Tutu Artists Studio Podcast

What does it really take to costume an entire corps de ballet? In this episode of Tutu Artists Studio , Michelle and Casey take listeners behind the scenes of large-volume costume builds, sharing the planning, organization, and creative problem-solving required to produce costumes for an entire cast. Whether you're creating 3 costumes or 30, the process requires careful preparation, efficient...

In this episode of Tutu Artists Studio , we’re having an honest conversation about burnout in the costume world—how it happens, the warning signs we ignored, and the changes we’re making to build a healthier and more sustainable business. Working in dance costumes is deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Tight deadlines, production seasons, emotional investment in every piece, and the pr...

Michelle, Casey, and Emma sit down to discuss the end of the year 2025. They share about their Nutcracker seasons as well as the lessons that they have learned this year. Join us as we wrap up a successful year and share how we have grown.

The Tutu Artists’ Studio Podcast is back with an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! This episode, we sit down with Arielle Di Leo , Founder & CEO of Loop Costumes — the dedicated resale marketplace changing the way dancers, families, studios, and designers buy and sell performance costumes across Canada & the U.S. 💃♻️ Arielle grew up as a dancer and experienced first-hand how...

Ever wonder how a cat-loving Canadian mom with an art degree and a bookkeeping side hustle ended up creating breathtaking tutus worn by dancers from Ontario to Taiwan? This week on the Tutu Artists Studio Podcast, we sit down with the ever-talented Michelle Weatherdon Fountain, the creative force behind Pas de Chat Costumes.  From her home studio (where her four cats double as “pattern weights”),...

Dance Opens Doors… and Olivia Mason walked right through. From childhood sewing sessions with her mom to designing for world-class stages, Olivia’s story is stitched with passion, resilience, and creativity.  In this episode of the Tutu Artists Studio Podcast, we follow Olivia Mason’s inspiring path—from costuming high school musicals to selling her first leotards in college, and eventually workin...

In this episode, the Tutu Artists talk to Lauren Carmen. Lauren Carmen is a NYC-based costume designer with a twist! With roots as a professional ballet dancer and an MFA from NYU Tisch, Lauren infuses her designs with whimsy and beauty—whether for dance, opera, or film. Her work has graced stages from The Joyce Theater to Radio City and appeared in Tribeca films. When not designing, she teaches a...

In this episode, Michelle talks about the Summer Declutter Challenge. She reviews the tasks the Tutu Artists' Studio recommends to tackle as a way to declutter and organize your sewing space.  #TutuArtistsStudioPodcast #Ballet #CostumeDesign #BehindTheScenes  #DanceMagic #BalletPreparation #TutuArtistsStudioPodcast #talkeverythingtutus #laughcaffeinatetutu #tutuartistsstudiopodcast #TutuArtis...

In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented David King — an influential figure in the ballet world, writer, illustrator, and founder of A Ballet Education. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey, innovative work, and vision for the future of ballet. **About Our Guest:** - Classical training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet - Academic credentials: BA an...

In this inspiring episode of Tutu Artists' Studio , we sit down with Rachel Ford, owner and CEO of Made Institute in Philadelphia. Rachel shares her dynamic journey from fashion school graduate to working in local theater and a major retail corporation, ultimately leading to the founding of one of Philadelphia’s most innovative fashion education hubs. Rachel opens up about the importance of g...

Tariffs and duties can have a big impact on small businesses like tutu makers. On this week’s show we discuss potential impacts faced by increased costs of materials, availability of materials, and tariff fees going into and out of Canada and the US. There are a lot of unknowns, but Michelle, Casey and Emma discuss their strategies for what may lie ahead. What strategies are you using to plan for...

Join us as we talk to Jarod Lewis to talk about the design process at New York City Ballet. We also discuss the creation of the new costumes for Mystic Familiar and Paquita. The costumes for these two ballets were built simultaneously and couldn’t be more different! The costumes for Mystic Familiar were reminiscent of streetwear rather than a classical ballet costume such as in Paquita.

We hope that you will feel encouraged by our conversation with Kendall Swendson while she talks about her path as a costume creator. Kendall shares with us how her collegiate training has prepared her for her many roles as a stitcher, freelance costumer, and teacher.

The Tutu Artists’ talk to Melissa Rumrill about her experiences as a wardrobe supervisor for Hamilton, television, and as a freelance costume maker.  How to Contact Us: Like and subscribe to our podcast. Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagram Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook  @TidewaterDancewear.  Michelle on Etsy , Instagram, a...

The Tutu Artists talk about the project that they have been working on at the end of the calendar year and for winter shows. The Artists also discuss some questions from listeners including sourcing embellishments, creating that perfect English point on a bodice, and demystifying belle and half tutus. If you have a question, episodeidea, or would like to be part of our podcast please don’t hesitat...

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 for purchase but also has a rental inventory of ov...

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 Barbara Karinska designed for NYC Ballet. Each y...

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 and great food in addition to a tour of the costume...

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 guest, Pamela Martin, and our hosts on alleviating pa...

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 Maker Network will take place in New York City...

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 forget to tag us in your post showing off your cre...

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 beautiful designs. After a short spring break, the...

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 to bring makers together to connect.  This event...

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 Studio and “SmashTheStashChallenge” in your pos...

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 create your own that works for you.   But this...