FAQ Update: 11.10.14

I generally get A LOT of questions in regards to my Princess Kraehe Cosplay and they tend to be the same over and over, so I am starting this FAQ and I’ll redirect accordingly as well as add to this list.
---
If you have additional questions or something that you would like answered please post it in the comments and I will do my best to reply/add it to the list!
---


Q 1: How do you keep your Princess Kraehe top up?
A 1: I glue myself in! The only brand of glue that has successfully worked and managed to keep the bodice adhered to my body all day at a convention is Ben Nye Spirit Gum. You can order it through Amazon or their (Ben Nye) website.  For photo shoots I usually feel comfortable enough to  just do the glue, but while at a convention I also wear a clear strap (halter neck style) while just walking around, I remove the strap while doing shoots/am not around a lot of people.

Q2: How did you get your tutu to stick out like that?
A 2: The Simple answer is a metal hoop. You can purchase them from a hardware store, making a cheap one with metal wires, or buy a “professional” grade hoop from Tutu.com also achieving the Pancake (not to be confused with Russian) style tutu you need to be using the proper tulle & net. The general tulle from Jo-Ann Fabrics will not cut it, nor will petticoat netting. Though these types of tulle may be used for the top plate (top layer that is decorated), but are not stiff enough to hold the proper shape you want to achieve.  If you would like to know more about the proper tulle & net and how to go about making a tutu I would suggest reading the information on this website: tututoday.com/the-frills-how-m…  or purchasing a tutu kit from Tutu.com: www.tutu.com/kits.html

Q3: How do you make a tutu?
A 3: With a lot of time and hands on learning! For more information please refer to the links in A2.

Q4: Are you a real dancer?
A 4: I began my classical training at the age of 3, so yes I am, but I did not pursue dance as my profession due to a knee injury and currently just dance at home since I am still recovering from some other health issues.

Q5: Where do you buy your pointe shoes?
A5: When I have the money I prefer to buy my Pointe shoes from Russian Pointe, they have a location in Downtown Chicago. If you live in the area I would highly recommend them! The staff is fantastic! I have received my best shoes fittings there. I would encourage anyone who is starting pointe work to receive their first shoe fitting at Russian Pointe.

Q 6: I don’t dance/don’t know how to dance en pointe, but I still want my cosplay to be accurate, what should I do?
A 6: In regards to pointe shoes, never ever go en pointe unless you have proper training! I am not saying this to be mean, but for your safety! Ballet dancers train for years before going en point. Why? They are training muscle groups not normally used, you also have to specially train muscles in your toes/feet/ankles/legs/etc to be able to properly hold yourself up. (Want more information on the effect pointe shoes have on the body, read this article lermagazine.com/article/pointe… )
Solution to point shoes! Demi-pointe Shoes are what pre-pointe dances use to began getting use to the feel of pointe shoes. These shoes do not have a shank and the toe boxes are soft, thus you will not be able to stand en pointe, but the shoes looks exactly like a pointe shoe. Also the added bonus is these are usually under half the price of regular pointe shoes! Since you will not be going en pointe these shoes do not have to fit exactly perfect (thus you do not need to go to a store for a fitting), so make use of the great prices you can get by ordering through DiscountDance.com or DancewearSolutions.com
Here are some links to Demi-pointe Shoes; www.discountdance.com/dancewea…
www.discountdance.com/dancewea…
www.discountdance.com/dancewea…

Q 7: I don’t want to fully make a tutu/feel that I’m not a strong enough sewer to make the tutu of my dreams, where can I buy a tutu?
A 7: It’s completely understandable! Tutus are very time consuming and labor intensive. With that being said, if you want to buy a tutu base that is of professional quality you are looking at about $500 for a base tutu. The next step down from a professional stage quality tutu is a rehearsal tutu which will run around $250. The difference is not in the quality, but layers and extras. The rehearsal tutu is usually 9 layers, not hooped, or tacked. These tutus are meant to be used in class and during production practices. The stage quality tutus will usually be 12 layers, come hooped, and tacked. If you were looking to purchase one of these I would suggest buying from;
Tutu.com  www.tutu.com/cstm_class_tutu.h…
or
Tutus Divine tutusdivine.com/
These are still very pricey if being used only for a cosplay that might not be seeing a lot of use.  I would suggest purchasing a Sansha Adult Rehearsal Tutu (www.discountdance.com/dancewea…) this will run you about $55 and is offered in black, light pink, and white (so prefect colors for all you Princess Tutu needs). You are by fair not getting the same quality as a professional grade tutu, but you can achieve a professional look. How so? With a bit of additional work on your part. Above I listed links to tutu construction, read those. Once you have you will know how to add a hoop to a tutu, thus you will be adding 1 layer with a hoop to your tutu. You will also need to steam this tutu as it can be a bit wild after you take it out of the packaging. And you will want to take the time to hand tack it (also in the links above).

Q 8: What is in a Pointe shoe to make it hard? Is it wood?
A 8: Nope! Not wood... here is a short video on the making of pointe shoes:

Q9: You said you need proper training to go en pointe, but what does that mean?
A9: Proper training means that you regularly attend ballet classes that are taught by a trained professional. Once your ballet teacher sees that you are using the proper body placement and that your feet along with the rest of your body are strong enough she/he will then notify you that you are ready for pointe work. Here is a great article on what muscles are being used during pointe work. www.russianpointe.com/muscles-…