Victor Glemaud brought his creations at the ballet. On April 25, the American Ballet Theater debuted Variations of La Follia in costumes by the designer of leisure wear. The colorful collaboration was part of the American Ballet Theater’s Unite in motion at Segerstrom Hall – the first performance to take place there since the theater closed in March 2020.

The project was particularly meaningful to Glemaud as he grew up in Queens, taking the train to Manhattan to see shows in the morning. “I love ballet, theater, and all the visual arts that New York City has in abundance – anything that we couldn’t do,” he said. “For me, it proves that the work pays off. The first thing I saw in an in-person performance after the lockdown included my designs! Truly unforgettable.

Read on to see the designs and learn more about the creation process.

Emily Hayes and Jonathan Klein in La Follia Variations.
Photo: © Todd Rosenberg Photography / © Todd Rosenberg Photography

Glemaud and Lovette decided that the outfits should have bright colors and a modern silhouette. “To create ideas, we hung framed artwork throughout my living / working space,” he explains. This led them to focus on a specific work of art “that showcased those wonderful jewel tones”.

Emily Hayes and Jonathan Klein in La Follia Variations.
Photo: © Todd Rosenberg Photography / © Todd Rosenberg Photography

Chloe Misseldine and Jose Sebastian in La Follia Variations.
Photo: © Todd Rosenberg Photography / © Todd Rosenberg Photography

The ballet costume design process was slightly different from what Glemaud is used to. “We had to test the color of the tutus individually to make sure the tulle would retain vibrant, saturated hues – they do!” he says.

Chloe Misseldine and Jose Sebastian in La Follia Variations.
Photo: © Todd Rosenberg Photography / © Todd Rosenberg Photography

A scene from La Follia Variations.
Photo: © Todd Rosenberg Photography / © Todd Rosenberg Photography

“Being at rehearsals for the three days leading up to the first live performance was a daily learning experience in costume design,” he explains. “Each time I saw something different in the costumes as the lighting, hairstyle, makeup and choreography became final and the dancers perfected their craft. Ultimately, he describes the experience as “pure joy.”

The performance will be broadcast virtually May 12-26.