A TALENTED ballet dress designer from Chippenham has been appointed as the official tutu maker at the a prestigious performing arts school in Tring.

Clare Bolden, who runs DanceWear on New Road, has started making bespoke tutus for pupils at Tring Park School for Performing Arts a couple of years on from accidentally falling into the trade.

"My daughter Charlotte, who goes to the school, mentioned that I made tutus and they jumped at the chance to come and meet me and see my work," the 43-year-old said. "It is a huge opportunity for me but it is a lot of work!

"I have just produced the first batch of tutus for the school and I am now working on some lovely aubergine coloured tutus for the school's sixth form."

The tutus, which take between 70-80 hours each to make and are handcrafted from nine layers, became Mrs Boldon's main focus after the former waste management engineer turned her hand to the craft four years ago.

"It was simply an enjoyable hobby at first yet it was something I discovered I could do with natural flair. I adore working with beading and diamantes to create something totally unique but I never thought I would fall into this.

"Although the school's tutus are taking up a lot of my time, I hope that I can continue to make individual tutus on the side because they are all so unique and I love to see the girl's smiles when they see them for the first time."

Mrs Boldon, who has spent hundreds of hours creating tutus for ballerinas over the last four years, also described the appointment as a dream come true.

Rachel Rist, director of dance at the school, said: “Clare’s work is exceptional and our high expectations have been more than fulfilled. She has provided a high-quality, bespoke tutu at a competitive price and has been able to offer a personal fitting service for each girl throughout the creative process.

“A tutu is the traditional costume for every ballerina throughout the history of ballet. Every girl is thrilled to be given an opportunity to wear one.

"It’s a magical moment!”

For more information about Mrs Bolden's designs visit www.dancetutus.co.uk.