Tutu Artists Studio Podcast

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 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.

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 will not feature any classes but will include a costume related tour, a ballet, and fellowship.Anyone interested in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge?  Send us a message and let us know your thoughts!How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook  @TidewaterDancewear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopEmma online at tutusceleste.com and on social media @tutus_celesteReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 posts.

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 episode is not all goals, we discuss business and creative challenges that we need to work on.Anyone interested in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge?  Send us a message and let us know your thoughts!How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook  @TidewaterDancewear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopEmma online at tutusceleste.com and on social media @tutus_celesteReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge?  Send us a message and let us know your thoughts!How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook  @TidewaterDancewear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopEmma online at tutusceleste.com and on social media @tutus_celesteReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

9 Minute Nutcracker Special Episode featuring Cary Ballet Company as they present The NutcrackerImmerse 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 of downtown Cary.  The talented dancers will weave a spellbinding tale of Clara and her Christmas Eve journey to the Land of the Sweets that will captivate hearts young and old.Get your tickets now! Don't miss this magical journey!Share the holiday magic and invite your friends and family to join Cary Ballet Conservatory for a night of enchantment!   Let the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet by Cary Ballet Conservatory fill your holiday season with joy and wonder! 🎁🌟 #NutcrackerMagic #CaryBalletConservatory #HolidayTraditionAJ Fletcher Opera Theatre, RaleighDecember 2nd, 11 AM, 2 PM & 7 PMCary Arts Center, CaryDecember 15th, 11:00 AM & 7:00 PMDecember 16th, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM & 7:00 PMDecember 17th 1:30 PM & 5:30 PMCary Ballet Company is supported by the United Arts Council ofRaleigh and Wake County and the NC Arts Council as a divisionof the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

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 member of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union 784 as a stitcher and dresser and shares with us the process to become part of the union.We loved talking with Renee as she shared a Queen of Hearts project she was just finishing and also shared her process for creating amazing fairy wings.  If you have ever needed to make wings then you will want to hear Renee’s process.  Prepare to be inspired as we unravel the threads of Renee’s journey and passion in costume designReach out to Renee Shaeffer on Instagram at reneeshaefferdesigns.Check out her website at https://www.reneeshaefferdesigns.com/Here are some resources she wanted to share:Here is a link to the fantasy film:https://www.artglitter.com/collections/fantasy-film-20-in-x-10-ftFibers that Renee has used to make a feather look for Florinehttps://www.artglitter.com/collections/fantasy-fiberHere is the Milliner Renee follows on Facebook with lots of tutorials:https://www.facebook.com/StudyMillineryWithDeniseWallaceSpriggsFairy Wing Tutorial:Fancy Fairy 2019 Iridescent Fairy Wing TutorialAnyone interested in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge?  Send us a message and let us know your thoughts!How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook  @TidewaterDancewear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 (New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA) and working in our local community to organize fabric swaps.We ask Catherine some of our signature questions including how she got started in ballet costuming. We compare how ballet costuming is very different from working in the garment industry.  I really loved hearing about her full circle moment at Designing For Dance at FIT.Just a warning that in this episode, we talk about alcoholic cocktails (briefly).  Anyone interested in participating in a Smash the Stash Challenge?  Send us a message and let us know your thoughts!Fab Scrap New York https://fabscrap.org/shop?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote_3NjN2X0anGlk8qamfvUSx-H5x1rlv_YdTfF0B8GtvrauVJFeqNIMaAsWGEALw_wcBHow to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. 

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 TutusHow to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 costume team.During the interview, Meleta shares her introduction to sewing, her career as a dancer, and elaborates on the path she traveled that led to PNB.  Her path was winding and full of great experiences that we found relatable.    How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  on Facebook at SouthernTutusCasey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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’s needle.  How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 addition to the auction at USA IBC, fellow tutu makers can participate in Tutu School or test their wits and creativity in the Project Tutu design competition.For more information about the the silent auction, tutu school, and design competition occurring at IBC visit https://tutu.com/pages/project-tutuFollow tutu.com on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

A great conversation with Anna Maria Genuise 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 beautiful designs of the 1920s.  We had a wonderful conversation about the differences between making professional ballet costumes and creating garments.  Our conversation also included a discussion on how costumes enhance what we know about characters and become part of the story or even express choreography. How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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.” -EmmaIn this episode, hear how Emma Wang became a tutu artist and formed her business Tutus Celeste.  Her unique training sets her apart.  Join us as she chats about connecting with customers both local and virtual as well as how to turn customers into lifetime clients.  Emma can be found at Tutusceleste on instagram and Facebook. Online at Tutusceleste.com or email her at Emma@tutusceleste.com.How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 workSeparate bank accountStandard business practicesProductivity Tips:Set aside time to work on the business side of your businessOrganize your patterns and materialsHow to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 a costume for the season.  3. Does vodka work as a disinfectant?  4. Tutu Artists post production wish list for the costume mistresses and wardrobe managers.  We promise to keep you laughing.Disclaimer:  We do discuss the use of alcohol on costumes and as a drink to enjoy.  How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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 instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

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, 1994Alm, Sara. Designing Clothes with the Flat Pattern Method : Customize Fitting Shells to Create Garments in Any Style. Creative Publishing International, 2017.Joseph-Armstrong, Helen, et al. Patternmaking for Fashion Design. Illustrated by Kathryn Hagen and Vincent James Maruzzi, Fifth edition., Prentice Hall, 2010.Bergh, René. Make Your Own Patterns. New Holland, 1997.Sewing with an Overlock. C. DeCosse, 1989.Sewing for Children. Cy DeCosse, Inc., 1988.Kent Harrison, Mary. How to Dress Dancers. Dance Books, 1998.Ingham, Rosemary., et al. The Costume Technician’s Handbook : a Complete Guide for Amateur and Professional Costume Technicians. [Rev. ed.]., Heinemann, 1992.“Tailoring (Singer Sewing Reference Library).” Wilson Library Bulletin, vol. 68, no. 3, H.W. Wilson Co, 1993, p. 120–.Veblen, Sarah. The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting. Creative Pub. International, 2012.How to Contact Us:Like and subscribe to our podcast.Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagramAngela online at southerntutus.com  and instagram @southerntutus1Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook at Tide Water Dancerwear. Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshopReach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com