Ballet Storytime Tutus: From Whimsical Wall Art to Wearble Magic

Anyone who has stepped into a Tutu School knows the five signature tutus that line the walls. More than decorations, they are story keepers, each representing a timeless tale from our Ballet Storytime curriculum. They have been with us from the very beginning, dancing across the walls of our very first location 18 years ago. Today, these iconic wall art tutus have grown alongside Tutu School, still retaining that original magic.

And the magic was born…

When Genevieve Custer Weeks, Founder and CEO of Tutu School, was about to launch the first Tutu School in 2008, she knew there was just a little magic missing, something to tie Tutu School together with a pink shiny ribbon. Genevieve’s mother knew the perfect solution: an artist from her hometown in Wisconsin, Donna Leet, could transfer her mural work to the walls of the studio. Originally painted on five canvases, the wall art tutus were born! Over the years, Donna’s tutus transitioned to wood, and the designs shifted to incorporate new elements, such as tulle skirts, pearls, and fabric flowers.

They are, without question, the thing that families walking into a Tutu School for the first time will gasp over, and what represents the magic of a favorite ballet story to a tiny dancer twirling underneath them. Donna retired a few years ago after making over 500 total tutus, but her legacy lives on in the studios every day and has passed the torch to an incredible 3-person team who handcraft every wooden base, hand paint every pastel color, and handstitch every fabric tutu.

From the studio walls into sparkling, matching outfits

These wall art tutus have recently transformed in a major way…  Now, little dancers can slip these stories off the walls and twirl in them with our Ballet Storytime collection. Each Ballet Storytime tutu dress opens the door to imagination, where pirouettes become stories, leaps turn into dreams, and every dress-up moment feels a little magical.

And because Ballet Storytime is even sweeter when shared, we created Tiny Tutu versions for Odette, our beloved Ballerina Bunny. Tutu Schoolers can dress their favorite companion in matching sparkles and tulle, making every moment of Ballet Storytime extra enchanting.

The Ballet Storytime Collection is inspired by 5 whimsical ballet stories from our curriculum:

Cinderella

A classic story we all know and love, from glass slippers to pumpkin coaches to magical twirling. Oh, and the joy that comes from true kindness. Cinderella’s sparkly tutu on our studio walls – this dress invites dancers to twirl into a story where being kind makes real magic.

Swan Lake

Soft tulle, delicate details, and just enough magic for everyday twirling.

Coppélia

Coppélia is the story of a doll who comes to life (sort of), a kooky toy maker, and the joy of being true to yourself. A sweet favorite from our Ballet Storytime curriculum, this tutu is inspired by the ballet and our studio art, giving dancers the chance to twirl with charm, curiosity, and a little silliness.

The Nutcracker

In The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy presides over the Land of Sweets, where magic and waltzing flowers bring sparkle and wonder. Inspired by our Ballet Storytime classic and the Sugar Plum tutu on our studio walls, this dress captures the sweetness and beauty of The Nutcracker.

Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty is a forever favorite. Inspired by Aurora’s story from our Ballet Storytime curriculum and her tutu that graces our studio walls, this dress invites dancers to twirl alongside her with grace, courage, and imagination.

Every class tells a story: Our Ballet Storytime Curriculum

If you’re new to Tutu School, you may not be familiar with one of the most essential elements of our curriculum – Ballet Storytime. The Ballet Storytime curriculum was specially crafted to highlight both classical ballets and their scores and to promote positive messaging and values for our students. We are committed not only to providing our dancers with a rich early arts education but also to making sure we are impacting our students in a thoughtful, responsible way through the stories we tell them and the themes we choose to celebrate. 

Not yet a part of the magic? Enroll today to experience storybook adventures in ballet, or stop by the studio to pick out a little piece of the story to take home today