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Show THE COMPOSITION OF BALLETS. 193 CHAPTER XVII. ON COSTUME. "Laleggiadria del vestirsi, che tanta vaghezza a natural beltade accresce."-ALGAROTTI. EACH performer should be obliged to wear that species of costume which is exactly appropriate and peculiar to the character he represents. Every remarkable characteristic of dress should be carefully studied ; after which they may be modified and embellished as theatrical taste shall dictate. This is an art that should not be neglected in theatres, since it greatly increases stage effect, and is advantageous both to the dancers and to those who perform Pantomime. Persons of our profession cannot be too studious to dress in such a style as not to prevent the display of attitudes used in dancing, and yet at the same time to preserve the true character of the costume. Dancers are frequently obliged to make great alterations in their dresses, when the peculiarity of shape or make might prevent or conceal the grace of their motions. They require, in short, to be lightly and elegantly habited ; and their costume should be so arranged, as to add a new charm to the art. If, for instance, it is necessary to introduce a Turk or eastern caliph dancing, could such a thing be effected with their usual enormous costume ? To attempt it would |
