Knights, Fantasies And Dream Scene Tutus

If Only All Dreams Were As Beautiful © Designed by Monica Newell for Costume Creations U.K. © Photography by PHOTOS2U.

Have you ever heard the expression chivalry is dead? It may be uncommon in today’s world, but in many ballet stories, chivalry will live on and on forever. Those of us who have old-fashioned ideas about romance and courting have no problem embracing those ideals. Being rescued by a gallant Knight on a white steed sounds like a wonderful concept in times of trouble.

410 years ago, a Spaniard by the name of Miguel de Cervantes penned a story based on chivalry and the power of human imagination; Don Quixote. Long before feminism was even a word, women were perceived as delicate flowers that needed a male hero in times of danger or distress.

Chivalry: A heroic code of honor that respects and defends the weak or the vulnerable.

Any avid reader can immediately relate to the character  Don Quixote and his ability to get lost in the world of books.  In Don Quixote, the main character focuses on rescuing Lady Dulcinia in his dreams. His books influence his gallant illusions and create a rich inner world of imaginations.

Lady Dulcinia; Is She Real, Or Am I Dreaming?

© Designed by Monica Newell for Costume Creations U.K. © Photography by PHOTOS2U

© Designed by Monica Newell for Costume Creations U.K. © Photography by PHOTOS2U

© Designed by Monica Newell for Costume Creations U.K. © Photography by PHOTOS2U

What kind of costume inspires thoughts of chivalry? One that makes the dancer appear like a prize worth fighting for in the eyes of a Knight. Isn’t that romantic?  Here we see a tutu skirt so exquisitely balanced that it remains aesthetically perfect no matter what position the body takes. Action photos not only capture ballet technique, but let us see the true balance of tutu construction.

Even though Lady Dulcinia was just a dream in Don Quixote’s chivalrous imagination, there is something about the storyline that rings true for today’s modern romantic soul. There is something intricately beautiful about using strength and power for the good of others who are less strong.

There is also something beautiful about using a personal talent to make garments that not only glorify the traditions  of ballet , but help us all learn to appreciate those whose hands create them with all heart and soul.

The Kirov Ballet Performing Don Quixote

Longue chevalerie en direct, le ballet et l’imagination humaine.

You can learn more about the history of the Don Quixote Ballet in this fun, informative study guide.

Classical Ballet Photos For Professional Dance Portfolios

Capturing The Essence Of  Bespoke Design Through The Camera Lens

Sugar Plum Tutu Ballet Couture designed by Monica Newell for Costume Creations UK.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

As beautiful as professional dance costumes are in person, we can never see the details and the intricate construction used in its making like we can when we examine it in a top-quality photograph. My ballet-loving heart leaps for joy when I see well-made costumes and this one is no exception. Not only does she create some of the world’s most stunning tutu designs, she is also a talented photographer as we can see by the above image which was taken by the designer herself.

Dance Photos That Embrace The History Of Classical Dance

In a world where dance choreography and costume choices can take on ultra-modern interpretations, this photo gallery celebrates the never ending beauty of the classical ballet dancer and her traditional costume design. Here, the tutu skirt construction comes alive and one can see the beauty of the skirt netting in all its pleated glory.  The design of the costume combined with the delicate form of the young dancer make these images unforgettable.

However, no image can be created without a subject matter and that includes the lovely dancer/ model and the garment she is wearing. If you are looking for a reputable photography studio to create a stunning ballet portfolio, consider Photos2U* a gracious, yet highly- professional studio that makes some of the images seen on Tutu-Love.  * Full usage permission.

” Even though fixed in time, a photograph evokes as much feeling as that which comes from music or dance. Whatever the mode – from the snapshot to the decisive moment to multi-media montage – the intent and purpose of photography is to render in visual terms feelings and experiences that often elude the ability of words to describe. In any case, the eyes have it, and the imagination will always soar farther than was expected”.

– Ralph Gibson

Costume Makers U.K.-Theatrical And Dance

When it comes to the world of dance costumes, most of us are simply admiring spectators. We, as audience members and adoring fans, throng to dance performances for many, many reasons. Dance theatres simply hold a fascination for the public. Not only do we become enchanted by the music, storyline and dance movements of  those on stage, we become riveted by some of the fantastic theatrical costuming.

Dance Costume Variations Are As  Numerous As The Stars In The Sky

Just as there are millions of stars in the galaxy, there are an endless variety of ways to express the dance arts through a costume. Not only are theatrical costumes unique, designing them calls for a great deal of experience with different methods of  cutting, measuring, sewing and decorating challenging fabrics. Ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, lyrical and gymnastics all call for a unique expertise in the field of costume making.

Is There A Difference Between Theatrical And Classical Costume Making?

Is a classical ballet tutu considered a type of theatrical costume? Generally, a theatrical costume is considered a garment that will be worn by a performer on stage in front of an audience. In that sense, a ballet tutu is a theatrical costume for the ballerina. Because each dance genre uses different types of fabrics to achieve a certain look, there is a big difference between constructing a tutu versus a leotard or character dress.

Costume Makers In The U.K. Specialising In Many Forms Of Dance Genre Dancewear

It takes a great deal of skill and experience to work with different types of materials used for bespoke dancewear. There is a big difference in the handling of tulle compared to the stretchiness of a fabric like cotton spandex or lycra. Only a costume making company with years of experience can create professional costumes in many different styles and fabrics.

Theatrical Tap Ensemble by Costume Creations UK

When it comes to expertise in costume making for theatre and dance, the choice is Costume Creations  U.K. As any reader who comes to this website can see, Costume Creations U.K. is already a leader in the field of making exquisite professional-grade tutus for dancers in the London area.

Any type of dance genre costume that requires perfection of fit, theatrical flair and amazing stage presence can be acquired by simply contacting Costume Creations UK for a private consultation. The rest of us can just sit back and wait for the show to begin..

“It doesn’t matter where you are on the stage, just as long as you’re there.” – Author Unknown-

Ballet Character Costumes For Girls

Character Ballet Costumes For Girls

From the moment I viewed this amazing video, I knew I would have to write about it. The very first thing that struck me about this beautiful dancer is the fact that she is only 10 years old and dancing on pointe so beautifully.

People will always debate whether a ballerina this young should actually be on pointe or not. I trust those issues to her accredited teacher and sincerely believe that some are naturally gifted and strong from a very young age. In my opinion and judging from this performance, she is every bit the professional dancer at the ripe old age of 10. Amazing isn’t it?

Not only does this young dancer have wonderful technique, the performance is made more beautiful by the romantic-style of her ballet costume. Can you imagine how busy costume designers must be to keep up with the costuming needs of all these ballets?

Character Costume by Costume Creations.UK

Character Costumes Play An Important Part In Each Individual Ballet

Ballet is an art that speaks to the heart without words. Each element of the dance is designed to convey a message or evoke an emotional response. The music, lighting, and scenery combine to create an atmosphere in the theater. Picture all of these elements together with the dancers out of costume. The entire effect would be lost.  The costumes can make or break the performance.

Designing Character Costumes Easily Takes Years Of Experience

The sheer multitude of ballets and their different costume requirements make being a custom designer immensely challenging.  You may receive a request for a classical tutu on Monday, a lyrical dress on Tuesday, a romantic character costume on Wednesday, and a specially embellished gymnastic leotard on Thursday.

The art of being able to create so many different variations of dance costumes at the drop of a hat is exactly that; an art. The costume designer uses needle, thread, and fabric to paint a lovely picture all of us can enjoy forever.

Swan Lake Ballet Costumes

Can you imagine the work it would take to create hundreds of Swan Lake Ballet costumes for a performance? Even one professional ballet costume takes weeks to make. Imagine hundreds!  I am curious to find out what the various roles and costume needs for dancers performing in the Swan Lake Ballet might mean to a costume designer.

The Swan Lake Ballet is one of the most beloved and cherished of all the ballets. The costuming for this ballet performance has certain standards of design and so I decided to contact Costume Creations to get a better idea of what a designer has to keep in mind when making costumes to be used in the Swan Lake Ballet.

All of the following information about roles and costume requirements come from  Monica Newell of Costume Creations UK.

Odette

Odette’s costume is supposed to look like a swan, so a real, living swan must be studied and copied. The layout of the animal’s feather’s and the natural way the feathers grow will determine the design of the costume.

Odile

Odile’s black swan costume will have the same characteristics as the white Odette costume. Both Odette and Odile will wear head dresses made of swan feathers.

The Swan Corp

For the corp members of the Swan Lake ballet, care must be taken that each one has a costume of excellent quality and not just the principal dancers. Choosing the proper shade of white is important. White fabric comes in many different shade variations. The materials used should be matte white with pure white tulle for the tutu skirt. What looks like white tulle can have blue or grey undertones which are undesirable in this ballet.

Peasants

The male and female dancers who portray the peasants in Act I will need the correct period costumes.

Siegfried

In the Swan Lake Ballet, Siegfried plays the part of a prince and is also the lead male dancer. The costume for Siegfried will have to reflect his royal lineage and should appear regal.

Siegfried’s Mother

The costume requirements for the role of a queen mean using rich fabrics that result in a regal costume of elegance and taste. I don’t design costumes, but it might fun to think of costume ideas for a queen!

National Costumes

Act III of Swan Lake involves the gathering of the nations and all of the costumes need to reflect the customary dress of that country at that time in history. Countries such as Hungary, Russia, Spain, and Poland are represented and every detail in costuming is important; hats, boots, shoes, length of dress, shoulder decorations, and more. Fabrics are chosen with attention to how they move on stage.

Swan Lake Head Dress by Costume Creations UK

Tiara’s and Head Dresses

The beautiful ballerinas dancing in Swan Lake wear head dresses made from feathers. Care has to be taken when constructing this type of head dress as it can easily look like giant ear muffs on the dancers head.

Swarovski crystals that embellish costumes must be applied with an eye for elegance. Crystals used in strategic areas highlight the dancers movement and make the costume magical yet elegant.

Too much embellishment, feather overload, and tiaras added to the mix will resemble Las Vegas showgirl and not beautiful, magical swan. There is much to think about when designing costumes. Every designer keeps the finished effect in mind.

How lucky are ballet audience members to enjoy the visual delights of well-planned and beautifully constructed costumes!

Classical Tutu Construction-Magical Combinations

Tutu Design Magic

Looking at this photo and the way this costume was constructed I noticed a combination of design elements that make this ballet costume very unique. Starting at the top of the costume, I see that the bodice on this one has full coverage. The full, puffed sleeves and opaque torso give the top part of this costume a semi-peasant top quality. It also  has a romantic-style.

Coming down to the top of the tutu skirt, you see a beautiful, wide pink satin ribbon around the dancers waist. The ribbon element in this ballet costume is simply beautiful. The tutu skirt is embellished with lovely little rosettes of pink and blue which are also placed in the dancers hair to complete this magical look.

This ballet costume is very unique. I imagine this costume was created for dancing a specific role where the dancer was required to look romantic and spring-like. The ribbon around the dancers neck makes her look even more dramatic.

Ballet costumes that are designed with unique features like this one keep the magic of ballet performance alive.

Dancewear With A Difference

Anyone who is a dancer, or aspires to be one, has, at one time or another, dreamed of wearing a ballet costume so beautiful, so mesmerizing, that the audience begins tossing flowers on the stage before the dancing has begun.

In this dream, the ballerina is wearing a costume that someone custom-made just for her. The fit is impeccable, the tailoring unique, the embellishments applied with precision and attention to detail.

Just where can a dancer go if she is looking to make her dreams come true wearing a design made only for her? She needs to find a reputable designer who will meet or exceed her expectations.

One such designer is Monica Newell, owner and Head Designer of Costume Creations. Monica works tirelessly in her design studio handcrafting all of her costumes to make her clients look incredibly beautiful and professional.

With over 20 years experience in the dancewear design business, Monica has perfected the craft of creating visual masterpieces that accentuate the very best features of her clientele.

It must be very rewarding to custom make a theatrical ensemble for a dancer and then see them in a photo displaying their amazing talents while wearing your design.