In the world of ballet, it is not uncommon for men to wear tutus. The tutu is a full-length skirt worn by dancers of both genders.
It is usually made from several layers of tulle and often has a bodice attached to it. The tutu has become a symbol of classical ballet, and its use has been integral to the art form for centuries.
As far back as the 16th century, male dancers would wear tutus as part of their costumes. This was especially common in the Baroque period when elaborate costumes were commonplace in ballets and operas. But as modern ballet evolved, so did the look and feel of costumes – including those worn by men.
Today, male dancers wear tutus in classical ballets such as Swan Lake and Giselle, often in the lead roles. They also can be seen wearing them in contemporary ballets, such as works by George Balanchine or Mark Morris. Typically, these tutus are more tailored than those worn by female dancers – they are generally closer fitting with shorter skirts and may have more embellishments on them such as sequins or ribbons.
The decision to have male dancers wear tutus is usually made by the choreographer – he or she will determine which costume elements are most appropriate for a particular role and then design accordingly. Male dancers also have to be comfortable wearing a tutu; after all, they will be performing with it on stage!
Conclusion:
Do Guys Wear Tutus in Ballet? Yes indeed!
Male dancers have been wearing tutus since at least the 16th century, primarily in classical ballets where elaborate costumes are part of the performance aesthetic. Today’s male dancers can be seen wearing them in both classical and contemporary works, although typically these tutus are more tailored than those worn by female dancers with shorter skirts and more embellishments. Ultimately, it is up to each choreographer to decide if a particular role requires a man to wear a tutu or not!