Angel Wings Costume

Ballet Tutu

Do you know your Pancake from your Powder- puff?

The tutu is possibly the most iconic item of ballet clothing there is, but few people outside of the world of ballet know about the history of this garment, or about the variety of styles available.  To those who are familiar with ballet the difference between the styles and materials, and how to make use of these factors, can become second nature.  If you are a beginner to ballet and want to learn about tutus, or if you just wish to refresh your memory, then read on as we look into the basics.

Throughout its history the tutu has undergone a number of changes, and has appeared in a number of varieties, all of which cater for certain dancing needs.  One of the classical forms of the ballet tutu is the bell, like the majority of tutus it has a fitted bodice, the skirt, which consists of layers of netting, does not use a wired hoop and extends outwards from the hips.  Pancake style tutus are also classical, and are similar to bells other than the skirt, which is short and stiff, uses a wire hoop and consist of more layers of netting than the bell style.  

Romantic style tutus are arguably one of the most beautiful and elegant garments in the world of dance.  They feature a three quarter length tulle skirt, which is bell shaped, and a fitted bodice which may or may not have sleeves.  This tutu creates a flowing movement that is desirable in a number of ballets, both traditional and modern.  A lot of dancers have a particular fondness for these tutus, and the elegance which they can help to portray.

If you ask people to describe tutus, chances are they will use the describe a skirt something akin to a powder puff – a skirt which looks light yet has a fluffy appearance when compared to some others.  These tutus were created by Barbara Karinska, and were used a lot by George Balanchine in his New York City Ballet productions.  For this reason the tutus are often known as either Karinska or Balanchine tutus, or Karinska Balanchine tutus.  The distinctive appearance is produced through the precise use of the netting and loose tacking, which enables the skirt to be self supporting without a wire hoop.  

The kind of tutu which you choose will vary depending on your preferences, but also very much on the dance which you are performing!  If you attend a dance school, you may well have a set uniform which you need to stick to – even if it isn’t your favourite, or your first choice of dance wear, but remember that each garment has been chosen for a reason, and that as you progress you can diversify your dance clothes.

A great dance outfit can really add a whole new dimension to a ballet, or indeed to any sort of dance.  This may well explain why Barbara Karinska won the Capezio Dance Award, for her amazing ability to design dance costumes which served to amaze audiences and add to their pleasure when watching the ballet.

About the Author

Europe's leading online retailer of dancewear - Dance Direct.For further information regarding our range of tutus and other ballet products, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com.

Ballet Tutu
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hot glue?

Dancers from the Royal Ballet talk about the tutu

Ballet Tutu $64.99 Lauren Hamilton Ballet Tutu - Framed Art Print

Pink Tutu $23.99 Pink Child's Tutu Dance the ballet. Includes: Layered tulle tutu One Size Pink

Ballet Dancer Wearing Tutu Sitting on Floor $19.99 Véronique Beranger Ballet Dancer Wearing Tutu Sitting on Floor - Photographic Print

Organza Tutu $23.99 Organza Child Tutu Perfect for any ballet dancer or pretty princess petticoat! Includes: One multi-layer fluffy organza tutu Available size: One size fits most children Available Colors: Black Fuschia Neon Pink Green Turquoise

Adult White Organza Tutu $16.97 Sexy christmas costume includes: organza tutu. You?ll ready for a night at the opera in this Adult White Organza Tutu for ladies. This lovely costume piece can be the beginning of a new outfit, or the crowning piece on an existing ballet or fairy...

Grande TuTu $35.99 Grande Pink Tu Tu Adult Great for the humorous or serious Ballerina Dancer alike! Inclutes: Layered tulle ballet tutu. Simply add your own tank top, tights, tiara and and shoes. Available Sizes: One size fits most Available Colors: Pink White

Infant Girl 3 Piece Ballet Shoes Tutu Short Set $38 3 piece short set features ruffle sleeve knit top with a dot print and ballet shoe embellishment, bow detail tutu, and solid knit shorts. Legging: 58% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 4% Spandex. Top: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester. Tutu: 100% Polyester. Sizes 12-24 Months.

Polka Dot Tutu $26.99 Flocked Polka Dot Child Tutu Perfect for any ballerina dancer or dress up princess! Costume includes: Ballet style tulle tutu with flocked polka dots Available colors: Black -One size fits most children Pink - One size fits most children Red - One size fits most children Bodysuit, tights and shoes not included.

Adult White Polka Dot Tulle Tutu $24.97 Sexy christmas costume includes: tulle tutu with mesh flocked polka dot top layer. Be ready for that next school play or a ballet when you wear this Adult White Polka Dot Tulle Tutu for ladies. This lovely costume piece can be the beginning of a new outfit, or the crowning piece on...

Tallulahs Tutu By Singer, Marilyn/ Boiger, Alexandra (ILT) $22.13 Tallulah takes ballet lessons and eagerly awaits her coveted tutu, which, she learns, she must work hard to earn. Author: Singer, Marilyn/ Boiger, Alexandra (ILT) Publication Date: 2011/03/21 Number of Pages: 32 Binding Type: School And Library Grade Level: Preschool Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 9.75 Height: 11.50

Fisher-Price Ballet Star Dora $17.99 Dora is ready for ballet class in her beautiful purple leotard and pink tutu! She is fully articulated in the arms, legs and ankles so you can pose her in lots of different poses, just like a real ballerina! Includes a brush. For ages 3 years and up.

Dora the Explorer Ballet Star Dora $16.99 Dora the Explorer is a ballet star! Fully articulated in the arms, legs, and ankles. Pose Dora just like a real ballerina! Dora the Explorer is ready for ballet class in her beautiful purple leotard and pink tutu. She's fully articulated in the arms, legs, and ankles so you can position her in lots of different poses… just like a real ballerina! She also includes a brush. Batteries not required. Assembly required. Ages 3 and up.

Tonner Nu Mood Champagne Ballet Skirt Doll Accessory $44.99 This beautiful tutu-length skirt looks so good that you'll want to dress your Tonner Dolls in it for so much more than the ballet! A gorgeous champagne color, this ballet skirt is sure to add an elegant and sporty touch to your collection. The fitted tutu is designed for any Nu Mood collection Tonner Dolls and is part of a limited set of only 300 pieces. Doll not included.

KidKraft 00303 Bunny Ballet Canvas Art Painting $36.38 Add a special touch of pizzazz to that plain and empty wall in your baby's nursery with the Bunny Ballet Canvas Art Painting from KidKraft. Featuring a beautiful bunny dressed in a tutu and slippers and surrounded by butterflies vinery and a striped border. This breathtaking wall dcor will certainly look fun and playful wherever it is hung. Pink Purple and White. Wooden frame with Canvas cover. Ballet theme. Dimensions: 18 x 22 .

Red Tutu $4.99 Includes (1) Red Tutu with Ribbon Edge.

Ballet $39.99 Cristina Mavaracchio Ballet - Art Print

Organza Tutu Adult $18.99 Includes: One Tutu.

Tutu Sweet $14.99 Harvey Edwards Tutu Sweet - Collectable Print