Behind the Seams of Cinderella

From One Company to the Next

Michael Pink's Cinderella began its journey at Milwaukee Ballet, with costumes designed by Peter Cazalet. Around 70 sets of costumes, including ballgowns, tutus, shoes and wigs, travelled across the Atlantic to our home in Leeds to be used for the upcoming tour. However, that is only the beginning of the story.  

To meet the demands of a busy tour and to ensure that there are enough costumes for multiple casts of dancers, the Wardrobe team have been remaking duplicates of nearly half of the costumes from scratch. By the time the curtain rises on Cinderella, over 100 sets of costumes will be ready to take the stage.  

Making the Iconic Tutu

No fairytale ballet would be complete without a classical tutu. What many don't know is the craftmanship behind making these iconic costumes.

Each tutu is made from 7 layers of sturdy tulle, hand-dyed using colours mixed in-house to achieve the perfect shades for each character. Shades of blue, yellow, orange, brown, green, and silver are combined to represent the different spirits that guide Cinderella through her transformation, much like our Wardrobe team themselves guide a dancer's transformation into their role.  

Once the base is assembled, a decorative layer known as a 'plate' is placed on top. This piece often holds shimmering sequins, painted designs or other intricate embellishments that really bring the tutu and the character to life. Lastly, the bodice is made separately to complement the design of the plate. Built with boned seams for structure and elastics to ensure the dancers' movement is not restricted, it's the final piece that brings the costume together.

Glass Slippers for Ballet

Cinderella's famous glass slippers may be perfect for a fairy tale, but they're not ideal for ballet. Instead, our team transforms pink satin pointe shoes into sparkling slippers fit for a princess.

Every ballerina has their own preferred brand and style of pointe shoe, and many wear shoes that have been fitted and customised to their feet. For Cinderella, that customisation goes a step further. Depending on who is dancing the title role and what shoes they wear, the glass slippers are either custom ordered from their preferred brand or handmade by our Wardrobe team.

Using glittery fabric and countless sequins, the pink satin is almost completely covered beneath a shimmering surface that catches the stage lights like crystal. It's the perfect fit for an enchanting look that also allows our Cinderellas to dance with the comfort, support and precision they need.

See the Magic for Yourself

By the time Cinderella sets off on tour, countless hours will have already been spent sewing sequins, dyeing fabric, fitting dancers and making adjustments. Every finishing touch helps bring the fairytale magic to the stage.

When you take your seat at the theatre, look a little closer at all the beautiful costumes that have passed through the dedicated hands of our Wardrobe team before making their way into the spotlight.

Experience the magic and craftsmanship of Cinderella for yourself in Nottingham, Newcastle, Norwich and Leeds this autumn.