The tutu is the most recognisable costume in all of dance — and one of the most misunderstood. Most people picture the short, stiff horizontal skirt of Swan Lake, but tutus have taken many forms across two centuries of ballet history. Understanding the different types of tutu helps students, parents, and dance lovers appreciate the artistic and historical choices behind each production’s costume design.
What Is a Tutu?
The word “tutu” refers to a type of skirt worn by female ballet dancers. The origin of the name is uncertain — one popular theory links it to French children’s slang for the backside (since the skirt stands out around the hips), though this is debated. What is certain is that the tutu emerged in the early 19th century as ballet moved away from the heavy, floor-length court costumes of the 18th century. The new skirts were designed to show the dancer’s legs and feet — allowing the audience to see the footwork and pointe technique that were the new defining features of Romantic ballet.
The Romantic Tutu
The Romantic tutu is the older and more flowing form. It falls below the knee — typically to mid-calf or ankle level — in multiple layers of white or pale-coloured tulle, silk, or organza. It suggests lightness, floating, and the supernatural: the garment of fairies, spirits, and otherworldly beings.
Historical origin: The Romantic tutu was first worn in its recognisable form by Marie Taglioni in La Sylphide (Paris, 1832). Costume designer Eugène Lami created the new silhouette specifically to suggest Taglioni’s Sylph character hovering between earth and air. The design was revolutionary and was copied immediately across the ballet world.
Classic Romantic tutu roles:
- The Sylph in La Sylphide (Acts I and II)
- Giselle in Act II of Giselle
- The Shades in La Bayadère
- The Wilis in Giselle
Construction: A Romantic tutu typically uses 6–10 layers of soft net or tulle, cut in a circle and slightly stiffened at the hem. The bodice is fitted and often sleeveless. The total weight is surprisingly light for how voluminous the skirt appears.
For students looking for a Romantic tutu skirt for performance or recital, see our tutus and skirts range.
The Classical Tutu (Pancake Tutu)
The classical tutu — also called the “pancake tutu” — is the short, stiff, horizontally projecting skirt that most people picture when they think of a ballerina. It stands out from the hips at roughly 90° to the body, revealing the dancer’s legs entirely and framing rather than concealing them.
Historical development: The classical tutu evolved from the Romantic tutu gradually across the 19th century as skirts grew shorter and stiffer. By the time Marius Petipa created his great classical works — Swan Lake (1895 revival), Sleeping Beauty (1890), The Nutcracker (1892) — the short, stiff classical tutu was the standard for principal and corps de ballet roles in the classical style.
Classic classical tutu roles:
- Odette/Odile in Swan Lake (white and black tutus respectively)
- Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty
- The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker
- Kitri in Don Quixote
- Gamzatti in La Bayadère
Construction: A classical tutu uses layers of net (typically 8–12 layers) cut in rings and attached to a firm baseboard at the waistband, then shaped with internal hooping (crinoline wire or nylon) to hold the horizontal silhouette. The skirt may weigh 1–3 kilograms depending on the number of layers and the amount of decoration (beading, embroidery, feathers).
The Powder Puff Tutu (Bell Tutu)
A middle option between the Romantic and classical forms, the powder puff or bell tutu falls to mid-thigh, forming a soft bell shape around the hips. It is less stiff than the classical pancake tutu and less flowing than the Romantic. It is most commonly associated with certain 19th-century works and with stage productions aimed at younger audiences where a full classical tutu might be too heavy for young dancers.
The Platter Tutu
The platter tutu is an extreme version of the classical tutu where the skirt projects almost completely flat from the hips — like a plate. It is associated with certain Petipa-era productions and Russian ballet companies. The platter tutu leaves the dancer’s legs maximally visible and is especially effective for emphasising precision of footwork and intricate pas de deux partnering.
Tutu Colours and What They Mean
- White – Supernatural, pure, ethereal; used for sylphs, spirits, and the White Swan (Odette)
- Black – The opposite of the white tutu; used for the Black Swan (Odile) and villainous or seductive characters
- Pink – Classical femininity; common in showcase and recital productions
- Jewel colours (red, sapphire, emerald) – Character or national divertissements (the Spanish, Hungarian, or Russian dances in Sleeping Beauty, for example)
- Gold – Regal; the Fairy of the Golden Vine, wealth or royalty roles
Buying a Ballet Tutu Skirt
For students attending recitals, performances, or competitions, a lightweight layered tutu skirt provides the classical ballet aesthetic without the weight and engineering of a professional stage costume. Our tutus and ballet skirts range includes options suitable for students from Primary through Vocational level, with both Romantic-length and shorter styles available. For school shows, always check with your teacher about the required style before purchasing.
To complete the ballet performance look, explore our leotards, tights, and tiaras and hair accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Romantic and classical tutu?
A Romantic tutu is long (falling below the knee), soft, and flowing — used for ethereal, supernatural characters like the Sylph in La Sylphide or Giselle in Act II. A classical tutu (pancake tutu) is short and stiff, projecting horizontally from the hips to fully reveal the dancer’s legs — used for brilliant technical roles like Aurora in Sleeping Beauty or Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. The Romantic tutu appeared first (1830s); the classical tutu evolved from it later in the 19th century.
Why do ballet tutus stick out?
Classical tutus are constructed with internal hooping (crinoline wire or nylon boning) stitched through the multiple net layers to hold the horizontal silhouette. The stiffness of the net, combined with the structural support of the hooping and the weight of the layers, keeps the skirt projecting outward from the hips. Without internal structure, the layers would simply fall downward like an ordinary skirt. Professional classical tutus take hundreds of hours to make and may cost thousands of pounds.
How many layers does a ballet tutu have?
A professional classical tutu typically uses 8–12 layers of net attached to a firm baseboard at the waistband. Romantic tutus use 6–10 layers of softer net or tulle cut in circles. Student performance tutus and recital-grade tutus typically use fewer layers (4–8) for lightness and ease of movement. The exact number varies by maker, budget, and the required silhouette.
What is the Swan Lake tutu called?
The Swan Lake tutu is a classical tutu (pancake tutu). Two distinct versions are worn in most productions: the white tutu worn by Odette (the White Swan) and the black tutu worn by Odile (the Black Swan). In many productions the two tutus are cut slightly differently — Odette’s is typically softer and more curved at the hem, while Odile’s is more severe and angular — to reflect the characters’ contrasting natures.
What does a tutu skirt look like for students?
Student and recital-grade tutu skirts are simplified versions of stage tutus. They typically consist of 4–6 layers of soft net attached to a fitted waistband or an elasticated waistband that sits at the natural waist or hip. They are lighter and less structured than professional tutus and are designed to be worn over a leotard. They come in both Romantic (knee-length) and short (mid-thigh) styles. See our tutu skirts and ballet skirts for options by size and style.