During this episode we talked about developing a rental program with Chris Takashima. Chris is the owner of Much Ado Tutus and has been a costumer for 25 years and specializes in all types of dancewear. She works with all levels of dancers from pre-pro to professional to professional companies. Much Ado Tutus not only creates custom dance costumes …

During this episode we talk to Jarod Lewis of the NY City Ballet about City Ballet’s upcoming season. Jared runs through the upcoming 2024-2025 NYC Ballet season and the projects that he will be working on including Alexei Ratmanski’s world premier ballet February 2025. This ballet will be the first brand new tutu ballet that will be designed since…

Bonus Episode: Live from Tutu Maker Network During this episode, Michelle is joined on a panel by Nicole Roque, Codi Rasor, Tammi DeMattia and surprise guest Jarod Lewis to record a live podcast. This was recorded on July 16, 2024 during the first Tutu Maker Network event in New York City. During the TMN, tutu makers enjoyed fellowship, shopping an…

During this episode Casey, Emma, and Michelle talk about health and wellness tips that can support tutu makers. Tutu makers experience unique challenges in the creative process but reap so many rewards as they craft beautiful tutus. In this episode, we explore the physical demands of long hours spent sewing, and discover practical tips from our gue…

During this episode, we talk with Nicole Roche to get an update on the Tutu Maker Network. Nicole is the owner and creator for Nicole Elaine Tutus. The Tutu Maker Network is an event with the intention to bring makers together to connect. This event does not feature any classes but will include a costume related tour, a ballet, and fellowship. Tutu…

During this episode Casey, Emma, and Michelle talk about how they are preparing for Nutcracker. They discuss what projects they are working on and how they are approaching building soloist and corp de ballet costumes. Anyone interested in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge? Send us a message and let us know what you have created! Don’t fo…

After a short spring break, the makers at Tutu Artists Studio are back with a new episode. The Tutu Artists Studio sits down with Marissa McCullough, Costume Shop Manager at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). Marissa shares with us what they are working on at UNCSA, a little about her background, and how she creates such b…

During this episode, Michelle and Casey talk with Nicole Roque. Nicole is the owner and creator for Nicole Elaine Tutus. We spoke with her about her personal design and what influences her in her costume design. We also have a conversation on what inspired her to create the Tutu Maker Network. The Tutu Maker Network is an event with the intention t…

Calling all Tutu Artists! Are you looking to smash your stash? Join our spring 2024 challenge. Create a ballet costume - variation of your choice - from as much fabric and embellishments as possible from your current stash. Post photos of the creation of your costume and the final costume to your social media and be sure to tag the Tutu Artists Stu…

Episode 17: During this episode, Casey, Emma, and Michelle sit down to talk about goal setting for their business. We challenged ourselves to create a few smart goals for our businesses and share those with each other. SMART is an acronym that means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. We encourage you to use this format or c…

Episode 16: During this episode, Casey, Emma, and Michelle sit down to talk about making tutu plates. In this episode, our talented artists share their secrets, inspirations, and the creative process behind crafting one-of-a-kind Tutu Plates. From concept to completion, we'll take you on a journey filled with artistic passion, innovation, and a tou…

Step into a world of enchantment this season with Berks Ballet Theatre’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker! Join us for a mesmerizing journey as we bring Clara and her cherished Nutcracker to life through the elegance of classical ballet, all set to the unforgettable melodies of Tchaikovsky’s soaring score. We’re thrilled to welcome audience…

9 Minute Nutcracker Special Episode featuring Cary Ballet Company as they present The Nutcracker Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Cary Ballet Conservatory’s breathtaking performance featuring original choreography, custom sets, and beautiful costumes that will transport you to a realm of wonder and joy. Experience the magic of the season…

During this episode, we sit down to talk to Renee Shaeffer. Renee specializes in ballet as well as theatrical costumes. She has taken classes with the late Travis Halsey Onstage in Chicago as well as Pamala Martin of Matryoshka Tutus. Her work has been on stage in venues such as The Paper Mill Playhouse, Ballet Vero Beach, and Golden State Ballet i…

Episode 14: During this episode, we sit down to talk to Catherine Zehr. Catherine is the Costume Designer for Ballet’s with a Twist. She talks to us about her inspiration for some of the costumes to Ballet’s with a Twists show Cocktail Hour. We also discuss some ways we work to reduce landfill waste by supporting our local resale, thrift, and consi…

Bonus Episode: This special bonus episode is an excerpt of a past interview with Sherry Drake. During this segment, Michelle and Sherry talk about the importance of attending classes to continue learning the art of tutu making. Whether you are considering an online or in person class, we hope that you will walk away from this episode feeling encour…

During this episode, we sit down to talk to Sherry Drake. Sherry specializes in making tiaras. She shares some insight about the process of creating tiaras including some design strategies. You can reach Sherry on Facebook at Tiaras for Tutus How to Contact Us: Like and subscribe to our podcast. Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on fac…

During this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Meleta Buckstaff who is the costume manager for the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She discusses with an overview of how the costume shop runs including preparing for repertoire 6 and 7 and end of your school performances. The co-hosts of the Tutu Artists’ Studio were able to tour the PNB facil…

During this episode, we discuss a little bit of everything! Hear how we are filling the time during our slow season by making some ready-to-wear costumes and how Casey uses a raffle jar to give her inspiration. Angella shares some sweet stories about the dancers involved in Cinderella ballet that she is costuming. We wrap things up with a chat abou…

During this episode, we sat down with Claudia Folts of tutu.com. She shared with us some stories of her dance career including her time with Harkness Ballet. Hear her story of how repairing tutus led to the creation of tutu.com. We were also excited to share details about the silent auction she spearheads with the USA IBC in June. The auction to su…

A great conversation with Anna Maria Genuise who is a seamstress and costume maker in London, England. She has worked with the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera in London as well as owning her own business named Tutu Maker Studio. Anna Maria’s career also includes work for films such as Downton Abbey. She shares with us some of the process the costume t…

Episode 6: “I love that our creations have a life when we finish them. I also love the whole process of costume making including researching the role, finding the perfect fabrics and trims, sketching, project management, sewing and building relationships.” -Emma In this episode, hear how Emma Wang became a tutu artist and formed her business Tutus …

Our interview with Jarod Lewis is heartwarming and funny. Join us as Jarod shares his journey on how he became New York City Ballet's costume manager.بقلم Tutu Artists Studio

In this episode, we discuss business and productivity tips that have helped us establish our businesses. Business tips: Have a place online for people to find you and see your work Separate bank account Standard business practices Productivity Tips: Set aside time to work on the business side of your business Organize your patterns and materials Ho…

Episode 5: In this episode, we discuss ways to care for, clean, and store ballet costumes. Whether you are caring and storing your own personal costumes and accessories or working with a pre-professional company, we are certain that you will find something to support you in your work. Somethings that we hope you will learn in this episode...1. How …

Episode 4: In this episode, we discuss all things ballet bodices. Join us as we talk about our favorite bodice styles and fabrics. We also discuss how to select bodice designs for dancers and how bodice design can lead to greater inclusion of all dancers. How to Contact Us: Like and subscribe to our podcast. Follow us on social media! @ tutuartists…

Episode 3: In this episode, we discuss tips, tricks, treats and Franken-patterning. Find out our favorite sewing tools. Resources: Books: Aldrich, Winifred. Metric Pattern Cutting. 3rd ed., Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1994 Alm, Sara. Designing Clothes with the Flat Pattern Method : Customize Fitting Shells to Create Garments in Any Style. Cr…

Episode 2: All Things Nutcracker In this episode, we discuss all things Nutcracker. We talk about what we wish directors and individuals who manage the costumes for companies would do to prepare for a production of the Nutcracker. We also discuss our favorite costumes to make, some personal stories of our connection to Nutcracker and how to deal wi…

Episode 1: Let’s Talk Tutus In this episode, we discuss the 3 main types of tutus and some of the design elements we use when creating them. We will talk about the differences between classical, belle, and romantic tutus, what is dagging or scalloping, what are basques, and more! We even discuss some common language used by tutu artists and designe…