What Kind of Tutu is Best for Partnering?
QUESTION: What Kind of Tutu is Best for Partnering? What Kind of Hooping Should I Use?
TUTU.COM ANSWER: For partnering, most male dancers would agree that a classical tutu without a hoop is best. Tutus without hoops need to be made with more net in them so they stand up as long as possible without the need of an added hoop. When we put hoops in tutus, we always put them in the center where they are hidden, can do the most good for support, and do not impede the partnering by being so far out towards the edge of the tutu that the partner cannot easily reach the ballerina’s waist for lifts and supported pirouettes.
There are many different types of hoop. Tutu.com uses both a 1/2-inch and a 3/8-inch wide plastic-covered sprung steel wire for tutus. The 1/2-inch wide is the strongest. It is a good choice when your tutu has a lot of heavier decoration. The 3/8-inch wide hoopwire is the one we use the most. It comes in black, white, red and fuchsia. The wire in both the 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch hoop has been coated with a non-rust agent so you will not get rust stains on your tutu at the point of connection. The plastic is dyeable in a poly dye with high heat. It can be sprayed with a high-end, plastic paint for outdoor furniture, but most plastic paints can be scraped off with your finger nails. The black hoop can be used in purple, wine and royal blue colored tutus. The white works for all light colors as long as you center the hoop in the middle of the tutu where it will not be seen. You can also cover it with a lightweight organza casing matching the color of the net. We also use this type of hoop in the outer edge of “flying saucer-style” tutus.
For undecorated tutus and children’s tutus, we use a 1/4-inch round PVC-based Natural Rod Hoop with no steel in it. This hoop can be easily painted with any type of paint and the paint will not chip off. To connect the ends, simply tape them together with a strong packing or electrical tape. Some clients use two of this hoop in tutus needing more support, like those decorated with fabric and rhinestones. It is less expensive than the plastic-covered steel hoop.
The third type of hoop Tutu.com carries is called Nylon Rod Hoop. It is a thin, pliable hoop that comes in both black and white. We use this type for sculptural designs, like contemporary tutus, and “Potato chip” tutus. It is the least expensive type of hoop. Some clients also use this hoop doubled in classical tutus and report to us that it works well and is very lightweight.
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