Does your young ballerina have their sights set on the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP)? Having the perfect tutu can give them the confidence to shine on stage. But with so many options available, creating a custom tutu can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This guide will walk you through five simple steps to create a stunning and competition-worthy tutu and tiara for your YAGP ballerina.

STEP 1. Selecting the Foundation: Tutu, Bodice, and Top Plates

The foundation of your tutu is crucial. It should provide the perfect balance of support, flexibility, and comfort for your ballerina to perform at their best. Head over to Conservatory by Primadonna, a renowned tutu maker, if you desire a professional base to customize.  Explore their wide selection of tutus, bodices, and top plates (the part you will decorate!). Their website offers a variety of colors, styles, and sizes to suit your ballerina's unique needs and preferences.  Make sure to leave enough delivery time to get your custom fit tutu in the style and color you desire. 

STEP 2. Perfecting the Fit: Tips and Tricks 

Once your tutu arrives, it's time to ensure a flawless fit. A well-fitting tutu allows for unrestricted movement while maintaining the flattering silhouette. The experts at Conservatory by Prima Donna offer valuable tips and tricks on their website to guide you through attaching hooks and eyes securely. This step ensures the tutu stays put and looks professional during your dancer’s demanding YAGP classical variation.

STEP 3. Unleashing Creativity: Decorating the Top Plates

Now comes the fun part - unleashing your creativity! The top plates offer a blank canvas to showcase your ballerina's personality and complement their YAGP variation.  Make sure you consult your dancer’s coach for the appropriate look and embellishment for the classical variation to be performed. Conservatory by Primadonna also provides a treasure trove of inspiration and a guide for your creativity. Consider including stunning appliques, flowers, ribbons, bandings and lace trims. Get creative and personalize the top plates using paint, dyes, and other high-quality crafting materials. Make sure to edit yourself though!  Some variations call for the royal treatment of sparkle and embellishment but some call for a peasant look.  Again, check with your coach!

STEP 4. Add Dazzling Sparkle with Rhinestones for Dance Costumes and Sparkling Rhinestone Trim

A highly embellished YAGP tutu will need some extra sparkle. Take your tutu to the next level with dazzling rhinestones and crystals. Consider high-quality options like MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa that offers the most superior brilliance and durability. SHOP MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa for our vast selection of rhinestones in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Watch our tutorials for application tools to ensure a flawless and secure application.

STEP 5. Craft Your Own Sparkling Tiara

Complete your ballerina's YAGP look with a dazzling tiara! Unleash your creativity and design a custom tiara using one of our DIY Crowns. Choose from these options: 

Make Your Own Custom Rhinestone Accessory Crown - Metallic Gold

Make Your Own Custom Rhinestone Accessory Crown - Metallic Silver

Make Your Own Custom Rhinestone Accessory Crown - White. 

These crowns provide a flexible starched appliqué base to build on.  With creativity you can customize the perfect ballet tiara with paint, appliques, rhinestone banding, and loose crystals. It is fun and so rewarding to create a tiara masterpiece that perfectly complements your tutu design.

STEP 6. Seeking Expert Guidance and Protecting Your Creation

Before the big YAGP day arrives, schedule a dress rehearsal with your ballerina's ballet teacher. This is an excellent opportunity to have a professional check the tutu's fit and ensure your handiwork meets competition standards. Their expert eye can identify minor adjustments needed for optimal comfort, appearance and performance.  This is a good chance to check your make-up application, hair style and tiara placement. Your coach will most definitely have an opinion on the needs for a top-notch showing at YAGP. 

Additionally, invest in protecting your beautiful creation. Consider a specialized tutu bag and hanger offered by www.dreamduffel.com to keep the tutu hanging without creasing and safe from damage during travel and storage. 

With These Steps, You’re Ready! It's YAGP Day!

The big day has arrived! Your ballerina is ready to take center stage at YAGP, radiating confidence and grace in their custom-made tutu. The perfect blend of function and style will allow her to move freely and express herself confidently during her performance.

Share the Spotlight: Celebrate Your Creation

Commemorate your creation and your ballerina's YAGP journey! Capture photos and videos of your ballerina in their stunning tutu and share them on social media tagging us @rhinestonesunlimited. You might inspire other aspiring ballerinas on their journey to YAGP glory!

By following these steps and leveraging the resources of your ballet coach, Tips and Tricks and Inspiration from Conservatory by Primadonna, our amazing creative team at Rhinestones Unlimited, and MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa, you can create a custom tutu that empowers your young ballerina to shine brightly at YAGP!

Shout Outs to the Creative Talent!

Dancer: Lilly Anderson @lillyjeananderson 

Studio: Larkin Dance Studio @larkindancestudio

Ballet Coach: Linda Muir Finney @muirballet