The Development Of The Ballet Tutu Through Time

The origin of tutu can possibly date back as far as the 15th century. The first tutu used was a loose flowing ¾ length muslin skirt that was designed to show off the fancy legwork and footwork of the ballerina. Over the next several centuries tutus have experienced some length and style changes, chiefly, as the dancer's legwork became more intricate; the skirt shortened allowing the audience to fully capture the ballerina's dancing ability. Over time the tutu changed from a free flowing longer skirt to a shortened poufier, stiffer version that allowed the ballerina complete freedom during dancing and showed the audience the dancer's legs completely. These stiffer skirts are made from a fabric which is called Tulle. Tulle is a stiffened mesh net like material.

The layering of the Tulle gives the skirt it's poufy and full look. There are usually three to five layers in a traditional tutu, but using more or less can achieve any number of desired looks. Today there are four basic styles of tutus that are commonly used. The classic bell tutu is a short skirt with a bell like shape, usually loose and flowing. The classical plate tutu, which is sometimes referred to as the pancake tutu, has a fitted bodice and a stiff and short skirt with a built-in wire hoop with spokes to keep it outstretched from the dancer's waist, hence the "plate" or "pancake" name. This style allows the ballerinas legs to be completely exposed showing off all intricacies of their legwork ability. The Balanchine tutu features a loose skirt, no hoops and less layers of tulle, the skirt length is slightly longer than the classical, yet remains above the knee. Lastly, the romantic tutu, which resembles the original version, has a ¾ length and bell shape skirt.

The tutu is such a versatile costume that designers can make simple additions to create a specific character for a play and adding to the effectiveness of the performances. Men's and women's costumes alike can easily be adapted to fit the character, using colors, ribbons, lace, beads and much more. A creative minded person can easily adapt the tutu into costumes for either children or adults, simply by adding wings, pointed slippers, hats, headbands, armbands, sleeves. There is a vast array of accessories that can be added to a tutu. The costume possibilities are as endless as the imagination can conceive.


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