Learn To Tutu: 4 Day Stretch Tutu Complete Masterclass

The Art of Creating Your Own Tutu - From Construction to Decoration

A luxury tutu-making experience for ages 16+

Step inside the world of Tutu Palazzo and discover the art of creating your very own professional stretch tutu.

Learn To Tutu is an exclusive, hands-on tutu-making intensive designed for those who want to learn the techniques behind a beautifully constructed and decorated tutu while creating a unique piece of their own.

Whether you're making for yourself for the first time, making for your dancer, your students, developing your existing tutu skills or simply for the joy of creating, this immersive four-day experience will take you through the construction of a professional stretch tutu, followed by the art of designing and decorating your finished piece.

A Truly Boutique Experience

With only 8 students per intensive, places are strictly limited to ensure an intimate, personalised learning experience.

Step inside the Tutu Palazzo studio and learn directly from Deanne Cessario, Founder & Head Creative of Tutu Palazzo, in an environment designed for focused learning, creativity and connection.

This is more than a sewing workshop, it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of luxury tutu making, learn our techniques and develop the confidence to create beautiful tutus of your own.

What You'll Create

During the 4-Day Complete Masterclass, you will construct your very own professional stretch tutu featuring:

• Hand-pleated tutu skirt
• Hooped skirt
• Nude insert
• V-shaped basque
• 6–8 panel construction
• The signature Tutu Palazzo skirt technique

You'll then take your tutu to the next level by learning the art of tutu decoration, creating a beautifully decorated piece that reflects your own creative vision.

You'll work from a pattern provided as part of the course and create a tutu tailored to your chosen size.

What You'll Learn

The first three days of the Complete Masterclass focus on the construction of your stretch tutu, taking you through the techniques required to create a professionally constructed tutu from start to finish.

On the fourth day, you'll learn the art of tutu decoration, from design through to construction and attachment.

You'll learn how to:

• Design your own decorative plate
• Choose between a spandex or net plate to sit around the waist of your tutu
• Construct your chosen plate
• Develop a cohesive decorative design
• Learn techniques for attaching decorative elements to your tutu
• Decorate the bodice of your tutu
• Work with appliqué to create a beautifully finished design

A basic appliqué pack is included, with your choice of gold or silver, giving you the opportunity to begin creating your own design.

You're also welcome to bring your own appliqué if you have something specific you'd like to work with.

Please note: This Masterclass covers the design, construction and attachment of tutu decoration. It does not cover the blinging or embellishment of your tutu with crystals, rhinestones or other decorative sparkle.

If your focus is on learning the complete construction of a professional stretch tutu without the decoration component, our 3-Day Stretch Tutu Intensive is the perfect choice for you.

Upgraded Appliqué Packs

Want to take your tutu design even further?

A selection of upgraded appliqué packs will be available to purchase on the day for students who would like additional or more elaborate decorative options.

Course Hours

9:30am – 5:30pm daily

Additional studio catch-up time is available from 5:30pm – 7:00pm for students who would like extra time to work on their tutu.

Please note that this additional studio time is unsupervised and no teacher is present.

What's Included

Your Learn To Tutu Complete Masterclass includes everything you need to create and decorate your professional stretch tutu:

• Professional stretch tutu — including hand-pleated skirt, hooping, nude insert and the Tutu Palazzo skirt technique

• Tuition with Deanne Cessario, Founder & Head Creative of Tutu Palazzo

• Tutu pattern

• All fabric - Spandex fabric, lining, net and nude insert fabric

• Elastic - Leg elastic, strap elastic

• Hoop wire

• Spandex or net fabric for your decorative plate
• Basic appliqué pack - your choice of gold or silver

• Sewing machine and overlocker hire

• Light refreshments

• Additional studio time

• 6 Months Complimentary Access to our exclusive continuing education program including a 1-hour Zoom session with Deanne every 2 months to ask questions and continue developing your tutu-making skills

• Exclusive access to the Tutu Palazzo Graduates Facebook Group

Upgraded appliqué packs are available to purchase separately on the day.

Your equipment list will be emailed to you after registration.

Prerequisites

This is an intensive course.

Students must have basic experience using both a sewing machine and an overlocker, particularly when working with stretch fabrics.

Knowledge of the techniques covered in our Leotard Lab 1 class is assumed.

We highly recommend completing Leotard Lab 1 before attending Learn To Tutu. While it is not compulsory, having this foundation in stretch garment construction will make your Learn To Tutu experience significantly more enjoyable and allow you to focus on the tutu-specific techniques being taught.

A special Leotard Lab 1 session is offered the day before each Learn To Tutu Intensive, exclusively for our students. Learn To Tutu students receive 50% off this class.

Discount will be automatically applied at checkout when you book Learn To Tutu and Leotard Lab 1 at the same time!

Please note that we won't be able to pause the intensive to revisit foundational sewing and stretch garment techniques covered in Leotard Lab 1. The course content is taught at a fast pace, so we strongly encourage students to complete the prerequisite class beforehand.

Never sewn before?

Our Learn To Tutu Intensive is not designed for students who have never sewn before.

If you're completely new to sewing, we recommend completing our beginner sewing classes before progressing Leotard Lab 1 and then Learn To Tutu. These classes will give you the essential skills and confidence you'll need to get the most from your tutu-making experience:

• Essential Basics: Introduction To Your Sewing Machine - 1 hour
• Stretch Sewing Essentials - 2 hours
• Overlocker Essentials - 2 hours

Book all three classes and receive $55 OFF! Your discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Your Pattern

During the intensive, you'll create a 6–8 panel stretch tutu pattern with a V-shaped basque and nude insert.

Your pattern is included as part of the course.

You'll select your size from our size chart on the day. If you're creating your tutu for a specific dancer, we recommend bringing their measurements with you.

Your Sewing Machines

We provide each student with an individual sewing machine and a shared overlocker for use throughout the intensive.

Our machines are by BERNINA, and we also have semi-industrial and industrial overlockers available for you to experience.

You're welcome to bring your own machines and leave them at the studio throughout the intensive.

If you bring your own machines, you must already know how to operate them. This is not a course on how to use your personal sewing machine or overlocker.

Please bring your machine manual, power cord, presser feet, bobbins, pedal and any other accessories required for your machine.

Investment

Early Bird — $1,995 per person

Early Bird pricing closes 6 weeks before each intensive:

• November Intensive — Early Bird closes Friday 16 October 2026

• January Intensive — Early Bird closes Monday 30 November 2026

Regular Investment — $2,195 per person

Deposits & Payment

A $300 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

The remaining balance is due 14 days before the commencement of the intensive.

Registration closes 14 days before the intensive commencement date.

Please note that the deposit secures your place in the course. Any additional material selections or upgrades chosen during registration will be invoiced separately with your remaining course balance.

Course Dates

November Intensive
Friday 27 November – Monday 30 November 2026

January Intensive
Monday 11 January – Thursday 14 January 2027

With only 8 students per course, places are strictly limited.

Words From a Previous Student

“I had such an amazing learning experience at Tutu Palazzo! Dee was a fantastic teacher who covered every single point and technique I was hoping to learn. She went above and beyond, spending extra time with me to ensure my tutu was completely finished before I left, and being so flexible and supportive in accommodating my design vision. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I'm already looking forward to going back for more courses in the future!”

— Satoko, July 2026

About Your Teacher

Deanne Cessario
Founder & Head Creative, Tutu Palazzo

This class is led by Deanne Cessario, Founder & Head Creative of Tutu Palazzo.

Deanne holds a Bachelor of Education and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and has over 20 years of teaching experience.

With extensive experience creating luxury dancewear and stage costumes, Deanne brings professional industry knowledge and a wealth of practical experience into every lesson.

Her passion is helping students understand the techniques behind beautifully finished garments while building confidence in their own creative abilities.

Ready to Create Your Own Tutu?

Join us for four immersive days inside the Tutu Palazzo studio and discover the art, technique and craftsmanship behind professional stretch tutu construction and decoration.

Only 8 students per course.

Your tutu. Your creativity. Our techniques.

We can't wait to welcome you to your Learn To Tutu Masterclass.