Tutu Artists Studio Podcast

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 touch of fairy-tale magic! Anyone interested i...

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 audiences back to the Schaeffer Auditorium in Kutztown, PA...

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 through enchanting sets adorned with the charm o...

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 in San Diego, California.  She is also a proud m...

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 consignment shops as well as stores like Fab Scrap...

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 encouraged to find a way to keep learning. How to Con...

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 facebook and instagram Casey online at tidewaterd...

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 facilities and meet many of the members of the costum...

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 about men’s costumes which seem to be under everyone...

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 supports IBC dancers through scholarships.  In a...

A great conversation with Anna Maria G enuise 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 team used to recreate and refurbish the beautif...

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 Celeste.  Her unique training sets her apart.  Jo...

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.  

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 How to Contact Us: Like and subscribe to our podc...

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 to store costumes in a tight space.  2. Storing...

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! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagram Angela onlin...

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. Creative Publishing International, 2017. Joseph-Ar...

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 with fitting costumes to many dancers.  Join us as...

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 designers. Resources: New York Public Library: Barbara K...