ENBS 2025 Costume Appeal: Preserving Ballet’s Legacy

Walking the corridors of ENBS, you’d be hard pressed to find a ballet student who doesn’t recall their first pair of pointe shoes, their first tutu or the first time they tried on a ballet slipper. The magic of a costume transports and transforms a dancer from studio to stage.

Through the decades ENBS dancers continue to bring stories to life on stage through passion, dedication, and artistry. And every movement, every leap, and every turn is enhanced by the beauty of their costumes. However, behind the scenes, crafting these stunning costumes requires significant resources. That’s why we are launching the ENBS 2025 Costume Appeal, calling on our supporters to help us continue dressing the future stars of ballet in the finest attire.

A Look Inside the ENBS Wardrobe

Our wardrobe department is full of historical costumes, some dating back to the opening of the school in 1995, including the very first white leotards worn in assessments. Despite their yellowing tones, it’s easy to imagine the young ballet dancers, full of hopes and dreams that would have proudly worn them. Elizabeth Marshall, a long-time employee and now volunteer at ENBS recalls a peasant tutu, hand-made for a student who went on to become Principal at ENB. Folding back the label, now faded with time, you can just make out the name, Erina Takahashi, written in black marker. Many students over the years have been privileged to wear this costume and others that once belonged to Alumni. And while ENBS are undoubtedly the lucky custodians of these beautiful costumes, there’s plenty of room for some fresh tulle. After 35 years our wardrobe department is in need of a make-over!

The Rich History of Ballet Costumes

Ballet costumes have evolved significantly over the centuries, reflecting the artistic and cultural trends of their times. In the 16th and 17th centuries, ballet was performed in the royal courts of France and Italy, with dancers wearing elaborate, heavy garments inspired by court fashion. These costumes, while grand, often restricted movement.

By the 19th century, the Romantic era introduced flowing skirts made of lighter fabrics, allowing for greater movement and grace. Iconic tutus emerged, particularly with ballets like La Sylphide (1832), where ballerinas wore calf-length skirts that highlighted their ethereal quality. The classical tutu, seen in ballets such as Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, later became a staple, evolving into the stiff, pancake-like shape that is specifically designed to accentuate a dancer’s precise technique.

In contemporary ballet, costumes have become even more diverse, blending tradition with innovation. Designers experiment with modern fabrics, bold colours, and minimalist aesthetics to complement choreographic styles. At ENBS, we honour this rich history while embracing new creative possibilities in costume design.

Why Costumes Matter in Ballet

Costumes are an essential part of ballet, helping dancers embody their characters and enhancing the storytelling aspect of every performance. From classical tutus in Swan Lake to the contemporary designs seen in modern productions, costumes transport audiences into the magical world of dance. However, high-quality costumes come with a cost. Fabrics, craftsmanship, and intricate designs require funding, and as a school dedicated to training world-class dancers, we want to ensure our students have access to professional-grade costumes that prepare them for their future careers.

The Challenge We Face

As a leading ballet school in London, we are committed to excellence in dance education. However, costumes remain one of our biggest expenses. Each year, we stage multiple performances, and with every new production comes the need for new or refurbished costumes. With increasing production costs and limited funding sources, we rely on the generosity of our community to sustain this vital aspect of our performances.

How You Can Support Our Appeal

We invite you to be part of our journey by contributing to the ENBS 2025 Costume Appeal. Your support can make a significant impact.

By making a donation or direct financial contribution you’ll help us purchase fabrics, materials, and we’ll be able to commission skilled costume designers to create stunning pieces for our students, which will then go on to become part of our treasured wardrobe for many years to come.

The Impact of Your Contribution

By supporting our dance school fundraiser, you are directly investing in the future of dance. Your generosity ensures our students gain invaluable experience performing in professional-quality costumes, preparing them for careers in the world’s leading ballet companies.

Join Us in Preserving the Art of Ballet

Ballet is a timeless art form that thrives through passion and support from its community. We invite dance lovers, alumni, and arts patrons to be part of this initiative. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us sustain the legacy of excellence at ENBS. Together, we can ensure our talented dancers step onto the stage adorned in costumes that reflect their hard work and dedication.

Support the ENBS 2025 Costume Appeal today and be part of our journey in shaping the future of ballet.

To make a donation or learn more, visit 2025 Costume Appeal