Pair of white nylon men's Danskin tights from George Balanchine's ballet Bugaku, large size, ca. 1965

Pair of white nylon Danskin tights. The original plastic packaging was housed with the tights, but was disposed of due to long-term condition concerns. Photographs of the packaging have been added to this record.

Given by Cecil Beaton

Tights used in George Balanchine's ballet Bugaku. The ballet, with music by Toshiro Mayuzumi, was first performed by the New York City Ballet at the City Center of Music and Drama, New York, on 20 March 1963. The scenery was designed by David Hays and the costumes were designed by Karinska. Allegra Kent and Edward Villella created the leading roles.

The work has also entered the repertoires of other ballet companies, including the San Francisco Ballet and The Royal Ballet.

The tights were given by the designer to Cecil Beaton, who gave them to the museum for inclusion in the Cecil Beaton Collection. Along with other Bugaku costumes given by Karinska, they was transferred to the collections of the V&A Theatre Museum in 1975.

Reason For Production: Retail

S.722-2019