Ballet Of Flowers-Naturally Beautiful Professional Tutus

© Design Copyright Monica Newell

Don’t you love ballet stories created with the intricacies  of nature as their central theme? Nothing can be more inspirational when it comes to creative ideas for music, movement and costumes. Seasonal changes have inspired many a poet, song writer, composer and choreographer to create melodies and theatrical story lines to love and enjoy.

It’s beautiful to imagine tutu designs for every lovely thing that grows and blooms in gardens, woodlands and meadows; real or imaginary. Shimmering with exquisite embellishments, an expertly decorated costume can make you catch your breath as though witnessing a magnificent sunrise.

This young ballerina in her classical ensemble is incredibly lovely. The subtle shading and silvery accents of the tutu give her a delicate, yet elegant aesthetic. Her poised and graceful appearance is admirable. Her feet are so  exquisitely placed.

This pretty tutu is enough to make one imagine a field of dew-kissed Buttercups and clouds with silver linings.

Speaking of nature-inspired ballet stories, two that are very well-known are  A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Four Seasons. For The Four Seasons ballet,   Vivaldi, an Italian composer and violinist, created beautiful concertos celebrating Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.  Vivaldi created these musical masterpieces in 1725 when he was 47 years old. His music lives on and on.  Below is his interpretation of Spring :

 

It sounds like a celebration, doesn’t it? Something glorious is taking place.  The snow has melted and the crocuses are budding.  The birds are happily chirping. The Queen and her court promenade along the woodland trails admiring the fresh, new blooms.

Spring and early summer is very much like that; a time of renewal and growth. Not only does nature inspire dance choreography and music, young ballet students and the activity of cultivating seeds inspire interesting comparisons.  We can picture young ballet students like  seedlings of sorts:

They Need Fertile Ground To Get A Good Head Start

No matter what type of seed you want to plant, it must go into the proper soil for its type or it will never grow properly. It may not survive at all.  A ballet student needs the same fertile ground or environment to grow professionally as a dancer.

If you try to plant a tomato seed in sand, it won’t grow or get the proper nutrients it needs to become a healthy, strong tomato vine. If you want to become a professional ballet dancer, you have to plant yourself in the best environment for your career growth.

That means being very selective about your training grounds, the knowledge and expertise of instructors, the reputation of the academy, and the quality of your garments and shoes.

My, how this dancer has bloomed into a vision of ballet perfection. It’s as if she was born wearing this tutu. The fit is magnificent; the design divine.

 

 They Push Through Obstacles With Determination

There is a powerful natural force inside a seed that makes it push upwards towards the light. The same force, or will to become a ballerina, can create tremendous courage to push through all the challenges of training.

I can think of so many obstacles that students have to deal with when seriously seeking out a dance career. However, these delicate-looking ballet students seem to have a built-in inner strength that keeps them pushing forward towards their goals.

These admirable young dancers find self-satisfaction striving for very difficult achievements. I think one of the hardest challenges about the ballet world is that there is no true relief from the disciplined lifestyle.

Whether standing, bending, jumping or spinning, a dancer is always aware of body placement. Like they say, a dancer eats, lives and breathes ballet.

It’s worth it if you end  up  getting to wear a tutu as gorgeous as this  magical blue beauty here.

 

Nature Has It’s Own  Little Dance Routine

 There is a genuine connection between the growth process of a dance student and the activity of a budding seed.

 

They Bloom In Their Own Proper Time 

Humans are just like seeds. Some of us will grow tall, some not so tall. Some of us will sprout up with super-flexible joints, graceful arms, and curved arches with strong ankles. Some of us will be ready to go on pointe years before someone else.

The most admirable trait of the dance student is how they remind us of human potential. It’s exciting to watch them go from toddler-sized leotards and tiny soft slippers to professional tutus and pointe shoes.

It’s even more thrilling  to see them advance from local dance competitions to international ones like the YAGP or the Prix de Lausanne.

Soon, summer will be over and harvest time will be approaching. Ballet summer intensives will give way to fall classes. Rehearsals for winter-themed ballet stories like The Nutcracker are just around the corner. It’s nice to know that no matter the time of year, there is always a reason to dance; especially wearing the finest of costumes.

 

 

” “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
― Anaïs Nin

 

 

 

 

Music Credits-Title: 01 – Vivaldi Spring mvt 1 Allegro – John Harrison violin.ogg, recorded on 6 February 2000, are by the Wichita State University Chamber Players, an ensemble of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra

 

 

 

 

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What Does It Take To Succeed In Ballet Competitions?

When you write about a specific topic like ballet, costumes, and classical dance, you get to learn what people are searching for online. Because I can go “behind the scenes” of this site, I have a great opportunity to explore the  questions that bring visitors to Tutu-Love. When the YAGP and other professional ballet competitions are underway, a popular question always pops up; what does it take to succeed in ballet competitions?

There Are Hundreds Of Articles That Offer Competition Tips

It’s amazing how many forums and websites that are devoted to ballet create major discussions about the art of winning a competition.  There are tips about impressing dance judges. Blog posts are written with ideas on what not to do,  what has worked for other dancers, and things you should never do. Because there is so much information out there already, I have decided to share my own personal view about performance success.

Going Beyond The Obvious

Of course you must have top-notch technique and pleasing aesthetics. You have to have music-to-movement coordination as well. You have to look professional for your role.However, if I was a dance judge, those things alone would not make me vote for you. What you need to cultivate are the qualities that have lifted up the greatest ballerinas of our time. Not outer mechanical perfection, but the ability to “get lost” in a character role.

The Three Traits Of A Successful Ballerina

© Dance photography by Photos2U

Empathy And Connection– The most haunting performances come when you completely forget yourself and eat, live and breathe your character. I don’t want to see Jane play the role of a fairy, but become the fairy so intently, I would know for a fact that she sleeps under a magic mushroom with firefly lamps and hooks to hang up her wings. If you can understand what it would feel like to live in this world as a swan or a poor peasant or a heartbroken lover, you have reached the deepest connection of character portrayal.

Royalty With A Humble Heart-When I see a ballerina who permeates the air with elegance and self-assurance, I am captivated by that energy. It’s the emotional equivalent of watching a beautiful bride glide down the staircase in a gown covered with pearls and diamonds. It’s rich, it’s opulent, it’s  elevated finery.  The dancer who sees herself as a  high-quality individual, yet is humble enough to be teachable is on the right track.

You Simply And Purely Believe Your Path– Ballet stirs your soul, so in turn, you want to stir ours. You have known from an early age that the universe gave you the heart of a dancer. When dance is simply a part of who you are on the inside, one way or another, you will find a way to express your love for it.  On the other hand, if you take ballet classes just to feed your ego, you may be disappointed.

If all that matters is getting attention, having photos taken, having people clap for you, and posting updates of your arches on Twitter, you are missing the sole ( and soul)  purpose of the ballet.

The Biggest Tip For Ballet Competition Success

What do I think is the secret for competition success? Don’t pay attention to the scary faces of dance judges. Instead, strive to make them feel something emotionally. Dance judges are only human after all.  In all of our human experiences, we are imprinted by the events, people, and places that touched our emotions. Ballet stories contain many emotional undercurrents; not all of them bright and happy.

Vibrating the emotional current of your character is the key to an unforgettable performance. If you can make a judge deeply feel the sadness, melancholy, despair, passion, pity, exuberance, anger, jealousy, haughtiness, joyousness,  or whimsy of your character, you are on the way to mastering the performing arts.

 

 

Image Credits:

Top Dance Photo by Edit Post Photography

Flickr.com, Rose Reflections by Beverly&Pack, No Modifications, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Is Your Tutu Stressed Out?

Design Copyright ©Monica Newell, Dance Photo Copyright© David Sharples Photography

Have you ever wondered which part of the Classical tutu takes the worst beating during a performance? Just like our regular street garments, certain parts of our clothing contain more stress points during wear than others. In garment making, there are several areas that need more attention than others when it comes to creating sturdy seams.

One of the most interesting mysteries for the average ballet aficionado is the noticeable difference between leotard fabric and the types of materials used to make a Classical tutu.  If ballet dancers wear leotards so they can move, leap, bend and extend, why wouldn’t they wear leotard-like tutu costumes for the performance? ( The answer can be found at the bottom of this page.)

Dance garments for Classical ballet are an intriguing blend of flexibility and security, elegance and athleticism, snugness and ease, artistry and practicality. How they are made and what they are made of isn’t always examined with a fine-tooth comb, but how we love the beautiful results!

Leotards And Tutus Are Made From Very Different Materials

Take one gorgeous tutu and place a dancer within its confines. Notice the snug fit. The music begins and the stage curtains go up. Our lovely ballerina glides gracefully to center stage where she begins a series of physical gyrations that would make one think she is wearing super-stretchy Lycra-spandex, but she isn’t.

The body of a Classical tutu is made with high-quality fabrics that can include satin dupion or elegant polyesters, then lined with cotton for comfort. This is not every standard, but the high standards of design that Monica Newell uses to create her couture costumes.

Quiz-What part of the Classical tutu do you think has the highest stress point? :

• A.) The area where the pants meet the skirt.
• B.) The back closures.
• C.) The straps of the bodice.
• D.) The bodice seams.
• E.) None. Stress points are distributed evenly throughout the garment.

High Stress Tutu Parts And The Mysteries Of Fit

© Classical Tutu Bodice designed, constructed & embellished by Monica Newell | Costumecreations.co.uk

Did you choose the bodice seams? If you did, congratulations! You are right. It isn’t the leg openings or strap attachments that take on the major stress points, but the bodice seams. Seams need to be carefully constructed so they withstand the rigors of a constantly bending torso.

Barely do we notice how seamlessly these bodices are pieced together like fabric puzzles. It’s even more amazing that these puzzle pieces are made and shaped just for the torso of one special dancer.

The spiral steel boning tape added to the front seams gives each bodice additional shape and twist-free flexibility. How intricate and detailed the art of tutu making is. This doesn’t even include applying the finishing touches of trim to the bodice.

The most interesting thing about fitting a dancer’s torso for a Classical tutu is how fabric ease is hidden. They are constructed to appear snug, but are not as snug as they look. Think about the math and measurement calculations required to do this correctly; it’s quite a feat.

When it comes to quality, a Classical tutu should be able to hold up well for many, many years. Although Ballerina mishaps on stage are used for comedy purposes, it would be a nightmare to find your embellishments falling off and your seams popping open during a serious performance. If you want to avoid the stress of dancing in a poor-quality garment, choose your tutu maker carefully.

Take The  Scary But Fun Vote Below

Away we go…

Of course, this is a lighthearted look at a very stressful situation; a costume malfunction on stage. A ballet dancer is very much like a ship in that everything must be battened down securely. Buns are pinned down and netted, shoes are elasticised and ribboned to the insteps, and dancers are sometimes sewn in to their costumes. Everything has to be ship-shape when it comes time to set sail for the theater.

 

© Designed by Monica Newell | Dance Photo Copyright © David Sharples Photography

* Here a few reasons why tutus are not made from leotard material:

• The Classical ballet costume has evolved from as far back as the 16th century. Leotards were not invented until the 19th century. The choice of fabrics and embellishments for tutus is anchored in deep tradition.
• Ballet tutus are created to last and many are shared, stored and repaired for decades. Leotards are too thin to withstand constant use.
• Sturdy fabric is more suitable for applying heavier embellishments and for maintaining a crisp shape.

The best reason? It’s nice to get out of a leotard and slip into a gorgeous costume creation.

 

 

Image Credits:

1. Blue & Gold Classical Tutu photos by © David Sharples Photography
   
2. Sailboat, Pixabay.com, Public Domain Free

 

The Ups And Downs Of Parenting A Ballet Student

When it comes to youth ballet, we can’t help but focus on the dancers, their performances, and their amazing costumes. They are trained to be in the limelight and we enjoy keeping them that way. However, there is someone hiding in the shadows of that spotlight that could use a little exposure and appreciation every once in a while. Who is that person? It’s the ever faithful dance parent.

Being the parent of a ballet student isn’t always simple and easy. There is more to it  than being a shuttle service, bag packer and appointment reminder. If a child has been studying dance with any kind of passion and commitment, a parent may have inner concerns or thoughts about the whole ballet-as-a-serious-option-for-my-child thing.

Some Real Dilemmas That Dance Parents Face

Although ballet is incredibly beautiful and uplifting, there are some very practical issues that dance parents may think about:

• Who Is Going To Pay For All This? Those pointe shoes cost how much?!
• Will My Child Really Be Able To Earn A Living As A Ballet Dancer?
• Is This Ballet Thing Going To Make His Or Her School Grades Go Down?
• How Will I Deal With Seeing My Child Rejected Or Disappointed?
• How Will I Fit In My Child’s Training Schedule With My Full-time Work Schedule?

Ballet Training Requires An Endless Supply Of Accessories

Let’s say you have a three-year-old that is signed up and ready to start toddler ballet class.  You purchase what you think are the basics. Leotard, check. Cute little slippers, check. Tights, check. You get home and realize you need to buy pink thread and sewing needles. Then the teacher calls and says your little one will need a dance bag, leg warmers, ballet sweater, practice tutu and a lock for her locker.

The older she gets, the more she costs. Classes, summer intensives, a personal barre and mirror for her bedroom, stage makeup, new pointe shoes every month, custom costumes, toe pads, arch stretchers, exercise bands, music CD’s, hair pins, and all the sewing accessories needed for ribbons and elastics. It’s no wonder that winning a scholarship can be quite a financial blessing.

Preparing My Child For A Viable Career

Can my child really make it as a ballet dancer?

Some parents of a very practical character truly wonder if they should encourage a child to seek out a career as a dancer. Unlike other careers, ballet comes with an earlier retirement. There are no guarantees whatsoever that a child will rise to the top of the ladder with a reputable company. It’s a long, hard climb. It means staking the future  based on physical capabilities that may or may not last.

Sometimes, a parent will float along with the idea until the child gets closer to graduating high school. Then, there can be a sudden change of heart when real fear sets in about their future. It’s a huge emotional challenge to wonder if you should keep supporting your child on a maybe.

Parental Involvement Starts Early When You Have A Serious Ballet Student In The Family

Classical ballet has a magical vortex. It inspires the hearts and minds of the smallest children. I don’t think there will ever come a time when young girls don’t wish to play the role of someone pretty and princess-like. Even toddlers have ballerina dreams.

If they can stand on two legs and follow simple directions, there is a school that will take them. Unlike other activities, a parent can find themselves involved in the dance world when their child is barely out of nappies. If the child shows serious intent, the parent is looking at years and years of involvement.

Juggling School And Barre Work

Being a serious student of the dance means daily practice. School teachers expect homework assignments to be completed on time. Ballet instructors expect their students to go home and learn their exercises. It can be really hard to study for a test at school and practice for a recital at the same time. Parents worry whether their child is taking on too much.

The Unfair World Of Auditions And Competitions

Although ballet auditions and competitions can teach a young person about graceful sportsmanship, parents can suffer the same quiet pangs of disappointment when their child doesn’t receive a coveted role or award. It’s just human nature to hope the best outcome for your child. You may find yourself wondering about a judge’s decision or wrinkling your brow at a possible cheating competitor. Your natural protective instinct could flare up now and then.

Parenting Burnout And Stress

Let’s see…..Bobby has football practice Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon. Dexter has piano lessons Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. Rose has ballet class Monday afternoon and Saturday morning, Arabella has gymnastics Friday afternoon……

I’ve often thought it should be the dance Mom or Dad that would appreciate an after-class massage and soothing hot bath more than the dance student themselves. There is so much work and coordination involved in running a household, working a job, and transporting children to and from their activities.

Even one child that has scheduled extra-curricular activities during the week can be a challenge to keep up with. Imagine having four kids each with different things to do and different places to be every week. Our poor, exhausted Bubblebath Mum is still multi-tasking as she soaks.

The Joys Of Being The Parent Of A Ballet Student

On a positive note, being the parent of a ballet student can be an incredible thrill. Here are just a few of the great things that happen for parents when their children are immersed in the world of ballet training:

They Ride Along With Their Child On The Path To Self-Mastery

Every little milestone that a child reaches is important to a loving parent. From taking their first steps to learning to read and write, raising a child is like watching a tree grow. Sometimes we can help with the growth process and sometimes we can’t. When a child takes ballet classes, they have to take control of their own bodies. Nobody can do it for them.  They quickly learn self-mastery.

Focusing On The Beauty And Potential Of Their Offspring

One of the most beautiful aspects about dance parenting is being able to see your child in a whole new light. Instead of getting frustrated by their imperfections, you get to bask in the feeling that your offspring have potential for greatness. You gave birth to this amazing child; a talented, creative being of soulful expression.

They are not like regular kids. They are special. They have the ability to tap into their inner world and communicate in ways that most of the world cannot. Your child is an artist; a creator and dreamer.

They may or may not be introverted, but they are connected to a solid core of strength that will serve them well in their lives.

Getting Up Close With Theatrical Functions

One of the perks of having a child in the dance world is getting an off-hand education about the world of the performing arts in general. You get to learn about theatrical rehearsals and productions. You learn about music and composers. You see how costumes and stage makeup create character roles. You may even get to go backstage or into areas that are off-limits to the general public.

Experiencing Both Pride And Relief

When you think about all of the unsavory activities that a young person could get involved with, it should be a relief that your child is busy with ballet training. When other parents are complaining about their juvenile delinquent teenagers, you can feel proud that your teen is focused on dance classes and other positive things. They are expending their natural energy reserves doing something beautiful for the world and themselves.

Mingling With An Elite Group Of People

Ballet parents never have to feel alone or unsupported. There are so many different people to meet and get to know. You will meet other students and their parents. You will come in contact with dance professionals like instructors, costume makers, photographers, choreographers, piano players and many more. You belong to a specialized, elite group of people who have made the theatre their world. That’s exciting!

It can be a positive social environment for both dance students and their parents to meet other people who understand their world. It’s hard to explain to non-ballet people that pointe shoes are not made of wood or that strange-looking big, round carry cases don’t contain artificial Christmas trees, but tutus.

Seeing Their Child Look Like Royalty

This has to be one of the best things that a ballet parent can experience; seeing their child look like a star on a stage; a royal one at that. How special it is to watch little Susie change her ponytail into an elegant bun topped with a shimmering tiara. How lovely to see her exchange her old, faded jeans and t-shirt for an elegant crystal embedded tutu. Her young feet are transformed into works of art when they go from flip-flops to pink satin pointe shoes. Her stage makeup gives a glimpse of the beautiful young lady she is becoming.

Experiencing The Positive Energy Of Youthful Exuberance Again

Oh..to be young and full of zest again! Our precious ballet children remind us of the good old days when we too were able to do the splits, reach the ceiling with our toes and bend, flex and stretch without a bit of struggle.

Having this youthful energy around us keeps us on our toes ( no pun intended) and gives us plenty of excuses to get out and about doing fun things. Although some parents take the whole dance thing too far when they live vicariously through their kids, having a ballet student in the family helps take the focus off the mundane, boring things of life.

It’s hard to worry about dishes in the sink when your child is getting ready to perform in tonight’s YAGP competition. At best, with some Tchaikovsky music floating through the house, you may find yourself dancing at the sink on demi-pointe.

Ballet parents, we honor you. You have faith. You are lovingly supporting the dreams of your child.  Without  your time, patience, and commitment, the world of youth ballet couldn’t go on. To every ballet Mum or Dad out there, we thank you sincerely.

 

Image Credits:

Top photo Classical Variation Tutu Peach &Gold by © Michael Pitts Photography @ http://www.m-photo.co.uk/ * Dance Shoes, Pixabay.com, CC0 Public Domain * Thinking Woman, Pixabay.com, CC0 Public Domain *  Bath Tub Woman, Public Domain Free, https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Youth America Grand Prix-The Prize Nobody Talks About

©Designed by Monica Newell, © Image Copyright Dave Moss Photography.UK

A French phrase meaning great prize, the words grand prix are perfect when describing the joy of acknowledgment when you are chosen to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix. It is a great prize to be considered for such a prestigious event in the world of dance. It is also a great prize for costume designers, ballet instructors, family members  and peers to see someone they know blossom and grow.

When I look at these young competitors, I am truly filled with awe. They haven’t finished growing, yet they have accomplished so much with their lives. It’s such a treat to follow these young dancers as they grow more beautiful with each passing season.

What is beautifully ironic is that YAGP competitors seek to win themselves a prize without realizing that in doing so, they give us a prize instead. They remind us how satisfying freedom of expression and artistic creation is to the human soul.

They Naturally Walk The Road Towards Excellence

Do you know what I find beautiful about the photo above? The self-assurance, the poise, the magnificent posture of one who knows she is already achieving something out of the ordinary.  This idea of regal-looking children who strive for excellence creates an amazing aura of hope and joy for all to witness. Depending on your generation, the hardest challenge you may have had as a kid was keeping your ears clean enough to pass inspection with Mum.

The Greatest Prize Of All-Renewal And Revival Of Dreams

Perhaps these young dancers should understand the prize that they give to others when they study hard and apply themselves to attaining a difficult goal. It kind of makes our excuses as adults seem pitiful, doesn’t it? They definitely renew the spirit to go after our dreams no matter how hard the climb.  Watching a 10 year-old bringing their dreams to fruition is a real eye opener for those ready to give up on their own dreams. Life is still fresh and believable and worth conquering.  That’s a valuable prize for all of us to think about.

YAGP 2017 European Semifinals

Wearing her own couture variation tutu by Costume Creations, this enchanting dancer becomes Aurora as she competes in the European Semifinals of the YAGP. It is an absolutely divine experience to watch the live results of the collaboration between a costume designer and her client. Bravo, young lady!

Tutu-Love Is For Tutu Lovers, Indeed

©Tutu Designed by Monica Newell | Image of Ballerina Franceszqua Ward ©Angela Brain Photography

Watching a variation performed by an advanced Principal dancer or Prima Ballerina is an unforgettable experience. In the days before the Internet and social media were invented, I got most of my ballet inspiration from books or watching The Nutcracker Ballet once a year.

Now, I find that I am over- the-moon impressed with the talent I see on these blog pages.  Even if they choose another direction in life, I hope they understand how deeply they are admired for what they have accomplished in their short years.

Not only is the talent of these gifted dancers inspiring, I love watching the clients of Costume Creations in their tutus live and in action. Don’t you?

“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” – Helen Keller.

Dave Moss Photography @Davemoss.co.uk

Angela Brain Photography

Tutus Frozen In Time-Still Life Choreography For Ballet

© Image Copyright Philter Photography

Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a dancer during a professional photo shoot? I have often wondered if the calm and serene faces of these young performers belies the fact that they are nervous or jittery about taking a good photo.

After all, a picture immortalizes you forever. The camera doesn’t lie. Not only is your costume on full display, but your aesthetics and “aura” are too. However, the dancer is not alone. During a photo shoot, a lot of professional support comes together to make it all happen.

• The instructor who teaches the dancer perfect technique.
• The tutu designer that creates the garment.
• The skilled photographer who knows just how to capture those inspiring images.

The subtle play of shadow and light in the background combined with the delicate pose of the hands and soft tutu colors give this photo an ethereal quality that is hauntingly lovely.

Choreography Goes Beyond Movement And Music

Although choreography is creating movement to music, capturing a dancer in a certain repose is very much like silent choreography. The photographer strives to communicate the essence of something, a mood, or a special feeling from the image. Professional portraits are choreographed, or planned events. Behind the lens is much more than a button pusher.

As a matter of fact, a dance photographer has to be a few things: a backdrop specialist, a lighting expert, an equipment operator and a nervous-client-calmer-downer. A good photographer knows how to put his or her subject at ease.

Professional Ballet Training, Scrutiny Is Your Middle Name

From the very first minute of your very first ballet class, your every move will be critiqued, compared, judged, examined and scrutinized.  A ballerina in training has nowhere to hide. Eyes will be everywhere. You will be looked over by instructors and judges. You will be touched and measured by shoe fitters and costume makers. Parents, audience members and school officials will be taking photos of you on a regular basis. You will be in the limelight.

A Dance Portfolio Is A Beautiful Time Machine

Wouldn’t it be lovely to go back in time and see how much you have grown as a dancer? If you begin ballet training at a young age, all those photos become like a step-ladder of your progress.

A dance portfolio can be a lot of fun and inspiration to look through. You can see how far you have come with your technique, strength, aesthetics and confidence level.

From toddler ballet slippers and little kid’s costumes to professional pointe shoes and tutus, pictures are priceless keepsakes of the dance journey.

The purple splendour of this tutu and matching armlets is incredibly beautiful. I get so much positive energy from this photo. The blended rainbow background and the radiant glow of the dancer pops with excitement and energy!

So, to answer the question about photo shoot jitters, I can feel safe saying that if a dancer is nervous about getting a picture taken, they hide it with as much grace as they do stage fright.

The forgotten truth about ballet dancers is that they are true actresses and actors. They may not speak, but everything else they do is a deliberate part of stage presentation. That includes acting “as if” they are calm, cool and collected  even when they are nervous and under pressure.

 

“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.” — Paul Caponigro

 

 

Image Credits:

Aqua & white Classical tutu by Philter Photography @  http://www.philterphotography.co.uk/ or visit Philter Photography on Facebook.*** Camera, Pexels.com, CCO Public Domain Free*****Theater Binoculars, Pixabay.com, CC0 Public Domain Free

Tutu Style By The Light Of The Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon Edmonton Alberta-9/16/16

No matter where you live in the world, once a year, you can have the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the Harvest Moon in all its glory. There is something so breathtaking about that big orange orb hanging so low in the sky!  It is a photo opportunity that can’t be missed.

In the same way that nature gives us these memorable events, so does a fabulous costume design. Perhaps you are wondering what in the world do classical tutus have to do with the Harvest Moon?

Nature, in itself, is colorfully creative. It is a show off, a drama major, a diva that won’t be ignored. So is the performing artist; especially in  a costume design that celebrates color as much as form.

Theatrical, Gorgeous, Influential Color Statement

I think by now you can understand why the shade of this tutu inspired me to write this post. It may or may not be a coincidence that this tutu was finished and featured around harvest time in the new Costume Creations.co.uk  Orange Classical Ballet Tutu album on Facebook.

A professional classical tutu in this shade is rare and exquisite. You don’t see many  in this captivating color.  The gilded details, accessories and grace of the young dancer create an aura that adds pure elegance to a fun color.

Like seeing the Harvest Moon, the photo on the left gives one the big wow factor of orange orb amazement; only in netting form.

 

Harvesting A Crop Is Like Tutu Making

Harvest time and tutu making connect on so many levels.  Both require long-term planning and commitment. Both require the proper types of tools to get the job done.  There is a waiting game of sorts. Seeds do not blossom overnight, neither do hand-crafted costumes.

Farmers plot out their rows and count their seeds. Tutu makers plan their designs and measure their materials. They expect a certain yield from their efforts.  Fruits, vegetables and tutus must have a certain  level of completeness or they just won’t be of good use.

Timing and tending is real for both a tutu designer and a farmer. One uses seeds of creativity and artistry, the other seeds of potatoes or carrots.

For both, there is someone waiting on the other end that is going to benefit from the harvest.  One feeds the body, the other feeds the spirit. Isn’t this a beautiful analogy?

Entering A New Season Of Exciting Possibilities

So many people feel sad when summer is over. However, there are many of us that become energized by the cooler weather. Autumn brings us new things to eat and try and do. Comforting soups and stews. Cozy sweaters and long walks in the woods. Layers of colorful leaves and crunchy twigs to jump around in.

Speaking about layers, look at the architectural wonder of this tutu skirt. It is so perfectly crisp and symmetrical. It is a vivid wonderland of couture expertise. An explosion of color and form.

If  a dancer could look forward to wearing something this beautiful every Autumn, summer couldn’t be over fast enough.

 

 

“Your talent is a seed; cultivate it, and in no time, you will harvest success.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

 

 

 

Image Credits: Flickr.com, Harvest Moon Edmonton Alberta by Jeff Wallace, No Modifications, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/