subject: Fashion For The Dance Floor At Classes And In Clubs [print this page] In this article we aim to discover what the tutu is, where it came from and of course what it is used for. So in no particular order, let's begin by explaining just what this garment is. The ballet tutu is a skirt worn as part of a costume during a performance of a ballet. This garment can be made up of a single layer or multiple layers depending on the design, indeed some designs have multiple layers some of which have been starched to stick out and create that floating look during a performance.
The skirt is simply a long piece of material that wraps around the waist of the dancer; it can then be fastened at the waist using ribbons which maybe sewn into the hem.
There are several different types of ballet tutu; The Romantic is a three quarter length bell shaped skirt made of tulle with a fitted bodice and long sleeves. The hemline of this garment is cut to fall between the knee and the ankle of the dancer. It is known as the romantic because of its free flowing nature, the idea is that the garment emphasises the lightness and ethereal quality of the romantic ballets such as Giselle or Les Sylphides.
The classical or bell is a short, stiff skirt made with multiple layers of netting which hold a slight bell shape and a fitted bodice, hence its name. It is designed to extend outwards from the hips and does not use a wired hoop. It is usually made longer than a classical (pancake) so as to compensate for the outward extension.
The well known pancake style has more layers of net and uses a wire hoop and much hand tacking to keep the layers flat and stiff, this is to ensure that it stays rigid and retains its flat appearance throughout the performance, when spinning the garment will rise up allowing the dancer to pirouette. Another variety is the Balanchine/Karinska Tutu: also known as the ''powder puff''. It is comparable to the bell and pancake tutu, though no hoops are used and there are not as many layers of netting. This style has gained an iconic reputation. Last but not least is the platter Tutu; this garment is made with a flat top that sticks straight out from the ballerina's waistline.
As you can see the tutu plays an important role in the ballet, each variety is made to fulfil a definite purpose and style within the ballet, allowing the dancer to rise or appear to flying during lifts, it is an elegant garment that is synonymous with female ballet dancers and ballet in general. Little girls love to twirl in them as they learn and some wear them out and about. Indeed of late with the changes in fashion trends heading back to the new romantic days of the 80's, the tutu can be seen on the high street. Many brightly coloured, even neon, varieties are available for clubbers to wear on nights out, further proof of the wide appeal of the garment.
