The Perfect Tutu

Putting together your attire for class can be as fun as the dance itself. With so many gorgeous colors, mounds of tulle and tons of sparkle, dance outfits reflect the style and taste of the dancer, while enhancing the overall performance.

The tutu is an international symbol of the art that has been worn by ballet dancers for centuries, and it was designed to fit the body perfectly while allowing for ample movement, and shaped to flow with the dancer’s steps.

The dress code of a ballet class is an important guideline as it provides the group of dancers with their universal identity, and ensures all dancers will be equipped with the correct type of garment to allow for enough flexibility to perform without discomfort. Consult the dress code before setting out to purchase your dance attire, and stick to its requirements to get the most out of your experience.

There are variations of tutu skirts, and each is easily distinguished by their design. Traditional skirts will either begin at or just under the waist, with which competitive dancers will usually wear a basque or bodice during a performance. These classical tutus are flat, and are often referred to as “pancakes”, with the tulle seeming to stick out from the dancer’s hip. 

A bell tutu is different, as it is usually much shorter than its classical counterpart, and the ruffles are designed to point downward rather than out. This type of skirt is flowy, and will twist and turn with the dancer’s movements. 

The perfect tutu is one that is aligned with the style of the dance, is comfortable to wear, flexible enough to move in and made of quality materials that make it durable enough to last.

The type of tutu you choose to wear will depend on the style of dance, the age of the dancer and the type of performance. Younger dancers, toddlers and small children, are often paired with the more traditional type of tutu in the classic pink or white, while different colors and styles are introduced as the dance routines become more complicated.

 For ballet routines with a modern twist, it’s common to see dancers in brightly colored bell tutus adorned with sparkles and without a traditional bodice or basque, as they can be too restricting for fast-paced performances.  For more classical ballet recitals, we usually find dancers in the traditional white or pink flat tutu, cutting a sheer and sleek silhouette.

The dress code is crucial for all other styles of dance too, such as jazz and tap.

In tap dancing, it’s important for both the dancer and the audience to be able to see the feet, so tap attire is usually designed to show these off. As tap dancers will perform routines as a group in unison, the dress code is even more important here to exhibit a flawlessly executed group number.

While jazz dance recitals may have dancers who are incorporating many different moves into their routine, these performances are usually themed, and performance attire must reflect the style of dance. Jazz music has a fast tempo, and class attire must enable the dancer to swiftly progress from one move to another without restriction.