costumes

Test your ballet knowledge!

1. The tutus designed for William Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude in 1996 are known for a unique design. What makes these costumes different from a traditional tutu? (source- dancemagazine.com) 

a) A tutu with a floor-length tulle train

b) Tutus made from recycled materials

c) A flat circle using stretchy fabric to create the tutu shape

d) Tutus with fiber optic fabric that lights up

2. Who is known for inventing the first leotard? (source- pointemagazine.com)

a) Jules Léotard

b) Marie Taglioni

c) Leonora Armani

d) Leo Tardelli

3. A tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn in Swan Lake was auctioned off and sold to a collector. How much did it sell for? (source- dancemagazine.com)

a) $1,200

b) $26,700

c) $94,800

d) $2.2 million

4. Which of these is not a style of tutu? (source- gabiesboutique.com)

a) Romantic

b) Powder-puff

c) Teacup

d) Platter

5. What footwear was usually worn in the earliest ballets in the 17th century? (source- britannica.com)

a) Canvas slippers

b) Heeled shoes

c) Sandals

d) Tall boots

Answers

1. Answer- C 

Ballet Fun Fact! Here’s a photo of DeCruz Director Lindsi Dec performing in Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude in this unique tutu. 

Photo © Angela Serling @angelasterlingphoto

2. Answer- A

Ballet Fun Fact! Jules Léotard, the creator of the leotard, was an acrobat in the 19th century. Leotards were used by circus performers and gymnasts after his invention, then later became popular for ballet in the 1960s. (source- pointemagazine.com) If you tuned in for our La Sylphide Trivia you may remember that Marie Taglioni, though not the inventor of tights, is known for being the first ballerina to dance en pointe! 

3. Answer- C

4. Answer- C

Ballet Fun fact! The first time a romantic tutu was designed and worn was in the ballet La Sylphide in 1832. It became an iconic ballet design, being used in countless other ballets and creating what we know of as classical ballet costuming to this day. (source- pointemagazine.com) 

5. Answer- B