Prima Ballerina is a delightful sculptural work that captures the ethereal grace and romance of ballet, transforming technical sewing elements into a miniature dancer's costume that seems poised for a pirouette.
At the heart of this piece is an ingenious use of a bodice dart pattern—one of dressmaking's most fundamental shaping tools—which has been delicately dyed in soft pink and repurposed as the dress's fitted torso. The dart's distinctive triangular form, normally hidden within a garment's construction, here takes center stage, its technical markings and dotted lines visible like the precise notation of a choreographer's score. The words "DART PINCE PINZA" remain legible across multiple languages, a poetic reminder of sewing's international vocabulary.
Emerging from this structured bodice is a magnificent tutu-like skirt, its generous pleated paper folds radiating outward in a perfect circle that recalls the classical tutu's romantic silhouette. The creamy ivory paper catches light and creates subtle shadows within its dimensional folds, suggesting the layers of tulle that would billow and float with each movement. Delicate white fabric flowers are tucked into the bodice, adding a touch of ornamental sweetness—the kind of embellishment that might adorn a young dancer's costume for a recital or the floral details of Les Sylphides or Giselle.
The composition is completed by the pattern's original construction lines—curved cutting guides and measurement marks that arc around the tutu like stage directions or the geometric precision of ballet positions plotted on a studio floor.
Presented in a clean white shadow box frame, Prima Ballerina celebrates both the discipline and the enchantment of dance, honoring the craft and structure that underpin even the most seemingly effortless beauty.
Prima Ballerina is a delightful sculptural work that captures the ethereal grace and romance of ballet, transforming technical sewing elements into a miniature dancer's costume that seems poised for a pirouette.
At the heart of this piece is an ingenious use of a bodice dart pattern—one of dressmaking's most fundamental shaping tools—which has been delicately dyed in soft pink and repurposed as the dress's fitted torso. The dart's distinctive triangular form, normally hidden within a garment's construction, here takes center stage, its technical markings and dotted lines visible like the precise notation of a choreographer's score. The words "DART PINCE PINZA" remain legible across multiple languages, a poetic reminder of sewing's international vocabulary.
Emerging from this structured bodice is a magnificent tutu-like skirt, its generous pleated paper folds radiating outward in a perfect circle that recalls the classical tutu's romantic silhouette. The creamy ivory paper catches light and creates subtle shadows within its dimensional folds, suggesting the layers of tulle that would billow and float with each movement. Delicate white fabric flowers are tucked into the bodice, adding a touch of ornamental sweetness—the kind of embellishment that might adorn a young dancer's costume for a recital or the floral details of Les Sylphides or Giselle.
The composition is completed by the pattern's original construction lines—curved cutting guides and measurement marks that arc around the tutu like stage directions or the geometric precision of ballet positions plotted on a studio floor.
Presented in a clean white shadow box frame, Prima Ballerina celebrates both the discipline and the enchantment of dance, honoring the craft and structure that underpin even the most seemingly effortless beauty.
Dimensions: 22.8cm x 27.9cm x 4.5 cm
Materials: Vintage sewing pattern paper, natural dyes, board, velvet
Frame: Fibreboard, glass
Care: Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the colours
