Navigating the world of Dance Competition Costumes can be as intricate as choreography itself. Having spent years immersed in the dance scene, I’ve witnessed a spectrum of costume choices, from the dazzling to the disastrous. Growing up amidst the vibrant, sometimes questionable, fashion trends of the 90s and early 2000s, I’ve personally experienced the highs and lows of dancewear. Remember those bootleg jazz pants and dance sneakers that were practically uniform? We all aspired to channel our inner dance movie star!
Dance fashion, much like mainstream trends, is cyclical. However, certain principles remain timeless when selecting the ideal attire for dancers. A costume should enhance, not overshadow, a performance, complementing the choreography and captivating the audience without becoming a distraction. As a dance educator, costume selection is an annual highlight and occasional headache. If you’re seeking guidance, here are essential tips to consider when choosing dance competition costumes.
DO: Embrace Simplicity in Costume Design
In dance costumes, less is often more, and this isn’t about revealing more skin. Overloading costumes with excessive ruffles, rhinestones, and oversized headpieces can detract from the dancer’s performance. Focus on perfecting technique and expression in the studio rather than relying on costume embellishments. Some of the most impactful dance competition costumes are those with clean, elegant designs – think a leotard with a unique back detail or a dress with an interesting asymmetrical cut. Avoid overly busy designs with too many cutouts, fabric changes, or patterns. If you’re collaborating with a costume designer, aim for sophistication and avoid anything that might raise eyebrows in a fashion critique. Take inspiration from classic design principles.
DON’T: Rely Solely on Costume Catalogues for Inspiration
Ever experienced the red-carpet nightmare of two celebrities wearing the same dress? The dance competition equivalent is equally cringeworthy. Imagine the awkwardness when your stunning contemporary costume is duplicated by the dancer performing immediately before you! To avoid this costume clash, try to move away from readily available costume books that offer mass-produced designs. While catalogues from companies like Kelle, Curtain Call, and Weissman are widely used and convenient, their very popularity increases the risk of costume repetition. Experienced eyes can often spot catalogue costumes instantly, recognizing style numbers. If originality is your goal for dance competition costumes, explore beyond these standard resources. (However, for studio recitals, these catalogues can be practical and efficient.)
DO: Personalize Basics to Achieve Unique Dance Competition Costumes
For dancers and teachers working with budgets – which is most of us – a smart strategy is to start with dance basics and customize them for a bespoke look. Embrace the versatility of basic pieces! Websites like Discount Dance Supply and Dancewear Solutions (also known as Weissman’s Designs for Dance) are invaluable resources. They offer affordability, teacher discounts, a vast selection of colors, sizes, styles, and separates perfect for mixing and matching across various dance genres. Plus, their shipping is generally quick, unlike some of the aforementioned costume companies (Kelle, in particular, can be slower and pricier, though their designs are appealing). Purchase separates and then visit craft or fabric stores like Michaels to add unique appliqués, trims, or accessories. With a little creativity, you can create custom dance competition costumes that look high-end without the custom price tag.
DON’T: Overdo the Sparkle and Rhinestones
Initially hesitant about rhinestones, I’ve come to appreciate their potential when used judiciously. Rhinestones, when applied tastefully and sparingly, can enhance a costume beautifully. However, restraint is key. Before reaching for the glue gun, consider: is more sparkle truly necessary? Covering a costume in head-to-toe crystals won’t automatically impress judges. Judges are primarily focused on performance, technique, and artistry, not costume extravagance. While a “Best Costume” judge’s award might be given, it’s a secondary accolade. Investing heavily in overly bejeweled dance competition costumes, especially for solos that might be worn only a few times, can be financially impractical. Consider redirecting those funds towards valuable dance experiences like convention weekends instead of a Vegas-inspired costume. Remember, dance competitions are not beauty pageants.
DO: Ensure Age and Body Type Appropriateness in Dance Costumes
It’s crucial to acknowledge that dancers come in diverse shapes and sizes. Costumes should be chosen to flatter and support each dancer, regardless of body type. Furthermore, age appropriateness is paramount, especially in the context of dance competitions where suggestive attire can be uncomfortable for dancers and audiences alike. Teachers, please take note of these guidelines:
- Crop tops and overly brief shorts are inappropriate for dancers under 11 years old. Full stop.
- Avoid crop tops for tap dancers. The movement involved in tap is generally unflattering in this style of costume, even on very petite dancers.
- Carefully consider body shapes when choosing cutout or cropped dancewear for older dancers. The goal is for every dancer to feel confident and comfortable in their costume. If there’s any doubt about the appropriateness or comfort level, opt for full-coverage alternatives. Leotards, for example, are increasingly fashionable and versatile.
- Be mindful of the varying body development stages of teenage dancers. You’ll encounter a wide range of physiques. Select dance competition costumes that offer adequate support for dancers with fuller busts and are also flattering for those with smaller frames.
- Tights and double-sided tape are essential allies! Promote comfort and confidence by ensuring costumes fit well and provide necessary coverage, avoiding wardrobe malfunctions.
DON’T: Limit Your Costume Search to Dance Catalogues Alone
An increasingly popular and creative trend, particularly among teen and senior dance teams, is sourcing costumes from regular clothing retailers. Stores like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 often feature clothing styles that align with current dancewear aesthetics. You can discover fashionable and dance-friendly garments that can be transformed into stunning and unique dance competition costumes. While it requires more effort to curate and select pieces, the payoff in terms of originality and style can be significant. Exploring non-traditional sources opens up a world of possibilities for innovative costume design.
These recommendations are based on my experience and observations. Your perspectives may differ, and you might have additional “Dos and Don’ts” to contribute. Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
~A
