Dance Costumes – The Inside Scoop
Working Towards The Moment
Your little dancer walks to the stage…the lights are bright…music is about to start … and there stands your proud daughter, all done up in stage makeup, hair slicked back in a perfect bun with her smile from ear to ear.
She could not wait to FINALLY get on stage after working SO hard all year and wear her beautiful, glittered, and glammed out costume! In that very moment you think:
“PRICELESS! It was all worth it.”
Dance Costume Value
Every year, there are many questions and anxiety about the cost of dance recital costumes. Why are they SO expensive?!
From being a daughter on stage, dancer, teacher, and studio owner, believe me – costumes are important! They’re also worth it – think about that moment above.
Each costume is handmade. We first measure your child, match it up with the costume company’s measuring chart, and choose a size based on their measurements. Though the costume may not come back fitting like a glove, we do leave room for growth and do our best to match it. It’s always possible that additional alterations may be necessary – just as you would with an outfit for a formal event.
A lot of work goes into your handmade costumes including fabric, glitter and glam, production, packaging, shipping, and seamstress fees.
How Do Costumes Get Chosen?
Each year, A2D teachers are given a theme based my vision for the show as Artistic Director. Your child’s instructor has a vision, a song, and choreography that fits into the overall vision.
As a dance instructor, I know having your costume complement your vision and song is VERY important. While not everyone may love their recital costume, we do our best to make it creative and match the performance.
Recital’s Over … Now What?
Believe it or not, my mom saved EVERY ONE of my recital costumes. Now that I have a three year old daughter, I add them to her “dress up” collection. Recently, she wanted a ‘Disney Rapunzel’ outfit that was $50+ at the Disney Store. Instead, I have a purple glittery ballet outfit that works just as well and is already in the closet!
Halloween?!
Would you believe I was “Dorothy” from The Wizard of Oz five times!? Needless to say, my mom had a collection of “Dorothy” costumes. I was Dorothy for many Halloweens and actually loved it – my mom’s creativity with it each year was really cool, too!
Donate Your Old Costume
A2D is running a “dance costume/dress up” drive for local preschools called “Sparkle, Shimmer, Shine.” Local preschools, daycare, and theatre schools are looking to add to their dress up collection.
Bring in your old dance costumes to donate! All sizes needed. A bin is located in the front lobby – bring them on a hanger with a plastic bag covering. The more we collect, the more we can help!
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