Dancewear: Don Quixote

Carnegie Mellon University Class Project, Spring 2024

Instructor: Hugh Hanson

Draper: Katherine Chung

Model: Alex Robinson

front

back

For Dancewear, Fall 2023, I was asked to choose and design a principal from a ballet. I chose Kitri from Don Quixote. Selecting a red and black color scheme, I created an ensemble with a plunging neckline and multi-pointed waistline supporting the dangerous sensuality of the character. The bell shaped classical tutu featured a ruffled plate bespeaking traditional Spanish flamenco costume.

The bodice, cut from black brocade, was trimmed in red pleather cording, and featured a cotton sateen interlining. Synthetic boning was utilized at the side front and side back seams.

The plate ruffles are gathered to a horsehair base. I used a traditional shoveling method to pleat the tiered graduated net tutu layers, which were stitched to quilted English bobbinet knickers.

Costume Rendering by Katherine Chung

Plate detail

Tutu detail

Base tutu