In this episode of Tutu Artists Studio, we’re having an honest conversation about burnout in the costume world—how it happens, the warning signs we ignored, and the changes we’re making to build a healthier and more sustainable business.

Working in dance costumes is deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Tight deadlines, production seasons, emotional investment in every piece, and the pressure to deliver perfection can leave even the most passionate makers feeling exhausted.

In this episode, we talk about what burnout looked like for us and how it led to an important shift in the way we approach our work, our schedules, and our boundaries.

We also discuss how redefining success, setting clearer expectations with clients, and prioritizing wellbeing can actually strengthen both creativity and business longevity.

This conversation is for anyone in the dance costume community who has ever felt overwhelmed, overbooked, or unsure how to keep going without sacrificing their health or love for the craft

Michelle, Casey, and Emma sit down to discuss the end of the year 2025. They share about their Nutcracker seasons as well as the lessons that they have learned this year. Join us as we wrap up a successful year and share how we have grown.

The Tutu Artists’ Studio Podcast is back with an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss!

This episode, we sit down with Arielle Di Leo, Founder & CEO of Loop Costumes — the dedicated resale marketplace changing the way dancers, families, studios, and designers buy and sell performance costumes across Canada & the U.S. 💃♻️

Arielle grew up as a dancer and experienced first-hand how much love, time, and investment go into every costume… only for so many to be tucked away after just a few uses. Loop Costumes is transforming that cycle into something more affordable, sustainable, and community-driven, giving these beautifully crafted pieces a second life. ✨

Ever wonder how a cat-loving Canadian mom with an art degree and a bookkeeping side hustle ended up creating breathtaking tutus worn by dancers from Ontario to Taiwan?

This week on the Tutu Artists Studio Podcast, we sit down with the ever-talented Michelle Weatherdon Fountain, the creative force behind Pas de Chat Costumes.

From her home studio (where her four cats double as “pattern weights”), Michelle shares how she transitioned from dance teacher to costume designer for YAGP dancers and professionals alike—including the incredible story of building her daughter’s first tutu all the way to USA IBC!

We talk stretch tutus, structure vs. spandex, working with velvet (the love/hate saga), and the beauty of trusting your maker.

This one’s for every dance mom, costume maker, and tutu-lover out there! Listen in and share with a tutu artist who needs to hear Michelle’s story.

Dance Opens Doors… and Olivia Mason walked right through.
From childhood sewing sessions with her mom to designing for world-class stages, Olivia’s story is stitched with passion, resilience, and creativity.

In this episode of the Tutu Artists Studio Podcast, we follow Olivia Mason’s inspiring path—from costuming high school musicals to selling her first leotards in college, and eventually working on the world premiere of Sleeping Beauty at Pacific Northwest Ballet under the legendary Paul Tazewell’s designs.

An unexpected injury could have closed the curtain on her dance journey—but instead, it opened the door to a flourishing career in costume design.

Listen in as Olivia shares her evolution from dancer to costume technician, to Draper—and the beauty of finding your calling where you least expect it.

Because sometimes…
Dance opens doors

In this episode, the Tutu Artists talk to Lauren Carmen. Lauren Carmen is a NYC-based costume designer with a twist! With roots as a professional ballet dancer and an MFA from NYU Tisch, Lauren infuses her designs with whimsy and beauty—whether for dance, opera, or film. Her work has graced stages from The Joyce Theater to Radio City and appeared in Tribeca films. When not designing, she teaches at Marymount Manhattan College and Pace University, and occasionally graces the stage in ballet productions.

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In this episode, Michelle talks about the Summer Declutter Challenge. She reviews the tasks the Tutu Artists' Studio recommends to tackle as a way to declutter and organize your sewing space.

#TutuArtistsStudioPodcast #Ballet #CostumeDesign #BehindTheScenes #DanceMagic #BalletPreparation #TutuArtistsStudioPodcast #talkeverythingtutus #laughcaffeinatetutu #tutuartistsstudiopodcast #TutuArtistsStudio #tutartistsstudio #whatsunderyourneedle #BusinessAdaptation #keeplearning #ThrivingNotJustSurviving #SummerDeclutterChallenge

How to Contact Us:

Like and subscribe to our podcast.

Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagram

Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook @TidewaterDancewear.

Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshop

Emma online at tutusceleste.com and on social media @tutus_celeste

Reach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com

In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented David King — an influential figure in the ballet world, writer, illustrator, and founder of A Ballet Education. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey, innovative work, and vision for the future of ballet.

**About Our Guest:**
- Classical training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
- Academic credentials: BA and MFA in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies
- Founder of The Ballet Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona—a high-level boutique ballet school
- Creator of A Ballet Education — a comprehensive online platform featuring articles, technique guides, illustrations, and industry insights
- Host of Ballet Talk podcast and digital magazine
- Author of *The Illustrated Fundamentals of Classical Ballet for Everyone*
- Advocate for dancers’ education and financial support through a dedicated non-profit scholarship fund

**Key Topics Covered in this Episode:**
- David’s journey from classical training to becoming a multifaceted industry influencer
- The philosophy behind The Ballet Clinic’s personalized approach
- Some thoughts about YAGP and competition costuming

- His insights on the future of ballet and supporting rising talent

**Tune in to Gain Insights On:**
- Navigating ballet training and career paths
- The importance of education and mentorship
- How creativity and analysis intersect in ballet advocacy

How to Contact Us:

Like and subscribe to our podcast.

Follow us on social media! @ tutuartistsstudio on facebook and instagram

Casey online at tidewaterdancewear.com and on instagram and facebook @TidewaterDancewear.

Michelle on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook @IcantIhavedanceshop

Emma online at tutusceleste.com and on social media @tutus_celeste

Reach out to us to share your experiences, questions, and ideas by direct message, comment or by email at Tutuartistsstudio@gmail.com