Sleeping Beauty Ballet Costumes

History of Sleeping Beauty Ballet Costumes

The Sleeping Beauty ballet premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, on January 14, 1890. With music by the incomparable Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography that combined classical romantic ballet, character and folk dances, it was an instant success and remains one of the most popular ballets in the world. True to its deeply Russian roots, the costuming was reminiscent of Russian peasantry, with fitted tunics for the men and criss-crossed bodices over fitted blouses for the women, worn over a full, short tutu. Most stagings of Sleeping Beauty continue to employ these costumes, which have come to epitomize the look of classical ballet.

Purchasing Sleeping Beauty Ballet Costumes

Get Sleeping Beauty at Amazon.

While major dance companies will have costumers on staff and design new costumes whenever Sleeping Beauty is to be staged, smaller companies find such luxuries cost-prohibitive and elect instead to purchase ready-made costumes from dance purveyors. The disadvantage, of course, is that the costumes may not fit as well as something tailored specifically to the ballerina, but these are quality pieces that can easily be adjusted, if needed.

An excellent online source for Sleeping Beauty costumes is Benefis Ballet Shop. They currently feature four costumes for Aurora, which balletomanes of course know is the name of the Sleeping Beauty. All are based on the professional basic tutu, which is the short, wide tutu made of graduated net layers of tulle with a decorative top. The costumes are:

• Aurora Code: P 0401 $328

The bodice is made of semi-stretched dense fabric with a transparent insert on the chest and matching straps. It has two rows of hooks and an inner cord for further tightening. Its decorated with sparkling braid, sequins, crystals and glass beads, each selected to set off the costume’s color. It also comes with arm ruffles, which are decorated with gold or silver braid. Color choices are: light pink, sky blue, white, peach, violet and cream.

• Aurora Code P 0401A $362

The basic makeup and style of the costume is the same as the P 0401, but the overall quality of the fabric and décor is finer, with a prettier, more delicate pattern.

• Aurora Code P 0402 $362

The bodice is on elastic straps, made of semi-stretched dense fabric and covered with guipure. The lid, a costumer’s name for the top of the tutu, is circular ,with a cut angle in front and also made of guipure. The décor is braid, sequins, crystals and beads, making for a striking pattern and effect. The arm ruffles are guipure and tulle trimmed with gold or silver sparkling braid. Available only in white, this costume would also work well for the Sugar Plum Fairy.

• Aurora Code P 0403 $328

The bodice has elastic straps and is made of semi-stretched dense fabric. The skirt’s upper layer is embroidered with glass beads. The décor is braid, sequins, crystals and beads. The arm ruffles are trimmed with gold or silver braid and a sparkling braid that continues the pattern on the overall costume. It comes in white, peach, light pink and cream.

For all the costumes, it’s recommended you buy a tutu bag for $39 to ensure safe storage and transport.

Constructing Your Own Costume

If you’re doing a concert version of the ballet, or are interested in performing in a less classical venue, you might consider using ballet lyrical costuming. A flowing gown in various shades of red and orange, lightly trimmed with sequins or beads, would be striking for Aurora. The Prince’s costume could be trimmed in some of the same colors, showing their suitability as a match. Simplicity in costuming is not only cost-effective, it allows the power of the story and choreography to take center stage.