What Different Types Of Tutu Are There?

There are three main types of tutu available and numerous variations on the designs

. Romantic tutus were the original skirts worn in the 1800s. Bell shape and pancake tutus were classical tutus that were later altered in response to the request of ballet fans wanting a better view of the dancer's fancy footwork. The hemline of a Romantic tutu falls between the knee and ankle. Three to five layers of tulle or other fabric displays a free flowing, light and airy bell-shaped appearance. Swedish ballerina Marie Taglioni wore this style for the ballet Les Sylphides in the 1800s. She originated the shortened length to better display her footwork during that performance. Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova also wore this style for the production of Giselle. The hemline of the Bell style classical tutu is just above the knee and more bell shaped thanks to seven to nine layers of stiff netting. This style was originally worn by Italian ballerina Virginia Zucci in the late 1800s.

The Pancake style classical tutu incorporates five to ten layers of netting with a wire hoop for support and tacks to stay flat. This is a design used for the production of Swan Lake. Currently, common classical tutus are the Balanchine and Platter designs. Balanchine tutus, also known as powder puffs, were originally designed for the ballet Symphony C in 1935. This style uses fewer layers than the bell or pancake designs. The very short skirt is loosely tacked giving it a softer, fuller appearance. A Platter tutu is flat and juts out horizontally from the waist. When caring for a tutu, it is important not to shrink, fade, or pucker the material. Regular detergents may be too harsh depending on the materials it is made from.

Extreme care must also be taken for ballet skirts with decorations such as beads, pearls, rhinestones, and sequins so they will not come off while cleaned. Metal hoops should be removed before washing, and bodices should be detached if possible. Washing tutus by hand in a bathtub provides enough room without damaging the garment. Using cold water will prevent shrinkage whether hand washing or machine washing. Machine washing can be done if the skirt is placed in a mesh laundry bag in the delicate cycle to prevent tearing. Air drying by laying flat or line drying will not harm the tutu. If machine dried, use the lowest setting or no heat for just a short time before air drying. Dry cleaning may soften tulle tutus and decrease their stiffness. Tutus should be stored flat in a breathable container to prevent dust. They can also be stored upside down on hanging hoops not clips.

by: Ashton Field

POST COMMENT

Making Scrapbooking Catalog Request Gwyneth Paltrow Rocks in Glee How To Prepare Your Landscape Beds Before You Apply Mulch Top Five Things to Bring To Hong Kong Foshan Ceramic Pottery Industry Transfer Has Not Hurt All The "bones" - Finger Splint A Matter of Convenience Slimming Center In Bangalore Lasapuestas Has Turned Out To Be The Most Popular Betting Portal In Apuestas Deportivas What To Wear Under Your Kilt Einstein Inspires Creative Thinking Basics Of Steel Fabrication Process We All Need a Power Supply How To Link Build With Purpose