Henri Rousseau: Tales of The Tropics
IUP Dance Theater
November 2018
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Costume Designer: Nancy Pipkin-Hutchinson
Cutter/Draper: Alex Hagman
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Currently in production, Henri Rousseau: Tales of The Tropics is an exploration of the paintings of Rousseau through movement and dance. This production aims to re-create five paintings while utilizing a 24 person dance company. An estimated number of 81 costumes will be used during the performance.  
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Click photo to enlarge and expand description. 
 
A Carnival Evening

A Carnival Evening

Tales of The Tropics opens with a ballet piece inspired by A Carnival Evening.

A Carnival Evening - Skirt

A Carnival Evening - Skirt

Full circle skirt, hanging out the weekend before first fittings. The waist is temporarily stitched to a wide twill.

Carnival First Fitting - Front

Carnival First Fitting - Front

This fitting in particular poses a challenge. The dancer has scoliosis which creates asymmetry in the back and shoulders. The goal is to create a structured bodice which appears symmetrical. Dancer: Kelly Bauer

Carnival First Fittings - Back

Carnival First Fittings - Back

Back view. One shoulder was released and re-pinned while a dart was taken in the other. Photo reference for pattern alterations. Dancer: Kelly Bauer

The Football Players

The Football Players

This piece will feature the entire 24 person dance company. Leotards will be constructed using knit and spandex fabrics.

First Fitting - Front

First Fitting - Front

Front view of "Football" Uniform Made with stretch knit. Dancer: Andi Sanders

First Fitting - Back

First Fitting - Back

Back view of "Football" uniform. Made with stretch knit. Dancer: Andi Sanders

First Fitting - Front View

First Fitting - Front View

Front view of "Football" uniform. Made with stretch spandex. Dancer: Chris Singer

First Fitting - Side

First Fitting - Side

Side view of "Football" uniform. Made with stretch spandex. Dancer: Chris Singer

First Fitting - Back View

First Fitting - Back View

Back view of "Football" uniform. Made with stretch spandex. Dancer: Chris Singer

Woman Walking In Exotic Forest

Woman Walking In Exotic Forest

A total of nine dancers in this piece will be wearing a period-style blouse, walking skirt, and belt, all constructed as a single piece for quick change purposes. Material: Handkerchief linen.

"Woman" Blouse Mock-Up

"Woman" Blouse Mock-Up

Due to the volume of costumes involved in this production, a single sample mock-up was constructed and fit on one of the dancers. After minor adjustments, all pieces are being constructed and fit in mass.

First Fitting - Front

First Fitting - Front

Blouse and walking skirt constructed with handkerchief linen. Fit with one sleeve in order to test fullness and movement. Dancer: Andi Sanders

First Fitting - Back

First Fitting - Back

The waist of the skirt was fit and pinned onto the shirt. Purpose - marking waistline of what will become a dress. Gathering will be evenly distributed on blouse and a quick change zipper will be installed in the back. Dancer: Andi Sanders

First Fitting - Side

First Fitting - Side

Reference image for blousing of shirt. Dancer: Andi Sanders