Ballet Costumes

Typical ballet costumes pertain to tutus. These ballet costumes are the short skirts that flair up. These ballet costumes may come in single or multiple layers. For the flaired up effect, the layers are often starched. These ballet costumes go around the waist, and are clasped together by ribbons. There are different kinds of these ballet costumes - you can choose based on your needs or preferences.

Types of ballet costumes (Tutus)

1. The Romantic Tutu: These types of ballet costumes are three quarters long. They are bell shaped and are made of tulle. The bodices of these ballet costumes are fitted.

2. Classical Tutu (bell): These bell-shaped ballet costumes are stiff and short. There are several layers of netting. These ballet costumes are fitted in the bodice, just like the romantic tutus.

3. Classical Tutu (pancake): These pancake-shaped ballet costumes flair outwards so it looks like a pancake. These ballet costumes also use several layers of netting. Wire hoops are also used to keep the skirt up and stiff.

4. Balanchine/ Karinska Tutu: These ballet costumes are somehow the fusion of the bell and pancake tutus. The difference with these ballet costumes is that there are no hoops used. These ballet costumes look softer; yet, with the multiple layers of netting, look full.

How to make ballet costumes

There may come a time - most probably during Halloween - when someone in your household will require for you to make her a tutu. Tutus are easy to make ballet costumes. You can make your own tutus using basic materials, such as six yards of tulle, an elastic band, a pair of scissors, and a sewing kit. Here are the steps to making your own ballet costumes.

1. Spread the tulle on a flat surface. The fold should be pointing to you. From here, cut strips that are six inches wide. The strips should be straight and of the correct width.

2. Measure the elastic around your child's hips. There should be at least an inch of overlap, where you will put clasps later on. Use a stapler to keep the ends of the elastic together.

3. Wrap all the tulle strips around the elastic by making knots on the front of the elastic. This way, the flaired section is in front. Double-knot each tulle strip to keep it securely in place.

4. Sew a clasp or button on the area where the ends of the elastic meet.