Terminology, What Does ... Mean?

Terminology, What Does ... Mean?

 

Terminology, What does....mean? 

PURCHASE ARTICLE HERE: https://tutusthatdance.com/collections/faq-articles/products/terminology

Many of the terms used also have other names or definitions. These are the definitions we will be using.

  • BODICE: top part of a ballet tutu or costume.
  • BASQUE: the section of a tutu that fits around the hips from waist to upper or “high” hip,
  • PANTY: What the net ruffles are sewn onto.
  • CLASSICAL TUTU: Short ballet tutu. Can be the whole tutu or referring to just the skirt portion. Hooped or un-hooped.
  • RUSSIAN or PANCAKE TUTU: a very flat, thin tutu with a hoop.
    •  "Russian tutu"  also may refer to bodice(longline)style.
  • ENGLISH, BELL or EUROPEAN TUTU: softer non-hooped tutu
  • POWDERPUFF TUTU: Short, fluffy tutu made famous by Karinska
  • PLATE: The decorative top layer.
  • ROMANTIC TUTU: A long soft tulle skirt.
    • Typically, 4-6 layers or more.
    • Occasionally only one very full layer (see Balanchine "Serenade") 
    • Lengths can be from mid-thigh to ankle.
  • TACKING or STRINGING: The method of using small loops of thread to shape and control the classical tutu skirt ruffles.
  • HOOPING: Narrow steel “ring” insert in among the net layers to help hold the skirt out and flat.
  • TUTU NET: A stiff net, either “diamond or hexagon shaped holes. Other names/types are
    • “diamond net”, “Balanchine net”, 40 denier net, ‘can-can net”, Horsehair net.
    • Craft net: A softer netting readily found in fabric stores. Craft net is not suitable for making tutus.
  • TULLE: Very soft, very small holes. Used alone or with other types netting for romantic tutus. Also used for top skirts on classical tutus for a softer finished look.
  • RUFFLES or FRILLS: Long tightly gathered strips of net. 9-12 layers of ruffles are average for a tutu skirt
  • FASHION FABRIC, TOP FABRIC: The outside fabric. Brocades, Silks or Bengalines are common ones used.
  • LINING: The fabrics used on the inside of a bodice. Used to give structure, stabilize and support the outside fabric. Usually dense, tight-knit cotton.  COUTIL being the most commonly used.
  • INSET or INSERT: A separate section that is used to imply a chemise, blouse behind a bodice. Or can be a nude colored mesh/lycra used to give the illusion of a deep plunging neckline.
  • ELASTIC STAYS: Small pieces of elastic used to connect the center front of the bodice to the basque. Allows the bodice to stretch.
  • BONING: Adds structure, support, and shape to a bodice. Similar to a corset. Types: White flat steels, spiral steel, plastic, rigilene.
  • BONING CASING: Flat tubes of dense fabric that bones are inserted into and used to secure the boning to the bodice. Optional method.
  • WAISTBAND: used to secure a tutu at the waist.
    • Petersham ribbon being the most commonly used on tutus. 
  • HOOKS and BARS: Fasteners used to close a tutu or tunic.
  • FLAT LINING: a costume method of construction (see article)
  • BAGGING OUT: a costume method of construction (see article)
Back to blog