Tutus are expensive and their construction is very delicate, so care and storage of the tutu is vitally important. The purpose of this post is to describe some general storage and care hints that will help you to preserve your investment. Always follow the tutu designers’ instructions as fabrics may differ from product to product.
The 1832 Paris performance of La Sylphide changed ballet forever. Marie Talioni was the first to perform sur le pointes ( on the point) and she wore a skirt made of layers of gauzy material that floated through the air as she danced. This skirt, which ended just above her ankles, allowed the patrons to view her amazing footwork.
By 1880, the shorter classic tutu had emerged to show the increasing complex legwork of the dancer. Today, we have two basic styles of tutu with some subcategories. The Classic Tutu has short, stiff skirts and are either pancake style (with a wire hoop to hold the skirt shape) or the powder puff style which features a softer, fuller appearance and no wire hoop. The Romantic Tutu ends between the knee and ankle and is known for its airiness.
Tutu Storage
After a performance, hang your tutu from the Dream Duffel Tutu Hanger to allow it to dry thoroughly. Do not hang your tutu from elastic shoulder straps or use a traditional hanger that can leave hanger or clip marks.
Once dry, the tutu on its hanger can be placed in a Dream Duffel Tutu Bag for long term storage. If the tutu bodice has a lot of embellishments, face these away from the skirt to prevent snags. Lay the tutu bag flat under a bed or on a large shelf. If the tutu cannot be laid flat for long term, take care to avoid stretching the elastic leg opening with the tutu hanger loop.
Tutu Care
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If needed, the bodice of the tutu can be spot cleaned with cold water. Test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous location. Do not get the tulle of the tutu wet. To remove wrinkles, steam from a shower is the safest approach. Hang the tutu to dry using the Dream Duffel Tutu Hanger in a well-ventilated area. Once dry, finger comb through each layer of tulle before storage of the tutu to keep it fluffy.
Prior to each performance, check the usual trouble spots like hook and eyes and straps. It is advisable to have a needle, thread, hook and eyes, and a small amount of elastic available at the performance for those “oops moments”.
