are now available at:
www.themagpiestudio.com.
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