Ballet

What is a Ballet Tutu?

Are you familiar with ballet tutu? Your answer is probably “Yes” as ballet tutu is what most ballerinas often wear during their performances. It refers actually to the ballooning skirt worn by the ballet dancers.

As commonly defined, the ballet tutu is a skirt worn as a costume by dancers in ballet performance. It is worn often with a bodice attached to it. Well, ballet tutu designers have said that this garment may differ according to its layer. This is for the reason that a ballet tutu might be single layer, double layer, or with three or more layers. Also, it may differ according to its style as some of the ballet tutus appear to be hanging down, while there are some that feature multiple layers that are starched or strutted out.

The ballet tutus are worn by way of wrapping them around the skirts. Once wrapped, the tutu is fastened in the waist often by the use of ribbon which is usually sewn in its waist. There are also some instances that ballet tutus are attached to the dancers’ leotards that are normally long armed.

There are different kinds of tutu. These types were identified mainly by their style as well as by the time they were introduced. Included in the list of the most recognized ballet tutu types are the following:

Balanchine or Karinska Tutu – This type tends to appear as similar to the bell and powder puff-plate tutu. Perhaps the main difference between the two is that in this kind, no hoops are used and only fewer layers of netting are considered. Aside from that, the Balanchine or karinska tutu is tacked loosely for one particular purpose – to give it a softer and fuller aura.

Romantic Tutu – This is the ballet tutu type that is particularly known for its having a three quarter length bell shape. Most of the tutu designers craft this ballet tutu from tulle featuring a fitted bodice and cap sleeves. Also, according to some reviews, the romantic tutu is free flowing, giving a sense of ethereal quality and lightness to the romantic ballets, to which it is often used.

Classical Bell Tutu – This type is commonly identified as being short and stiff tulle skirt that presents a slight bell shape and a fitted bodice. Most of the classical bell tutus use a wired hoop, and they often appear to extend outwards from the hips.

Classical Plate Tutu – This is finally the fourth known type of ballet tutu. Well, just like the classical bell tutu, this type is short and stiff tulle skirt that extends outwards from the hip. It also has a fitted bodice like the former type. But, the difference between the two appears as the classic plate type usually feature a pancake design with wires spokes rather than a powder puff design used in the classical bell tutu. These spokes are used mainly to keep the material stiff.

So you’ve learned the types. Now is the time for you to know that ballet tutus should be carefully chosen. It should fit the body well, allowing you to move with ease. Never choose tutus that are too loose as they can make you fumble onstage.

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