Ballet fans tend to have very specific favourites, usually dancers that they share some connection with. Many Winnipeggers adore Evelyn Hart because her storied career took place at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Americans love Isabella Boylston because she is one of their own, and represents US dancers across the globe. However, some dancers transcend these boundaries, and one did it without social media: Margot Fonteyn. Universally loved across the globe, for decades after her death, Fonteyn continues to be a favourite dancer. Today’s history bite is going to be looking at one of ballet’s most famous costumes, Margot Fonteyn’s Odile Tutu!
Swan Lake’s Popularity
My Behind the Ballet post for Swan Lake is coming soon, but for now, here is a brief rundown of this iconic ballet. Composed by Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is a four act, four scene ballet that follows Prince Siegfried as he falls in love with Odette (the white swan) and is then tricked by Odile (the black swan) to believe she is Odette. Interestingly, Odette and Odile are both major roles and are usually performed by the same dancer. Made infamous by the 2010 film, Black Swan, audiences everywhere flock to Swan Lake productions.
Margot Fonteyn in Swan Lake
If you see images of Fonteyn, there is at least a 50/50 chance that they are from Swan Lake. (Though she danced in countless ballets- don’t think that is all she is known for!) I’m quite fortunate, as I was able to see Margot Fonteyn’s Odile tutu when I visited the Royal Opera House in 2019.
Created for the 1963 Royal Ballet touring production of Swan Lake, and used for the mainstage production in 1971, this costume was designed by Leslie Hurry. It is described as a “Tutu with a black velvet boned bodice. It is decorated at the neckline with an appliquéd motif of gold thread and gold flower-shaped sequins on black net.” (Collection info, see below) Incredibly, although it was over 50 years old by the time that I saw it, it still looks stunning and vibrant in person.
The ROH is in a lucky position in that they can keep many of their costumes for their archives. Many companies will keep remaking and repurposing costumes to get as much use of possible out of them. However, the ROH is able to keep (what will be) historic garments.
You can find this costume in the Royal Opera House’s collections here!
Have you seen Margot Fonteyn’s Odile costume?
Cheers,
The Historian
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