Take a Tour of the New York City Ballet’s Costume Closet
The New York City Ballet is one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, with skilled dancers, storied choreographers, and a rich history in the city. Naturally, a glittery institution like the NYCB has an equally impressive costume closet to match — and who better to give us a personal tour than principal dancer Sara Mearns?
Click ahead to get an inside look at the closet — and read along as Sara divulges her all-time favorite costumes, earliest memories, and how she prepares for the season ahead.
Photo: Nick Bentgen1/14"The first time I visited the costume closet was truly surreal. There are just continuous rows of costumes stacked together. And that's only a portion of them…many are in a warehouse for additional storage."
Photo: Paul Kolnik2/14"My favorite costumes include my crystal encrusted tutu from George Balanchine's Diamonds, the floor length dress from Balanchine's Serenade, and my tutu from Peter Martins' Swan Lake. They all fit like a glove and zero restrictions, which is extremely important on stage. Each costume has its own glamour in different ways, and they all help me rise to the occasion."
Photo: Nick Bentgen3/14"I would love to wear the tutu from Balanchine's Theme and Variations – it has such gorgeous detail. I am sucker for gold and sparkle, and that tiara is incredible!"
Photo: Nick Bentgen4/14"As soon as you put on your costume, you stand up a little straighter and feel a little more confident. In a way, it's the final touch when preparing myself before a show. My transformation is complete, and a sense of comfort sets in."
Photo: Nick Bentgen5/14"The first costume I ever wore as a dancer for the NYCB was the corps de ballet tutu from the Nutcracker. I can't remember what the very very first costume I ever wore was, but it might have been a mouse when I was 3 years old in The Nutcracker!"
Photo: Nick Bentgen6/14"My favorite costumes include my crystal encrusted tutu from George Balanchine's Diamonds, the floor length dress from Balanchine's Serenade, and my tutu from Peter Martins' Swan Lake. They all fit like a glove and zero restrictions, which is extremely important on stage. Each costume has its own glamour in different ways, and they all help me rise to the occasion."
Photo: Nick Bentgen7/14Inside the New York City Ballet's costume closet.
Photo: Nick Bentgen8/14"I would love to wear the tutu from Balanchine's Theme and Variations – it has such gorgeous detail. I am sucker for gold and sparkle, and that tiara is incredible!"
Photo: New York City Ballet9/14Tutus on tutus on tutus!
Photo: Nick Bentgen10/14NYCB Director of Costumes Marc Happel at work.
Photo: Nick Bentgen11/14Inside the costume shop.
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Photo: Nick Bentgen13/14Marc Happel looking over patterns in the shop.
Photo: Nick Bentgen14/14"It's always challenging prepping for a New York City Ballet season. We perform so many ballets at one time. For example, I can rehearse 5-6 different ballets a day and then perform a 7th one at night. I spend 12-13 hour days in the theater, and partake in a lot of physical therapy. My feet are something I innately need to pay close attention to when prepping for the season and always turn to my Cole Haan ZerøGrand sneakers for comfort outside of the theater. All in all, it pays off in the end; the moment you step on stage."
