Wardrobe: Types of Tutus
I am sure you have realized, but PNB is honored to have one of the best Wardrobe Departments in the business. Each morning I pass by the Costume Shop. I am fascinated to see the repairs and constructions for the upcoming PNB performances.
At the beginning of the season when I first joined PNB, the Costume Shop was in the midst of constructing Ian Falconer’s designs for the new George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. The Department had expanded to every available inch of space in the Phelps Center to make the new production as lavish and incredible as it was designed to be.
I wanted to learn more about the different styles of tutus, so I have asked Larae Theige Hascall, Costume Shop Manager, to give me her insight.
Classical Tutus
- Short & stiff skirts
- Designed to show the ballerina’s legs
- Three variations on styles
Diamond Tutu
This bell-shaped tutu sticks out loosely from a dancer’s hips, but does not use a wired hoop. Sometimes a Pancake tutu is ‘tacked’ so that it takes on more of a bell shape
Examples: George Balanchine’s Divertimento #15 or Marius Petipa’s Paquita
PNB dancers in George Balanchine’s Divertimento #15. Photo by Angela Sterling.
Pancake Tutu
The Pancake Tutu has a short, stiff skirt that has a wired hoop to keep it’s shape.
Examples: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (Sugar Plum) or Kiyon Ross’ Sum Stravinsky
1. Leta Biasucci and Lucien Postlewaite in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, photo © Angela Sterling. 2. Angelica Generosa in Kiyon Ross’ Sum Stravinsky, photo © Angela Sterling.
Powder Puff Tutu
The Powder Puff Tutu is a short skirt, but does not use a wired hoop for a softer, fuller appearance.
Examples: George Balanchine’s Western Symphony or Diamonds
Lesley Rausch and Dylan Wald in Diamonds. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.
Romantic Tutu
- Length between knee & ankle
- Emphasizes airiness
Examples: George Balanchine’s Emeralds, The Nutcracker (Waltz of the Flowers), and Coppelia
1. PNB Company dancers in George Balanchine’s Emeralds. 2. PNB Company dancers in George Balanchine’s Coppélia. 3. PNB Company dancers in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photos © Angela Sterling.
