Ballet is a form of art, and for some dancers, it becomes a lifestyle. The beginnings are very important, and constant practice can help you feel more comfortable and confident while learning new skills and techniques.
Getting to the stage in your ballet training where you’re ready to wear a tutu in class is a big step forward. For many dancers, the day when their instructor tells them that they get to wear one in the upcoming show feels like a rite of passage in the dance world and the epitome of ballet success.
It is a ballerina skirt made of multiple layers of thin fabric. It has been around since the early 1900s and since then, it has undergone many tweaks. Today, you can find it as a simple, traditional pink skirt or a voluminous masterpiece of several fabrics and colours.
It is a finely detailed garment made from tulle, a thin, net-like fabric. This famous ballet skirt is designed in a way that makes the lines and body placement more visible to the ballet instructor and can help the dancer move safely and correctly.
Selecting the right one can help you highlight your stage performance, providing hints of character to the story. Whether a classic or contemporary ballet dancer, you can buy a high-quality girls ballerina skirt and elevate your performance. There are several different styles to choose from, such as the following.
Romantic
This is a flowing, knee-length or longer skirt, made of several layers of tulle, designed to emphasise airiness. The skirt can either begin at the waist or at the hip. Some consider it an emblem of elegance and grace in the world of dance, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many ballet enthusiasts.
Classical
As pointe work was becoming more sophisticated, tutus were cut above the knee to show the complicated ballet footwork and the classical style was introduced to the world. It has the tulle jutting out horizontally from the hips, making the legs more visible and providing a range of motion. It can be found in four different styles.
Pancake
It lives up to its name by resembling a pancake when worn. The skirt extends straight out from the ballerina’s hip, usually not dipping downward. It’s quite short and thin and has several layers of tulle and net.
Platter
Like the pancake tutu, it sticks out from the wearer’s waist. The only difference is that this one is pleated, unlike the pancake tutu, which has an ornately decorated flat top.
Powder-Puff
It’s short and doesn’t stick out as the pancake or the platter tutu. Its design offers a softer and fuller appearance and allows it to move freely with the dancer.
Bell
This one got its name thanks to its bell-like shape. It’s short and stiff, made of multiple layers of netting that fall in a bell shape.
How to Choose the Right Model for Your Performance
Perfect Fit
Having confidence in your costume while performing should be any dancer’s top priority. Whether for your first school performance or your first dance competition, buying your tutu can be an exciting experience and a fun task if you know what you’re looking for. If chosen right, it can easily become an inevitable part of your stage outfit.
To begin with, consider both aesthetics and functionality. The ideal girl’s ballerina skirt should complement your physique and enhance your movements on stage. It should fit your body precisely, providing both comfort and support.
Fabric Quality
Make sure it’s made of a high-quality tulle that offers both durability and style and can withstand regular use. Even if delicate in appearance, the tulle should be resilient and retain its shape over time.
Colour and Embellishments
Traditional tutus are often white or pale pink, but the modern options allow you to explore a wide range of colours and add a unique touch to your performance. Always consider the theme of the ballet before choosing the colour. Also, intricate embellishments such as sequins, lace, ribbons and more, can help you personalise your tutu and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
Tutus have a rich history rooted in ballet and have been an integral part of ballet performances for centuries, symbolising elegance, grace and the artistry of dance. They play a big role in stage performances, captivating audiences and transferring them into a world of beauty and imagination. Finding the right one for your performance can elevate your confidence and make you feel like you own the stage.
Make sure you take proper care of it and carry it in a tutu bag. Wash it following the manufacturer’s instructions and sometimes, if there is not enough time to wash it until your next performance, you can spot-clean the areas most affected by sweat and keep the rest fresh with specifically made odour-removing sprays.
Due to its delicate structure, it’s better to avoid wearing it during rehearsals. Instead, use a practice tutu to preserve the condition of your performance wear and keep it in good shape for longer. Also, be mindful of accessories such as jewellery that might catch on the tulle as they can cause irreparable damage to the delicate fabric.
After all, a carefully chosen and properly cared for tutu is not only an investment in your performance but also in the tradition and future of ballet.
Australian Flow 