Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Costume for In G Major
Designed by Erte |
Dear Costume Shop,
I see on your schedule that Bugaku is returning to the repertory. I love how shiny and slick the girls' hairdos look. Do they use Kabuki wax?
Signed,
Trying to be chic in Arizona
Dear Arizona,
Because we follow the lead of the original Bugaku, the girls wear wigs of handmade French horse hair. These wigs are also used in Act II of the Nutcracker, Tea section. They are hard to make and we think it would be easier to use the wax.
Dear Costume Shop,
I just bought tickets to see the Nutcracker in December and I can't wait to see my favorite costumes, the Marzipan Shepherdesses. The pictures I've seen don't look like traditional tutus. What are they?
Signed,
Jen Leigh
Dear Jen,
The Marzipan are one of my favorite too. If you rent the film of our Nutcracker, you could get a better close-up view but I'll tell you what I can. The "tutu" is connected to the bodice by satin ribbons and a double layer of net. The outer edge of the "tutu" is wired hearts, all connected in a circle. The little stuffed objects, filling in the hearts are supposed to be marzipan candies. They include strawberries, carrots, and radishes. The tutu is finished off with a sweet net ruffle on the bottom.
Dear Costume Shop,
How many performances does a tutu last?
Signed,
Curious in Evanston, Il.
Dear Curious,
The life of a tutu depends on the perspiration of a ballerina and the cleanliness of her partner. Like Toeshoes, the tutu is very personal. Of six principal ballerinas dancing the sugarplum during a season, three of them will need tutus this year.
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