| The tutu is possibly the most iconic item of ballet | | | | which they can help to portray. |
| clothing there is, but few people outside of the world | | | | If you ask people to describe tutus, chances are |
| of ballet know about the history of this garment, or | | | | they will use the describe a skirt something akin to a |
| about the variety of styles available. To those who | | | | powder puff - a skirt which looks light yet has a |
| are familiar with ballet the difference between the | | | | fluffy appearance when compared to some others. |
| styles and materials, and how to make use of these | | | | These tutus were created by Barbara Karinska, and |
| factors, can become second nature. If you are a | | | | were used a lot by George Balanchine in his New |
| beginner to ballet and want to learn about tutus, or if | | | | York City Ballet productions. For this reason the tutus |
| you just wish to refresh your memory, then read on | | | | are often known as either Karinska or Balanchine |
| as we look into the basics. | | | | tutus, or Karinska Balanchine tutus. The distinctive |
| Throughout its history the tutu has undergone a | | | | appearance is produced through the precise use of |
| number of changes, and has appeared in a number of | | | | the netting and loose tacking, which enables the skirt |
| varieties, all of which cater for certain dancing needs. | | | | to be self supporting without a wire hoop. |
| One of the classical forms of the ballet tutu is the | | | | The kind of tutu which you choose will vary |
| bell, like the majority of tutus it has a fitted bodice, | | | | depending on your preferences, but also very much |
| the skirt, which consists of layers of netting, does | | | | on the dance which you are performing! If you |
| not use a wired hoop and extends outwards from | | | | attend a dance school, you may well have a set |
| the hips. Pancake style tutus are also classical, and | | | | uniform which you need to stick to - even if it isn't |
| are similar to bells other than the skirt, which is short | | | | your favourite, or your first choice of dance wear, |
| and stiff, uses a wire hoop and consist of more | | | | but remember that each garment has been chosen |
| layers of netting than the bell style. | | | | for a reason, and that as you progress you can |
| Romantic style tutus are arguably one of the most | | | | diversify your dance clothes. |
| beautiful and elegant garments in the world of dance. | | | | A great dance outfit can really add a whole new |
| They feature a three quarter length tulle skirt, which | | | | dimension to a ballet, or indeed to any sort of dance. |
| is bell shaped, and a fitted bodice which may or may | | | | This may well explain why Barbara Karinska won the |
| not have sleeves. This tutu creates a flowing | | | | Capezio Dance Award, for her amazing ability to |
| movement that is desirable in a number of ballets, | | | | design dance costumes which served to amaze |
| both traditional and modern. A lot of dancers have a | | | | audiences and add to their pleasure when watching |
| particular fondness for these tutus, and the elegance | | | | the ballet. |