Course Description: “From Concept Through Completion,” this Advanced Ballet Bodice Class is for those who want to hone their bodice-making skills and, at the same time, learn more about the process of designing and creating.  Each student will first roughly sketch out their basic bodice design idea, using an upper-body croqui (body sketch) provided in class, then, starting with one of our bodice patterns, will begin to make their design a reality using costume-shop pattern alteration techniques as well as some basic draping.  Student’s choices will include three basic shapes, one of which they will choose to work from: Long-line, Russian-style; European-style with diagonal-style-lines and a point in the front; or a basic princess-seamed-style. Students will then re-design the basic pattern they have been given, and will do any altering or grading needed to customize the pattern to the specific measurements they bring to class.  They will then re-draw the pattern they have created.

Once the students have finished re-designing and altering the pattern, they will then cut out their design using muslin, baste it together and “fit” it on a dress form (or a dancer if you bring one with you). Adjustments will then be made to the pattern and it will be re-drawn into the final version of the student’s design. The bodice will then be cut out and construction will begin. We will be using fabric layering techniques, decorative fold-backs, both regular and elastic-piped edges, and seam piping. Students are encouraged to bring bits of laces and small pieces of fabrics that they would like to incorporate into their bodice design.

Prerequisites: Bodice Level 2, or work in a professional or college costume shop – you must have mastered the many techniques taught in the Bodice One and Bodice Two classes or will need to demonstrate proficiency by emailing detailed pictures of your work and a note detailing your experience.

Class Length: 3 days. See Your City’s Seminar Online Calendar to Plan Your Schedule.

Payments: Tutu.com Courses are available for those attending TutuSchool. Cost for this course INCLUDES the class, the teacher, and all fabrics and notions. Payments are non-refundable, however a TutuSchools credit, less 10%, will be granted for use within one year at any of our seminar locations when requested more than 30 days in advance of your seminar. If you must drop out within 30 days of the class date, no credit will be issued. Pay in monthly installments with ShopPay or PayPal Credit.