While Dior Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has created couture costumes for acts like Nuit Blanche and went as far as holding a ballet-infused spring-summer 2019 runway show, the maison’s history with the graceful dance goes back to Mr. Dior himself. As well as designing costumes for ballets, he created English ballerina Margot Fonteyn’s wedding gown. In light of Dior’s longstanding passion and love for dance, it isn’t surprising the storied French maison is encouraging us to channel our inner ballerinas via their "Dior and the Dance" campaign. The luxury label has teamed up with some of the most talented principal dancers and choreographers to provide virtual dance tutorials that “awaken senses lulled by lockdown.”
The prolific dancers featuring in the series include Paris Opera Ballet choreographer Sébastien Bertaud, who conceived and choreographed the runway show, Stuttgart Ballet principal dancer Friedemann Vogel and Germain Louvet, a principal dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet. Eleonora Abbagnato, also a Paris Opera Ballet dancer and director of the Teatrodell' Opera di Roma, is the other dance genius involved.
"This slice of escapism provides a compelling taste of the hypnotic discipline treasured by Monsieur Dior - who also notably costumed the Roland Petit ballet, Treize Danses," a Dior spokesperson explained. "Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to feel and respond to the music, how to improvise, and how to perfect some key positions."
So if you’ve always been mesmerised by moves like ronds de jambes and relevés, this is the perfect chance to try and master them. The three-part instruction video series is available on Instagram and Dior’s YouTube channel. Accessible to all and suitable for any level, the virtual choreography lessons and movement workshops offer a rare chance to learn from professionals in quick bites (all the tutorials are under 30 minutes). Practicality is also taken into account so household staples like chairs and tables can be used instead of classic studio equipment. Whether it’s guided ballet improvisation, going through the motions spotted on the Dior runway show in Shanghai or mastering iconic movements at your own pace, it’s a mesmerising way to be entertained and inspired. And as well as offering exclusive instruction and tips on how to move with poise, some of the biggest names in ballet discuss their collaborations with Dior and give exclusive behind-the scenes scoops.
