The last time I put on a leotard and ballet shoes I was 5 years old and demonstrating my ability to perform good toes, naughty toes… So it was a surreal moment to find my now grown up self staring back at me from the mirror of the ballet studio, with my good toes once again primed for action.
If you hadn’t noticed, the world is experiencing something of a ballet moment, thanks to the arrival of Darren Aronofsky’s latest film The Black Swan. Fashion has fallen for the ethereal charms of Natalie Portman, and the Rodarte designed costumes ensure that layers of delicate tulle, be-ribboned shoes and sequin embellishments are firmly on the fashion agenda.
And so I found myself arriving at Frame Studios in London’s edgy Shoreditch to try my hand at their Black Swan inspired ballet class, where I would supposedly be transformed from ballet duckling into the Swan Queen.
For my transformation to properly begin I was provided with a complete ballet ensemble courtesy of contemporary dancewear company BLOCH – the sugar pink satin pumps elicited a sigh of joy from my lips – the all-in-one leotard on the other hand, not so much.
To complete my look I was placed in the hands of one of the lovely team from M.A.C –my eyes were winged with feathery lashes, my lids covered in shimmering coal black glitter and my lips coated in shades of electric pink. With my hair swept into an elegant chignon I was ready to take to the barre – but not before a glass of something fizzy had passed my lips to calm my nerves.
Channeling my inner Margot Fontaine I walked into the studio and took my place at the barre. The lovely Craig from Frame was our teacher for the night (a far cry from The Black Swan’s menacing Vincent Cassell) and as the soundtrack to the film struck up, he lead us through a 30 minute taster session of demi plies and tendu’s ending in some ‘light’ jumps – although mine were slightly more fairy elephant than sugar plum fairy.
Feeling incredibly poised and with slightly burning thighs, I indulged in a post class Black Swan inspired ‘whoopee pie’ (although I am sure this is not the typical way to end a ballet class) – before shedding my ballet persona and changing into my jeans – the ballet shoes however stayed on.
The Aubin Cinema was my next destination where a private screening of the film had been arranged to show the would be ballerinas how it’s really done. Part of the Soho House Group , the Aubin Cinema is full of lush velvet arm chairs complete with Aubin and Wills blankets to snuggle under (or hide your eyes behind), throw in a glass of red and some organic olives and you have a truly unique cinema experience.
The Black Swan undoubtedly lives up to the surrounding hype – Natalie Portman’s portrayal of the beautiful yet disturbed Nina Sayers is bewitching and the dancing itself simply mesmerising. I was told that Portman performed 90% of the dancing herself – an incredible feat when training for just a year, and one that made my efforts look considerably less impressive.
I doubt I will be earning an Oscar for my ballet moves anytime soon – but as far as exercise goes, ballet is definitely a winner. In fact I am going back for more – as of 5th February, Frame is launching its Black Swan Season, classes take place every Saturday for 4 weeks and cost £12 per class.
Toned legs, improved posture, inner poise and fabulous shoes – ballet is clearly the fashionistas exercise du jour… good toes, naughty toes, good toes, naughty toes.
www.moveyourframe.com
