Seminar & Workshop Descriptions

We teach a very wide variety of costuming seminars, mini-seminars, and workshops. The descriptions below are for our current (2010) seminars.

From time to time, we may alter the format, duration, and content of our 'standard' seminars to fit a particular venue or timeframe.

We are always open to suggestions for new topics, content changes, new locations, different times of year, etc, etc. Feel free to email, write, or call us with your ideas.

Last Update: March 25, 2010

For 2010, we are offering Seminar Sessions in:
Jackson, MS, USA (Southern USA) at the USA IBC!, in June
Charlotte, NC, USA (Mid-Atlantic USA), in July/August

Tutu.Com at the 2010 USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) !!
We are very excited to be part of this incredible event!
We have so many really great things going on:
A special luncheon and 'Tutu Fashion Show';
5 days of TutuSchool - Tutus, Bodices, Tiaras;
The first-ever 'Project Tutu' Design Competition;
And, we'll be bringing a jam-packed van-load of selected items from our inventory.
So, stop by the Seminars room (we'll be in the Surrey Room at the Jackson Marriott), say 'Hi', introduce yourself, shop a little, check out the goings-on.
More details are available on our special IBC 2010 Page, and on our Facebook Page.
Still more events and details are available on the IBC website at www.usaibc.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Children's Costuming?
If you mean 'catalog' or 'halloween' costumes, no we don't offer classes in crafts-type or hobbyist costuming. However, many of our classes offer children's sizing, and all our techniques are readily adaptable to the pre-teen and younger dancer.

Our 'Classical Performance Tutu' class offers children's pattern sizes. Our 'Bodice Construction' class offers our Child's 6-Piece, 8-Piece, and 16-Piece Bodice patterns, and our 'decorating' type classes provide instruction suitable for any age group.

About Measurements - 'Standard Size' or 'Custom Fit'?
For all of our garment construction seminars (tutus, bodices, dresses, tunics, etc.), you must choose a 'standard' size (Women's Petite, Men's 38, etc). We provide an 'Options Selection' form for each seminar where you can specify the garment size. In general, our standard sizes will work very well for any project you may be working on or any dancer you are trying to fit. You MUST choose your size when you register, or we will automatically provide a size for you, typically Medium Adult.

If you are constructing a garment to 'custom fit' a particular dancer, you will still need to choose the 'standard size' that most closely fits your dancer. For 'custom sizing', you will need to take specific measurements on your dancer, and we provide an optional form and instructions during registration. Bring those measurements with you to class, and learn how to adjust and tweak the 'standard' pattern to fit your dancer.

For our 'standard' size charts, see: 'Standard' Size Charts
For our Women's Measurements Forms, see: Women's 'Custom' Measurements Form

Decorating Classes with Hot-Fix Rhinestones
For all 'decorating' type courses that include the use of Hot-Fix rhinestones, you must supply your own Hot-Fix applicator. We highly recommend either the Crystal Crafter® or the Professional Touch®, both from Kandi Corp. (although Kandi's Hot Fixer® is very good, it's so fast and so high-heat that you must be very careful not to burn holes in the delicate fabrics we use). If you don't have one yet, give us a call to order - we'll have it waiting for you at the seminar (or we can ship it to you in advance if preferred).

'On-Hand' Fabric, Trims, Rhinestones, Notions, etc.
Many of you may not realize just how 'top to bottom' our inventory really is. We typically have a lot of stock on-hand at each seminar, to help with emergencies, your future projects, and stuff you just didn't know you needed or wanted. So in general, we will have available for you to see, touch, and purchase a fairly large selection of different fabrics and trims and rhinestones and notions and books and patterns and specialty items and a whole lot more.

Tip for Schools, Companies, and Costumers
Several schools and companies have funded all or part of their costumer's expenses in trade for the items created, or in trade for future creations. The funding of these expenses can often be subsidized with grants from federal, state, or local arts organizations. And, the 'payback' to the school or company will far exceed the initial outlay in terms of time or money!

Sewing Machine Rentals
For the Charlotte seminars only, we typically have a few machines available for rent! Please call or email for details. These are 'first-come, first-served' - so reserve early! Keep in mind, it's still best to bring your own, since an unfamiliar machine will slow you down. And if you're driving in, definitely bring your own!

Guided Shopping Trip - Charlotte
Charlotte is just a few minutes away from some of the largest fabric and trims shops and warehouses in the USA. One of it's best kept secrets, and one of Claudia's all-time favorite places, is Mary Jo's in Gastonia, NC. At the end of the Charlotte seminar sessions, you'll have a chance to grab a piece of Claudia's shopping and materials expertise and knowledge. Caravan out to Mary Jo's with us - but fair warning, be prepared to be overwhelmed! The trip itself is 'free', but of course 'free' does not include what you may spend there!

Special Events - in Jackson, at the IBC!
We are very excited to be a part of the 2010 USA International Ballet Competition (IBC) in Jackson, MS this year! We have so many really great things going on:
-- A special luncheon and 'Tutu Fashion Show';
-- 5 days of TutuSchool - Tutus, Bodices, Tiaras;
-- The first-ever 'Project Tutu' Design Competition;
-- And, we'll be bringing a jam-packed van-load of selected items from our inventory.
So, stop by the Seminars room (we'll be in the Surrey Room at the Jackson Marriott), say 'Hi', introduce yourself, shop a little, check out the goings-on.

More details are available on our special IBC 2010 Page, and on our Facebook Page.
There are so many other different and wonderful events going on at the 2010 IBC you should really checkout the IBC website at www.usaibc.com, and especially review their Ancillaries Page for special, non-competition events!
We look forward to seeing you there!