Darling,
It’s December, and that means the holiday season is in full swing! With all the dazzling parties, dazzling performances and dashing gentlemen in tuxedos, you want to look your very best. The secret? A new tutu! Yes, I know what you're thinking – another one? But trust me, my dears, the right tutu is the key to a festive season like no other. I'm not just talking about sparkle, although sparkle is definitely a must. I'm talking about something truly magical.
Now, I have been in the ballet game for some time, and let me tell you, crafting a truly timeless tutu takes talent, dedication and an eye for what’s trending. And with my exclusive tips, this festive season, darling, your tutu will not only be a feast for the eyes, it will also have everyone on the dancefloor absolutely green with envy.
The essentials for an utterly fabulous tutu.
- Fabric: Opt for the finest tulle – I personally recommend “Forever Tulle,” available from your local fabric store. Look for the most delicate, wispy variety, a shade that flatters your skin tone, either classic blush pink or a glamorous midnight blue. It's a good idea to have a contrasting fabric for the waistline. It can be lace, silk satin or even some velvet for an opulent touch. And darling, remember, this is all about a little extravagance so don't skimp!
- Thread and Needles: Be prepared to work with very fine fabrics so you’ll need needle sizes 7-10 depending on your fabric. Do not cheap out on your needles! As a rule of thumb, use matching coloured threads – they might not be cheap but are very necessary!.
- Ribbon: This is what creates a smooth transition from the waistline to the fabric – and is a must-have. I find grosgrain ribbon, which gives your tutu an opulent sheen, gives a better silhouette than satins.
- Scissors: A pair of sharp, tailor's scissors are an absolute must! And for those delicate curves you need a pair of pinking shears to finish your tulle edges. They're essential to preventing the tutu from fraying.
- Embellishments. No tutu is truly fabulous without sparkle! Darling, I always recommend having a variety of styles to add different dimensions. Think small shimmering pearls or maybe crystal teardrops - the possibilities are limitless. Don't forget to think outside of the box, those delicate little pearl beads are very trendy.
Designing your tutu. A festive season tutu should have a short, tiered design with a full silhouette – so full, that everyone watching you, be they a fellow dancer, friend, or someone you hope will soon be a special friend, will need to remind themselves to breathe!
Let’s be honest – nobody wants a long tulle skirt just to keep stepping on it. Your Tutu should feel ethereal and almost float above your body. Make each tier of tulle roughly 5 inches to create the ideal “voluminous" effect, then when assembling the layers make sure there is space between the bottom edge and your feet, the longer the better. Trust me, you will glide across the dance floor with an effortless charm.
And your waistband darling? The classic waistbands are best; a wide belt with an internal tie. Your chosen fabric, satins and lace, can be used to make your waistline appear smaller and flatter by gathering your belt into the right folds – there are online tutorials for gathering fabric, though you might find some tutorials more suitable than others, my suggestion – take your time and experiment until you’re happy with the result.
For something unique? Use those embellished beads and create an accent pattern for your waistband, the design of this will be determined by your imagination!
This season, I want you, darlings, to have an impact. The right outfit is only part of the show – confidence, an appreciation for the art and good music make a dancer – so let your love of the dance shine and make your statement. And when you take your final bow, be sure to look out at your adoring audience. Because at this festive time, they are waiting for a star, and, darling, that star, is you!