Reid Bartelme is a renowned fashion and costume designer based in New York City. He has a diverse background that includes training as a dancer and a career in costume design. Bartelme's work spans across various dance genres, from ballet to contemporary dance, and he has collaborated with numerous choreographers and dance companies.
Early Life and Training
Bartelme began his dance training at Interlochen Center for the Arts and later pursued a career in ballet and contemporary dance. He performed with several ballet and contemporary companies before transitioning to costume design.
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Career as a Costume Designer
Bartelme co-founded Reid & Harriet Design with Harriet Jung in 2011. The duo met while studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Their work has been featured in numerous dance productions, and they have designed costumes for choreographers such as Justin Peck, Pam Tanowitz, and Kyle Abraham.
Notable Collaborations and Achievements
Bartelme and Jung have designed costumes for various prestigious dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. They have also worked on Broadway, making their debut with the costume design for Bob Fosse's "Dancin'" in 2023.
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In addition to their work in dance, Reid & Harriet Design has also created costume-centric performances for commissions from the Museum of Art and Design and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Podcast and Community Building
Bartelme co-hosts the podcast "What's Going on With Dance and Stuff" with Jack Ferver. The podcast, described as a "community" for dance enthusiasts, features discussions on a wide range of topics, from ballet to popular culture, and has been praised for its ability to provide a lifeline for dance fans during times of social isolation.
Personal Life and Interests
Bartelme's personal interests include a love for podcasts and a passion for cooking, as evidenced by his recipe for a grown-up tuna noodle salad shared in Dance Magazine.
Conclusion
Reid Bartelme's career as a costume designer has seen him bridge the worlds of dance and fashion, uptown and downtown, and traditional and avant-garde. His work with Reid & Harriet Design has made a significant impact on the dance community, and his collaborations with renowned choreographers have resulted in numerous notable productions. Through his podcast, he continues to engage with and contribute to the dance community, making him a multifaceted and influential figure in the world of dance and design.
