Danseuse Classique En Tutu-La Beauté De La Rose Pour Le Ballet

Are you wondering why this post title is in French? There are two reasons why I decided to add a little French flair to this post. One is the wonderful ability through the WordPress.com platform to see exactly what dancers and ballet students are looking for online that brings them to Tutu-Love and what language terms they use to get here. This information helps me tailor my posts in a way that  the reader may have a question or two answered. The second reason is probably most important. Using French reminds us of the origins of ballet terminology.  It never hurts to brush up on your French if you love ballet.  Today, I noticed someone looking for danseuse classique en tutu.

What Does Danseuse Classique En Tutu Mean?

Pink classical tutu by Costume Creations UK

Rose Foncé Classique Tutu Par Les Costume Creations U.K..

The French words above are the words that were used by a searcher in France looking for an image of a dancer wearing a classical tutu. What better place to see the finest examples of couture ballet costumes than right here?

La Beaute’ De La Rose Pour Le Ballet

This simply means the beauty of pink for ballet. Have you ever wondered why pointe shoes, slippers and tights are traditionally pink in colour? Why is so much of ballet pink? There is a reason for this, but I will have to do more research about the topic. We don’t have to know the history of pink to enjoy the beauty and femininity it brings to a classical tutu. Especially if that tutu was put together by the talented hands of Costume Creations.

Farewell, My Love, Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

No matter what country a dancer comes from, there is a love for the soft colour of pink ballet costumes. Pink has been described as the colour of love. Whoever termed the phrase  felt the impact of this colour in a very emotional way. As a writer and someone who knows little about  couture methods for tutus,  I still appreciate what goes into designing and sewing garments. I sometimes feel a pang for the tutus made by Costume Creations. Whatever do I mean? When I see them in all their finished glory shimmering silently and regally on their dress forms, I have a secret wish for them.  I wish to see them  transported to some protective encasement where they may never get worn out, wrinkled, abused or mistreated. In other words, for their loveliness to live on forever as a thing to be admired from a safe distance. Like a museum treasure.

Of course, this is just a secret wish. Photos will have to do or we would not have many stage performances would we? It  makes one wonder how a costume designer learns to “let go” of her creations and send them out into the world to possible mistreatment after so much labour.  How do they learn this  “parting of the ways” as new designers? Perhaps a post about this topic is needed.

Pink Couture Tutu by Costume Creations U.K.

La Beaute’ De La Rose Tutus Pour Le Ballet Par Les Costume Creations U.K.

It is wonderful to have readers from all around the world. Dance and the love of beautiful costumes knows no boundaries. Although language barriers can make verbal communication difficult, ballet is an art form that transcends barriers. The emotions, movements and the musical variations of classical ballet touch our hearts no matter what language we speak.

“Une rose sous un autre nom sentirait aussi bon”.  “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.-William Shakespeare-

Le rose est la couleur de l’amour…..Pink is the colour of love

Elegant Dance Couture Costumes Europe

Silver tutu designed by Monica Newell of Costume Creations UK

The Elegance Of Silver Couture Dancewear by Costume Creations U.K.

Elegant dance couture costumes are the epitome of good taste and should be the first choice when it comes to creating the proper presentation on stage. Being a dancer in Europe who aspires to have a professional career in the theatre makes it  crucial to choose the right dance couture company.

Students and pre-professional level ballerinas use private couture specialists for their costume requirements. Choose carefully and wisely. Although it is more  convenient to have a  bespoke designer in your area, it pays to travel  to one that has years of experience in theatrical costuming for different venues and age groups.

Choosing Elegant Dance Couture In Europe

How does a dancer choose the right couture company? Because the dance world is a specialty field in general, students find recommendations through several sources. One source is the dance studio itself. Recital and competition costume makers may be listed on a company bulletin board or newsletter.

Another way is through word of mouth recommendations by former customers of a particular designer. Remember, experienced dance couture makers are becoming harder and harder to find. Handcrafting experts that make exceptionally beautiful dance garments usually have a long line of waiting customers. Choosing a couture expert can be as simple as a photograph. Pictures don’t lie. Look at their portfolio. The Internet has made it easier for any dancer to see examples of fine couture dancewear. If you are located in Europe, comb through the photos here on Tutu-Love and send your inquiries through the contact email provided on the about page.

Silver  Couture Ballet Tutus Are Not Created In A Day

Some colours and fabric choices that are used to create dance couture are so clean of line and form that they can only be described as simply elegant. Tastefully made garments have everything to do with the impression that audience members get when they see a dancer on stage. In ballet, the tiniest details of garment construction are either enhancing the look of the dancer and her movements or are lessening the effect and presentation. That is why the majority of us who love tutus will never become couture experts; it takes the skill of a surgeon, patience of a saint, eye of an artist and a huge amount of delayed gratification on the part of both the maker and dancer. It takes a special kind of person who can deal with the “picky” perfectionisms of ballet and not grow weary.

The Cool Charm Of Silver Materials For Ballet Tutus

Silver is the colour of riches and security. It can be described as a romantic, yet powerful shade. It is also considered a cool colour versus gold which is considered a warm shade. When costuming is made using reflective materials in this shade, the fabric has an incandescence that is beautiful on stage. The cool silver effect creates an untouchable atmosphere around the dancer who wears it. What do I mean by that? Untouchable as in set apart as something ornately valuable. Just like real silver is a precious metal, so are the elegant dance couture costumes from Costume Creations. Especially this silver tutu beauty. Gorgeous!

 

 
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Tutus For Girls-Shade Variations That Inspire

 

Tutus for girls ballet performances that are shaded or embellished are highly sought after; both online and in person. People that are just ballet observers rarely delve into the secrets of these techniques. All they know is that classical tutus are pretty to look at. However, there are two people who are very discriminating about the look of the ballet tutu. The dancer who will perform in it and the designer who makes it, decorates it and fits it to the dancer’s body.

Shades Variation; Not Just A Ballet, But A Tutu-Decorating Technique

Tutu for girls by Costume Creations UK

Shades Variation Tutu Skirt by Costume Creations U.K.

Colour Combinations, Shading And Blending

What colour do you see when you look at this tutu? Some of you may find that it looks turquoise-blue. Other people might call this colour aqua-green. It is a striking and very unique shade, no doubt. When I look at this shade, I see a creamy quality or soft milkiness. By that I mean  the colour reminds me of  a blue/green pigment that has been calmed and subdued by adding white. No matter what the name of the actual shade, it is the variation of tones that personally remind me of one of the most spectacular places in the world; Niagra Falls.

Two Natural Wonders-A Gorgeous Tutu And A Waterfall

Airbrushed Tutu for girls by Costume Creations UK

Shaded Tutu Designed by Costume Creations U.K.

Niagra Falls, Canada. Designed by nature.

Anyone who follows this blog knows that I adore seeing the next tutu design coming out of the studios of Costume Creations and  presenting itself to the world.

Every single one of them is completely unique and reminds me of something. It could be a gemstone. Maybe a flower. It could be a character or a certain place.

Yes, the tutus speak to me as forms of art. Didn’t you know that tutus speak to us? They certainly speak to our emotions and imaginations. This particular tutu shade combination  made me think about the colour of the icy-cold water that flows majestically over the world-famous Niagra Falls. I visited this stunning place decades ago, but will never forget the unusual shade of the water.

You need to look inside the foaming whitewater to see the unusual tint of aqua-blue/green that makes Niagra Falls so mesmerising to look at. What does this tutu colour  variation say to you?

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions”.  Pablo Picasso-

Why Do Tutu Skirts Bunch Up?

As any blogger using WordPress will tell you, there is unique insight into the types of information that people are searching for online. Knowing what kind of information dancers and young ballet students are looking for goes a long way when choosing a topic for the next post.

Ballet Students Have A Lot Of Questions

Ballet students normally have lots of questions. They have questions about choosing and fitting pointe shoes. Some of them are simply curious to find out what the typical ballerina wears under her costume on stage. Some want to know how to create a proper ballet bun for class. Many have concerns about their costumes and the way they are supposed to fit and behave. This is especially true of the tutu skirt.  Some tutu skirts “bunch up” on the dancer.

Why Does My Tutu Skirt Bunch Up?

What does it mean when someone says their tutu skirt is bunching up? Many complaints can be found online about tulle crunching up and gathering when the dancer sits down. As the dancer stands back up, her tulle stays wrinkled and gathered.It makes you wonder how a dancer is able to sit at all, doesn’t it?  The following are some of the reasons why a tutu skirt may have problems with bunching.

  • Faulty Construction Methods
  • Improper Care And Storage
  • Tacking Mistakes
  • Low Quality Tulle Material

It appears that many home sewers try their hand at making tutu skirts not realizing just how stiff a traditional tutu really is. The netting is firm and crisp, not soft and floppy. Some even try hanging them upside down and spraying the fabric with starch. It looks like the quality of the tulle is extremely important. Cheap, thin tulle does not have the right degree of firmness.

A Word From Costume Creations About Bunching Tutus:

” I would say the main problem would be if the pant was too small  and the tutu maker was not getting the measurements correct making the whole tutu too short in the body. The cheap ready-made tutus nearly always bunch up. The pant and skirt have to be fitted exactly to sit nicely on the hips and bottom. Every shape is different and too many assume everyone is the same shape. The maker needs to look very carefully not only at the measurements but also the dancers posture and stance. This will affect very much how the tutu sits. A good tutu fitter would see all this the minute the dancer walked in the room. That is why I would say a tutu maker should have a lot of experience in dance not just sewing.

  • Improper storage can wreck a tutu; particularly the ends. Not many people have the extra space. I give my customers very detailed care instructions ; keep flat – keep covered – keep high– keep away from young children and pets.

  • Tacking too tightly could cause ugly bunching up – tacking is very time consuming to do right. I find I  have spent days meticulously making the tutu, then have to spend half a day just tacking. You are not seeing the rewards from this the same, but you know if you don’t do it right the tutu will be a disaster on stage.”-Monica Newell/ Costume Creations U.K.-

Snow White Ballet Tutu by Costume Creation UK

No Bunching...Just Beauty

Ballet Tutu Designers-Are There Enough To Go Around?

Ballet students and professional dancers know that the costume they wear makes all the difference in the world. Even those dancers who are accustomed to personal fittings and appointments with a designer may not realize the true scope of what goes on to get the costuming right. The larger the dance company, the more work is involved in coordinating the costumes. Somebody needs to know what they are doing.

Every Tutu Requires A Maker

Just as this classical tutu in shades of blue was skillfully crafted by Costume Creations, each tutu that has ever been produced has a maker. In the case of ballet costumes that must be made to order for a personal fit, there is a talented, experienced designer/ fitter in the background.

Will We Suffer A Shortage Of  Skilled Haute Couture Tutu Designers In The Near Future?

Many in the dance world go along taking for granted the traditional skills of all who dedicate their time and talent making ballet and theatrical costumes. However, after watching the video below made by the Royal Ballet Theatre, one comment really stuck with me.  Professional haute couture tutu makers may be a dying breed.

Creating Bespoke Classical Tutus- A Labour-Intensive Skill In A Fast-Paced World

Why are some professional, world-famous ballet theatres noticing the shortage of  those who know a thing or two about tutus?  Ballet is based on time-honoured traditions. It takes days to make one traditional paste pointe shoe by hand. It takes weeks to make an embellished costume of exquisite beauty. In today’s fast-paced world, many young people are not exposed to hobbies and creative endeavors that involve delayed gratification.

How many teenagers today sit down to a sewing machine and enjoy making their own clothing? The love of  creating a thing of immense beauty from a bolt of fabric with your own two hands begins at an early age.

Dancers even choose to apply their pointe shoe ribbons using  snaps instead of sewing them on because it’s faster. It is thought-provoking to think about where the next generation of ballet couture designers will come from.

The Royal Ballet Talks About The Shortage Of Tutu Designers

“Things of beauty take time and patience to create. As Rome was not built in a day, neither is the classical ballet tutu.”

The Joy Of Dance Classical Style

Classical Tutu by Costume Creations U.K.

Professional Performance Tutu Designed By Costume Creations UK

Could Anything Be More Expressive Than A Dancer’s Movements?

What is joy when it comes to the art of dance? Some ballet dancers find it in the rigors and discipline of daily practice. Some find incredible joy partaking of theatre life and the energy of live audiences. Some dancers feed off the adrenaline of a possible disaster on stage like slipping or forgetting a step. One thing that almost any dancer will tell you is that ballet brings joy through expression.

Finding Joy Through The Performing Arts

How do ballerinas keep going? Many wonder how they stay devoted to walking such a challenging path. The painful muscles, sore limbs and blistered toes are par for the course in ballet training. There is extreme pressure and competition among dancers. Professional ballet academies can heap mountains of strict physical demands that the average person could never attempt. That is just it. The dancer is not average, but extraordinary.

For them, joy comes from achieving greatness through pain. Joy comes from reaching the mountain top after a long, hard climb and several slips backwards. Joy comes through discovering their own strength and resilience.

Pictures Speak A Thousand Words

Not only does dance speak to us through the movements performed on stage, it speaks volumes through photographs. The still photograph of a ballet dancer can be mesmerising. Why? Look at this photo and see what is being expressed without words. Joy.

White Ballerina Tutus For Girls-Sparkling In London’s Dance Theatres

Are you in search of pure white ballerina tutus made with precision and care? Real costumes for professional performances in and around London should be chosen with care; especially if a ballet dancer wants to look her captivating, magical best.

Some of the most beautiful costumes that inspire the imagination of  ballet students, parents, instructors and theatre audiences in and around the London area are those of the pure white loveliness  that capture the design genius of Costume Creations U.K.

Tutu designed by London costume maker Monica Newell

Are you dreaming yet?

White Ballerina Tutus Are Pristine And Beautiful

There is so much of the theatrical in bright ballet costuming colours that getting back to shades of pure white can be a feast for the eyes. The effect is one of  innocence and pristine beauty. Just like some clothing designs become immortal because they are so classic in style, so is the choice of pure white for a ballerina tutu. Having them tailor-made just for you is a must for any London-based ballet dancer searching for a perfect fit.

White Ballerina Tutu by Costume Creations UK

Captivating Tutu Style

Sparkling Snow Scenes And Ice Queens That Shimmer

Cool...sparkling....mysterious land of snowWhen you see a lovely costume in white that shines and shimmers on stage doesn’t it conjure up images of snow crystals on a bright, sunny day? The way sunlight plays upon the snow makes them appear like diamonds all over the ground.

Just like those tiny crystals of snow reflect back the suns rays  and all of their surroundings, white tutus also shine under the stage lights the very same way.

Dance Theatres In London Are Aglow With Pure White Ballet Costumes

Some of the worlds most beloved ballet stories use white costumes to create the right drama onstage. Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake are just two of the many wonderful ballets that become so unforgettable through the visual impact of white costuming contrasted with a darkened theatre. I say, let the show (and the sparkle) go on!

I wanted so badly to study ballet, but it was really all about wearing the tutu” -Elle Macpherson-

Short, Long Or Ultra-Modern Ballet Costumes? You Tell Us

Do you think tutus are terrific? I imagine that every reader who visits this site loves them too. The challenge? Picking a favorite style of ballet costume from the different designs seen on stage. As for me, no sooner do I decide that the short tutu version is my favorite, than an image of the lovely Alessandra Ferri dancing in a long, flowing dress in Romeo And Juliet comes to mind.

Traditional Tulle Or Space Age Design?

What about you? Each one of us imagines the ideal look of the perfect ballet costume.Maybe your ideal hasn’t even been invented yet. Some of us love new and innovative materials for dance costumes. Ballet tutus with lights attached, made of rubber or that glow in the dark are just trendy and hip to those who embrace the new and different.

Some of us can’t hear the word ballerina without visions of Sugar Plum fairies in short, lilac-coloured tutu skirts. I have to admit that hearing the words Sugar Plum Fairy  makes me conjure up images of a dancer en pointe in pale lavender shoes.

Many of us are simply in love with the romantic beauty and elegance of long tulle skirts. What is your ideal vision of the prettiest costume style for ballet?

Tutu De Colores

Ballet Or Circus Act?

How many colours can one tutu skirt have before it turns from a classical ballet costume into a circus outfit? Many classical tutus come in slight shade variations that don’t normally combine more than 3 or 4 shades at a time. Very rarely does one see tutu skirts shaded multiple rainbow-bright colours that scream for attention.

Rainbow Coloured Tulle

Imagine one with bright stripes of fire-engine red, neon yellow, lime green and hot purple tulle. Would you think ballet performance or would you picture a whimsical, fun musical or circus act? I wasn’t sure about this, so I decided to search around online for tutu skirts in rainbow shades.

Not tutus in various shades, but one skirt of  rainbow colours that looked like a professional-grade ballet costume. I was surprised to find nothing that looked professional. Or classical. Not one. There may be some out there, but I couldn’t find any during my search.

Are Rainbow Coloured Tutu Skirts Still Classical?

It appears that even colour choices and amounts are controlled and exacting when creating classical tutu designs.  Of course, many tutu skirts are shaded in beautiful variations of colours. It may be the simple (but classical) way of designing the garment so it is tastefully done, not garish or clownish, that makes it classical-ballet- worthy.  There is a lot to think about in the ballet costume design world, don’t you agree?

What Does Tutu De Colores Mean?

By now, you might be wondering what tutu de colores means. It is Spanish for tutus of or with colours. This blog now receives visitors from all over the world. We have had an increase of Spanish-speaking dancers searching for ballet costume information.  It appears that the search for beautiful ballet costumes is a global one.

When it comes to beautiful colours on a classical tutu skirt, look at this airbrushed design below. Tasteful elegance, yet balanced with eye-pleasing airbrushed colour. It is a lovely example of a tutu de colores made with classical elegance and style. Muy bonita!

Tutu de colores de Costume Creations U.K.

Tutu De Colores de Costume Creations U.K.

Children’s Dancewear U.K.-Les Enfants Magnifique

Baby Blue Ballerina Costume

Children's Dancewear by Costume Creations U.K.

Children in professional ballet costumes have a magic all their own, don’t you think? They are a wonderful reminder of how  training for success in the performing arts  begins at such a young age. Learning to move gracefully and with ease in a classical tutu  takes time and practice. Starting early can ensure that a young student will have complete confidence on stage. The ballet costume pictured here is a graceful and lovely rendition of the best in children’s dancewear in the U.K. area.

A Dancer In The Making Is Called By Many Names

Nobody starts out as a principal dancer from day one. Any reputable school classifies beginner students and classes a certain way. The levels of training and the type of class that students attend are called by different names according to the country and the type of ballet  method taught.

The French origins of ballet terms had me thinking about terms for young dancers. Whenever I see a new bespoke tutu for children made by Costume Creations, I think about the long, long journey this little one will have to make in order to get to the professional level. One thing is certain; she will look absolutely beautiful doing it.

An Endearing French Term For The Youngest Dancers

In France, the birthplace of traditional ballet, the different stages of a dancer’s career are marked with milestones and with very French names not unlike the ballet steps themselves. Every time a ballet student learns a new step, it will be a French word that describes the movement. Not only are ballet steps in French, they have an endearing name for their young hopefuls; les enfants de danse classique. In English, this translates to the infants or children of classical dance.

Being called an infant of dance is not an insult. It simply means as a child has to grow and learn, so too does the ballet student.


Today’s Enfant Is The Prima Ballerina Of The Future

Why are these little dancers so endearing to us? Besides being so cute, they represent the future of performing arts. They are important because it is they who will carry on the wonderful traditions of ballet dance in the world.

I see the potential of a young ballet hopeful as akin to the power of an acorn. The ballet enfant can be compared to a tiny seed that will grow into a mighty and majestic thing with the proper nourishment.

Not only do these young hopefuls need to receive nourishment in the form of professional instruction from the outside; they grow into dance masters from what they already have inside themselves. A dream. Dedication. Sacrifice. Determination. Drive. Ambition.

It is no wonder we admire les enfants de danse classique all over the world. They are absolutely magnifique.