The 5 Stages Of Tutu Love-Beginner To Professional

Metamorphosis

Everything in life goes through stages. For a ballet student, the journey to a serious career is very much like that of a cocoon turning into a butterfly. Like a tightly formed bud that gradually opens into a flower, there is a growth process that every long-term dance student goes through.

It makes sense that dreams and goals are best attained one small step at a time. In much the same way, the reasons for wearing and loving a tutu can go through many stages in the life and mind of a dance student.

For the sake of reflection, it’s interesting to get inside the mind of a dancer as she goes through the process of her ballet training. What might a very young student think about tutus versus one that has reached the top-level of her career?

Dannii Kirkland of Mckechnie School of Dance and Performing Arts

Ella-Louise Peacock of Mullen Theatre Dance Studios

Nicole Jackson of Urdang London Performing Arts

Misty Copeland- Soloist with The American Ballet Theater

Svetlana Lunkina-Principal Dancer for The National Ballet of Canada

1. The Budding Ballerina

What would a young dance student think about tutus? I imagine there would be incredible joy at looking authentic when comparing herself to older dancers. A young one wants to look real above all else. Children learn by modeling behaviors and appearances. Can’t you just hear all the little girls out there saying, ” I want to look like a real Ballerina. Can you get me a tutu?”

2.  The Investment Stage

© Designed by Monica Newell- Representing authenticity, beauty, impression, character and quality.

Between the ages of 9-12,  a student may not know exactly where her training will take her. At this point, parents are willing to make an investment if a child shows interest and potential in such a beautiful art form.

If I were between the ages of 9 to 12, wearing a gorgeous tutu would help me increase my confidence level. Feeling pretty and very special would be another perk.

These are the years that etch lifelong memories in a young dancer’s mind. It’s hard to forget your first professional tutu.

3.  The Serious Ascent To A Paid Ballet Career

From age 13 and up, a student may have several years of training behind her. It is probably at this stage where many decide to get serious about a real career as a dancer. That means entering competitions and trying to win scholarships to professional theaters. Tutus become more serious at this level. At this stage, a dancer wants ( and needs) to win and impress.  The design of her tutu must help her get there.

4. From Corp Member To Soloist

Hallelujah, you’ve made it into a professional dance theater and you are now a paid corp member! The next honor to work for is to be chosen as a soloist for the company. What would a soloist want or need in a tutu? Because she is a soloist, she naturally becomes the focus during the performance. She will require that her costume be the perfect example of the role and character she is portraying.

Principal  Ballerina Svetlana Lunkina

5. From Soloist To Principal Dancer

The star of the show. One whose perfection of technique deserves the highest honor. The ultimate expression of artistry and theatrical presence must be built-in to the tutu design of a principal dancer. By this stage in a ballet career, the dancer has accepted that only the best will do. The best instructors, the best choreographers, the best practice studio, the best pointe shoes and the very best quality of construction for her costumes.

It really is amazing when you think how much responsibility a professional tutu maker takes on. Unlike the clothing we grab at home and take for granted, the design of a tutu comes with high expectations from many people at many different levels; including the tutu maker herself.  A designer cannot rest on their laurels because so many rely on the costume to inspire, encourage, motivate and communicate theatrically. It also has to represent the traditions of Classical ballet with honor and esteem.

It really is no wonder that so many are fascinated with the principles of tutu making and the artistic people who devote their lives to creating these magnificent garments.

Image Credits: Flickr.com, Misty Copeland by Kent G. Becker, No Modifications, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

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.”

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.

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.

Captivating Tutu Style

Sparkling Snow Scenes And Ice Queens That Shimmer

When 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-

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

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.

Pink And Silver Splendor For The Royal Ballet

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Classical Tutu In Pink With Silver Trim

When it comes to classical tutu style, the feminine color of pink is one of visual beauty. The ballerina dressed in pink represents all things ballet. Especially when gilded with the splendor of beautiful silver trim. The couture ballet costume above  has been given a light touch of strategically placed sparkle by the addition of silver embellishments on pale pink tulle.

The effect is one of softness and charm that brings to mind dew-covered rose petals that sparkle in the early morning sun. Total stage magic at its best. The lovely pink and silver classical tutu above was hand-designed by Costume Creations U.K. for a Royal Ballet Associate.

The Royal Ballet Associate

What exactly is a Royal Ballet Associate?  The Royal Ballet Associate Program allows young dancers between the ages of 8 -15  to receive extended classical ballet training using the methods of The Royal Ballet School tradition.

Ballet students also continue  training at their regular schools at the same time. The program consists of different levels of ballet training according to the age group. This program is for ballet students who are serious about a career as a professional dancer.

Visit The Royal Ballet Associate Program for more information.

 

Watching the posture, body movements and dedication of The Royal Ballet Students in class is inspiring. Their professionalism and hard work is, indeed, the hallmark of any  great ballet dancer. They strive for perfection with each and every movement.

Ballet Performances That Require White Classical Tutus

White Classical Tutu Designed By Costume Creations.UK

What Ballets Typically Require White Classical Tutus?

Because ballet tells a story with movement and not with words, every single aspect of non-verbal communication must be maximized .

Stage hands will adjust lighting to set moods and create a certain ambiance in the theater atmosphere. Backdrop designers will set the scene for the ballet depending upon the story.

Costumes will be chosen that fit in with the story line of the ballet. If a ballet has a fiery, Spanish theme, the chances are good that the tutu chosen for that scene will also be a fiery color, like deep red.

Think of the Firebird ballet. It just wouldn’t be the same if the ballerina wore a white tutu to represent a Firebird. Color speaks to our emotions and that is why ballet costume color choice is such an important part of the performance itself.

White classical tutus can be chosen for a performance for several reasons. Ballet performances that use a very darkened theater and want to create a dramatic effect will dress the dancers in very white costumes for contrast. The other reason may be to portray purity or to mimic the true color of an animal, such as a swan.

Agnes Letestu Creates A Dramatic Effect Wearing A White Classical Tutu In A Darkened Theater

As you watch this stunning performance, you should ask yourself if the performance would be as dramatic if Agnes Letestu was wearing a darker ballet costume. It is the white color of her costume that makes this ballet so magical, not to mention her awesome technique! Other ballets that typically choose white costumes for the ballerina are:

• SWAN LAKE: The part of the white swans must, of course, have white classical tutus
• SHADES VARIATION
• LA BAYADERE
• DIAMONDS in the Balanchine Ballet Jewels
• THE DYING SWAN SOLO
• ETUDES: A ballet by Danish Choreographer Harold Lander
• LE GRANDE PAS CLASSIQUE: Russian pas de deux
• NUTCRACKER: Snowflakes
• THE PHAROAHS DAUGHTER
• AURORA: Wedding scene
• RAYMONDA Act 3
• LITTLE  HUMPBACKED HORSE: The Tsar Maiden

This list of ballets didn’t take much researching. I simply asked Monica of Costume Creations. Not only does she make performance ready costumes; she knows what performances the costumes are ready for. Amazing!