POB has the most beautiful staging of La Bayadere. The costumes. the set design. The entire staging is gorgeous and makes other versions look fairly cheap in comparison.
In ballet, each movement is a visual poetry, and the costumes are the pen that writes that poetry in the air. At the heart of this artistic expression is the tutu, an iconic piece that has captivated audiences for generations.
En el ballet, cada movimiento es una poesía visual, y el vestuario es la pluma que escribe esa poesía en el aire. En el corazón de esta expresión artística se encuentra el tutú, una pieza icónica que ha cautivado a audiencias durante generaciones.
Hollywood 1242; ca. 1930s; Ballet Costume for Misses & Girls. Pierrette, Fairy and Columbine costumes have full circular skirt joining a fitted bodice with camisole top. Skirt is either 3 layer or 6 layer. Hat, cap, wings and ruff included. 10 pieces. Unprinted pattern.
Still featured in Hollywood Patterns, November 1940
ok non-dancer folk, i’m curious, which of the four standard ballet tutu types is your favorite?
the pancake tutu
as seen in sleeping beauty (pink) and swan lake (white)
also known as a platter tutu, the pancake is probably what you think of when you hear the word ”tutu”. it’s made of 8-16 tulle layers increasing in length from bottom to top, kept stiff with starch, stitching, and sometimes a thin wire hoop sewn in between the layers.
the romantic tutu
as seen in giselle (light blue) and chopiniana (white)
the romantic tutu is the oldest tutu style, worn as early as the late 1700s, and popularized by marie taglioni (1804-84) in 1829. it’s made of lighter tulle layers reaching to as high as just below the knee, and as low as to the ankle.
the bell tutu
as seen in the awakening of flora (four dancers) and paquita (blue)
the bell tutu is a less common variation of the pancake tutu. it uses dozens of layers of tulle without a hoop to get a fuller, lighter look when in movement. it’s more expensive and difficult to make, but completely worth the effort.
the powder-puff tutu
as seen in jewels (white), and stars and stripes (red)
the powder-puff tutu, also known as the american style tutu, was favored by american choreographer george balanchine (1904-83). it’s made of short layers of tulle that aren’t sewn together or hooped, to achieve a less structured look.
thanks for coming to my ted talk :) i’m curious which y’all prefer