Well it had its first outing this weekend so I can now show my latest project T16/02 made for a dancer who has, just lately started shooting up… So much so that she started outgrowing it before it was finished- but that is fine because we planned for that one!

The colours for this build were chosen from another tutu I had made and the dancer had seen for a professional adult dancer.  Luckily I had enough spare to make another at her size.  We also agreed to also keep the middle eastern style ethos of the piece.

In terms of size the dancer is a beautiful, slim child, growing up rather than out.  Adding length growth room was, therefore, a key element of my design making process.  I often add an inch to the high hip and the panty crotch but more was certainly needed.  Adding it to the top or bottom of the bodice can alter the lines, but an empire line split meant this could hide extra, along with in keeping of the middle eastern style.

Decoration also had to be able to work at all levels of extension on the bodice.  As the dancer is a slim child, a banded decoration under the bust was a real possibility and reduced the expanse of otherwise plain fabric, again would be in keeping with the ethos of the piece, could work with the growing bodice and be easily movable.  Care had to be taken though to ensure that the decoration did not cut the dancer in half.

Shimmering gold lace was combined with gold and bronze elements.  These were further stoned with Precocia crystals and large paste stones in green/blue, gold and clear AB colours.  This was combined with a small amount of two-tone pure silk dupion setting off a more cost effective light blue peach skin poly silk.  Ivory net was set off by very arabian inspired petals in both fabrics decorated in parts of the gold laces, decorated again with crystals.

Even with the growth spurt her new owner looked beautiful on stage and danced better than I have seen her previously.  She was placed a well deserved third in her section.  It is back in my office for further extension before its next outing.  I am planning to do that with aid of some gorgeous chocolates I was handed and below a wonderful card which is now attached to my shelving.  They truly were the cherry on the cake on seeing this piece built for this dancer- it was pleasure enough just designing and making this one.

All three sisters are seeing the fruits of their labours this year.  Not only have they all had some wonderful results at this, their first time at this festival, but one of them has just qualified in her gymnastics for national level!  Apparently the youngest sister may soon be looking for a new tutu in a cerise tone, which will suit her beautifully.  I cannot wait to see how they go for the rest of the year to come!