If you’re a dance school owner, you’re probably familiar with the pressure that comes with dance competitions and how exciting, yet stressful, the whole experience can be. From perfecting choreography to coordinating running times, it seems like your work is never done.
Amid all the excitement of getting ready, picking the right costume for your students is another important decision to tick off the list. Тhere’s a lot to consider, from fabric and fit to matching the outfit to the theme. Knowing these details can help you find the perfect top-brand dance costume Australia wide.
Theme
First and foremost, the theme should guide your decision for dance costumes. The chosen design needs to fit the concept and support the narrative you want to portray. Also, it should communicate the mood, character and story of the performance and align with the music and choreography.
Let’s say a playful jazz routine might call for bright colours and fun details. A dramatic contemporary performance, on the other hand, may suit softer fabrics and a more understated look, while a magical or fairytale performance might call for sparkle and flowing details.
To get a better idea of the look you’re after, you could create a mood board. This will make it easier to narrow down your options later. Look for inspiration everywhere, explore current fashion trends and then add anything to your mood board that resonates with your theme and choreography.
Stage
Another thing to consider is how the costumes will look on stage. As you probably already know, the audience will watch the performance from a distance, so subtle colour combinations will not stand out, and dark hues may hide movements.
The costumes you pick should stand out from a distance and create a strong visual impression. A safe option is to go bright and bold with the colours. The audience will enjoy the vibrancy of the show. Also, any pattern, either printed, appliqued or embroidered, needs to be large enough to be seen from a distance.
Fit and Sizing
Sizing is another challenge when ordering costumes for a group. The same age doesn’t always mean the same size. On top of that, sizing can vary between brands and styles.
Instead of relying on age or a dancer’s usual clothing size, ask dancers or their parents to take their measurements. Give them clear instructions on how to measure and ask them to check the costume’s own size chart before ordering.
Do this well before the performance, so you have time to fix any sizing issues and arrange exchanges. This leads us to the next point.
Timing
A common mistake when choosing dance performance costumes is not allowing enough time for corrections and exchanges. You might be waiting for parents to commit to the show or for payments to come in before purchasing costumes.
But whenever possible, start the planning and ordering process as early as possible. Costumes are a big part of the show, and leaving them until the last minute can make things more stressful. Give yourself enough time to order and make any changes if needed.
Fabric
When looking to buy dance costume Australia wide, don’t overlook the fabric. Of course, performance costumes are what dancers wear to rehearsals. They’re often more fitted and embellished to stand out under stage lights.
Still, that doesn’t mean they need to be uncomfortable. If dancers have to adjust their costumes during the performance, it’s distracting and can impact their technique. Little dancers, in particular, are more likely to get fussy and distracted when their attire doesn’t feel right.
Performance costumes are comfortable when they use high-stretch fabrics like spandex and feature soft interior linings to prevent skin irritation. Also, think about any embellishments or materials. It’s great to add a touch of detail, but it shouldn’t overpower the garment or get in the way of the choreography.
If you’re considering costumes from budget fashion retailers, check the fabric carefully. Some garments may have a little stretch, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re designed for the demands of dance. This said, it’s best to buy from a dancewear specialist. Proper dancewear has an advantage, as fabrics such as nylon and elastane are specifically suited to stretch and repeated movement.
Cost and Budget
Last but not least, set your budget before you start shopping. This makes it easier to narrow down your dance costume options without compromising the overall look of the performance. Work out your budget per dancer and check whether it needs to cover extras such as accessories, shoes, alterations or delivery.
It’s also worth comparing the cost of different styles and fabrics. A more detailed costume may look impressive, but you can achieve a similar effect with simpler designs and a few well-chosen embellishments. If parents are paying for their own costumes, give them the price upfront so there are no surprises later.
Also, if ordering costumes for a group, ask about bulk pricing. Look at whether costumes can be reused for future performances or adapted for different routines. This can help spread the cost over multiple performances.